Sam McKenzie shows music educators how to train middle and high school students into drumline. McKenzie was the drumline coach at the University of Montana before taking a high school teaching job in Billings.
Griffen Smith of the Pathfinder
Sam McKenzie looked over the various drums in the back of the Seeley-Swan High School Auditorium, ready to give out lessons for hungry minds.
"You want to focus on getting the rhythm right more than any accents of the instrument," McKenzie said.
Rather than high school students who would normally sit in the band pit, McKenzie's audience all teach music to students across the state or are just professionals looking to brush up on their skills. The workshop was one of many activities for the Bandmasters Rendezvous June 19-22.
The Montana Bandmasters brings together music educators from around the state for workshops and performances. While some lessons are tailored to teaching students in middle and high schools, others focus on funding and working with school administrators.
The group has been meeting in Seeley for 19 years. Bob Green, the Rendezvous coordinator, hopes to keep the group going for at least another year.
"I don't know how many I got left in me," Green said. "But I told everyone I would keep it in Seeley for 20 years, and I will uphold my end of the deal."
Reader Comments(0)