smiling music teacher helping student playing tuba

Midwest Clinic

Welcome music educators! Our team is looking forward to meeting you at this year’s Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra and Music Conference and serving your professional needs in any way we can. Ask us about the free resources we have on program planning, advocacy, funding and other teaching and professional development needs.

The Midwest Clinic gives us an opportunity to connect with all of you and to remind you that Yamaha is your partner in music education, not just through our great instruments and professional audio products but also with resources, support and professional development. Learn about ways to expand your music program to meet students where they are.

We want to express our appreciation and gratitude for everyone involved in making this conference possible. We want to continue to hear about your programs and learn about you and your specific needs to see how Yamaha can partner with you to help.

Stop by our booth to say hello. We’re eager to talk with you about your needs as a performer or educator. See you in Chicago!

If you need help or have questions, please reach out directly to us at educators@yamaha.com. Sign up for the Yamaha Educator newsletter to access advocacy, professional development, information on instruments, resources, partnerships in education and more.

Midwest Clinic Events You Won’t Want to Miss

Join us at our Midwest sessions and Yamaha Performing Artist meet-and-greets, where our industry experts share their experiences and insights to help you take your program to the next level.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques for the Yamaha HD-300
Presented by Michael Pote, Yamaha Master Educator
Thursday, December 18 • 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Room: W176

Inclusion Through Creativity: Games, Activities, and Projects for Learning Digital Composition at the Middle Level
Presented by Gillian Desmarais, 2024 Yamaha “40 Under 40” Music Educator
Thursday, December 18 • 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Room: W179

Building Skills for Music Industry Careers Beyond Performance
Presented by Heather Mansell, John Mlynzack, Bryan Powell, and Jennifer Witt
Friday, December 19 • 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Room: W185

For a complete list of clinics and performances, visit the Midwest Clinic Schedule.

Yamaha Artist and Yamaha Master Educator Meet & Greets

Come to the Yamaha Booth (#301) on December 18 and 19 to meet internationally known brass quintet and Yamaha Performing Group, Boston Brass, and composer, arranger and Yamaha Master Educator, Omar Thomas.

Boston Brass
Thursday, December 18 • 11 a.m.

Omar Thomas
Friday, December 19 • 1 p.m.

Marching Band

music teacher helping student with guitar

Concert Chairs to Marching Squares

Try these 8 tips to help marching band and concert band students switch instruments.

Micah Diffee performing in his wheelchair with marching band

See Beyond Disabilities and Find Opportunities to Excel

Two disabled students presented unique opportunities to excel for the entire marching band at Forney High School in Texas.

color guard during marching band performance

How to Design a Marching Band Show

Good show design is an asset to any band program. Focus on delivering a positive and life-changing marching arts experience.

Marching Band Uniforms Do’s and Don’ts

Picking out new uniforms for your marching band can be an overwhelming task. Here are some uniform do’s and don’ts.

Fix It: Trumpet Teaching Tips

Try these expert tips on fixing common errors that trumpet students make.

percussion teacher showing how to play the marimba to a group of students

A Visual Learning Plan for Percussionists

Try a pass-off system of practicing and sign-offs for All-State audition etudes.

Concert Band

Engaging Wind Rehearsals

Try these tips on how to rehearse your winds section and maximize your time during rehearsals.

music educator playing clarinet with winds section

Fix It: Clarinet Teaching Tips

Try these expert tips on fixing common errors that clarinet students make.

Eisenhower High School ensemble performance

Tips to Home Grow a High-Quality Music Program

Most students at this Illinois school begin learning their instruments in high school, which makes the band’s success amazing!

The Harmony Director: A Great Tool for the Music Classroom

Achieve great sound, balance and tuning with the Yamaha HD-300.

Concert Black Do’s and Don’ts

Keep these considerations in mind when deciding what your concert band will wear for concerts and competitions.

Percussion Rehearsal

Engage your percussionists throughout rehearsal and help them grow into musical artists.

Orchestra

Music educator Tanner Otto showing students how to hold a bow

Modern Music and Tech in Beginning Strings

With off-the-beaten-path lesson plans and performance opportunities, an orchestra director has higher student engagement, retention and overall program growth.