The PMEA Crescendo Conference is
- Designed for Middle/Junior & High School Students
- Virtual Event
- During The School Day
- Focused 25 Minute Sessions
- General Interest Topics
- Career Focused Sessions To Meet Career Readiness Goals
- Special Performance
- All Sessions Will Be Available For Playback After The Live Event
Crescendo 2025 Will Be Held on January 28, 2025
Time | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. LIVESTREAM | Breakout Session 1 | Breakout Session 2 |
9 – 9:25 a.m. | The Winding Road: How Music Guided My Journey from the Classroom to the Community, and Everything in Between – Kendra Ross | ||
9:30 – 9:55 a.m. | My Road to Broadway – Bethany Moore | Yes Uke Can! – Kris Gilbert |
Guard After Graduation! – CJ McCrory Presented by |
10 – 10:25 a.m. | Creative Music Making Crash Course – Stephen Cox | ||
10:30 – 10:55 a.m. | Navigating Performance Anxiety – Chelsea Tanner | ||
11 – 11:25 a.m. | You Make a Difference! Leading from Every Chair! – Jared Cassedy | Songwriting Made Incredibly Simple – Stephen Cox | Behind the Scenes of High School Musical Theatre – Austin Wolford |
11:30 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. | Shades of Blue Performance and Q&A | ||
12:30 – 12:55 p.m. | Conducting 101 – What Goes Into What You See – John Oelrich | ||
1:00 – 1:25 p.m. | Greek Life In Music Panel: Finding Community | ||
1:30 – 1:55 p.m. | Vocal Health for All Student Musicians |
Registration is $100 for a classroom registration for member-directors of PMEA; $150 for non-member directors of PMEA, and $10 for individual students not registering as part of a classroom. There is no limit to the number of students who may participate in the conference.
9 – 9:25 am
The Winding Road: How Music Guided My Journey from the Classroom to the Community, and Everything in Between – Kendra Ross
Dr. Kendra Janelle Ross shares her unique journey from singing in church to performing on stage, and from studying music business at NYU to leading social impact at a major tech company. Through her dual career as a performer and music industry professional, Kendra emphasizes how music has been the constant thread connecting each stage of her life. This talk will inspire students to see their passion for music as a guide, even when the road ahead takes unexpected twists and turns.
9:30 – 9:55 am
My Road to Broadway – Bethany Moore
Bethany will share her personal journey from Clarion, PA to the Broadway stage followed by Q & A.
Yes Uke Can! – Kris Gilbert
Participants should bring a uke and get ready to jam! We will learn new chords, new techniques and jam out to songs that you know and love!
Guard After Graduation! – CJ McCrory
Presented by
Learn about what types of opportunities are available to everyone in our activity after graduating High School! Most students don’t realize there are fun Color Guard opportunities for those who want to be more competitive or continue to spin and perform with a team.
10 – 10:25 am
Creative Music Making Crash Course – Stephen Cox
Ready to unleash your creativity through music? This crash course is your guide to exploring the fun and exciting world of Creative Music Making! In this session, you’ll learn the basics of songwriting, arranging, composing, comping, and improvising—key skills that will help you create your own unique music.
We’ll break down each concept, showing you how to:
• Write your own songs, from catchy melodies to full arrangements.
• Experiment with musical forms and structures in composition.
• Try out comping and improvisation to enhance your creativity.
By the end of this course, you’ll have the confidence and tools to start creating music that reflects your personal style. Get ready to turn your ideas into reality and make music like never before!
10:30 – 10:55 am
Navigating Performance Anxiety – Chelsea Tanner
Join Chelsea Tanner for an engaging lecture, “Navigating Performance Anxiety,” where she will provide practical strategies to help performers transform their practice into confident, successful performances. Performance anxiety can hinder even the most prepared musicians, but this session focuses on actionable tools to bridge the gap between the practice room and the stage.
In this lecture, Chelsea will delve into techniques that help performers manage the mental and emotional challenges of performance anxiety. You’ll explore how to develop a resilient mindset, manage nerves, and build confidence so that you can perform at your best when it matters most. The session will provide clear, actionable advice for cultivating habits in the practice room that directly translate into greater ease and assurance on stage.
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just beginning your musical journey, this lecture will equip you with the knowledge and tools to conquer anxiety, allowing you to focus on delivering powerful and authentic performances.
11 – 11:25 am
You Make a Difference! Leading from Every Chair! – Jared Cassedy
In this session, students will be given the opportunity to engage in discussion around how their contributions within a large ensemble make a difference regardless of what chair they are in. Focus will be on ensemble culture, partnership, mentorship, and leadership.
Songwriting Made Incredibly Simple – Stephen Cox
Join this songwriting workshop, where we’ll break down the basics of songwriting into easy, approachable steps. Perfect for beginners, this workshop focuses on making the process simple, fun, and accessible, so anyone can start writing songs right away!
Behind the Scenes of High School Musical Theatre – Austin Wolford
In this session students will get a behind the scenes look at what it takes to run a successful musical theatre program at the High School level. We will discuss planning and preparation for stage direction, music direction, and technical design as it pertains to High School musical theatre. Attendees will be able to follow the timeline of producing a full length musical from picking a show to auditions to closing night and beyond. A brief Q&A will take place at the end of the session.
11:30 am – 12:25 pm
Shades of Blue Performance and Q&A
12:30 – 12:55 pm
Conducting 101 – What Goes Into What You See – John Oelrich
This session will explore the basics of being a conductor. Topics will include an introduction to patterns and gestures, basics of score study and interpretation, and what happens in the moment during rehearsals and performances.
1 – 1:25 pm
Greek Life In Music Panel: Finding Community
Dr. Jonathan Helmick
Dr. Nicholas Rorrer
Allison Leemann
There is no limit to what you can do with music and where music might take you. Music-making in college is one of those places where there is a space (and a community) for everyone! Greek organizations (fraternities and sororities) focused on music exist as opportunities for musicians to build community across the world and continue performing after high school, all while engaging in social and service activities.
This session will feature representatives from a few national Greek organizations specific to music who will each discuss what Greek life in music looks like in college!
1:30 – 1:55 pm
Vocal Health for All Student Musicians – Amy Baker
Students will learn about proper vocal technique and caring for the voice. An overview of the anatomy of the voice and common vocal disorders will be provided.
Amy Baker Vocal Health for All Student Musicians (1:30 – 1:55 pm) Western Pennsylvania native Amy Baker began her study on the bassoon while in high school under the tutelage of Mark Pancerev. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree in performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying with David McGill, Ronald Phillips, and John Clouser. She continued her musical education at Cleveland State University and studied with Jonathan Sherwin. Ms. Baker graduated with her Master of Music degree with a concentration in music education from Eastern Kentucky University. Ms. Baker is an active chamber music performer in the tri-state area. She is a member of the woodwind quintet Cincopation, which has performed in various venues in the Pittsburgh area, including the Westmoreland Symphony Chamber Music Series and the Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch series. She appeared as a guest artist with the Academy Chamber Ensemble in 2019, performing Mozart’s Sonata for Bassoon and Cello, Franz Krommer’s Quartet for Bassoon and Strings and Willy Hess’ Quintet for Contrabassoon and Strings. That series was featured on WQED-FM’s Performance in Pittsburgh. Also active as an orchestral musician, Ms. Baker is the second bassoonist with the Westmoreland Symphony and principal bassoonist with the Butler County Symphony Orchestra and the Academy Chamber Orchestra. She serves as principal contrabassoonist with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra and has performed with many other orchestras and ensembles in the area. She is passionate about teaching and has served as the bassoon instructor at Slippery Rock University since 2010. Ms. Baker is also a registered nurse who advocates for musician health and wellness. She received her nursing diploma from UPMC St. Margaret School of Nursing, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chatham University, and her Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education from Capella University. She is the founder and coordinator of the SRU Musicians’ Wellness Program. Ms. Baker’s areas of study include musicians’ health and performance anxiety management. She is a member of the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA), where she serves as a PAMA Ambassador, and she has earned her PAMA Certification in the Essentials of Performing Arts Medicine. |
Jared Cassedy You Make a Difference! Leading from Every Chair! – Jared Cassedy (11 – 11:25 am) Jared L. Cassedy is in his 21st year teaching and is the Performing Arts Department Head and High School Band Director for the Masconomet Regional School District in Boxford, MA. He spent the last six years as the K-12 Performing Arts Coordinator and LHS Wind Ensemble Conductor for Lexington Public Schools, MA and is in his ninth year directing the Junior Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School. Jared also works as an adjunct professor for the Longy School of Music where he teaches conducting and is the Artistic Director for the Longy Side-by-Side Orchestra Program. Jared is the 2015 recipient of the prestigious GRAMMY Music Educator Award and was most recently named a 2022 National Music Teacher of Excellence by the Country Music Association (CMA) Foundation. Jared serves as President-Elect for the Massachusetts Music Educators Association and is the immediate Past Chairperson of the MMEA Northeastern District. Before coming to Massachusetts, Jared was the K-12 Fine and Performing Arts Director for the Windham, NH and Salem, NH School Districts and director of the Windham High School Band Program. He is a much sought after clinician and has conducted a myriad of regional honor bands across New England, given a variety of lectures on leadership and best practices in teaching, including the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic presenting a session titled “Fine Tuning Ensemble Culture and Why it Matters – Intentionally Creating a Positive Community Through Conversation and Collaboration,” and has participated in TEDx speaking about his journey and philosophies through his career in education. Additionally, Jared has served on the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Equity Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and Council of Music Program Leaders. |
Stephen Cox Creative Music Making Crash Course – Stephen Cox (10 – 10:25 am) Songwriting Made Incredibly Simple – Stephen Cox (11 – 11:25 am) Stephen T. Cox is the Director of Music Education for the Willis Wonderland Foundation, a 501(c)3 dedicated to the legacy of songwriter Allee Willis. He develops music education and creative music making programs. An award-winning educator and sought-after clinician, Mr. Cox has presented at major conventions including TMEA, TBA, and the Midwest Clinic. From 2022-2024, he led a student-centered band program at the oldest public school in San Antonio. Previously, he spent a decade directing bands at Eastland High School, known for its community focus and musical excellence. The 2022 Grammy Music Educator Award winner, he advocates for student ownership and community integration in music programs. He is married to Stephanie Cox, a visual art teacher, and they have three children. |
Kris Gilbert Yes Uke Can! (9:30 – 9:55 am) Kris Gilbert received her Bachelor’s of Music Education from the Crane School of Music @ SUNY Potsdam and her Masters of Music in Composition from Binghamton University. She also received her CAS in College Teaching from SUNY Potsdam. She has been teaching for 28+ years in upstate NY, most recently for the Windsor Central School District. She currently teaches 6-12 Modern Band, Co-Teaches HS Band/Chorus, Sound Recording, 6-8 Chorus; and has taught high school band, marching band, jazz band, AP theory, junk percussion, modern band, music technology and 6th grade band. Kris is an active clinician and has presented at NAfME All-National, NAfME All-Eastern, Music Will Modern Band Summit in Colorado, NYSCATE, NYSSMA All-State, Texas All-State, Ohio All-State, Tennessee All-State and the Association for Popular Music Education International Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland and Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She is a certified Google Trainer, Soundtrap educator, Apple Educator, is the NYSSMA Technology Chairperson and also serves as the Music Will Lead Ambassador. |
Dr. Jonathan Helmick Greek Life In Music Panel: Finding Community (1 – 1:25 pm) Dr. Jonathan Helmick serves as Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Slippery Rock University. Part of his responsibilities include directing the Slippery Rock University Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the “Marching Pride,” and the Concert Band. He also has taught assigned courses such as Fundamentals of Conducting, Advanced Conducting, Low Brass Methods, High Brass Methods, Marching Band Techniques, Instrumental Rehearsal Techniques, and Applied Euphonium. Under his direction, the Slippery Rock University Wind Ensemble has achieved national acclaim having been named a finalist for the prestigious American Prize in Wind Ensemble and Concert Band Performance (college/university division). In 2019, the two-hundred-member Slippery Rock University “Marching Pride” was invited to perform in Ireland at the Dublin St. Patrick’s Festival Parade and the Limerick International Band Championship. During these internationally televised performances the ensemble received the honor of being named Best Overall Band, Best Adult Band, and Best International Band. In 2024, the “Marching Pride” once again took to the international stage as part of London’s New Year’s Day Parade. Dr. Helmick holds the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Conducting from The University of Southern Mississippi. He earned a Master of Music degree in Euphonium Performance from The University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. Both his Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree and Bachelor of Arts in Business and Organizational Communications degrees were received from the University of Akron with honors. Prior to his college teaching career, Dr. Helmick taught in the public schools of Ohio and Mississippi. He has also served as Assistant Conductor and member of the Board of Trustees for the Freedom Brass Band of Northeast Ohio and performed as a member of the Brass Band of the Western Reserve on both euphonium and baritone. Active as a musician and educator, Dr. Helmick has served as a guest clinician, artist, and adjudicator in Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Italy, and Sicily. At Slippery Rock University, he has earned the honor of being named recipient of the 2017-2018 President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 2019, he was honored to receive the Citation of Excellence from the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, representing District 5. At the national level, he has been named among the roster of the 2022 Yamaha “40 Under 40” – a national award celebrating excellence in music education. In 2024, he was named a quarterfinalist for the 2024 Music Educator Award presented by the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum. |
Allison Leemann Greek Life In Music Panel: Finding Community (1 – 1:25 pm) Allison is a Life Member of the Eta Gamma Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma at Boston University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy with a minor in Public Health in 2012 and a Master of Public Health degree in Global Health in 2014 from the Boston University School of Public Health. While attending school Allison participated in the Concert, Pep, and Marching Bands playing bass clarinet and alto saxophone. She served as the Boston University Marching Band Drum Major her senior year. As a student leader Allison served in several leadership positions at the Chapter level and as the Northeast District Vice President for Special Projects (2011-2012) and District President (2012-2013). As a Life Member Allison served as Northeast District Counselor (2015-2021) and currently sits on the Curriculum Development and Assessment Committees and the Health and Safety Task Force. She was elected to the Vice President for Communication & Recognition position in 2021. In her professional life, Allison has focused on public health and healthcare management, overseeing medical scribes in the emergency department and hospital setting. In 2020, Allison completed a professional certification in Organization Development. She is an active member of the American Public Health Association and the Organization Development Network. In her free time Allison enjoys exploring new places, seeing live music performances, going to the beach, listening to audiobooks/podcasts, and spending time with family and friends. |
CJ McCrory Guard After Graduation! (9:30 – 9:55 am) C.J. McCrory is a clinician, consultant, educator, and designer for the Marching Arts activity residing in Knoxville, TN. Locally, he is the Color Guard Coordinator for the University of Tennessee’s Pride of the Southland Marching Band, the Director of Color Guards for Hardin Valley Academy and Hardin Valley Middle School programs, as well as serving as Board President for the East Tennessee Performing Arts Association. Expanding out of Tennessee, C.J. is also currently involved with multiple groups across the Nation in various roles such as consultant, choreographer, and technician. His goals within the activity are to spread his love and passion for the Marching Arts, and assist in creating the next generation of educators! C.J.’s past Color Guard marching experiences have included The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps, Pride of Cincinnati (IW), and Eklipse Winterguard (IW), as well as marching mellophone with the Pride of the Southland Marching band. In his teaching experience, C.J. has been privileged with the opportunity to work with Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, Artistry in Blue (IA), Beau Monde Independent (IA), Lexis Winterguard (IW), and Carmel HS (SW). |
Bethany Moore My Road to Broadway – Bethany Moore (9:30 – 9:55 am) Bethany has been a part of the original Broadway casts of the Tony-Award winning revival of PIPPIN and SPIDER-MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK. Other New York City credits include the Public Theater’s INTO THE WOODS (starring Amy Adams and Donna Murphy) and City Center Encores’ CALL ME MADAM. She has performed nationally and internationally with the touring companies of A CHORUS LINE and CATS. She received her BFA in Musical Theater from the State University of New York in Buffalo and has a Master’s degree from NYU in Educational Theater. She has been on faculty at the American Musical Theater Academy, Kidz Theater, and Broadway Classroom in NYC and has been a guest lecturer at NYU, SUNY Buffalo, and Clarion University. |
John Oelrich Conducting 101 – What Goes Into What You See (12:30 – 12:55 pm) Dr. John Oelrich joined the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM) Department of Music in 2012 as Director of Bands where he conducts the Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, and Concert Band, and teaches courses in conducting and music education. His recent engagements as a guest conductor include middle and high school All-District and All-Region Bands in Kentucky and Tennessee, the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association All-State Concert Band, and the Wisconsin State Honors Band. In the summer of 2013, he founded the Martin Community Band which performs several concerts each summer. He also leads the jazz band for the After-School Arts Program, an arts-centered program for middle school students. Prior to UT-Martin, John was the Doctoral Conducting Associate at The Ohio State University and taught at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa for several years, including one year as Interim Director of Instrumental Music. Prior to Loras, Oelrich spent ten years teaching middle school and high school band in Iowa and Wisconsin. After growing up on a dairy farm near Spencer, Wisconsin, John earned his Bachelor of Science in Instrumental and Vocal Music Education from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville, a Master of Music from the University of Northern Iowa and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from The Ohio State University. When not involved in music or teaching related activities, John enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, motorcycling and amateur astronomy. |
Dr. Nicholas Rorrer Greek Life In Music Panel: Finding Community (1 – 1:25 pm) Dr. Nicholas (Nic) Rorrer (he/him) is a Life Member of Kappa Kappa Psi from the Eta Beta chapter at Virginia Tech. Originally, Nic was initiated into the Eta Beta chapter at Virginia Tech on November 29, 2007. While at Virginia Tech, Nic was a member of the Baritone Section of the Marching Virginians and served as the Band’s Operations Officer from 2010 to 2011. Additionally, while Nic was an Active Member of the HB Chapter, he served as Chapter Secretary (2008), Chapter Vice President, (2009), and Chapter President (2010). He also served as the Northeast District Secretary-Treasurer from 2010-2011. After graduating from Virginia Tech with his Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering, Nic went on to the Colorado School of Mines to pursue his PhD in Chemical Engineering with a specialty in polymer science. While there, Nic started to work with the Xi Chapter of the Fraternity and eventually becoming their Chapter Sponsor in 2013, and has served as their Chapter Sponsor since then. Additionally, during his PhD, Nic became involved with the Midwest District Alumni Association, serving on their council for three years with two years as their President. Immediately after graduating from the Colorado School of Mines, professionally Nic started as a postdoctoral researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory researching recycling and the synthesis of plastics from biomass. Nic has continued his employment at NREL ever since, eventually becoming a Senior Researcher (2020) at the lab. Fraternally, Nic began serving on the Fraternity’s Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2015 to 2021 and served as its Chair from 2019 to 2021. During Nic’s tenure as Chair of the AABOD, he, alongside the other directors, launched multiple programs and drafted the language for the 2021 National Constitution revision that officially recognizes the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association. Currently, Nic serves as a member of the Sponsor and Director of Bands task force, as a Midwest District Governor, and as a speaker for the Founders Circle program. In his free time, he can often be found wondering the Rocky Mountains either teaching yoga, snowboarding, or hanging out with his partner and dog. Further information on Nic can be found at narorrer.org |
Kendra Ross The Winding Road: How Music Guided My Journey from the Classroom to the Community, and Everything in Between (9 – 9:25 am) Dr. Kendra Janelle Ross is a powerhouse in music, education, and community engagement. Currently the Head of Social Impact at Duolingo, she oversees philanthropic initiatives, community outreach, and employee engagement. Dr. Ross’ journey has been shaped by her dual career as a performer and music industry professional, having spent over 15 years at Universal Music Group while also recording and producing with renowned artists. A proud Pittsburgh native, Dr. Ross holds a PhD in Community Engagement and remains committed to supporting youth through initiatives like UniSound and her consulting firm, ACT3 Consulting Partners. Her talk, “The Winding Road: How Music Guided My Journey from the Classroom to the Community, and Everything in Between,” reflects her inspiring path from the stage to academia and beyond. |
Shades of Blue Performance and Q&A (11:30 am – 12:25 pm) |
Chelsea Tanner Navigating Performance Anxiety (10:30 – 10:55 am) Dr. Chelsea Tanner maintains an active career as an enthusiastic performer, teacher, and mindset coach for musicians. She is currently Head of Flute and a teaching artist at tonebase.co as well as a Flute Faculty member at the Colburn Community School in Los Angeles. Chelsea has previously served on the faculties of SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music and Penn State University. Her former teachers include Marianne Gedigian, Jeanne Baxtresser, and Katherine Borst-Jones. |
Austin Wolford Behind the Scenes of High School Musical Theatre (11 – 11:25 am) Austin Wolford currently serves as the Director of Choirs at Quaker Valley High School in Leetsdale, PA. Austin holds a B.M. in Music Education with a focus in Voice from Slippery Rock University and a M.M. in Music Education from Kent State University. Austin previously served as Director of the Slippery Rock University Men’s Choir and has performed with groups such as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Butler Symphony Orchestra, Erie Philharmonic, and continues to perform with men’s a cappella group Rock Bottom. At Quaker Valley, Austin directs 4 different choirs including the Quaker Valley Concert Choir, Treble Choir, Tenor-Bass Choir, and Vocal Ensemble. His Choirs have been selected to perform at numerous invitationals and events around Pennsylvania. Apart from the choirs, Austin also teaches Partners Music, Stage Lighting and Sound, and serves as the Director and Producer for their High School Musical program. |