For Immediate Release
Contact: Catherina Hurlburt at NAfME
catherinah@nafme.org or (703) 860-4000, x.242
Dr. Peter Loel Boonshaft to Lead Exciting Band Directors’ Academy in Nashville
RESTON, VA (October 8, 2015)—In a two-part session taking place October 26-27 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, band directors from around the nation will be treated to an exciting, interactive Band Directors’ Academy led by conductor Dr. Peter Boonshaft. This is the second year Dr. Boonshaft has led this workshop that has been brought back by popular demand. The Band Directors’ Academy takes place during the National Association for Music Education’s (NAfME) National In-Service Conference in Nashville (October 25-28), and has limited seating. The Academy is included with Full Conference Registration, however registration is required.
This two-part session will allow band directors of all levels to develop their skills and understanding while playing in an ensemble. Topics will include: rehearsal technique, 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.
Called one of the most exciting and exhilarating voices in music education today, Dr. Peter Loel Boonshaft has been invited to speak or conduct in every state in the nation and around the world. Honored by the National Association for Music Education and Music For All as the first recipient of the “George M. Parks Award for Leadership in Music Education,” he is currently on the faculty of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, where he is Professor of Music and Director of Bands. He is Conductor of the Hofstra University Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band, professor of conducting and music education, and Director of the graduate wind conducting program.
Dr. Boonshaft has received official proclamations from the governors of five states and a Certificate of Appreciation from former President Ronald Reagan, as well as performing for former President and Mrs. George H. W. Bush, former President Bill Clinton, and for Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. His honors also include being selected three times as a National Endowment for the Arts “Artist in Residence,” three times awarded Honorary Life Membership in the Tri-M® Music Honor Society, and being selected for the Center for Scholarly Research and Academic Excellence at Hofstra University.
Extremely active as a guest conductor, clinician, and speaker for conferences, festivals, concerts, and workshops nationally and internationally, he has guest conducted the NAfME All-Eastern Band, NAfME All-Northwest Band, NAfME All-Eastern Directors Band, Goldman Memorial Band, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band, U.S. Marine Band New Orleans, Western International Band Clinic, Prague Castle Guard/Czech Police Symphonic Band, and was named conductor of the NAfME All-National National High School Honors Band. In addition, he has been an adjudicator and clinician for the Music For All/Bands of America National Concert Band Festival.
The 2015 NAfME Band Directors’ Academy will also feature surprise cameo appearances by renowned guest conductors and composers. Learn more about the 2015 National In-Service Conference by following #Nafville2015.
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National Association for Music Education, among the world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers. The Association orchestrates success for millions of students nationwide and has supported music educators at all teaching levels for more than a century. With more than 60,000 members, the organization is the national voice of music education in the United States.
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For additional information, contact Catherina Hurlburt at catherinah@nafme.org or 703-860-4000, ext. 242.
