See You in Nashville for NAfME’s 2015 National In-Service Conference

Abstract

It’s NAfME’s last year in Nashville, Tennessee: The upcoming October 25–28 National In-Service Conference is one teachers will not want to miss!

More than 300 innovative professional development sessions will emphasize in-depth learning and hands-on activities for participants. The conference this year will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville. Session focuses include Band, Choral, Collegiate, Composition, General Interest, General Music, Guitar, IN-ovations, Jazz, Music Program Leader, and Orchestral tracks. With opportunities to equip yourself for your professional future and engage your students in new ways, NAfME’s 2015 National In-Service Conference will “Empower Creativity” for all.

Register now at nafme.org/nashville2015 (and save $50 off the onsite cost) for this year’s best professional development and networking event!

The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, Tennessee.

Photo by Kristen Rencher Nuss, NAfME staff

We know that music plays an important role in a complete education. It’s collaborative, encourages critical thinking, and allows students to better understand themselves and the world around them. This year, conference attendees will discover how they can give students the inspiration they need to learn and create in different ways. A list of sessions and other conference information can be found on the NAfME website at nafme.org/nashville2015.

More than 300 sessions will be included in the 2015 Nashville conference.

Photo of a 2014 Nashville conference session by Kristen Rencher Nuss, NAfME staff

The 2015 National In-Service Conference will include many hands-on professional development sessions such as this one, which took place in Nashville in 2014.

Photo by Kristen Rencher Nuss, NAfME staff

Meet NAfME staffers such as Chris Woodside, Assistant Executive Director, Center for Advocacy and Constituency Engagement, and Trinh Hoang, Chief of Information Technology (photo taken at the 2014 NAfME National In-Service Conference, Nashville, Tennessee).

Photo by Kristen Rencher Nuss, NAfME staff

Preconference: Teaching Special Learners

This year’s conference includes a two-day Special Learners Preconference: “Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).” The Preconference, also at the Gaylord, will take place October 24–25 (Saturday and Sunday). As one presenter, Gina Christopherson, puts it, “Over the years, I have had the pleasure of helping many students with various educational or physical barriers. Rather than allowing these to impede, we break through them!” Specialist clinicians will join K–12 teachers, as well as parents and students with ASD, in presenting this interactive, authentic, and practical seminar. One graduate credit and/or a certificate will be presented to teachers who complete the two-day Preconference.

Band Directors’ Academy

Also back by popular demand, conductor Peter Loel Boonshaft will lead the NAfME 2015 Band Directors’ Academy. This presentation will also include cameo appearances by guest conductors/composers. The two-part session on Monday and Tuesday from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. will allow band directors of all levels to develop their skills and gain greater understanding while playing in an ensemble. Topics will include rehearsal techniques, effective conducting, new repertoire, standard gems of the literature, warm-ups that work, and how to develop ensemble concepts—all with the goal of creating rehearsals that are even more productive, efficient, and effective. Preregistration is required to attend, and space is limited.

The NAfME Central Stage at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Conference Center allowed for both planned performances and impromptu jams, as shown in this image from the 2014 Nashville conference.

Photo by Kristen Rencher Nuss, NAfME staff

Network with Other Teachers

The conference will offer opportunities to network with fellow music educators from throughout the United States. Other attractions such as nightly entertainment, extraordinary music performances, and a wild time at the Give a Note Extravaganza make this event an unforgettable experience. Learn more and see a list of offerings, including session titles galore and the sessions’ respective presenters, at nafme.org/nashville2015.

Please visit nafme.org/nashville2015 for more information and to register for the Nashville conference.

Save the Date for Dallas!

Looking ahead, Dallas, Texas, is the location of NAfME’s 2016 National In-Service Conference. Scheduled for November 10–13, this event will take place in the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine. Mark your calendar now, and prepare for a relaxing visit, wonderful adventures, and a wide range of professional development and networking opportunities.

The 2015 NAfME National In-Service Conference (like the 2014 event shown here) is a great place to network with other music education professionals.

Photo by Kristen Rencher Nuss, NAfME staff

Line dance at the 2014 Give a Note Extravaganza at the Wildhorse Saloon.

Photo by Kristen Rencher Nuss, NAfME staff

See you in Nashville next month!

Need help justifying your attendance?

NAfME has a Toolkit to help you make your case to attend the most exciting and inspiring music education conference there is! Go to nafme.org/nashville2015 to learn more.