The collective wisdom shared by eleven outstanding band, choir, and orchestra instructors in Crafting Culture guides both aspiring and veteran music teachers through the challenges and joys of creating a culture of excellence in their music programs. Drawing from decades of on-the-ground experience, this passionate team of educators shares five key tenets for musical leadership. To be effective, music teacher leaders must learn to:
- Foster a growth mindset.
- Develop strong character.
- Build trust through connections.
- Sustain motivation.
- Provide constructive feedback.
NEW RELEASE from GIA Publications, Inc.
In order to create a great musical performance, to create an atmosphere in which the
highest possible artistic standards may be enjoyed, teachers must nurture the human
spirit of their students. Within these pages, the aspiring music educator may find the
proverbial “missing link” connecting the practical with information that can elevate
music programs to a life-altering culture of excellence. When we create a culture of
genuine caring for one another, the potential for musical expression is limitless.
—Paula Crider
Professor Emerita, The University of Texas
Crafting a
Culture of Excellence
In Your Classroom
Crafting Culture is a 12-hour intensive certification course designed to empower music programs from the ground up through interactive sessions that focus on the synergy created between human connection and music.
The interactive training provides tools and strategies to strengthen your ensembles, creating a reflective community where everyone experiences a positive sense of self and belonging built on trusting relationships.
Nationally recognized presenters will delve into the significance of connection, character, motivation, and teacher feedback in enriching a comprehensive program. Ultimately, they will share the importance of leading by example, emphasizing the necessity for music teacher leaders who foster a culture of excellence driven by student-centered practices that nurture a sense of ownership and autonomy throughout all aspects of the program.
BAND CHOIR ORCHESTRA COLLEGE
Seating Limited
June 12-13, 2025
Atlanta
12 Hour PD Certification Course
July 2-3, 2025
Charleston
July 10-11, 2025
CHICAGO
August 19-22, 2025
CALGARY, ALBERTA
Tim Lautzenheiser shares his insights on connection and relationships
KEYNOTE SESSION
Cultural gardening with growth and upbeat mindsets
MINDSET
Performance, Intellectual, Civic, and Moral character in the classroom
CHARACTER
Authenticity and connection for growing dynamic relationships
connection
Active practice strategies forming intrinsic motivation where all feel belonging
motivation
Effective feedback empowers music teacher leaders in creating a passion for musical excellence
teacher feedback
CRAFTING CULTURE - COURSE
12 HOURS OF INTERACTIVE
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATION
TIM LAUTZENHEISER and SCOTT RUSH share their inspirations
KEYNOTE SESSION
Next Level application of tenets in your program with Tim Lautzenheiser, Scott Rush, and Cecilia Clark
ELEVATING CULTURE
Interactive collaboration with SLAM board of directors in a small group cohort
SMALL COHORT COLLABORATION
Certification Training
ELEVATING CULTURE - COURSE TWO [Charleston Only ]
12 HOURS OF INTERACTIVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATION
This course is intended for attendees who have completed the Crafting Culture certification course. Elevating Culture empowers the music teacher leader who has refined their practice and aims to cultivate a culture of excellence. This is achieved by engaging students in their ownership of the program as leaders and peer-mentors. This 12-hour interactive professional development certification course will provide band, chorus, and orchestra directors with practical application strategies to help cultivate a student-led, student-centered culture of excellence in your program.
DAY TWO
8:00 am
Opening Session with Keynote Address | Scott Rush
“Significance of Trust Building Relationships”
8:30
Cohort Breakout by Disciplines (band/choir/orch/genmusic)
to Reflect/Collaborate re: Connection/Character/Trust
Relationships
9:00
Tenet 3: Character-Part One
10:15
Break
10:30
Tenet 4: Motivation- Part One
11:45
Lunch Provided on Campus
1:00
Tenet 3: Character Strategies for Your Classroom*
2:00
Tenet 4: Motivation Strategies for Your Classroom*
3:00
Application Activity Modeling with Taylor Watts
3:30
Closing Session with Tim Lautzenheiser
4:pm
Dismiss
*Elevating Course attendees will break into smaller cohorts with
SLAM Board Members.
DAY ONE
12:00 pm
Registration Opens
1:00 pm
Opening Session with Tim Lautzenheiser
Make Your Garden Grow | Matthew Arau
2:00
Cohort Meet-n-Greet
2:15
Tenet 1: Connection-Part One
3:30
Break
3:45
Tenet 2: Teacher Feedback- Part One
5:00
Tenet 1: Connection Strategies for Your Classroom*
6:00
Tenet 2: Teacher Feedback Strategies for Your
Classroom*
7:00pm
Cohort Collaboration Gathering- Eat and Reflect
(Food Provided)
SCHEDULE for Course I & 2 Training
SLAM President
Director of Bands, Woodland HS (GA)
Cecilia Clark
SLAM FOUNDER/CEO
Conn Selmer Div of Education (IN)
Tim lautzenheiser
SLAM Imediate Past President
GIA Habits Series Author (SC)
Scott Rush
SLAM Professional Development
Director of Bands, Edina HS (MN)
paul kile
SLAM Mentorship Connections
Music Education, Western Michigan University (MI)
Mary land
SLAM Community Engagement
Music Education, Lawrence University (WI)
MAtthew Arau
SLAM President-Elect
Director of Bands, Wando HS (SC)
bobby lambert
SLAM Publications
GIA Author and Clinician (GA)
SLAM Content
Director of Chorus, East Edisto
Middle School (SC)
Maurice Burgess
rite wilder
SLAM Curriculum Publications
GIA Author and Clinician
Crafting Culture Endorsed Trainers
SLAM Treasurer
Director of Bands
Green Valley HS, (NV)
Cara Froelich
SLAM Managing Director
Director of Fine Arts (TX)
Steve ANdre
SLAM Director of Connections
Director of Orchestras
Pionner HS, (MI)
Jonathan Glawe
SLAM Curriculum
Associate Director of Bands,
Kell HS (GA)
taylor watts
SLAM Executive Director
Conductor, Georgia Wind Symphony (GA)
David Vandewalker
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HOTELS AND ACTIVITIES
Your housing is not include with your conference fee.
We recommend you stay at one of the following hotels.
Wingate by Wyndham (this hotel is on campus)
9280 University Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29406 • (843) 619-3892
Holiday Inn Express and Suites (within walking distance)
2435 Elms Center Rd, North Charleston, SC 29406 • (843) 569-3200
Fairfield Inn and Suites (within walking distance)
2600 Elms Center Rd, North Charleston, SC 29406 • (843) 414-2700
Hampton Inn and Suites (within walking distance)
2688 Fernwood Dr, North Charleston, SC 29406 • (843) 735-7500
Seating Limited