Are you curious about what goes into judging a Solo Festival?
Do you wonder how adjudicating can benefit you and your students?
Curious about this year's NYSSMA Winter Conference?
I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. David Gaines, President of NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) for my radio show on the BAM Radio network. Dr. Gaines has extensive experience teaching in public schools, conducting wind ensembles, being actively involved in NYSSMA, and serving as an administrator and Curriculum Associate in his district in Massapequa, NY.
We talked at length about the importance of becoming an adjudicator and how it can benefit not only the students who participate in NYSSMA, but also your own students, whether they are in private or public schools.
In fact, Dr. Gaines trained me to become a Brass Adjudicator many years ago! Of which, I am proud to say that I continue to judge Brass, but also Jazz NYSSMA as well.
We also had a great conversation on the upcoming Winter NYSSMA Conference 2014 with all the great presentations and concerts that will occur. Dr. Gaines also filled me in on the events that happened at the NafMe National Conference in Nashville in October.
You can listen to the episode here, or by clicking on the picture below.
Donna Schwartz Radio
I can't impress upon music teachers, public and private any more about how motivating, fun and inspiring it is to adjudicate solo (as well as ensemble) festivals. I personally have learned so much while judging these over the past 15 years, and it has really benefited my students.
Action Steps:
- Listen to the Radio show here, and please SHARE the link with your colleagues. You do not need to be a music teacher in New York State to benefit from this interview.
- If you want more information on becoming an adjudicator in New York State, click here.
- Subscribe to my weekly newsletter, and get exclusive information and tips for teaching, notes of inspiration to get you and your students motivated, and updates from my performances. Sign up below or in the text box in the upper right corner to join. Thank you! 🙂
