Ten Steps to Building a Quality Solo and Ensemble Program in Your School – with Kim Pirtle and Kyle Donnelly

About this Webinar –

In this webinar, we cover best practices in building a quality solo and ensemble program. Also covered are the benefits to students and the common pitfalls in implementing such a program. Whether you are just starting a solo ensemble program or have already established one, this webinar will provide you tips and concepts in doing it the right way.

About the Band Program –

Boonville High School is a Class 3 school (Missouri) with approximately 550 students and the high school band averages 75-95 students each year. In 2019, their band was honored to be selected to perform at the Missouri Music Educators Annual Conference. Kim and Kyle daily team-teach all of the 330-350 band students at three different schools, grades 5-12.

About the Clinicians –

Kim Pirtle is a native of Columbia and graduate of Hickman Hickman High School. She earned her B.S. in Music Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia and Masters in Secondary School Administration from Williams Woods University. She started her career in Leeton in 1999, then moved to Boonville in 2001. Kim was named Director of Bands of the Boonville Public Schools in 2013. During her 19 years of teaching she has served as West Central District President, Band Vice-President, MBA Calendar Coordinator, All-State Band Coordinator/President-Elect, MBA President, and is currently Past-President for MBA. She holds professional memberships in the Missouri Bandmasters Association, National Association for Music Education, Missouri Music Educators Association, Phi Beta Mu, and the International Clarinet Association. Kim currently resides in Boonville with her husband Seth.

Kyle Donnelly currently serves as the Assistant Band Director for Boonville Schools, where he teaches instrumental music to students in grades 5-12. Prior to his tenure in Boonville he taught K-12 music in Pilot Grove, Missouri. He earned undergraduate degrees in Music Education and Business from the University of Missouri and a Master of Music Education from Central Methodist University. For the past 5 years Kyle has assisted with the MMEA Mentoring Program for first year teachers. He performs with the Harmonium Brass Quintet and the Sauerkraut Serenaders and holds professional memberships in Missouri Bandmasters Association, National Association for Music Education, Missouri Music Educators Association, and the International Tuba Euphonium Association. Kyle currently resides in Columbia with his wife, Melanie and daughter, Karis.

To gain the most benefit, please follow these suggested steps:

Step One – Download the Note Page

Prepare to either type your notes into the Word.doc or Google Doc and save the changes, or write in your notes by hand into a printed copy.

Step Two –

As you view the webinar, we encourage you to take notes as you go along. Feel free to stop the recording and rewind as needed.

Step Three – Download the Action Plan Template

Choose either format; Word Doc or Google Doc. After considering the key points that you wish to implement, describe the point in the ACTION BOX select a date for the initial implementation. Then, select a date that you plan to review and assess the success of the implementation.

Step Four –

An 80% score or better will result in a Certificate of Completion emailed to the address you provide. Those scoring less than 80% will be allowed to retake the quiz. In order to do so, you’ll need to register in the quiz with an alternate email.

Step Five – Review the Follow-up Links Below

You are encouraged to review these links for further study related to this topic.

Webinar – Preparing Your Ensemble for Adjudication, with Conn-Selmer Clinician Nola Jones

Recruitment and Retention in Your Music Program, with Joe Pappas

Maximize Your Practicing (Articles) – Part 1: The 3 Main Areas We Need to Practice Part 2: The Rule of 10’s

Webinar – Music Educators Mentoring In Missouri – with Steve Litwiller, MMEA Mentoring Chair