2017 SCMEA Band Division Clinicians

Congratulations to the following members and clinicians for their contributions at the 2017 SCMEA Conference.

“The Importance of the Second Year: What do they need to know?” 
Lab band session with the Cario MS 7th Grade Band
Friday Feb. 3, 1:00pm-2:15pm, Ballroom A
Samantha Mumford, Director/Clinician  

mumfordSamantha Mumford is currently the Assistant Band Director at Cario Middle School. As an alumni of Cario and Wando, she is honored to be teaching back home in the Mt. Pleasant community. Prior to joining the Cario team, Mrs. Mumford served as the Band Director at Seneca Middle School in Seneca, SC from 2010-2015. During this time, the Seneca Middle School Band received the South Carolina Band Directors Association (SCBDA) Outstanding Performance Award for the first time in school history. Mrs. Mumford’s students earned Superior ratings at SCBDA State Concert Festival and SCBDA Solo and Ensemble Festival. During her tenure, record numbers from Seneca Middle were chosen for the All-County, Region, and State honor bands. In 2014 and 2015, Mrs. Mumford was nominated for Teacher of the Year at Seneca Middle. While at Seneca, Mrs. Mumford was actively involved in the Seneca High School marching band program. She also served as the lead band director for the School District of Oconee County.

Mrs. Mumford graduated from Furman University in 2010, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, Cum Laude. While at Furman, Mrs. Mumford studied flute with Cynthia Hopkins. She was actively involved in the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and the Paladin Regiment, serving as the drum major in 2009.

Samantha Mumford’s professional affiliations include the South Carolina Band Directors Association, where she serves as a member of the All State Committee, the Charleston County Band Directors Association, the Music Educators National Conference, and she is an alumnus of Sigma Alpha Iota. Mrs. Mumford is a member of the Poinsett Winds and the Charleston Wind Symphony. She and her husband, Mason Mumford, reside in Charleston, SC with their dog Luna.

Description of Session:

The second year of band is crucial for shaping young students as musicians.  We expand on the basics learned in sixth grade, and add numerous new expectations. The bulk of their more advanced dynamics, articulations, intonation, balance, technique, and tone quality knowledge should be taught in the second year.   This clinic will explore tips, tricks, techniques, and pacing for teaching the second year player. The Cario Middle School 7th Grade Band will assist in demonstrating many of these skills.


“SEEING what you HEAR: Visual Orchestration for Marching Band”
1:00pm-2:15pm, Friday Feb. 3, Richland A
Chris Moss, clinician

mossChris Moss is the Director of Bands at Pendleton High School in Pendleton, South Carolina, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the Florida State University. Chris has performed in many organizations including the Florida State University Marching Chiefs, the Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps, Paradigm Winter Guard, and Northeast Independent Winter Guard. Previously, Chris served nine years as the Assistant Band Director and Color Guard Caption Supervisor at Byrnes High School in Duncan, South Carolina. Additionally, Chris has served on staff with Capital Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps and the Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps.

Chris currently serves as a designer and/or program coordinator for many successful marching bands and winter guards across the southeast and midwest. Through his company, Innovative Visual Concepts, Chris looks to serve bands and winter guards by providing guidance to allow each ensemble to achieve to their fullest potential.

Chris is currently a member of the South Carolina Band Director’s Association and the National Association for Music Education while being a National Board Certified Educator. He also currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Carolina Indoor Performance Association and is an Adjudicator for Drum Corps International and Bands of America.

Chris is married to Dr. Alison Starr-Moss, has two daughters, Lily and Evie, and two dogs: Schatzi and Pippin.

Description of Session:

The visual language for the modern marching band continues to grow in complexity and sophistication. What began years ago as simple drill shapes with flag routines has grown into a fully orchestrated theatrical production, and each year brings new movements, implements, electronics, and props to the designer’s palette. This clinic will present ideas and concepts to help in your design process from initial brainstorming to storyboarding to realization on the field.


“YOU Teach High School Band! But how can you, you’re a WOMAN!”
Saturday Feb. 4, 8:00am-9:15am, Congaree B
Presented by Lanie Radecke and Cecilia ClarkradeckeLanie Radecke is Associate Director of Bands at Wando High School. A native of Elberton, GA, she is a 2001 graduate of the University of Georgia, where she received her Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education. In 2006, she earned a Master’s of Music in Music Education from the University of South Carolina. She has studied clarinet under the late Dr. Theodore Jahn, Dr. D. Ray McClellan, and Joseph Eller. She has also studied conducting under Dr. John N. Culvahouse, Dr. F. David Romines, and Dr. Carol Krueger.

During Mrs. Radecke’s tenure, the Wando High School Band program has performed at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic (2007), the University of South Carolina Band Clinic (2008), received the Sudler Flag of Honor presented by the Sousa Foundation (2007), received superior ratings for each of three Concert bands annually, placed over forty-five students in the South Carolina All State band each year, were named Grand National Finalist (2009, 2011, and 2015), and has been South Carolina 5A Marching Band Champions ten of the past eleven years. Most recently, Wando’s Concert Band I and Percussion Ensemble performed at the South Carolina Music Educator’s Conference in February 2016.

Prior to coming to Wando, Mrs. Radecke served as the Associate Director of Bands at Central Gwinnett High School (GA) and as Director of Bands at Carolina Forest Middle School. CFMS became an Outstanding Performance Award (OPA) recipient for the first time. While under her direction, students have consistently participated in individual and ensemble events at the regional, state, and national levels achieving top honors in each category. She is recipient of the National Band Association’s Certificate of Merit for Marching Excellence on three occasions and the National Band Associaton’s Citation of Excellence.

Mrs. Radecke has been a member of the Cobb Wind Symphony (GA), Northwinds Symphonic Band (GA), Charleston Wind Ensemble, and Palmetto Concert Band (SC). She remains active as a private teacher and freelance musician in the Charleston area. Her professional affiliations include, South Carolina Music Educators Association, MENC, Sigma Alpha Iota, Kappa Kappa Psi, International Clarinet Association and the National Band Association, and Phi Beta Mu.

Mrs. Radecke resides with her wonderful husband, Joshua, and their beautiful one year old daughter, Vivian!

Description of Session:

Less than 20% of high school band directors are female. More importantly, what enabling factors can you put in place as a female director to change this statistic? In this session, two directors will share their stories including the challenges of finding a balance between personal and professional lives.


“Building Your Instrumental Musical Program: A Practical Guide for Recruitment and Retention” 
Friday, Feb. 3, 4:00pm-5:15pm, Congaree A
Sponsorship Info: Marcia Neel appears courtesy of D’Addario & Company and Musical Innovations.

neelA veteran of 37 years in public school music education, Marcia Neel has directed successful music programs in Connecticut, Ohio, Massachusetts and Nevada and served as Secondary Fine Arts Supervisor for the Clark County School District (CCSD) – the nation’s fifth largest – in Las Vegas for 14 years. Her expertise in curriculum development as well as recruitment and retention led to a total of more than 55,000 enrollees in the CCSD’s secondary elective Music Education Program. Marcia now serves as president of Music Education Consultants, Inc., a consortium of music education professionals who work with a variety of educational organizations, arts associations, and school districts to foster the growth and breadth of school-based music education programs She serves as a member of the Steering Committee of Supportmusic.com and as Educational Advisor to The Music Achievement Council, a 501(c)(6) non-profit corporation whose main focus is professional development to assist educators reach and serve more music students. Marcia serves NAfME as one of their National Experts for Solutions Music Group. Neel has also been named Senior Director of Education for the Band and Orchestral Division of Yamaha Corporation of America.

Description of Session:

Based on “best practices” from highly successful instrumental music directors, the Music Achievement Council has compiled several tools that cover every aspect of recruiting and retaining instrumental music students. Because it covers the fundamentals in great detail, this information is great for new teachers, young teachers or experienced teachers. It not only provides sample forms and letters that are ready-to-use, but also shares retention ideas that can be implemented at any stage of the school year.  Each attendee will receive a complimentary flash drive containing a copy of this newly edited, must-have resource as well as the 24 Tips for Success for Instrumental Music Educators and Bridging the Gap Between Middle School and High Schoolpublications.


“Rehearsing the High School Band: Valuable Lessons from Extraordinary Directors”
8:00am-9:15am, Saturday Feb. 4, Lexington B

meyerStephen Meyer is currently pursuing his doctor of musical arts degree in conducting from the University of Michigan. He recently served as interim assistant director of bands at the University of South Carolina and was previously director of bands at Clear Creek High School in League City, Texas. Under his direction, the Clear Creek Wind Ensemble was a featured performer at the 2013 Midwest Clinic, was named a National Winner in the National Wind Band Honors Project three times, a two-time national finalist for American Prize in Wind Ensemble Performance, and the Grand Champion of the 2013 Dallas Wind Symphony Invitational.

Prior to Clear Creek, Stephen taught at Harrison High School in Cobb County, Georgia, where he assisted with performances at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, the Georgia Music Educators Association, and the University of Georgia January Festival. As codirector of the marching band, the band was a consistent Bands of America Regional and Super-Regional Finalist, a Bands of America Grand National Finalist in 2007, and a featured ensemble in the 2009 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Stephen is the author of Rehearsing the High School Band, published by Meredith Music/Hal Leonard. He graduated magna cum laude from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music with a bachelor of music education degree, and earned a master of music in music education degree from the University of Michigan.  

Description of Session:

Synopsis: When 11 of the finest high school band directors in America—each with 25 to 40 years of experience and from a diverse range of communities—were asked how they rehearsed their ensembles and developed programs of national excellence, several fascinating themes emerged. During this session, the important lessons, fundamental philosophies, and successful teaching strategies common to all of them will be shared in addition to ways in which they can be applied to any program. 


“Bullseye: Making the Rehearsal the Center of Your Musical Life”
10:15am-11:30am  Saturday, Feb. 4 Congaree B

cannon

Cormac Cannon is Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at the University of South Carolina, where he guides all aspects of the athletic band program including directing the 385-member USC Marching Band. He also conducts the Symphonic Winds and teaches undergraduate conducting. Previously, Cannon served for six years on the music faculty at Michigan State University, where he was Associate Director of Athletic Bands, conducted the Concert Band and Spartan Youth Wind Symphony, and taught courses in conducting and music education.

Cannon earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting at the University of Texas at Austin in 2009. He received the Master of Music degree in wind conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and the Bachelor of Music degree in percussion performance and music education from the University of Iowa. From 2001-2005 Cannon served as director of bands at Williamsburg High School in Williamsburg, Iowa, and from 2006-2007 was music director and conductor of the Cincinnati Youth Wind Ensemble.

Dr. Cannon is an active composer, arranger, lecturer, and author. He has composed original works on commission from school and university ensembles throughout the United States and has collaborated as an arranger for marching, concert, country and western, and electronic ensembles. His wind ensemble transcription of John Adams’ The Chairman Dances: Foxtrot for Orchestra is published by G. Schirmer/AMP and was recently hailed by the composer as “remarkable” and “wonderfully inspired.” Cannon has been a featured presenter at numerous state and national music conferences, including the Midwest Clinic. Dr. Cannon is co-author of The Complete Marching Band Resource Manual, published by University of Pennsylvania Press. He is featured in Composers on Composing for Band Volume IV, and has contributed to the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series, both published by GIA Music.

Description of Session:

We know that the rehearsal should be the focus of our daily musical lie. We also know that teacher at many level wear many hats and are pulled in many directions. Session attendees will learn strategies that insulate the rehearsal from “administrivia” and make them well prepared and thoughtfully reflective. The session will include specific methods for rehearsing that will help create an efficient, engaging environment, and will also address daily administrative tasks, communication, and personal scheduling.


Guest Artist: Wayne Bergeron

  • Sponsorship Info: Presented by Pecknel Music and Yamaha
  • Mr. Bergeron will be performing as a Guest Artist with the SCMEA Director’s Big Band at the SCMEA Jazz Social.
  • Jazz Workshop 11:30am-12:45pm Friday Feb. 3, Carolina A & B
  • SCMEA Jazz Social  8:00 pm-11:00 pm Friday Feb. 3, USC Alumni Center 

bergeronWayne Bergeron is enjoying a career as one of the most sought-after musicians in the world. Studio sessions, film dates, international touring, jazz concerts, guest appearances, and clinics keep him busy not only in his hometown of Los Angeles, but worldwide.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut in 1958, Bergeron came to Los Angeles at age one, so considers himself a native Californian. Originally starting on French horn, he switched to trumpet in seventh grade and found he had natural upper register ability. Bergeron credits his junior high and high school teachers, Ron Savitt and Bob Smith, for molding his talent into practical working skills.

Bergeron first caught the ear of many when he landed the lead trumpet chair with Maynard Ferguson’s band in 1986. Bergeron can be heard on Maynard’s recordings of “Body and Soul,” “Big Bop Nouveau,” “Brass Attitude,” and “The One and Only Maynard Ferguson.”  Bergeron demonstrates daily why Maynard remarked, “Wayne is the most musical lead trumpet player I’ve had on my band.”

As a sideman, Bergeron’s list of recording credits reads like a who’s who in contemporary jazz and pop, running the stylistic gamut from Ray Charles to Green Day. Other names include Beyoncé, Barbara Streisand, Michael Buble, The Dirty Loops, Seth MacFarlane, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion, Seal, Diana Krall, Tito Puente, Christina Aguilera, Dianne Reeves, Michael Bolton, Earth Wind & Fire, The Pussy Cat Dolls, My Chemical Romance, The Mars Volta, INXS, Chicago, Rosemary Cloony, Diane Schuur, Barry Manilow, Lee Ann Womack, Lou Rawls, Eric Marienthal, Kenny G., and David Benoit.

Bergeron has worked on over 350 TV & motion picture soundtracks. A partial list of film credits include Frozen, Bridge of Spies, Get On Up, Toy Story 3, Monsters University, Planes, Despicable Me 1 & 2, Cars 2, Charlie St. Cloud, High School Musical 3, Pink Panther 2, Marley & Me, Get Smart, Superman Returns, The Simpson’s Movie, Dreamgirls, Hairspray, Mission Impossible 3, Ice Age 2, Spiderman 1 & 2, Team America, Catch Me if You Can, and South Park.

Bergeron’s featured trumpet solos can be heard on the motion pictures Ted 2, MinionsJersey Boys, The Incredibles, Rocky Balboa, The Green Hornet, The Interview, Smurfs 2, Despicable Me 2, Duplicity, Leather Heads, Princess & the Frog, The Perfect Game, High Crimes, Rounders, Fled, Hey Arnold (the movie), The Life Aquatic, The Rat Pack, Child Star, Illegal Tender, Aladdin King of Thieves, Foolproof, and Two Days in the Valley.

Numerous TV credits include Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, SAG Awards, NBC, ESPN & TNT sports themes, Entertainment Tonight Theme, American Idol (2001-02), Emmy Awards, Grammy Awards, Latin Grammy’s, Family Guy, American Dad, The Cleveland Show, The Goode Family, Jeopardy, America’s Funniest Home Videos, Phineas & Ferb, Emperor’s New School, Mouse Works, Have a Laugh, House of Mouse, King of the Hill, Futurama, Buzz Lightyear, Hercules, Disney Mickey Mouse Shorts, and Hey Arnold.

Bergeron’s passion for big bands has led to his inclusion in some of Los Angeles’ most well-respected bands. He has recorded and played with Quincy Jones, Gordon Goodwin, Arturo Sandoval, Pat Williams, Sammy Nestico, Jack Sheldon, Chris Walden, Tom Kubis, John La Barbara, Bob Florence, Ray Anthony, Bill Watrous, Bob Curnow, and more recently Vince Mendoza’s re-creation of the Gil Evans/Miles Davis recordings featuring Terance Blanchard and Sean Jones.

After being behind the scene for so many years, Bergeron stepped out on his own with his first solo effort, “You Call This a Living?”  This debut project earned him a Grammy nomination in 2004 for Best Large Jazz Ensemble, as well as rave reviews from fans and press worldwide. Bergeron’s second CD, “Plays Well With Others,” released on the Concord Jazz label in 2007, was met with the same acclaim.  Bergeron’s latest CD, “Full Circle” was released in January of 2016. Bergeron feels this is his best work to date.

Bergeron has been principle trumpet at the Pantages Theatre for over 15 years and is regularly featured with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. He has done guest appearances with the L.A. Philharmonic, The New York Philharmonic, and the Cleveland Orchestra.

Bergeron is a National Artist for the Yamaha Corporation of America and is co-designer of the YTR-8335LA trumpet and YFH-8315G Flugelhorn. Bergeron also designed a series of trumpet mouthpieces with Gary Radtke of GR Technologies that are available through Bergeron’s website.

Bergeron was mentored by legends like Uan Racey, Bobby Shew, Warren Luening, Gary Grant, Rick Baptist, and George Graham. He hopes to inspire a new generation of young players and enjoys his work as a clinician and educator. “Nothing makes me feel more accomplished than hearing a young musician say that I inspired them or had a positive influence on their life. For me, that’s the real payday.” Bergeron is currently on faculty at California State University Northridge.

Maybe Grammy winning composer and bandleader, Gordon Goodwin said it best, “Wayne is a once in a lifetime lead trumpet player.”