Sing! Dance! Play! 2025 Live in St. Louis

Registration

Welcome Day 1

A Singing Child is a Happy Child!

Presenter

Join your colleagues in lessons that will have your students singing joyfully, while addressing audiation, melody direction, intervals, steady beat and phrases. These fun and challenging opportunities include both primary and intermediate level lessons to encourage musical growth in unique ways.

Sing, Move, Play: Building a Musical Foundation for Little Learners

Presenter

Early music experiences are essential for young learners' development, helping them build foundational skills in rhythm, melody, and movement. In this session, explore engaging activities that foster a strong musical foundation through singing, movement, and instrument play. Learn how to integrate music and movement to teach key concepts, while introducing instruments to enhance rhythm and melody skills. This session will provide practical strategies for incorporating these elements into your classroom, helping little ones develop a love for music while learning the basics in a playful and hands-on way.

Teach Me about Hip Hop

Join Franklin Willis for a workshop empowering elementary music teachers to incorporate Hip Hop into their classrooms. Learn to create inclusive activities, celebrate cultural heritage, and connect with students through dynamic discussions and hands-on activities.

Keynote: Carefully Taught

Presenter

As music educators, we hold a unique and powerful role in shaping the lives of our students—not just as musicians, but as compassionate, thoughtful, and resilient human beings. Music is far more than notes on a page or melodies in the air; it is a vehicle for instilling lifelong values, fostering emotional intelligence, and nurturing a deep sense of empathy and connection. Our classrooms are not just places of musical instruction, but safe havens where children of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences can come together, find their voices, and build meaningful relationships. Through the power of song, rhythm, and harmony, we can teach lessons of kindness, respect, teamwork, courage, and forgiveness, allowing our students to experience these ideals firsthand. This keynote will explore how we, as educators, can purposefully weave social-emotional learning into our music instruction—helping children navigate their emotions, develop empathy for others, and cultivate resilience in the face of challenges. From the lyrics we choose to the way we structure our rehearsals, every interaction offers an opportunity to uplift, inspire, and teach beyond the music itself. Just as Rodgers and Hammerstein poignantly reminded us, "You’ve got to be carefully taught." What we say, how we say it, and the messages we reinforce through our musical choices will echo in the hearts and minds of our students long after they leave our classrooms. Let us embrace this incredible responsibility and ensure that, through music, we are shaping not only great performers but also kind, compassionate, and thoughtful individuals who will carry these lessons with them for a lifetime.

Registration

Welcome Day 1

A Singing Child is a Happy Child!

Presenter

Join your colleagues in lessons that will have your students singing joyfully, while addressing audiation, melody direction, intervals, steady beat and phrases. These fun and challenging opportunities include both primary and intermediate level lessons to encourage musical growth in unique ways.

Sing, Move, Play: Building a Musical Foundation for Little Learners

Presenter

Early music experiences are essential for young learners' development, helping them build foundational skills in rhythm, melody, and movement. In this session, explore engaging activities that foster a strong musical foundation through singing, movement, and instrument play. Learn how to integrate music and movement to teach key concepts, while introducing instruments to enhance rhythm and melody skills. This session will provide practical strategies for incorporating these elements into your classroom, helping little ones develop a love for music while learning the basics in a playful and hands-on way.

Teach Me about Hip Hop

Join Franklin Willis for a workshop empowering elementary music teachers to incorporate Hip Hop into their classrooms. Learn to create inclusive activities, celebrate cultural heritage, and connect with students through dynamic discussions and hands-on activities.

Keynote: Carefully Taught

Presenter

As music educators, we hold a unique and powerful role in shaping the lives of our students—not just as musicians, but as compassionate, thoughtful, and resilient human beings. Music is far more than notes on a page or melodies in the air; it is a vehicle for instilling lifelong values, fostering emotional intelligence, and nurturing a deep sense of empathy and connection. Our classrooms are not just places of musical instruction, but safe havens where children of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences can come together, find their voices, and build meaningful relationships. Through the power of song, rhythm, and harmony, we can teach lessons of kindness, respect, teamwork, courage, and forgiveness, allowing our students to experience these ideals firsthand. This keynote will explore how we, as educators, can purposefully weave social-emotional learning into our music instruction—helping children navigate their emotions, develop empathy for others, and cultivate resilience in the face of challenges. From the lyrics we choose to the way we structure our rehearsals, every interaction offers an opportunity to uplift, inspire, and teach beyond the music itself. Just as Rodgers and Hammerstein poignantly reminded us, "You’ve got to be carefully taught." What we say, how we say it, and the messages we reinforce through our musical choices will echo in the hearts and minds of our students long after they leave our classrooms. Let us embrace this incredible responsibility and ensure that, through music, we are shaping not only great performers but also kind, compassionate, and thoughtful individuals who will carry these lessons with them for a lifetime.

Registration

Welcome Day 1

A Singing Child is a Happy Child!

Presenter

Join your colleagues in lessons that will have your students singing joyfully, while addressing audiation, melody direction, intervals, steady beat and phrases. These fun and challenging opportunities include both primary and intermediate level lessons to encourage musical growth in unique ways.

Sing, Move, Play: Building a Musical Foundation for Little Learners

Presenter

Early music experiences are essential for young learners' development, helping them build foundational skills in rhythm, melody, and movement. In this session, explore engaging activities that foster a strong musical foundation through singing, movement, and instrument play. Learn how to integrate music and movement to teach key concepts, while introducing instruments to enhance rhythm and melody skills. This session will provide practical strategies for incorporating these elements into your classroom, helping little ones develop a love for music while learning the basics in a playful and hands-on way.

Teach Me about Hip Hop

Join Franklin Willis for a workshop empowering elementary music teachers to incorporate Hip Hop into their classrooms. Learn to create inclusive activities, celebrate cultural heritage, and connect with students through dynamic discussions and hands-on activities.

Keynote: Carefully Taught

Presenter

As music educators, we hold a unique and powerful role in shaping the lives of our students—not just as musicians, but as compassionate, thoughtful, and resilient human beings. Music is far more than notes on a page or melodies in the air; it is a vehicle for instilling lifelong values, fostering emotional intelligence, and nurturing a deep sense of empathy and connection. Our classrooms are not just places of musical instruction, but safe havens where children of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences can come together, find their voices, and build meaningful relationships. Through the power of song, rhythm, and harmony, we can teach lessons of kindness, respect, teamwork, courage, and forgiveness, allowing our students to experience these ideals firsthand. This keynote will explore how we, as educators, can purposefully weave social-emotional learning into our music instruction—helping children navigate their emotions, develop empathy for others, and cultivate resilience in the face of challenges. From the lyrics we choose to the way we structure our rehearsals, every interaction offers an opportunity to uplift, inspire, and teach beyond the music itself. Just as Rodgers and Hammerstein poignantly reminded us, "You’ve got to be carefully taught." What we say, how we say it, and the messages we reinforce through our musical choices will echo in the hearts and minds of our students long after they leave our classrooms. Let us embrace this incredible responsibility and ensure that, through music, we are shaping not only great performers but also kind, compassionate, and thoughtful individuals who will carry these lessons with them for a lifetime.

Welcome Day 2

Run the World: Empowerment Through Beyoncé’s Music

Discover how to integrate Beyoncé's music into lessons, exploring her Texan roots, vocal methods, and empowering messages using drums, tambourines, and xylophones to teach rhythm and coordination. Blend singing, playing instruments, and movement for an engaging learning atmosphere.

Percussion Parade

Presenter

Children love percussion instruments, and you will love the musical skills they develop with these lessons. Hand drums and kickballs are very motivational for the students, as they grow their mastery of steady beat, rhythmic reading and score analysis.

Make The Rhythm Sticks Groove

Get ready to dust off your rhythm sticks and groove with Mr. Franklin Willis! Rhythm sticks are accessible, strengthen rhythmic reading, enhance coordination, and promote active movement for students in the elementary music classroom. Join us for fun and relevant rhythm stick activities!

Beginners at the Bars

Presenter

Do you start to panic when your kindergarten and 1st grade babies start to ask about the Orff instruments? Do you cringe every time they go near them and think “uh, oh!” This session will give you great strategies to prepare your littles to play the Orff instruments properly and give you the tools to make sure that they go back to the instruments week after week with success and progress in their performance! Great action words for proper mallet technique and great tips for how to begin will be shared so that you go back to your classroom without that cringe of fear!

Dashing Through the Shows

Presenter

Looking for the perfect musical for your elementary students? Join us for a lively session showcasing brand-new and original musicals that bring storytelling, singing, and movement to life! From heartwarming narratives to laugh-out-loud moments, these fresh productions are designed to engage young performers and captivate audiences. We’ll explore accessible vocal lines, memorable melodies, and creative staging ideas to make your next school production a show-stopping success. Come ready to discover your next favorite musical and dash through the shows with us!

Concept Collage

Presenter

Our focus will be on the building blocks of music, including beat, rhythm, form and phrasing. This clinic will feature innovative ways to deliver music theory instruction to K- 5 students. Moving, singing, playing and a wide variety of manipulatives provide the child-friendly materials necessary for success.

Bringing Project-Based Learning to Music Class: From Concepts to Compositions

Presenter

Project-based learning deepens students' musical understanding through exploration, creativity, and critical thinking. By guiding students in research and composition, they connect personal preferences to key musical concepts. You’ll learn to design projects that explore music genres, song analysis, and orchestra instruments, while incorporating digital composition tools to boost creativity. Through collaboration, students will strengthen their musical skills and develop teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

Welcome Day 2

Run the World: Empowerment Through Beyoncé’s Music

Discover how to integrate Beyoncé's music into lessons, exploring her Texan roots, vocal methods, and empowering messages using drums, tambourines, and xylophones to teach rhythm and coordination. Blend singing, playing instruments, and movement for an engaging learning atmosphere.

Percussion Parade

Presenter

Children love percussion instruments, and you will love the musical skills they develop with these lessons. Hand drums and kickballs are very motivational for the students, as they grow their mastery of steady beat, rhythmic reading and score analysis.

Make The Rhythm Sticks Groove

Get ready to dust off your rhythm sticks and groove with Mr. Franklin Willis! Rhythm sticks are accessible, strengthen rhythmic reading, enhance coordination, and promote active movement for students in the elementary music classroom. Join us for fun and relevant rhythm stick activities!

Beginners at the Bars

Presenter

Do you start to panic when your kindergarten and 1st grade babies start to ask about the Orff instruments? Do you cringe every time they go near them and think “uh, oh!” This session will give you great strategies to prepare your littles to play the Orff instruments properly and give you the tools to make sure that they go back to the instruments week after week with success and progress in their performance! Great action words for proper mallet technique and great tips for how to begin will be shared so that you go back to your classroom without that cringe of fear!

Dashing Through the Shows

Presenter

Looking for the perfect musical for your elementary students? Join us for a lively session showcasing brand-new and original musicals that bring storytelling, singing, and movement to life! From heartwarming narratives to laugh-out-loud moments, these fresh productions are designed to engage young performers and captivate audiences. We’ll explore accessible vocal lines, memorable melodies, and creative staging ideas to make your next school production a show-stopping success. Come ready to discover your next favorite musical and dash through the shows with us!

Concept Collage

Presenter

Our focus will be on the building blocks of music, including beat, rhythm, form and phrasing. This clinic will feature innovative ways to deliver music theory instruction to K- 5 students. Moving, singing, playing and a wide variety of manipulatives provide the child-friendly materials necessary for success.

Bringing Project-Based Learning to Music Class: From Concepts to Compositions

Presenter

Project-based learning deepens students' musical understanding through exploration, creativity, and critical thinking. By guiding students in research and composition, they connect personal preferences to key musical concepts. You’ll learn to design projects that explore music genres, song analysis, and orchestra instruments, while incorporating digital composition tools to boost creativity. Through collaboration, students will strengthen their musical skills and develop teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

Welcome Day 2

Run the World: Empowerment Through Beyoncé’s Music

Discover how to integrate Beyoncé's music into lessons, exploring her Texan roots, vocal methods, and empowering messages using drums, tambourines, and xylophones to teach rhythm and coordination. Blend singing, playing instruments, and movement for an engaging learning atmosphere.

Percussion Parade

Presenter

Children love percussion instruments, and you will love the musical skills they develop with these lessons. Hand drums and kickballs are very motivational for the students, as they grow their mastery of steady beat, rhythmic reading and score analysis.

Make The Rhythm Sticks Groove

Get ready to dust off your rhythm sticks and groove with Mr. Franklin Willis! Rhythm sticks are accessible, strengthen rhythmic reading, enhance coordination, and promote active movement for students in the elementary music classroom. Join us for fun and relevant rhythm stick activities!

Beginners at the Bars

Presenter

Do you start to panic when your kindergarten and 1st grade babies start to ask about the Orff instruments? Do you cringe every time they go near them and think “uh, oh!” This session will give you great strategies to prepare your littles to play the Orff instruments properly and give you the tools to make sure that they go back to the instruments week after week with success and progress in their performance! Great action words for proper mallet technique and great tips for how to begin will be shared so that you go back to your classroom without that cringe of fear!

Dashing Through the Shows

Presenter

Looking for the perfect musical for your elementary students? Join us for a lively session showcasing brand-new and original musicals that bring storytelling, singing, and movement to life! From heartwarming narratives to laugh-out-loud moments, these fresh productions are designed to engage young performers and captivate audiences. We’ll explore accessible vocal lines, memorable melodies, and creative staging ideas to make your next school production a show-stopping success. Come ready to discover your next favorite musical and dash through the shows with us!

Concept Collage

Presenter

Our focus will be on the building blocks of music, including beat, rhythm, form and phrasing. This clinic will feature innovative ways to deliver music theory instruction to K- 5 students. Moving, singing, playing and a wide variety of manipulatives provide the child-friendly materials necessary for success.

Bringing Project-Based Learning to Music Class: From Concepts to Compositions

Presenter

Project-based learning deepens students' musical understanding through exploration, creativity, and critical thinking. By guiding students in research and composition, they connect personal preferences to key musical concepts. You’ll learn to design projects that explore music genres, song analysis, and orchestra instruments, while incorporating digital composition tools to boost creativity. Through collaboration, students will strengthen their musical skills and develop teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

Welcome Day 3

Music Theory Playtime: Where Learning Meets Fun

Presenter

Discover the joy of music theory through interactive games, manipulatives, and centers! In this session, teachers will learn creative strategies for teaching note names, rhythms and melodic concepts that are both educational and enjoyable for students. Classroom management techniques and student adaptations will be shared to support a variety of learning styles. Attendees will leave equipped with a versatile toolkit to foster musical literacy in the elementary music classroom.

We Sing! Gems for Your Choir

Presenter

Discover a fresh collection of choral treasures in this inspiring reading session! Featuring brand-new original songs, uplifting favorites, and exciting selections from pop, movie, and animated film soundtracks, this session is designed to energize and engage your elementary choir. Explore pieces that build vocal technique, musical expression, and ensemble confidence while bringing joy to your singers and audience alike. Come ready to sing, be inspired, and take home repertoire that will make your choir shine!

Awesome Books with Musical Hooks

Presenter

Come participate in several lessons that use children’s literature to introduce and practice musical skills for grades K-5. Using great children’s books to engage students into the lesson will not only bring retention for your students, but the repetitive nature of these books will also give great practice for musical skills and maximize your time with them. Your administration and teachers at school will jump for joy when they see how you encourage fluency and comprehension in your classroom while focusing on your music standards!

Props that Pop!

Presenter

Bring musical elements to life with these engaging lessons designed for primary and intermediate students. Explore steady beat and musical form with stick horses, stretchy bands, kickballs, hoops and plates. Where there’s passion: there’s retention!

More Poems, More Play

Presenter

Poetry is inherently rhythmic, which is why it is so effective in the music classroom in teaching our students not only about rhythms, but about music foundations and standards. We will learn poems that will teach students about music standards and build their knowledge while also using their creativity to play and create performances. We will also explore playing with different rhythms using fun pop songs that could also be transferred to the stage for performance!

Recorder Refresh

Presenter

In this session, explore innovative approaches and practical strategies to make learning the recorder enjoyable for students of all ages. From beginner basics to advanced techniques, gain a comprehensive understanding of recorder instruction that will help inspire a love for music in your students. Whether you're an experienced educator or new to teaching the recorder, this session will provide you with the tools to effectively address the diverse learning needs in your elementary music classroom.

Dancing Through Life

Presenter

Get ready to move! In this engaging session, we’ll explore essential dances and movements that every child should experience—circle dances, creative movement, folk dances, and more! Movement is a powerful tool for learning, self-expression, and classroom engagement, helping students internalize rhythm, develop coordination, and connect with music on a deeper level. Discover how to seamlessly integrate movement into your music lessons, making learning fun, active, and memorable for all students. Come ready to dance, play, and bring the joy of movement into your classroom!

Welcome Day 3

Music Theory Playtime: Where Learning Meets Fun

Presenter

Discover the joy of music theory through interactive games, manipulatives, and centers! In this session, teachers will learn creative strategies for teaching note names, rhythms and melodic concepts that are both educational and enjoyable for students. Classroom management techniques and student adaptations will be shared to support a variety of learning styles. Attendees will leave equipped with a versatile toolkit to foster musical literacy in the elementary music classroom.

We Sing! Gems for Your Choir

Presenter

Discover a fresh collection of choral treasures in this inspiring reading session! Featuring brand-new original songs, uplifting favorites, and exciting selections from pop, movie, and animated film soundtracks, this session is designed to energize and engage your elementary choir. Explore pieces that build vocal technique, musical expression, and ensemble confidence while bringing joy to your singers and audience alike. Come ready to sing, be inspired, and take home repertoire that will make your choir shine!

Awesome Books with Musical Hooks

Presenter

Come participate in several lessons that use children’s literature to introduce and practice musical skills for grades K-5. Using great children’s books to engage students into the lesson will not only bring retention for your students, but the repetitive nature of these books will also give great practice for musical skills and maximize your time with them. Your administration and teachers at school will jump for joy when they see how you encourage fluency and comprehension in your classroom while focusing on your music standards!

Props that Pop!

Presenter

Bring musical elements to life with these engaging lessons designed for primary and intermediate students. Explore steady beat and musical form with stick horses, stretchy bands, kickballs, hoops and plates. Where there’s passion: there’s retention!

More Poems, More Play

Presenter

Poetry is inherently rhythmic, which is why it is so effective in the music classroom in teaching our students not only about rhythms, but about music foundations and standards. We will learn poems that will teach students about music standards and build their knowledge while also using their creativity to play and create performances. We will also explore playing with different rhythms using fun pop songs that could also be transferred to the stage for performance!

Recorder Refresh

Presenter

In this session, explore innovative approaches and practical strategies to make learning the recorder enjoyable for students of all ages. From beginner basics to advanced techniques, gain a comprehensive understanding of recorder instruction that will help inspire a love for music in your students. Whether you're an experienced educator or new to teaching the recorder, this session will provide you with the tools to effectively address the diverse learning needs in your elementary music classroom.

Dancing Through Life

Presenter

Get ready to move! In this engaging session, we’ll explore essential dances and movements that every child should experience—circle dances, creative movement, folk dances, and more! Movement is a powerful tool for learning, self-expression, and classroom engagement, helping students internalize rhythm, develop coordination, and connect with music on a deeper level. Discover how to seamlessly integrate movement into your music lessons, making learning fun, active, and memorable for all students. Come ready to dance, play, and bring the joy of movement into your classroom!

Welcome Day 3

Music Theory Playtime: Where Learning Meets Fun

Presenter

Discover the joy of music theory through interactive games, manipulatives, and centers! In this session, teachers will learn creative strategies for teaching note names, rhythms and melodic concepts that are both educational and enjoyable for students. Classroom management techniques and student adaptations will be shared to support a variety of learning styles. Attendees will leave equipped with a versatile toolkit to foster musical literacy in the elementary music classroom.

We Sing! Gems for Your Choir

Presenter

Discover a fresh collection of choral treasures in this inspiring reading session! Featuring brand-new original songs, uplifting favorites, and exciting selections from pop, movie, and animated film soundtracks, this session is designed to energize and engage your elementary choir. Explore pieces that build vocal technique, musical expression, and ensemble confidence while bringing joy to your singers and audience alike. Come ready to sing, be inspired, and take home repertoire that will make your choir shine!

Awesome Books with Musical Hooks

Presenter

Come participate in several lessons that use children’s literature to introduce and practice musical skills for grades K-5. Using great children’s books to engage students into the lesson will not only bring retention for your students, but the repetitive nature of these books will also give great practice for musical skills and maximize your time with them. Your administration and teachers at school will jump for joy when they see how you encourage fluency and comprehension in your classroom while focusing on your music standards!

Props that Pop!

Presenter

Bring musical elements to life with these engaging lessons designed for primary and intermediate students. Explore steady beat and musical form with stick horses, stretchy bands, kickballs, hoops and plates. Where there’s passion: there’s retention!

More Poems, More Play

Presenter

Poetry is inherently rhythmic, which is why it is so effective in the music classroom in teaching our students not only about rhythms, but about music foundations and standards. We will learn poems that will teach students about music standards and build their knowledge while also using their creativity to play and create performances. We will also explore playing with different rhythms using fun pop songs that could also be transferred to the stage for performance!

Recorder Refresh

Presenter

In this session, explore innovative approaches and practical strategies to make learning the recorder enjoyable for students of all ages. From beginner basics to advanced techniques, gain a comprehensive understanding of recorder instruction that will help inspire a love for music in your students. Whether you're an experienced educator or new to teaching the recorder, this session will provide you with the tools to effectively address the diverse learning needs in your elementary music classroom.

Dancing Through Life

Presenter

Get ready to move! In this engaging session, we’ll explore essential dances and movements that every child should experience—circle dances, creative movement, folk dances, and more! Movement is a powerful tool for learning, self-expression, and classroom engagement, helping students internalize rhythm, develop coordination, and connect with music on a deeper level. Discover how to seamlessly integrate movement into your music lessons, making learning fun, active, and memorable for all students. Come ready to dance, play, and bring the joy of movement into your classroom!