The Complete Band Director: Success On & Off the Podium

Dr. Charles T. Menghini, President Emeritus of VanderCook College of Music and Director of Bands at VanderCook for 23 years, will lead you through a week of insights and information designed to help you maximize the results you achieve with your band and the satisfaction you should experience in your role as band director.  Among the topics covered are recruitment, retention, music advocacy, short- and long-term planning, literature selection, rehearsal strategies, budget and inventory management, working with administrators, parent groups and much much more.  Join Dr. Menghini as he shares his 43 years of successes (and failures) with you in this comprehensive band directing class.

Instructor: Dr. Charles T. Menghini

Dr. Charles T. Menghini is President Emeritus of VanderCook College of Music. Dr. Menghini served as President and Director of Bands from August of 2004 through May of 2017, and prior to that time served as Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Director of Bands. He began his teaching at VanderCook College in 1994 and in addition to being Director of Bands he taught instrumental conducting, organization and administration, curriculum and supervision, brass methods and rehearsal techniques classes.

Dr. Menghini brought 18 years of successful high school band experience in Missouri and Kansas with his appointment to VanderCook. Bands under his direction received consistent Division I ratings in regional, state and national music festivals, performed at various state music educator conventions and performed in the Tournament of Roses Parade, Orange Bowl Parade, Bands of America International Festival and the XV Olympic Winter Games in Calgary, Canada.

Originally from Iron Mountain, MI, Dr. Menghini attended Northern Michigan University and the University of Missouri-Columbia where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in music education. He also holds a master's degree in educational administration and a Doctorate of Arts in wind conducting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music. Dr. Menghini recognizes Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, Gary Green and Gary Hill as being the most influential teachers in his growth and development.

Dr. Menghini is co-author of the Essential Elements Band Method, published by the Hal Leonard Corporation.  He also writes for numerous professional journals and magazines including InTune Monthly, School Band and Orchestra, and The Instrumentalist, where he serves as a member of the Board of Advisors.

Dr. Menghini frequently serves as a clinician and adjudicator throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and has actively worked with over 350 school and community ensembles from 20 states as well as Canada, Japan, Southeast Asia and Australia. He has conducted all-state ensembles in Wisconsin, North Dakota, Georgia, South Carolina, Nebraska, New York, Virginia and Minnesota, and has presented numerous clinics at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago and various state and regional music education in-services throughout the world.