Omar Thomas is an assistant professor of composition at The University of Texas at Austin, Butler School of Music. He is helping educators rethink the way that they can build non-exclusionary curricula.  

Michael Pote, an award-winning band director and highly sought-after speaker, clearly demonstrates that success in a large, high-profile program stems from understanding and utilizing the strengths of everyone involved.

The ultimate goal for beginning band students is the devel­op­ment of skills and under­standing that enable the student to experience musical artistry. 

Dr. Emily Threinen is director of bands and associate professor of music at University of Minnesota. She consistently works with composers, arrangers and performing artists of varied disciplines. 

Dr. Kevin Sedatole is director of bands, professor of music and chair of the conducting area at Michigan State University. 

Dynamic, energetic, exciting — these are the words used to describe Marcia Neel, one of the most knowledgeable professionals in the field of music education today. 

With a broad and diverse arsenal of experiences spanning over five decades, Anthony Maiello's enthusiasm for teaching music is nothing short of contagious. 

A multi-faceted artist, Gary Lewis has done it all — from jazz performance and marching band, to musical theater and opera, to arranging for a variety of genres. 

Having appeared as a guest conductor throughout the world, Craig Kirchhoff brings a deep understanding of both traditional and contemporary literature to his sessions, including one titled "Score Study: A Different Perspective." 

Whether conducting a group of professionals or students, Jerry Junkin is committed to ensuring that musicians under his baton make an emotional connection to the music. 

Students, leadership, excellence and passion — the core of Barry Houser's teaching, as well as his working with directors, is based on the intermingling of these four components.  

Jeffrey Grogan is an internationally known conductor and teacher who is dedicated to pursuing his craft and sharing the joy of musical excellence with young musicians. 

Inspired by his own high school band director, Larry Gookin's primary focus when conducting wind bands of any level is for the performers to "say something." 

Kevin Ford has two strong tenants that guide his work as the director of bands and the founder/director of the Leadership Conservatory for the Arts at Tarpon Springs High School in Florida. 

Richard Floyd is the state director of music emeritus at The University of Texas at Austin. He is a recognized authority on the art and craft of teaching and making music. 

Cheryl Floyd is at home presenting on any instrumental music topic. But as the retired director of bands at Hill Country Middle School in Austin, Texas, she shines especially bright in the realm of "all things middle school." 

With a dynamic and engaging teaching style, Douglas Droste brings a level of enthusiasm to orchestral rehearsals, which stems from his determination to achieve musical success for every student, at every level, in every ensemble. 

Dr. Rodney Dorsey's expertise in music education stems from a diverse background of experiences, which include teaching at multiple distinct public high schools as well as directing college ensembles for decades. 

Dr. Travis J. Cross is the chair of the department of music at UCLA, where he conducts the wind ensemble and symphonic band and directs the graduate wind conducting program. 

In his inspirational and practical presentations, Daniel Berard, the assistant director of bands at Wakeland High School in Frisco, Texas, shares his experience of starting with nothing but a blank piece of paper and a vision.