Shenandoah Conservatory Leads at Annual VMEA Professional Development Conference
Shenandoah Conservatory faculty, students and alumni traveled to Norfolk, Virginia, from Nov. 16, through Nov. 18, to attend the 2023 Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Annual Professional Development Conference. They presented sessions on an array of topics throughout the event and several individuals serve in a variety of leadership roles.
Faculty members presenting sessions included:
Jeffrey Marlatt, Ph.D.
Interim Dean; Charlotte A. & Verne E. Collins Endowed Professorship; Professor of Music (Music Education)
Session Title
Dear Rubric, I Hate You: Exploring Grade Equity
Hillary Ridgley, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Music Education (Choral Emphasis)
Session Title
Infusing Improvisation into the Ensemble Rehearsal
Timothy J. Robblee, Ph.D.
Director of Bands; Associate Professor of Conducting
Session Title
Teaching Musical Decisions: Better Performance Through Listening-Based Rehearsing
Stephanie Standerfer, Ph.D.
Director of Music Education; Professor of Music Education
Session Title
Music Teacher Education Roundtable
Alumni presenters included:
Alica Hammel ’87, ’99
Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education
Session Title
Re-centering: Practical Strategies to Increase Purpose, Diversity, Belonging and Well-Being
Ryan Keebaugh ’03
Master of Music in Conducting
Session Title
From Inspiration to Design: Creating Custom and Effective Marching Band Arrangements
Kevin Vigil ’04
Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance
Session Titles
The Ins and Outs of Teaching Guitar; Playing Music with Your Brain
Student presenters included:
Maximiliano Fernández Escalona ’26
Bachelor of Music in Music Education
Shenandoah faculty, students and alumni holding leadership roles in VMEA include:
Stephanie Standerfer, Ph.D.
Director of Music Education; Professor, Music Education
Virginia Music Educators in Higher Ed, Section President
Alica Hammel ’87, ’99
Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education
Virginia Music Educators Association, President
Maddison Shawkey ’24
Bachelor of Music in Music Education
Collegiate VMEA, Secretary
Brennon Putt ’24
Bachelor of Music in Music Education
