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VanderCook College of Music

Band Director
Summer Workshop

July 9 - 12, 2026

Register Here!
Randall Standridge, Headshot Portrait
Randall Standridge,
Composer/Clinician
Peter Boonshaft headshot 2025
Peter Boonshaft,
Conductor/Clinician
Alex Kaminsky cropped2
Alex Kaminsky,
Director of Bands
Stacey Larson Dolan
Stacey Dolan,
Associate Director of Bands

2026 Band Director Workshop: Overview

Join us on the campus of VanderCook College of Music in Chicago for this hands-on workshop for middle school and high school band directors, led by renowned experts Randall Standridge, Peter Boonshaft, Alex Kaminsky, and Dr. Stacey Dolan.  The workshop will equip participants with valuable resources and effective rehearsal techniques, focusing on enhancing ensemble sonority, improving ensemble intonation, refining communication through conducting, and building a culture of excellence in your band program. Participants may play in the VanderCook Summer MMEd Graduate Band which will serve as a demonstration ensemble and will also be reading new band music (workshop participants should bring instruments, if possible).

Breakfast and lunch will be provided.  Evening activities will include concerts and events in Chicago.  Participants will earn two graduate credits or professional development hours.

Check out the amazing sessions being offered: 2025 VCM Band Director Workshop Schedule (2026 schedule will be posted when finalized)

COST
$295 (no credit; 30 PD hours available)
$796 (2 graduate credits)

Register here!

Housing

On-campus housing will be available.  A standard double room includes two twin beds, desks, chairs, built-in closets, shared bathroom, kitchen and spacious lounges throughout the hall. Linen packages are available free of charge. Linen packages include a blanket, pillow, two sheets, pillowcase and towels.  Single-occupancy also available.

Housing Information

Band Director Workshop Testimonials

Not only did this workshop reinforce some of the good teaching in my program, but it also gave me new ideas on how to approach topics that I needed to improve upon in my teaching. I learned of a few new composers, new breathing and instrument-specific techniques, and new ways of teaching familiar concepts.
Band Director Workshop Participant
The various voices helped keep me activated over the 4 days. Having 7 different "presenters" throughout the weekend, as well as the ability to watch them work with the grad band/conductors, kept it moving and fresh throughout.
Band Director Workshop Participant
A lot of these exercises will immediately be incorporated into my daily routine. I plan to incorporate the Habits green book into my beginners class. I’m excited, in particular, to see how the addition of breathing and singing exercises will improve the overall sound of the band.
Band Director Workshop Participant
I was not expecting to become so close to the other directors in the workshop! I have never experienced camaraderie like that after only being together for a few days. I loved learning about how other states' education systems differ from those in OH. I also did not expect to pick up as many ideas for conducting to try out as I did.
Band Director Workshop Participant

Chicago is our campus!

Just minutes from downtown Chicago’s world-renowned music culture, VanderCook College of Music is located on the northwest corner of the campus of the highly ranked Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). VanderCook students have full access to the entire IIT campus but still benefit from the small college atmosphere.

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