Emerging Ensembles Committee

2026 Call for Modern Band Showcase Applications

The NYSSMA Emerging Ensembles Committee is calling for applications for its Modern Band Showcase Pilot

2026 Applications (Click on the links below or scan the QR Code)

Applications open February 15th, 2026 and close May 15th, 2026.

Send any questions to Lindsey Williams at willaimsl@oacsd.org

2026 Modern Band Showcase for Students

The showcase is an opportunity for distinguished modern band students from across New York state to collaborate with each other, and elite modern band coaches, for a three day period in preparation for performance. Their performance will be a featured event of the 2026 NYSSMA Winter Conference on Saturday afternoon, December 5, 2026.

2025 Winter Conference

Scenes from 2025 Winter Conference Modern Band Showcase Pilot, under the direction of Kris Gilbert

2025 Sessions for Educators

The 2025 Winter Conference featured sessions on popular music, Mariachi, and Modern Band. We are interested in featuring sessions on Emerging Ensembles and Music of all kinds. These include but are not limited to Modern Band, Popular Music Education, Mariachi, Bluegrass, Celtic, Folk, Brass Band, Indie, Electronic, Guitar Ensemble, Historical Performance Ensembles and the blending of any combination of genres/ensembles. If you are interested in presenting at the next winter conference and have questions please contact willaimsl@oacsd.org.

Scenes from 2025 Winter Conference Emerging Ensembles Presentations

Modern Band Resources

More resources are becoming available every day. These are just a few to get you started.

Music Will
APME
Modern Band Method Books
The Modern Band Handbook
Music First – Modern Band
Sweetwater

More coming soon!

About the Modern Band Ad Hoc Committee

This committee is comprised of modern band educators from across New York State. We are passionate about making modern, commercial, and popular music education more accessible to students and educators alike, by increasing inclusive opportunities for everyone to learn and experience more.

Emerging Ensembles Committee

Larry Ballereau (Syosset Central School District, Hofstra University, Zone13)  
Brian Ellison (Corning Painted Post, Zone 15) 
Kris Gilbert (Windsor, Zone 3)
Kevin Heathwood (NYC Department of Education, Zone Rep, Zone 12) 
Ashley Trudell (Zone Rep, Zone 5)  
Matt Zebrowski (Zone 14) 
Lindsey Williams, Emerging Ensembles Chair (Owego Free Academy, Zone 3)

Lindsey Williams, Emerging Ensembles Chair, has directed concert bands, marching bands, jazz bands, and modern bands at all levels in the Owego Apalachin Central School District since 2007, hosting and earning many gold ratings at NYSSMA festivals. She attended The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, founding their National Association for Music Education chapter and receiving her MMED and BM in Flute Performance, summa cum laude, along with the Conservatory’s Outstanding Music Educator Award. You can purchase her latest book, Where the Valley Widens, anywhere you buy books. Connect with her at: 

https://www.lindseywilliamsmusic.com

Instagram: @LindseyWilliamsMusic

Facebook: facebook.com/LindseyWilliamsMusic/