Dr. Jennifer Moder-Bell Honored for Hands-On Learning Experiences in Music Education
By Stephanie (Coartney) Dulaney '10
When Associate Professor of Music Dr. Jennifer Moder-Bell received the Grandy Faculty Award this year, she was honored to be recognized for
what she considers the best part of her job: giving students and young musicians throughout
the community out-of-the-box learning opportunities they couldn’t get elsewhere.
Each year, the Grandy Award is presented to one McKendree faculty member who has demonstrated
a commitment to students and the values of the university, as well as a passion for
community outreach. Dr. Moder-Bell’s innovative approach to learning made her the
perfect fit. From hosting music camps for local middle school and high school students,
to organizing master classes with outside professionals, she has brought countless
learning opportunities to present and future Bearcats.
“Our Music Department works together as a team to bring in professional artists to enrich the musical experience
of McKendree students and area high school musicians,” said Moder-Bell. She has helped
run such campus events as the ILMEA audition clinic for high school musicians, in
which they work directly with McKendree faculty to prepare for the all-district audition,
and Music Major Experience Day, which brings professional guests to campus, such as
Grammy-winning soprano Christine Brewer, to perform and lead master classes. During
instrument development nights, McKendree faculty present a master class to music majors
and high school musicians. Just last year, Moder-Bell helped create an Honor Band
and Choir Festival, bringing to campus top musicians from local high schools and community
colleges.
One of her favorite events to lead, however, is the annual McKendree University Junior
High Concert Band Camp. Started in 2015, the program brought 128 junior high musicians
to campus last year for a four-day camp. Each day students participate in full band
rehearsals, master classes and sectionals led by McKendree music education majors,
a special topics class on areas such as the basics of composing, music theory, or
music history, performances by McKendree music professors, and a culminating performance
for their parents.
“I model the camp after the Bradley University Central Illinois Summer Band Camp that
I helped start when I was a junior high director in Peoria, Illinois,” she said. “This
camp is one of the highlights of my year as I get so much pride and honor watching
my music education majors teach the young musicians in sectional and master classes,
and I love making music with the junior high students.”
In addition to her work in the classroom and on-campus events, Moder-Bell serves as
the President and solo trombonist of the St. Louis Brass Band, enjoys biking and running
half-marathons with her husband John, and loves spending time with Wiggles, her Cavalier
King Charles Spaniel. Her parents taught her the importance of having a foundation
of support when pursuing one’s passions and still make it a point to attend her concerts
on campus. That personalized support is something she brings to each of her students
and seeks to share with other young musicians.
"It’s important for faculty to be an outreach to our community. We have been given
gifts in our own specific disciplines, and sharing them with area youth and community
members is a special way to share our passions and knowledge base with others. Hands-on
experiences prepare the next generation of music educators for careers where they
can make a positive difference in their students’ lives," said Dr. Moder-Bell.
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