Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • June 2013
12
be rewarded and encouraged by seeing themselves
recognized on the website.
Resources
Bridge the gap between your students and the
band world by encouraging exploration of instrument
organizations, videos of professional ensembles and
online practice resources. Pinterest is a great way to
organize your favorite band-related videos and links.
Many of your students already use it, but the ones that
do not can still access your content. Pinterest’s format
is more visually appealing and engaging than a list of
links on your website. For an example of how to use
Pinterest for your band, go to:
http://pinterest.com/
killianband/
Pictures
The most important part of creating that first
impression is the quality and quantity of photos
on your website. Photos are the most visual and
attention-grabbing aspect of your site. Posting many
photos often will ensure that your students and their
parents will visit the website. The quality of photos
on your website, however, are just as important as the
quantity. The best pictures are taken when students
are performing, smiling and holding their instruments,
having fun with friends or posing with trophies.
Picmonkey.com
is a free online photo editor that
makes it easy to add effects, text and create collages.
Flickr.com
is a great resource for creating a photo
slideshow to add to any post.
Summer is the perfect time to create or revamp
your band website. Visit the Killian Middle School
Band website at
http://www.killianband.org
/ to get an
idea of how Google Blogger can be used to create a
free and professional-looking band website. Be sure to
come to the TBA clinic,
Using Technology to Recruit,
Promote, Teach, Motivate & More!
for more tips on
how to use technology in and out of the classroom.
Feel free to email any questions you may have to
scheerg@lisd.net
.
Gina Scheer is the Associate Director of Bands at Killian Middle School in Lewisville, TX. Killian is a proud part of the Hebron cluster band
program. Mrs. Scheer’s responsibilities include direction of the Symphonic Band and teaching all beginner woodwind classes. She is a member
of the Killian Technology Cadre and plays an active role in the integration of technology with their 1:1 iPad program.
Mrs. Scheer is a third generation band director and graduate of the University of North Texas. She studied clarinet with Deborah Fabian
and performed in the Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony under the direction of Dennis Fisher and Eugene Migliaro Corporon, respectively.
Prior to studying music education at UNT, Mrs. Scheer was a student at Texas Christian University where she performed in the TCU Wind
Symphony, TCU Symphony Orchestra and the TCU Marching Band. A graduate of Coppell High School, Mrs. Scheer was a member of the
Texas 5A All-State Band for three years thanks to her band director, Scott Mason, and clarinet teacher, Clyde Jones.
Under her direction, the Symphonic Band received the “Best in Class” award at the Peak Music Festival in 2011 and won the “Sweepstakes”
award at the U.I.L. Concert and Sight Reading Contest in 2012 and 2013. Mrs. Scheer maintains professional affliations with the Texas
Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, International Clarinet Association and the Texas Computer Education
Association. Her husband, Zach Scheer, is the Head Percussion Director at Coppell High School.
What Can An Updated Websi te Do For Your Band Program?