The clinicians will explore strategies for elevating the musical and educational experience of middle-level band and orchestra ensembles within school music programs — often referred to as “second” groups. Drawing from real-world experience, the presenters will share approaches to curriculum pacing, rehearsal structure, and repertoire selection — all rooted in building a culture of value, intentionality, and student-centered growth. Special attention will be given to shifting the mindset around intermediate ensembles: how directors can create environments where these students feel seen, valued, challenged, developed, and essential to the success of the overall program. Attendees will leave with practical tools for fostering value, buy-in, and growth among students and parents, along with resources that help strongly align pedagogical goals across ensemble levels and how to pace their students to achieve these goals. This session advocates for a mindset shift: that intermediate ensembles are not “less than,” but central to sustainable, thriving music programs.
Target Audience
High School Bands, Junior High School Bands, High School Orchestras, Junior High School Orchestras
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Alec Rodriguez
Alec Rodriguez is a dedicated music educator and conductor currently pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Band Conducting at the University of Texas at Austin. With over six years of teaching experience, Alec previously served as Associate Director of Instrumental Music at Clovis High School in Clovis, CA (2022–2025) and at Independence High School in Bakersfield, CA (2019–2022).
His research centers on intentional student growth, cultivating student leadership, and fostering inclusive, motivating environments where musicianship and confidence flourish. Alec’s expertise also spans drum corps and indoor percussion, where he applies innovative rehearsal techniques and curriculum design to diverse performance settings, consistently raising ensemble performance standards and student engagement.
Holding both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Conducting from California State University, Fresno, Alec combines practical public school teaching experience with a strong commitment to advancing the wind band medium through scholarship, leadership, and community engagement at the highest levels.
Timothy Childs
Tim Childs serves as the Associate Director of Bands at Clovis East High School in Clovis, CA, where he has quickly established himself as an integral part of the program’s success. Recently appointed to this role, he has already left a significant mark, during his inaugural year as Associate Director of Bands, he guided the Clovis East Symphonic Winds to outstanding success, earning multiple superior ratings throughout the 2024 and 2025 festival season. In addition, he assisted the Clovis East Wind Ensemble in their prestigious performance at the California All-State Music Educators Conference in January 2025. Showcasing his multifaceted musicianship, he took the stage as both a guest conductor and featured saxophone soloist. Following this, the Clovis East Bands made their debut performance at Carnegie Hall in April of 2025.
Tim is a graduate from California State University Fresno and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education (22’). In addition, he earned his Master of Arts degree in Instrumental Conducting (24’) at California State University Fresno.