Jim Childers is Director of Bands at Marion (IL) Jr. High School, where he directs all band activities in grades six through eight. He has directed bands since 1991, at Marion Jr. High School, since 2002 as well as Highland High School and Mt. Vernon Township High School. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education at Southern Illinois University–Carbondale, studying trombone with Dr. Robert Weiss. He has guest conducted many camps, including ISYM at the University of Illinois, and has been invited to present at several conferences, including The Midwest Clinic.

Workshops

Battling Bland: Strategies and Resources for Drawing Expression from Your Students - Music Education

Grow Your Jazz Students with Structured Listening - Music Education

Every director of a jazz ensemble has probably said numerous times, “My students need to listen more.” This session demonstrates different ways directors can get quality listening examples in front of their students and how various teaching concepts can be addressed. Attendees might be veteran instructors or novice directors with little jazz experience. However, all will appreciate receiving information about making listening efficient and impactful for their students.