Why attend NEBDI? 

The Clinicians. NEBDI features clinicians who are outstanding music educators and who have a clear understanding of what makes bands work and what helps students learn. This Institute is an opportunity to develop your ideas and teaching methodologies in a relaxed atmosphere as you listen to others and join in the discussions. We try to address topics that will help us to grow, not only as teachers, but as musicians. At a glance: 

• Andrew Boysen Jr., featured composer & clinician

• Brian Messier, Dartmouth College

• Ken Clark, Timberlane Regional Schools

• Pat Cunningham, Merrimack HS (former)

• Patrick Kennelly, French horn

• Glen D'Eon, Fall Mountain Regional HS

• Lyndsay Boysen, Southern New Hampshire University

• Heidi Welch, Vermont State University at Castleton 

• John T. Hart Jr., Keene State College

• and more - check back soon for the full list... 

MEET THE CLINICIANS – read their bios here!

The Vendors & Exhibitors. New England Band Directors Institute couldn’t happen without the support of the many vendors & exhibitors who support the Institute. With a long and growing list of vendors and exhibitors, you can expect to connect with industry leaders in instruments sales/rentals, repairs, music publishers, college & university admissions, and military bands. There’s something for everyone, so please support the people who support us!

Check out the full lineup of this year's Exhibitors & Vendors now!

Graduate Credit. Looking to move closer to that pay-bump, or simply want recognition for your professional development? As fellow educators, we understand, which is why we’re able to offer graduate credit. Those who wish to receive 1 graduate credit for their participation in NEBDI will write a brief follow-up paper based on their "aha!" moments and takeaways from the Institute. The paper is designed to be of direct benefit for your teaching next fall! Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for 18.5 hours of professional development are also issued for all participants. 

Hands-on Sessions & Playing. It’s highly recommended that you bring your instrument to play with the Directors’ Band for the reading sessions. This year we have four reading sessions you won’t want to miss.

On-Campus Housing. We’ve got a room for you! Our air-conditioned rooms come with linens, towels, pillows, and are less expensive than the area hotels… just bring your own shampoo! People staying on campus may opt to bring additional blankets, etc., to enhance their comfort. 

Off-Campus Accommodations. Don’t want to stay on-campus? We get that, too. If you’d prefer a hotel room, there are several great options in and around Keene. You’re advised to make your reservations as soon as possible, though! If you’re a KSC alumnus, you might be eligible for a discount at several Keene hotels. Click here for a list of hotels, inns and bed & breakfasts, and campgrounds in Keene.

Great Food. Not only will we provide coffee and tea during the day’s energy lulls, but food options on- and off-campus are excellent. Check out Yelp’s current list of top restaurants near Downtown Keene. Downtown Keene offers some great dining options.

The Recognition. Who doesn’t like a little recognition for their hard work? During the NEBDI Banquet, NHBDA will pay tribute to the latest recipients of the “Outstanding Band Director” and the “Outstanding Young Band Director” awards. We want this to be an important event of our Institute and a fitting tribute to these music educators.

The Location. Keene State College is located in the middle of New England, easy to locate, and easy to get to. All of our sessions will take place in the spacious Young Student Center, a gorgeous building with a towering Atrium, and glass walls facing the very green campus. Plus, nearby hiking trails offer stunning views of Mount Monadnock. Here are some maps to help you get here and to get around KSC, and Monadnock NH’s guide to the greater Keene area.

• It was a no-brainer for me to attend the “Modern Band 101” session. I found this session to be extremely informative. The presenters [Joe Mundy and Ken Martin] put forth tons of information about how they run their modern band classes, how those classes got started and have evolved, how to acquire the needed equipment and supplies, and a suggested course outline and calendar. As I write this, I have begun putting together a proposed curriculum outline and some sample materials I can present to my district. ~ Matt Sypek

• NEDBI 2024 was a fantastic experience and it was so nice to see it so well attended this year. I was once again impressed with the level of organization and how smoothly this event was run again. In addition to having Randall Standridge this year there were many different workshops that I found extremely helpful. I love attending conferences and workshops, it really helps reignite my love and passion for this profession. I always walk away feeling invigorated and ready to take what I have learned, and put the ideas into effect in my own classroom teaching. I have been teaching for the past thirteen years, but have only been a full time band director for five years, so I feel like I still have a lot to learn. Teaching in our own schools can sometimes feel like we are an island and that can be challenging. Being able to attend professional development with other band educators helps me feel less alone. ~ Eric Bonnett 

• ​​The New England Band Directors Institute (NEBDI) is a gift. There are so many professional development opportunities, but few where you get to really immerse yourself in the experience like NEBDI. Not only are you staying on campus, you’re in workshops with people you know led by presenters you’ll be able to talk to throughout the year. I’m so excited that it’s back after COVID and I am excited to see it grow in future years. ~ AJ Coppola 

• Looking back on the NEBDI conference, I can strongly say that I walked away from it with so much more knowledge and many more ideas than I ever thought was possible from a three day conference. I was driving home each day of the conference coming up with more ways I can better help my students succeed, especially when it comes to instrument repair solutions, picking out music better suited for them, and how to teach and grow their fundamentals of music literacy and their reading skills. ~Teagan Sault

• Thanks again to Dr. Hart and Keene State College for another informative & invigorating conference. I love that the material changes every year but is still relevant and engaging, and I can always find new concepts to explore while having the chance to (finally!) experience some professional development that is truly geared towards my profession. I am already looking forward to next year! ~ Courtney Randall 

Schedule

N.B. - any changes to session times/rooms will be updated in the online program and announced during the opening remarks. 

How to Register for NEBDI 2025

Step 1: Register for NEBDI

Click the link above to register for: 

The New England Band Directors Institute 

NHBDA Membership Business Luncheon (Monday afternoon)

NEBDI Banquet & Awards Ceremony (Tuesday evening)

• Regular Rate: $150.00

• Collegiate Rate: $45.00 

• Payment by Purchase Order is an option

  • Be sure to follow the directions if using this option to ensure prompt payment!

1. Please let your school district know of your intent to pay for NEBDI via Purchase Order FIRST to avoid confusion.

2. Remember, it is your responsibility to create the requisition for payment and ensure your district sends NHBDA the Purchase Order agreement using the details supplied to you via email. NHBDA will send an official invoice CC'd to you and your district's PO person.

3. Please CC John.Hart@keene.edu when sending the PO to ensure it is received and processed in a timely manner.

• Discount of $25 for active members of New Hampshire Band Directors Association 

  • Check your NHBDA membership email for discount code

  • You do not need to be a member of NHBDA to attend the Institute

• You can register for NEBDI first, then register for on-campus housing or graduate credit at a later date. 

Step 2 (opt.): Reserve On-Campus Housing

CLICK HERE to reserve your on-campus housing!

Reserve optional on-campus housing. Stay in an air-conditioned room on the Keene State College campus. Rooms are available starting Sunday, July 6th. Checkout is on Wednesday, July 9th. Linens and pillows are included, but you may want to bring additional blankets, pillows, comfort items, etc. Toiletries are not included, so plan to bring your own. 

Important Dates to remember: 

• June 28th - last day to reserve on-campus housing

• June 30th - last day to cancel a reservation for a full refund (after June 30, a $30 cancellation fee will be charged) 

Step 3 (opt.): Graduate Credit

Overview:

Receive an optional 1.0 graduate credit through Keene State College for just $245.00 — that's only half of the in-state undergraduate credit rate! 

Looking to move horizontally on your district’s pay scale? Let us help you get a bit closer to that next column. When you register for the optional graduate credit—the course is called EDUC-690: New England Band Directors Institute, repeatable every year—you’ll attend the Institute and enjoy three days of professional learning. After NEBDI you’ll write a reflective essay on your experiences and imagine some ways you can start putting your learning into action in the coming school year. Not only will you receive graduate credit, but your students will benefit from your reflective efforts.

Instructions: 

1. Follow this link to complete the Non-Matriculated Student Registration form. 

2. Fill in your personal information, contact info, demographic info, etc. 

3. For the Term, select "Summer (May or later start)" 

4. For Course Department, write "EDUC" 

5. For Course Number, write "690"

6. For Course Section, write "02" 

7. For Course Title, write "New England Band Director Inst" 

8. Be sure to select that you're taking the course for credit. 

9. Complete the remaining questions and submit the form! 

You will receive a confirmation email and someone from the Registrar's Office will be in touch (usually within 48 business hours) to finalize your registration. Cost: ~$245.00

* Housing and graduate credit are processed through Keene State College directly. 

The deadline for housing and graduate credit requests is June 28th 

We look forward to seeing you at Keene State College on July 7–9 for three days of learning, playing, and networking!

NEBDI is proudly co-sponsored by the Keene State College Music Department and the New Hampshire Band Directors Association.

For all questions related to NEBDI, please email the NEBDI Coordinator Dr. John Hart at nebdi@nhbda.org.