Sharpening Organizational Skills to Increase Class Productivity
Date
June 9-August 1, 2025
Online
Course Code
MECA: 8035B, MMEd: 542 *
Credits
MECA: 3, MMEd: 2 *
Tuition
$1146
Course Description
Discover strategies to sharpen your organizational skills in order for you to do the work of teaching your musical group more efficiently. This course covers essential skills that are needed outside the classroom in order to “get things done” in an efficient manner. Topics include planning, setting goals, developing relationships with stakeholders, understanding your budget processes, recruiting and marketing your program, traveling with your group, and more responsibilities as you become a fine arts department or head director. Designed to be practical to your situation, students will participate in a weekly group discussion, complete answers to topic questions, submit examples needed for your current situation, and develop plans for future growth.
* This course is offered at two course levels. Students enrolled in the MMEd program at VanderCook are eligible to enroll for the 500 course number. Students not enrolled in the MMEd program who wish to earn graduate credit as a MECA Continuing Education student should register for the 7000 course number. The difference in credits earned and tuition cost is attributed to the difference in tuition rates for the MMEd and MECA Continuing Education programs. If you are unsure which section is best for you, please contact us directly at [email protected].
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.