2027 Highlights

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser

Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser - Tim Lautzenheiser is a well-known name in the music education world as a teacher, clinician, author, composer, consultant, adjudicator, and, above all, a trusted friend to anyone interested in working with young people in developing a desire for excellence. Dr. Lautzenheiser has been a part of the Bands of America family for over 25 years. He served as Executive Director in 1980-82 and has since worked directly with tens of thousands of Bands of America students and directors in leadership and motivational training. His career involves ten years of successful college band directing at Northern Michigan University, the University of Missouri, and New Mexico State University. During this time Tim developed highly acclaimed groups in all areas of the instrumental and vocal field. Following his three years with Bands of America, he created Attitude Concepts for Today, an organization designed to manage the many requests for workshops, seminars, and convention speaking engagements focusing on the area of positive attitude and effective leadership training. He presently holds the Earl Dunn Distinguished Lecturer position at Ball State University. Tim also is the Director of Education for Conn-Selmer, and he serves as the national spokesperson for NAfME’s “Make A Difference with Music” program.

Tim’s books, produced by G.I.A. Publications, The Art of Successful Teaching and The Joy of Inspired Teaching, are best-sellers in the music profession. He is also co-author of Hal Leonard’s popular band method, Essential Elements, as well as the creator of the highly-acclaimed Director’s Communication Kits.

Tim is a graduate of Ball State University and the University of Alabama. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree from VanderCook College of Music. Additional awards include the distinguished Sudler Order of Merit from the John Philip Sousa Foundation, Mr. Holland’s Opus Award and the Music Industry Award from the Midwest Clinic Board of Directors.

 Pre-Conference:

Dr. David Frego - Dr. David Frego is a choral and general music educator, specializing in Dalcroze Eurhythmics. He has taught multiple levels of music instruction, including elementary and secondary general, secondary choral, special needs populations, collegiate teacher training, and therapeutic approaches for people affected with post-traumatic stress. David is also one of the founders of and Master Teaching Artists for the American Eurhythmics Society.

Dr. Frego has published many peer-reviewed articles, books, book chapters, and videos. Along with co-author Marla Butke, David has published Meaningful Movement: A Music Teacher’s Guide to Dalcroze Eurhythmics (2016: Music is Elementary Press) and Dalcroze Eurhythmics in the Choral Classroom (2021: Hal Leonard Corp.).

David is a retired professor of music education and director of the School of Music at The Pennsylvania State University. He holds a Ph.D., Master of Music, and a Master of Music Education from The Florida State University and a Bachelor of Music in piano from Brandon University, Canada.

Session: TBD

Melissa Stouffer is a music teacher who has taught infants through middle school general music, elementary and middle school choir as well as a middle school band program which she founded while teaching on a cart. She has a BS in Psychology and BME in Music Education from Central Michigan University and is Kodály certified. She serves as the Past President and President Elect of the Michigan Kodály Educators, the MMC Planning Committee Representative for the Michigan Music Educators Association. She is a frequent presenter and the creator and author of www.mrsstouffersmusicroom.com.

For more information visit the Pre-Conference page HERE.