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
Day 2 will focus on how to teach beginning instrumental techniques in an effort to set up fundamentals that will last. These sessions will be provided by some of the countries leading experts. The day also includes a session recently offered at the Midwest Clinic called “Developing the Young Band Sound” by Dr. Rachel Maxwell as well, as a session on encouraging musical decisions from an early age by the legendary Professor Craig Kirchhoff. Unlike other typical sessions, participants will be required to bring multiple instruments with them so they can participate in all of the sessions throughout the day!
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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All music education majors and early career music teachers can apply for the Rising Music Educators Program for Choir (Great Wolf Lodge, April 17) or for Band (Kalahari, May 22-23). Veteran band teachers are welcome to register for the Saturday, May 23 event only.
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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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The application indicates your interest in the RMEP program but not acceptance. BTN will do background checks to verify participation prior to making a formal invitation.
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Formal invitations will be sent out monthly on a rolling basis until the application period closes.
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Payment will be due no later than one month prior to the event. Refunds will not be possible after this deadline.
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Yes! All room reservations include up to four waterpark passes.
Choir RMEP @ Great Wolf, Thursday, April 16 = Price $165 per room - up to quad occupancy - 2 double beds
Choir RMEP @ Great Wolf, Friday, April 17 = Price $165 per room - up to quad occupancy - 2 double beds
Band RMEP @ Kalahari, Thursday, May 21 = Price $165 per room - up to quad occupancy - 2 double beds
Band RMEP @ Kalahari, Friday, May 22 = Price $210 per room - up to quad occupancy - 2 double beds
Band RMEP @ Kalahari, Saturday, May 23 = Price $210 per room - up to quad occupancy - 2 double beds
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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.
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The application/registration form will allow folks to share any food allergies or restrictions.
No pass is necessary to enter Tom Foolery’s Indoor Theme Park.
Chaperones, bus drivers and educators can also purchase the pizza lunch/dinner for the same cost as the students.
Parents, friends, etc cannot purchase pizza or theme park tickets through this festival if they are not directly involved as a chaperone.
