Mentorship
If you are an MBA member in your first few years of teaching band (whether you are new to teaching, or an experienced teacher who is new to teaching band), the MBA Mentorship program is for you! We will connect you with an experienced Mentor as well as with your peers, all of whom can be a resource as you navigate these first few years of your career.
Ready to sign up? Join our 2026-27 Mentorship program (it's free!) by filling out the form below.
MENTORSHIP COMMITTEE 2026 - 2027
Bill Kristjanson, chair
Fraser Linklater
Eric Marshall
Vanessa Nowostawski
Janet Yochim
Derek Fraser
Rob Chrol
Andrew Klassen
RESOURCES
To view resources shared at Mentorship PD session presenters, by Mentors, and by fellow mentees head over to the Member Resources Page and scroll down to Mentorship Resources.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Clarity, Communication, and Collaboration: How Assessment, Reports, and Conferences can support Student Growth
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
via Zoom
8:00pm
Free
Presented by Alena Arnason
In this presentation we will discuss how assessment practices, report cards, and parent
conferences aren't as scary as they seem when student growth and success is kept at the center!
We will touch on practical, "next-day" advice that you can apply immediately, as well as
philosophical and values-based questions meant to help you find your voice within your pedagogy.
Out of the Chaos: Making Multi-Level Classes Work for You
Tuesday, November 24, 2026
via Zoom
7:30pm
Free
Presented by Michelle Archibald, Allan Suban, and Eric Marshall
Jazz 101 Workshop
Friday, February 5, 2027
Full day
(location TBC)
This annual workshop is designed to help provide skills and confidence with teaching beginning jazz band. This event occurs on a Metro-Common day to make it easier for folks to attend. More details and registration will follow this fall.
Past Events
Prelude Conference
Friday, October 9, 2026
at École John Henderson Middle School
Full day
$25 (lunch & snacks included)
Spend the day connecting with peers and Mentors as well as learning from experienced music educator Laura Zinn - a terrific way to solidify some foundations by seeing a master educator in action as well as to gather ideas, strategies, and build your confidence. Register today!
Virtual Kick-Off
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
7:00pm
via Zoom
Join us to learn more about our team of Mentors and how the MBA Mentorship program can help you have a strong and supported start to your career by connecting you with experienced colleagues and with your peers.
Virtual PD: Tried, True, and Teachable: Effective Literature for Lower-Level Bands
Presented by: Janet Yochim
In this session, we explore a collection of tried-and-true concert band repertoire at the lower grade levels that have consistently proven successful in rehearsal and performance. These pieces, drawn from Janet's own experience and that of trusted colleagues, represent music that engages students, builds essential ensemble skills, and resonates with audiences. We discuss what makes each selection effective—from teachable moments to student appeal—and provide practical ideas for programming that supports both musical growth and enjoyment.
Janet Yochim is a retired music educator with 32 years of experience. She remains actively engaged in music education through the MMEA, the MBA mentorship program, and adjudicating.
Virtual PD: Note-Worthy Feedback: Strategies for assessment in band, report card writing, and communication with parents
Monday, October 27, 2025 (7:00pm)
Presenter: Justine Burke
Via Zoom
Free
Justine completed the concurrent B. Mus/B. Ed degree program at Brandon University in May, 2014. The focus of her studies was on middle and senior years instrumental music with a major on piano and a minor on clarinet.
Justine is currently in her twelfth year of running the grade 5-12 music program at Carberry Collegiate where she teaches general music, band, and jazz band. She is a board member of the Manitoba Band Association. She lives in Carberry with her partner, Dane, and four-legged friend Chuck. In her free time, Justine enjoys camping, baking, kayaking, and playing board games.
Virtual PD: Planning for Learning: Navigating the musical and logistical elements of the school year calendar
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 (7:30pm)
Presenter: Erin Dodds
Via Zoom
Free
There are so many different elements to think about when are starting out in your career. How do you plan your calendar of events for the year? What is happening with the band trip? How do I even plan a band trip?! This session will walk through some of the timelines and details for planning events as well as how to approach the administrative side of event planning.
Virtual PD: Outstanding Opportunity and Perpetual Puzzle: The Process of Selecting Festival Repertoire
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 (7:30pm)
Presenter: Derek Klassen
Via Zoom
Free
Festival experiences offer excellent musical and educational opportunities for students and educators alike, but it can be daunting to navigate the many factors that go into the repertoire selection process: which class to enter,
timeline for music selection, variety in the selections, which titles will work for your group, syllabus vs. non-syllabus, comments only vs. graded performance, etc.! Join Derek Klassen as he shares some thoughts and ideas on how to make the festival preparation process as smooth as possible.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 (7:30pm)
Presenter: Derek Fraser
Via Zoom
Free
Recruiting and retaining students with the goal of building a healthy and thriving band program and culture is something we can all use a boost in. Join us for an online workshop on recruiting and retention on Wednesday, January 22 at 7:30 PM via Zoom. Oak Park High School band director Derek Fraser will share tips, tricks, and strategies that have worked well for him in building his program. This workshop is presented by the MBA Mentorship program, everyone is welcome!
Presenter: Derek Fraser
A graduate of the University of Manitoba and a diehard Winnipegger, Derek has been teaching high school band and jazz band in Manitoba for the last 14 years or so with the majority of that time at Oak Park High School. When not finding new and exciting repertoire or finding new notes on the trumpet (he's almost graduated to using the 3rd valve) he spends his time with his wife, young children, and friends - reading books, playing Lego, playing boardgames, and fixing stuff.
Video Link for this session is available through the MBA Member Resources page. You must be a member to access the video. Become a member of the MBA!
Questions or concerns?
Please contact MBA Executive Director,
Brent Johnson, at executivedirector@mbband.org or
204.663.1226