Modern Band Summit 2025

July 9-11, 2025

Pre-Conference Day July 8

Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO

Join us for our three-day national teacher conference as we gather educators from across the nation for a transformative experience this summer. Engage with experts and connect with peers who share your passion for using music to make a difference in children’s lives. With over 50 can’t-miss workshops, keynotes, and hands-on sessions to choose from, you’ll leave reenergized with new tools and techniques you can apply immediately in the classroom.

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$199

Registration includes conference registration & community events. Housing registration is through CSU.

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About the Annual Modern Band Summit

The Modern Band Summit is a professional development conference like no other! Music educators from all over the country come together to learn, teach, play music, and experience the modern band curriculum. This is the premiere gathering for those passionate about the rising tide of culturally-responsive music education. Modern Band Summit is the only conference you need to achieve your professional development goals, transform your classroom and impact even more students.

2025 Speakers

We’re proud to announce some of the dynamic presenters and sessions you’ll experience this summer. From powerful keynotes to hands-on workshops, you’ll leave energized with practical tools, new perspectives, and a deeper connection to the power of modern music education.

Mandy Harvey

Artist Keynote

Mandy Harvey is a singer, songwriter, author, and motivational speaker who lost her hearing at 18 and re-learned how to sing using visual tuners, vibrations, and muscle memory. In her keynote and breakout session, Mandy will share her journey and invite attendees to reimagine how music is experienced—through vibration, conduction, and tech solutions that connect us to sound in new ways.

Brandi Waller-Pace

American Roots Music

Founder and Executive Director of Decolonizing the Music Room, Brandi Waller-Pace, will present on American roots music and the critical role Black Americans played in its development. She will share resources for traditional roots instruments like the banjo alongside common classroom instruments like the guitar and ukulele. Explore how heritage and history can come alive in your modern band classroom!

Ruth LeMay

3 Strings for Neurodivergent Learners

Looking for adaptive music literacy strategies? Ruth LeMay’s 3 Strings approach empowers neurodivergent students to make music—often in their very first class. You’ll leave equipped to create inclusive pop ensembles using instruments you already have.

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Why You Should Attend the Modern Band Summit

Quality Training

You will meet real pros from across the global modern band education community who provide real, actionable insights and hands-on training that you will be able to apply in the classroom immediately.

Professional Development

Attendees can receive a certificate for up to 15 hours of professional development. Please check with your district regarding its acceptance policy and certification protocol.

Community

You will forge lifelong relationships with people who become like family — your go-to group of peers whom you can ask any question or lean on for support.

Education Resources

By attending the Modern Band Summit, you become a part of the Music Will community. You will gain exclusive access to ongoing resources and support that will continue to guide you on your teaching journey.

Inspiration

Modern band is so much more than curriculum – it’s a movement. You will leave excited about the upcoming school year, prepared with new ways to engage your students and get them excited to learn about music.

Past Presentations

See What Our Community is Saying

"What Music Will is building matters. It’s inclusive, it’s bold, and it has the power to transform what music education looks like in this country."

Dr. David Knapp

Music Education Professor - Florida State University

"This conference still rejuvenates me every year and continues to grow me both as a human being and as an educator and as a musician. This is the single most valuable PD I attend each year."

Traci P.

Arts Administrator - Indianapolis, IN

"This is the most informative and invigorating conference that I’ve ever attended. The opportunity to learn from others and brainstorm with other higher ed fellows was awesome."

Kate E.

Associate Professor of Music Education - Towson University, MD

"I love being around teachers who are so excited about music, teaching and learning. I learn great ideas from other colleagues. This is how music education conferences should be."

Kevin D.

Associate Professor of Music Education - University of Northern Iowa

"It is the conference for rebels, renegades, and divergent thinking musicians. I love it! I felt so welcomed and included. People found ways to include everyone, regardless of skill level! This is a true music conference and I want to go every year."

Ian W.

Teacher - Rye, CO

"This is more than the most actionable, informative, and fun conference there is. It’s a family of amazing people who enthusiastically engage with one another as colleagues and friends."

Steven U.

Teacher - New York, NY

"This is where I have found my community! Finally!"

Bethany B.

Teacher - Grand Junction, CO

"This was my first Modern Band Summit professional development event. I cannot wait to get started with my young musicians to begin teaching all the amazing things I've learned. Thank you all for this amazing experience. Your energy and enthusiasm was through the roof!"

Nadine B.

Teacher - Machias, ME

“The Modern Band Summit is by far the best professional development I have and likely ever will receive. It's so much more than just the conference and the sessions. It's the community, the events, the way the staff is connected and involved, and so much more.”

Nicole G.

Teacher - Falls Church, VA

“Modern band truly changed my life. I know that sounds crazy, but it did! I was burned out and I was losing my passion for teaching. I attended the 101 workshop with a few of my colleagues and I found my passion again! Thank you a million times over!”

Jennifer G.

Teacher - Longmont, CO

“I learned motivating, engaging strategies for composition, improvisation, speech, and rap that I will utilize in the classroom immediately when students return in the fall. Thank you!”

Heidi F.

Teacher - Chicago, IL

"I am always blown away by the high-quality professional development opportunities provided at the Summit. I feel supported and empowered in so many ways. I am proud to be a part of this community.”

Emmeline M.

Teacher - Surrey, British Columbia

"Every session was a golden nugget of teaching happiness. It wasn't the traditional music program. This was a way to make music immediately accessible for our students in a way that kids would want to be a part of.”

Barbara “Bobbie” G.

Teacher - Watsonville, CA

“Modern band will change US music education. It will catch fire and spread to every school district. I am proud and ecstatic to be a part of this movement and plan to move mountains to spread the word.”

Maria F.

Teacher - Los Angeles, CA

“Modern Band Summit is something I look forward to every year. It is the best professional development conference I have attended in my 24 years of being a music educator.”

DeWayne E.

Teacher - Lakewood, CO

"I'm here at the Summit simply because it is the best training I have ever received."

Zach H.

Teacher - Helena, MT

"This is a grassroots movement that is going to make a huge difference. I think it could revolutionize music education as we know it."

David E.

Professor of Music at NYU - New York

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some answers to commonly asked questions about Modern Band Summit. For our complete set of frequently asked questions, visit our full FAQ page.

When and where is the event?

Modern Band Summit 2025 will be held from July 9-11, 2025 at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. There is a pre-conference day on July 8th with our Modern Band 101 and 102 Workshops and a new Hip Hop 101!

When will registration open?

Modern Band Summit registration opened in January 2025. Register now!

How much does MBS 2025 cost?

One low rate of $199 for ALL attendees!

Do you offer scholarships?

We sometimes are able to offer limited scholarships in select markets thanks to our generous donors and supporters. Scholarships for 2025 Modern Band Summit are now closed.

Who is the keynote speaker?

We’re thrilled to welcome Mandy Harvey as our Artist Keynote presenter who will share her journey as a musician as we listen, feel, and connect through sound. Mandy will also engage attendees in a breakout session to explore how she feels the music through conduction, vibration, tech solutions, and more. As an important voice in the disabled community, she’s redefining how music is experienced and pushing boundaries to advocate for accessible music education.

What is the conference schedule?

We are still finalizing the complete schedule. This is a very rough schedule that should help attendees to secure travel plans.

Modern Band Summit at a Glance

7/8: Pre-conference (Optional: Pre-registration is required)
- 10 AM- 4 PM Modern Band 101 and 102 Workshops and Hip-Hop 101: These foundational workshops cover music-making, improvisation, and composition, lasting about 6 hours. Participants will learn basic skills on various instruments and collaborate to compose and perform an original song.
7/9: MBS Day 1 (with variability)
- Sessions: 9 AM – 12 PM
- Lunch: 12 PM – 1 PM
- Sessions: 1 PM – 4 PM
- Community Evening Event: Performances at Washington’s
7/10: MBS Day 2 (with variability)
- Sessions: 9 AM – 12 PM
- Lunch: 12 PM – 1 PM
- Sessions: 1 PM – 4 PM
- Community Evening Event: Performances at The Lyric
7/11: MBS Day 3 (with variability)
- Sessions: 9 AM – 12 PM
- Lunch: 12 PM – 1 PM
- Sessions: 1 PM – 5 PM
- Closing Keynotes: Wrap up the summit with inspiring talks
- Community Evening Event: The Cookout & Jam: Cookout + Performances to celebrate our time together
7/12: Final date to check-out of dorms. Attendees leaving on 7/12 must check out of the dorms by 10:00 AM.

Registering for Sessions

Registration for individual sessions will go live on the Cvent Events app as we get closer to the event and updates will be shared in advance.

Accessibility

Music Will staff will run golf carts to help transport people between the dorms and the Lory Student Center where Summit sessions are held.

Additionally, all buildings have ramp access and elevators.

If you have any specific concerns, please contact us at [email protected].

Meal Information

Dining Hall Meal Times:

Breakfast: 7 am – 9 am
Dinner: 5 pm – 7 pm*
*Friday dinner will be served at the cookout, not the dining hall!

Conference meals:

Upon check-in, you will receive a lanyard with a meal card and room key. More info below about meals and schedules!

Included with conference registration:

Lunches on July 9-11
Dinner on Friday evening will be served at our cookout

Included with CSU housing registration:

Breakfasts and most dinners take place in the Foundry
There is a an option for commuters and off-campus attendees to purchase a meal plan, or if you did not purchase a meal card in advance, you may still purchase meals with your credit/debit card (no cash payments)

Included with Pre-conference Registration:

Attendees that are registered for the pre-conference sessions will be provided Breakfast and Lunch on 7/8/25. Pre-registration is required.

Schedule

Thursday 7/8/25: Pre-Conference Day

Breakfast @ The Foundry
Included with pre-conference session registration
Lunch @ Lory Student Center
Included with pre-conference session registration
Dinner @ The Foundry
Included in CSU housing registration fee; option to purchase meal with credit/debit card (no cash payments)

Wednesday 7/9/25: MBS Day 1

Breakfast @ The Foundry
Included in CSU housing registration fee; option to purchase meal with credit/debit card (no cash payments)
Lunch @ Lory Student Center
Included in conference registration
Dinner @ The Foundry
Included in CSU housing registration fee; option to purchase meal with credit/debit card (no cash payments)

Thursday 7/10/25: MBS Day 2

Breakfast @ The Foundry
Included in CSU housing registration fee; option to purchase meal with credit/debit card (no cash payments)
Lunch @ Lory Student Center
Included in conference registration
Dinner @ The Foundry
Included in CSU housing registration fee; option to purchase meal with credit/debit card (no cash payments)

Friday 7/11/25: MBS Day 3

Breakfast @ The Foundry
Included in CSU housing registration fee; option to purchase meal with credit/debit card (no cash payments)
Lunch @ Lory Student Center
Included in conference registration
Cookout & Jam @ Laurel Village Pavillion
Included in conference registration

Saturday 7/12/25

Breakfast @ The Foundry
Included in CSU housing registration fee; option to purchase meal with credit/debit card (no cash payments)

Additional Information:

For those attending the pre-conference MB101 and MB102 sessions (pre-registration required), Lunch is also provided on July 8.
Allergy & dietary restriction options available (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, etc.)
Optional snacks/drinks for purchase at the on-site campus store and cafe
Complimentary coffee & water stations will be in the Lory Student Center at 8:30 am and 2:30 pm every day
Desserts & snacks will be provided at Washington’s reception on Wednesday, July 9th
Please note, if you did not purchase a meal card in advance, you may still purchase meals with your credit/debit card (no cash payments)

Important Phone Numbers

Teacher Services Line: 973-746-7078

Housing:

Daytime phone (7 AM-10 PM): 970-491-5807
After Hours phone (10 PM-7 AM): 970-567-6323

Miscellaneous

Traveling with instruments? View TSA Guidelines for Flying here.
- Note: Acoustic guitars are available on-site for ALL attendees!
Friendly reminder that CSU is a smoke-free campus.
Posting about the Summit? Use our hashtags! #ModernBandSummit and #JoinTheMovement
There are currently no COVID protocols in place for the Summit as Music Will complies with recommendations from the state of Colorado. Attendees are, however, welcome to take any necessary precautions as they see fit.

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