2026 MMEA Fall In-Service Conference: Full Schedule

10:00am EDT

Limitless Teaching with Limited Resources: Achieving Success in Rural and Urban Classrooms!

Friday October 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Limited resources should not limit achievement. Whether serving in rural communities with limited enrollment and challenging instrumentation or urban programs managing large class sizes and frequent turnover – or anywhere in between, music teachers are tasked with achieving excellence amid various constraints. With experience building and maintaining successful band programs in both rural and urban areas in Texas, Finnels will share high-impact strategies and practical tools that help music programs grow, thrive, and succeed!

Presenters

Jason Finnels

Director of Bands, Crawford High School/Fort Bend ISD/Texas

Jason Finnels is in his 17th year of teaching and serves as the Director of Bands at Crawford High School in Fort Bend ISD in Rosharon, Texas. Prior to opening Crawford, he taught junior high and middle school band for 13 years. His ensembles have earned consistent statewide and national... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Room C - 1745

Band, Middle School, High School, Elementary School

Company Classroom Music, Chorus, Orchestra, Emerging Ensemble

2:30pm EDT

From First Note to First Concert: Effective Strategies for Beginning Band

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT

Room G - 1117

This session provides practical strategies for beginning band instruction, focusing on building fundamentals, engaging students, and establishing consistency. Directors will explore rehearsal techniques, classroom management, and solutions to common beginner challenges. Attendees will leave with actionable tips, resources, and methods to support long-term success in their music programs. Hal Leonard Essential Elements Interactive will be featured.

Presenters

Rachel Allen

Band Director, Charles Town Middle School

Mrs. Rachel Allen is a WV band director with degrees from Shepherd University (BM 2005, MM 2010). Her ensembles have earned numerous superior ratings, and her jazz band was WV Honor Band (2026). She serves in various music ed leadership roles in WV and is a sought-after clinician... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room G - 1117

Band, Elementary School, Middle School

2026 MMEA Fall In-Service Conference

10:00am EDT

Jason Finnels

2:30pm EDT

Rachel Allen

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