Emerging Music Educators Workshop

Two-Day Emerging Music Educators Workshop

Program Overview

Hosted as part of DCI World Championships Week in Indianapolis, the Emerging Music Educators Workshop is designed for current college music education majors and recent graduates (within the past 1–3 years) looking to build skills, connect with peers and mentors, and gain real-world teaching experience. This immersive two-day event features hands-on clinics, educator panels, observation opportunities, a vendor fair, and a practicum experience in partnership with the BANDtastic! Indy middle school honors band ensemble.

 

Day One — Learn, Observe, Connect

The workshop kicks off with a welcome session led by Jon Noworyta (Director of Bands at the University of Indianapolis), Dr. Eric Scott (Indiana State University Director of Bands), and Fran Kick (founder of KICK IT IN® Leadership Training). From there, participants will dive into instrumental clinics hosted by Conn-Selmer clinicians specializing in brass, percussion, and woodwinds. Each 30-minute session focuses on essential middle school fundamentals — topics like breathing techniques, tone production, buzzing, and reed care.

After the clinics, participants will engage in breakout panel sessions led by experienced middle school band directors, educational leaders, and a color guard director. These panels offer candid insight into classroom realities and leadership strategies in music education.

Lunch is included with the program, followed by a session with program director Katy Briel introducing the BANDtastic! Indy practicum. The afternoon concludes with observation of an INpact Band rehearsal, and participants are invited (but not required) to attend the group’s evening performance at Shining a Light on Music Education at Downtown Indy's Monument Circle.

Day Two — Teach, Lead, Experience

On day two, participants shift from observation to action as they assist with the BANDtastic! Indy ensemble. You'll be immersed in a hands-on teaching role — leading sectionals, supporting directors, helping with logistics, and guiding students through rehearsals and performance prep. The day concludes with a live performance in Lucas Oil Stadium and a complimentary ticket to the DCI World Championship Finals.

Details At-A-Glance

Limited space: Slots are available for 40 participants
Cost of participation: $75 (Includes a full weekend of professional development and hands-on teaching experience — clinician-led sessions, Friday & Saturday lunch, event shirt, swag bag, and a ticket to the DCI World Championship Finals.)
Registration deadline: June 30
Event Dates: August 8-9
Time Commitment: August 8: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | August 9: 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Other considerations: Participants are responsible for their own travel and hotel accommodations

Sample Schedule

Friday, August 8 

9-9:45 a.m.	Registration/Welcome (Jon Noworyta & Fran Kick)
10-11:30 a.m.	Session Rotations 1 (Instrument specific - Woodwind/Brass/Percussion)
11:45-12:30 p.m.	Band director panel/break out groups
12:30-2 p.m.	Lunch at Military Park (drum corps warm-up observation)
4-4:45 p.m.	BANDtastic! overview (Katy Briel)
4:45-5:15 p.m.	INpact rehearsal observation

 

Saturday, August 9

9:30-10 a.m.	Director meeting
10-10:30 a.m.	Check-in
10:30 a.m.	Welcome
10:45-11:30 a.m.	Teach sectionals
11:30-12:30 p.m.	Full ensemble rehearsal
12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.	Travel to SoundSport Music & Food Festival event, lunch provided, watch performances
1:45-2:30 p.m.	Session with Fran Kick
2:45 p.m.	Walk to Lucas Oil Stadium for dress rehearsal
3:30-4:15 p.m.	Dress rehearsal in Lucas Oil Stadium
4:30-5:15 p.m.	Mentor activities, snack, pictures
5:15 p.m.	Warm-up for performance
5:30 p.m.	Walk to Lucas Oil Stadium for performance
6 p.m.	Performance at Lucas Oil Stadium!
6:45 p.m.	Check-out in Lucas Oil Stadium

 

Questions?

Email: BANDtastic@dci.org

Registration

The deadline to register is Monday, June 30, 2025.