Recruitment and retention are among the biggest challenges for music educators in Title 1 schools. This session provides practical, culturally responsive strategies for growing and sustaining music programs in high-poverty communities. Learn how to build strong feeder patterns, engage families, support beginning students, and retain them through inclusive programming and consistent relationship-building. Attendees will leave with real-world tools to create meaningful music experiences that transform their students' lives—and their programs.
Target Audience
High School and Middle School Band Programs
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Darnella Davidson
Conn-Selmer
Darnella Davidson taught instrumental music in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) for 38 years. Her legendary high school bands performed in the Opening Ceremonies of the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, at professional National Football League games, on television, in film, print, and with numerous celebrities including Rosemary Clooney, Vanessa Carlton, Debbie Allen, George Lopez, and Pharrell Williams. Her competitive bands at San Pedro and Los Angeles High Schools combined earned 30 consecutive LAUSD City Band Championships and 8 Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) Field Band Championships. Her concert groups have performed at the Hollywood Bowl, Greek Theater, and Disneyland.
Recognized for her work as an educator, Mrs. Davidson has received commendations from various civic leaders including President Bill Clinton. She is a SCSBOA Honorary Life Member, CMEA Outstanding Teacher, GRAMMY Teacher Semifinalists, CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence recipient and has been a presenter at the prestigious Midwest Clinic. Darnella has been recognized for her work on several television programs including The Kelly Clarkson Show and The NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt and featured in The Instrumentalist magazine. She has inspired ordinary students with very little music experience to become extraordinary musical performers and amazing humans!
In retirement, Mrs. Davidson continues her work as a consultant, adjudicator, conductor, clinician, and Associate Director with the LAUSD All City Honor Band, which is an annual participant in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade.
She has served as a Los Angeles County Arts Commissioner and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association. Mrs. Davidson enjoys supervising student teachers for California State University, Northridge.
Darnella Davidson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from California State University, Northridge, and a Master of Arts degree in Education Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Mario Castro
Conn-Selmer
Mario Castro is an experienced music educator and Educational Support Manager for Conn Selmer, serving the western United States. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Music Education from California State University Los Angeles. With over 12 years of teaching in districts such as Lynwood, Los Angeles, Chino Valley, Downey, and Bellflower Unified, he has built and sustained award-winning band and choir programs in multiple Title 1 schools. He was named Teacher of the Year in Lynwood Unified in 2018–2019 and has also served as Director of Recruiting for the Air National Guard Band of the West Coast. Mario has performed with prestigious groups such as the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps and the Air Force ANG Band of the West Coast. His work focuses on student engagement, culturally responsive pedagogy, and increasing access to music education in underserved communities.