What does it mean to lead from the podium, write for the ensemble, and teach the musicians in front of you? This engaging live conversation with Dr. Jack Stamp invites attendees into a Q & A about conducting, composing, education, mentorship, and the evolving role of the music educator. Drawing on a career spent in rehearsal rooms, concert halls, classrooms, and at the composer’s desk, Dr. Stamp will share practical wisdom, memorable stories, and thoughtful insight into the craft of music-making. Attendees will explore topics such as score study, rehearsal philosophy, repertoire selection, student engagement, and the responsibility conductors have in creating inclusive, meaningful ensemble experiences. This session offers directors at every stage of their career a rare opportunity to learn from one of the profession’s most respected voices and leave with a renewed perspective on how we lead, teach, and inspire.
Target Audience
Middle and High School Band, Preservice Teachers, Higher Education Band Directors
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Abigayle Gerdes
Abigayle Gerdes serves as an instrumental conductor and music education instructor at San Diego State University as well as a band director at the middle and high school level in Ramona, California. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and a Master of Music degree in Conducting from San Diego State University (SDSU). As a concert band director, both at the high school and university level, Abbie’s students perform works by living, BIPOC, and underrepresented composers as well as give premiere performances of commissioned works. As a music educator, her students have participated in research studies focused on the effects of mindfulness routines in band rehearsals, the results of which have been published in Update: Applications of Research in Music Education and Contributions to Music Education. Off the podium Abbie can be found spending time with her husband Michael, daughter Cici, and doodle Wally.
Jack Stamp
Jack Stamp just completed serving as “International Composer in Association” to the world-renowned Grimethorpe Colliery Brass Band (2019-2023). Dr. Stamp served as visiting professor of music at Luther College (2018), where he was acting director of bands and taught conducting. He spent the prior three years as adjunct faculty at UW-River Falls. He retired from full-time employment as Professor of Music and Director of Band Studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he conducted the Wind Ensemble and taught courses in graduate conducting for 25 years. Dr. Stamp received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education degree
from IUP, a Master’s in Percussion Performance from East Carolina University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Conducting from Michigan State University where he studied with Eugene Corporon.
His primary composition teacher was Robert Washburn. Additional studies include work with Fisher Tull, Evan Copley, David Diamond, Joan Tower and Richard Danielpour.
He is active as a guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and composer throughout North America and Great Britain. His compositions have been commissioned and performed by leading
military and university bands across the United States. He has won the praise of American composers David Diamond, Norman Dello Joio, Ron Nelson, Michael Torke, Samuel Adler, Robert Ward, Robert Washburn, Fisher Tull, Nancy Galbraith and Bruce Yurko for performances of their works. He is also a contributing author to the “Teaching Music Through Performance in Band” series released by GIA Publications.
In 1996, he received the Orpheus Award from the Zeta Tau Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha for service to music and was named a “Distinguished Alumnus” of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In
1999, he received the “Citation of Excellence” from the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association. In 2000, he was inducted into the prestigious American Bandmasters Association.
He was awarded the title of “University Professor” for the 2008-2009 academic year at IUP. This is the highest award the university gives to a professor.