From the Podium: The Reality From a First Year Band Director

Workshop Number: 34

Presenter:
Brandon Meeks, TF Alumnus

Description:
This session will provide fellows with strategies on how to be successful as a first year band director. Fellows will learn, from a first year band director, strategies/tips for dealing with parents/band boosters, music dealers, horrible instrumentation, scheduling issues, budget concerns, and ensemble teaching. This session will go beyond what most fellows receive in their standard music education preparation.

Curricular Areas:
Middle and High School Instrumental (BAND) music education majors.

Presenter Details:
Brandon Meeks is currently in his first year as the Director of Bands at East Lincoln Middle School located in Iron Station, NC, and the Assistant Director of Bands at East Lincoln High School located in Denver, NC. He is a magna cum laude graduate of Western Carolina University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education with a concentration in Instrumental Music. While at Western, he marched in the 300 member Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, performed with the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, Horn Choir, Horn Quartet, and Symphony Orchestra. He is also a NC Teaching Fellow. Since coming to East Lincoln Middle School, Mr. Meeks has changed the face of the band program by growing the program from 50 students to over 100 students, and by making band a valuable asset to the school community. Mr. Meeks is originally from Charlotte, NC, but now resides in Denver, NC.