Effective Rehearsals, Better Ensembles: The 8 VanderCook Teaching Points in Practice
Date
June 8-July 31, 2026
Online
Asynchronous with Zoom Chat Sessions on Monday 2:30-3:30pm CT
Course Code
7236B
Credits
MECA 3
Tuition
$1,194
Course Description
Discover practical strategies for strengthening your ensemble using the 8 Teaching Points developed by VanderCook College of Music co-founder Dr. H. E. Nutt. This course explores how each teaching point can be effectively applied at both the ensemble and individual levels through guided book study, collaborative discussion, and the shared experiences of participants, supported by instructor feedback. By the end of the course, participants will have developed a personalized, practical resource they can continue to use to refine and enhance their teaching practice.
Instructor
Guy McKinney is the Director of Bands/Fine Arts for Mercedes ISD, a position he has held since 2000. He oversees all aspects of the music department, continuing to positively promote the MISD student musicians’ and the performing ensembles for both band and orchestra. Under his direction the Mighty Tiger Marching Band and the Wind Ensemble have earned many UIL Superior ratings and UIL Sweepstakes Awards.
Guy is an active member of TMAA, having served as a judge for UIL concert/sight reading evaluations in several regions. As an active member of TMEA, he is serving as Region 28 President.
Guy’s articles have been published in BandWorld Magazine and on Band Directors Talk Shop online magazine. He served as guest conductor for the Fulton County Honors Band in Ohio. He has organized and served as host for the annual Queen City Marching Festival, UIL Pigskin Jubilee, and most recently Area G-5A Marching Band Contest. He recently served as the assistant conductor of the McAllen Wind Symphony, a community band which he is a member.
Guy is also serving VanderCook College of Music as an adjunct professor teaching an online MECA course. He is also teaching duel enrollment Music Appreciation with South Texas College.
Guy earned his B.M.Ed from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, graduating as Salutatorian of his class. He has also earned his M.M. from the American Band College of Southern Oregon University. He resides in Rancho Viejo with his wife Adriana where they raised two children, Maddy and Vivian.