Chris M. Bernotas
Composer, clinician, and teacher Chris M. Bernotas brings a fresh perspective to the world of music education. An active composer and arranger of concert band music, Mr. Bernotas is published with Alfred Music, Daehn Publications, TRN Music Publishing, Northeastern Music Publications, and Bandworks Publications. His music has been performed at the Midwest Clinic and has appeared on J.W. Pepper's Editor's Choice list and numerous state lists. Mr. Bernotas is co-author of Alfred's revolutionary Sound Innovations series along with Peter Boonshaft and Robert Sheldon.
Mr. Bernotas holds a BM from William Paterson University and an MAT from Marygrove College. As an instrumental music teacher at Mountain Lakes High School in New Jersey, he conducts the wind ensemble, concert band, pep band, jazz band, and pit orchestra. Mr. Bernotas was recognized as "Educator of the Year" in 2005 and has been listed several times in Who's Who Among American Teachers.
Mr. Bernotas has served the North Jersey Area Band as President and symphonic band conductor. He has also served on the executive board for the New Jersey School Music Association, Region I, and has worked with the New Jersey All-State Band as a manager. Mr. Bernotas has written and arranged music for many drum corps and marching bands throughout the United States. He also adjudicates for marching band competitions and festivals nationwide.
In addition to accepting commissions, Mr. Bernotas is an active guest conductor and presenter at clinics and conferences. As a pioneer of integrating technology in the classroom, Mr. Bernotas hosts virtual clinics and “classroom trades” with teachers in the United States and Canada.
Mr. Bernotas’s professional affiliations include MENC, ASCAP, NBA, and NJMEA. He resides in New Jersey with his wife Cristina and their three kids.
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What is the purpose of a warm up in the band (or any) classroom? I believe that if students are prepared mentally and physically, they'll absorb the literature easier and with more meaning. To a student, warming up might simply mean heating up their instrument. The important thing is to share our 'why' with our students.
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Have you ever really thought about how connected music is with literature? Thinking about these parallels could create an excellent discussion in your next rehearsal, class, or lesson! With a little creativity, you can correlate these concepts into teaching.
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I have always felt that percussionists in an ensemble can easily be overlooked, maybe because they are way back in the room. I have also realized that some teachers may not feel prepared, or are intimidated to teach percussion. Here are some thoughts to consider when approaching percussion students and lessons.
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