Program Health

Dynamic, energetic, exciting — these are the words used to describe Marcia Neel, one of the most knowledgeable professionals in the field of music education today. This began years ago when she was a secondary music educator whose ensembles were known for consistent quality and attention to artistic detail.

With a broad and diverse arsenal of experiences spanning over five decades, Anthony Maiello's enthusiasm for teaching music is nothing short of contagious. Having taught instrumental music education from the grade-school level through the university doctoral level, both in the United States and aboard, his experiences give him a unique view and approach to teaching and making music.

A multi-faceted artist, Gary Lewis has done it all — from jazz performance and marching band, to musical theater and opera, to arranging for a variety of genres, as well as entrepreneurial efforts such as establishing a contemporary music festival. With such diverse experiences, Lewis lives his belief that music serves as "the thread that connects us all."

Having appeared as a guest conductor throughout the world, Craig Kirchhoff brings a deep understanding of both traditional and contemporary literature to his sessions, including one titled "Score Study: A Different Perspective." With a celebrated teaching career spanning decades, Kirchhoff is professor emeritus of conducting at the University of Minnesota and remains true to his mission of changing lives through the experience of making music.

Whether conducting a group of professionals or students, Jerry Junkin is committed to ensuring that musicians under his baton make an emotional connection to the music. This comes, in part, as a result of choosing the exact, right piece of repertoire for the ensemble, as well as delving into the intent of the composer to discover the inspiration for the work.

Students, leadership, excellence and passion — the core of Barry Houser's teaching, as well as his working with directors, is based on the intermingling of these four components.  

Jeffrey Grogran is an internationally known conductor and teacher who is dedicated to pursuing his craft and sharing the joy of musical excellence with young musicians. His early teaching experience taught him the importance of "getting to work," teaching grades 6-12 in a very small town. 

Inspired by his own high school band director, Larry Gookin's primary focus when conducting wind bands of any level is for the performers to "say something." Mere perfection of the technical aspects of performance is simply not enough — the musicians must make a personal connection to the music, which results in an expressive, musical presentation. Only then will the ensemble members truly experience the performance as opposed to presenting the performance. Audience members are greatly impacted by this experience, as well.

Kevin Ford has two strong tenants that guide his work as the director of bands and the founder/director of the Leadership Conservatory for the Arts at Tarpon Springs High School in Florida. First, he assists his students, and their families in understanding the connection between the artistic and music-making processes, and growing as individuals to become service-minded and compassionate people.

Richard Floyd is the state director of music emeritus at The University of Texas at Austin. He is a recognized authority on the art and craft of teaching and making music. He is an ideal director for honor ensembles or lecturer at staff development days and MEA events. Floyd specializes in challenging student ensembles and music educators alike to reach their highest level of craft and artistry.