Modern Band

Bring your schoolʼs modern band ensemble to participate in the

PMEA is excited to announce the inaugural PMEA Modern Band Showcase performance opportunity at the 2024 PMEA Annual Conference on Friday, April 19.

Four school Modern Band Ensembles will be selected to perform during the conference at the Bayfront Convention Center, Erie, PA. This opportunity is open to student ensembles from grades 4-12 with a director who is a current member of PMEA. Consideration will be given to collegiate-level ensembles based on the level of response from K-12 ensembles. Modern Band ensembles selected will have the opportunity to perform at the conference for a panel of clinicians as well as attendees at the conference.

All groups interested in participating in the PMEA Modern Band Showcase during the 2024 PMEA Annual Conference must submit an application by the end of the day (11:59 p.m.) on Wednesday, December 13.

Interested in hosting a Modern Band Showcase at your school?

PMEA Modern Band Showcase Guidelines

2023-24 Modern Band Showcase Calendar

 

Modern Band Trainers Framework

Procedures for Professional Development
Workshops by Trained Modern Band Curriculum Presenters

Modern Band is a school-based music program that utilizes popular/commercial music as its central canon.  Modern Band teaches students to perform the music they are familiar with as well as teach composition and improvisation skills.  Styles that are studied include by not limited to; rock, pop, reggae, hip-hop, rhythm & blues, electronic dance music, and other contemporary styles as they emerge. Modern Band also utilizes musical instruments that are common to these genres, such as: guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, voice, technology, ukulele, etc.

  • Modern Band is Student-Centered
  • Modern Band Increases Access by Integrating Beginners More Easily
  • Modern Band Fosters Authorship
  • Modern Band Sustains Outside of School
  • Modern Band is Flexible and Regionally Adaptable
  • Modern Band Pedagogy is Designed for the Lay-Person

NAfME and PMEA have endorsed Modern Band pedagogy and student performance opportunities as an additional means to engage students in diverse and meaningful music-making experiences.  PMEA has additionally collaborated with Music Will (formerly known as Little Kids Rock) and the Pennsylvania Department Of Education to provide training in Modern Band pedagogy.

PMEA Modern Band Trainers are available to provide professional development to schools, school district music departments and staff.  If you are interested in having a PMEA Trained Presenter come to your school or would like to learn more about how Modern Band can be implemented in your music program, please contact the PMEA Office for more information.