Building Better Bands
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY | Sat, May 23, 2026
“Interactive & specific instrumental technique and full band sessions with respected clinicians.”
Building Better Bands Day
WHEN
Saturday, May 23, 2026
WHERE
Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells
WHO
ALL Band Teachers (regardless of years of experience are welcome!)
WHAT
Building Better Bands Day is a hands-on, technique-focused workshop dedicated to helping educators establish strong, lasting fundamentals with their instrumentalists. Led by some of the nation’s top experts, the day features Dr. Rachel Maxwell’s acclaimed Midwest Clinic session Developing the Young Band Sound and an inspiring look at early musical decision-making with the legendary Professor Craig Kirchhoff. Unlike traditional clinics, participants will bring multiple instruments and actively play throughout every session—making this an immersive, practical, and transformative learning experience for any band director.
COST
Rising Music Educator Cost: $25 per participant (includes lunch)
Veteran Music Educator Cost: $75 per participant (includes lunch)
OPTIONAL
Discounted resort accommodations (includes waterpark passes for you and your family) at $210 (up to quad occupancy). Festival t-shirt at $15.
BUILDING BETTER BAND CLINICIANS
SCHEDULE
8:00 am- Registration
8:30 am - Opening Full Group Session
9:00 am - Instrument Fundamentals Sessions (choose one)
Flute, Clarinet, Euphonium/Tuba, Trumpet
9:45 am - Instrument Fundamentals Sessions (choose one)
Flute, Clarinet, Euphonium/Tuba, Trumpet
10:30 am - Instrument Fundamentals Sessions (choose one)
Flute, Clarinet, Euphonium/Tuba, Trumpet
11:15 am - Lunch & Networking (provided w/ paid registration)
12:15 pm - Instrument Fundamentals Sessions (choose one)
Horn, Trombone, Saxophone, Percussion
1:00 pm- Instrument Fundamentals Sessions (choose one)
Horn, Trombone, Saxophone, Percussion
1:45 pm -Instrument Fundamentals Sessions (choose one)
Horn, Trombone, Saxophone, Percussion
2:00 pm - Break
2:30 pm - “Developing The Young Band Sound” - Dr. Rachel Maxwell
Participants performing on secondary instruments
3:45 pm - “Making Musical Decisions” - Prof. Craig Kirchhoff
Participants performing on primary instruments
5:15 pm - Done
2026
Program Begins
6
Instrument Specific Sessions
2
Full Band Sessions
“This experience provided me with amazing opportunities to learn from veteran teachers, network with peers, and observe learning in real time. Above all, it was inspiring and helped to validate my love for this profession. I can't wait to come back next year!”
Julie, 2025 RMEP Participant
Special Thanks To:
The Rising Music Educator Program and Building Better Band Day is supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
STUFF EVERYONE WANTS TO KNOW
FAQs
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Applications are currently open and will close for each event approximately one month prior to the event or until we reach capacity.
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Payment will be due no later than one month prior to the event but is necessary to secure your spot.
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There is no application or acceptance process for veteran band teachers interested in attending on Saturday. Participants need only fill out the registration document and pay the fee to secure a spot.
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It will be up to participants to secure the necessary instruments for the Saturday event. While it is possible to attend the sessions without an instrument, it is HIGHLY encouraged that teachers secure instruments prior to attending.
