Dr. Cassandra Bechard
Dr. Cassandra Bechard serves as Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at
University of Northwestern – St. Paul and artistic director and conductor of the Seward Concert
Band in Minneapolis. In 2022, Bechard was recognized as one of Yamaha's "40-under 40" music educators. She is an active guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, presenter, and advocate for new wind band music. As a school clinician, Bechard actively visits middle school and high school band programs. She has guest-conducted several regional middle and high school all-state and honor bands. Internationally, Bechard served as guest conductor for the ACSI Europe Honor Instrumental Ensemble in Budapest, Hungary, in 2023.
As a presenter, Bechard has led sessions on various topics at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, Minnesota Music Educators Association, Iowa Bandmasters Association, South
Dakota Bandmasters Association and Idaho Bandmasters Association.
Bechard earned her Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Minnesota (2019), Master of
Music from Bowling Green State University (2011), and Bachelor of Music Education and
Bachelor of Music Performance from Central Michigan University (2009).
Clinic Offerings
Program for the Ensemble You Have While Setting Goals for the Future
Is your ensemble missing particular instrumentation? Are you frustrated with the process of programming repertoire for your ensemble? Do you ever find "the perfect piece" for 90% of your ensemble, only to discover an important piece of the composition puzzle requires an instrument that you do not have? This session is built to help ensemble directors discover repertoire that is created for adaptable, flex, and mixed-level ensembles.
The Power of Chamber Music to Empower Your Full Ensemble
This session seeks to give practical suggestions of how to incorporate chamber ensemble music into your full ensemble curriculum. Find out how chamber ensembles can fuel large ensemble rehearsal by developing deeper listening and musical leadership skills.
Rehearsal Tips and Tricks: How to Conquer Common Technical Hurdles Quickly
Syncopation, dovetail entrances, articulations, oh my! Quick and effective ways to conquer common technical hurdles in full ensemble rehearsal.
How to Teach The Art of Practicing
Do you find yourself encouraging your students to practice their individual parts outside of rehearsal time? This session offers practical ways to teach the art of practicing during full-ensemble rehearsal and to empower your students during their individual practice time.
Bassoon, It's Not As Evil As You Think
When was the last time your school had a bassoonist? Let's talk about how to transition students to the bassoon effectively.
Expressive Conducting; Gestural Rehab for Busy Conductors
Recruitment and Retainment: Ideas, Tips, and Tricks for All Levels
Work/Life Balance and Tag-Teaming for Professional Musician Couples