PA Grant Report: Middle School Music Teachers Catherine Leto-Carboy and John Grimsley

After attending conferences and workshops sponsored by the organization Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock) in 2017 and 2019, middle school music teachers Catherine Leto-Carboy and John Grimsley attended the Modern Band Summit in Colorado last summer, learning best practices from other educators and networking with other musicians to incorporate innovative rehearsal techniques. 

As music teachers, we found the experience profoundly inspiring and deeply enriching. The conference was much more than just a gathering of fellow music teachers; it was a dynamic space for collaboration, skill-building, and reflection on how music education can be a vehicle for positive social change.

The conference included sessions on basic technique and instrument repair—topics that are often overlooked but are essential for maintaining a functional and engaging music program. The basic technique sessions were particularly useful, as they focused on teaching strategies for students who picking up an instrument for the first time. The instructors demonstrated fun and accessible methods for introducing chords, rhythm patterns, and ensemble playing. Similarly, the instrument repair workshop equipped us with practical skills for addressing common issues, such as restringing guitars and fixing jack connections. These hands-on skills will save time and resources while ensuring that students always have access to functional instruments.

One highlight was the songwriting workshop. As teachers who believe in the power of creative expression, we were thrilled to learn techniques for guiding students through the songwriting process. We discussed how to foster an environment where students feel comfortable sharing their ideas and experimenting with lyrics and melodies. By the end of the session, we had a toolkit of exercises and prompts designed to inspire students to find their unique musical voices.

Our favorite part of the conference was when groups of music teachers came together to form impromptu bands. Over the course of the conference, educators collaborated on song choices, rehearsed during breaks, and eventually performed for the rest of the attendees. The performances were amazing, showcasing not only everyone’s musical talent but also the power of collaboration and camaraderie, regardless of age or experience. This also sparked valuable discussions about how to replicate this kind of collaborative experience in the classroom.

Thank you again to the Parents Association for making this possible.