The first nine weeks of school can be one of the most challenging periods for a new middle school band director. With limited time, high expectations, and a first concert on the horizon, many educators wonder how to establish a successful program from day one. This session provides a practical blueprint for navigating those critical first weeks with confidence and purpose.
Designed for new teachers, early-career directors, and collegiate music education students, this clinic outlines a realistic framework for building routines, fostering positive relationships, and developing strong musical fundamentals. Participants will explore strategies for classroom management, student engagement, parent communication, and assessment that are both effective and sustainable.
Rather than focusing on isolated activities, the session emphasizes how consistent systems create student buy-in, ensemble culture, and long-term success. Attendees will leave with actionable tools, planning structures, and greater clarity, equipped with a supportive and replicable framework for building an organized, confident, and concert-ready middle school band program.
Target Audience
Music Education Majors, First Year Teachers, Band Director teachign middle school for the first time
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Kelley Johnson
Chapel Hill Middle School - Decatur
Ms. Kelley Johnson is an accomplished music educator, clinician, and instructional leader with extensive experience at the middle and elementary school levels. She is widely recognized for her ability to build strong, student-centered band programs that prioritize musical excellence, equity, and long-term ensemble growth.
Ms. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Bethune-Cookman University. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Music Education. Her professional work reflects a deep commitment to effective rehearsal pedagogy, ensemble development, and music literacy at the foundational and intermediate levels.
In addition to her classroom teaching, Ms. Johnson has served in numerous instructional leadership and service roles. She is a District Coordinator for Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE) and has coordinated district-level music initiatives, including Honor Band events, All-State preparation programs, and Beginner Jumpstart clinics. She is frequently invited to serve as a Middle School Honor Band Clinician, Guest Conductor, and consultant for school ensembles and district clinics. Ms. Johnson is also passionate about professional development and serves as a mentor to early-career music educators, guiding them in curriculum design, classroom management, and program sustainability.
Ms. Johnson maintains active membership in several professional organizations, including the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA), National Band Association (NBA), Minority Band Directors National Association (MBDNA), Women Band Directors International (WBDI), and the Association for Black Women Band Directors (ABWBD). She is also a member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc., and Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity.
Through her work as a clinician, conductor, and mentor, Ms. Johnson continues to impact students and educators by fostering musical growth, confident leadership, and excellence in music education.