Professional Practice
This page includes webinars, workshops, interviews, publications, poster sessions, professional development sessions, guest conducting, clinics, adjudications, performances, and conference attendance summaries.
Publications
Webb, L.A. & Baumanis, J. L. (2024). GO ON, Tell Your Story! Voices of Women Band Directors. Chicago: GIA Publications.
(Contributor for book publication)
University of the Arts (2022). Amplifying Our Voices Through Music. UArts. Philadelphia, PA.
Eskin, G. & Neff, J. (2020 April). Top 10 Strategies to Support Girls in the Middle School Jazz Band. Teaching Music Magazine
Neff, J. (2020 January). Voice to Vision: Lessons Learned from Supporting Young Women in Jazz. Teaching Music Magazine.
Neff, J. (2018 September). Engaging the Ensemble: How Can You S.C.O.R.E. In Creating Meaningful Music-Making. Band Directors Talk Shop
Neff, J. (2018). A Curriculum Project of the National Association for Music Education and the Library of Congress, Teaching with Primary Sources: Band Responding Unit, Intermediate Level. National Association for Music Education.
Neff, J. (2016 Fall). Administrators’ Perceptions of the Pennsylvania Standards-Based Teacher Evaluation System. P.E.L. PA Educational Leadership, PA-ASCD.
Neff, J. (2016 Spring). Teacher Evaluation: Spotlight on the Classroom Environment. PMEA State Journal.
Neff, J. (2016 Fall). Speaking A Common Language or Getting Lost in Translation? PMEA State Journal.
Neff, J. (2016 May). Administrators’ Perceptions of the Pennsylvania Standards-Based Teacher Evaluation System. Dissertation. Immaculata University.
Neff, J. (2007 Fall). Appropriate Advocacy…Avoid the Kicking and Screaming. PMEA District 12 Newsletter.
Online Articles/Guest Blogs
Neff, J. & Schwartz Reichl, L. (2021, June 9). Has Your Flame Burned Out or Have You (Temporarily) Lost Your Spark? Music in a Minuet, National Association for Music Education.
Hodgson, K. & Neff, J. (2020, April 20). Creative and Engaging Experiences for Student Teachers. Music in a Minuet, National Association for Music Education.
Neff, J. (2020, March 30). Bringing the P.I.E. Online: How to Continue Being Purposeful, Intentional, and Explicit. Alfred Music.
Neff, J. (2019, September 5). Organize and Prioritize: Teacher "Time on Task". Alfred Music.
Neff, J. (2019, June 20). No Teacher is an Island: Tools for Today’s Survival. Music in a Minuet, National Association for Music Education.
Neff, J. (2019, April 30). Considerations in Choosing a Summer Music Camp. Music in a Minuet, National Association for Music Education.
Neff, J. (2017, November 20). No Time for Questions! Or Is There? Music in a Minuet, National Association for Music Education.
Neff, J. (2017 May 29). Did You Bring the Pie? Music in a Minuet, National Association for Music Education.
Neff, J. (2017 May 8). Teacher Evaluation: Keep Calm and Improve Your Craft. Music in a Minuet, National Association for Music Education.
Neff, J. (2017 May 3). How Does Your Garden Grow? Zeswitz Music Co.
Neff, J. (2017 May 31). Hosting a School Jazz Festival. Music in a Minuet, National Association for Music Education.
Neff, J. (2016 October 13). Did You Bring the P.I.E.? Zeswitz Music Co., October.
Neff, J. (2016 May 12). Speaking A Common Language or Getting Lost in Translation? Zeswitz Music Co.
Neff, J. (2016 February 18). Teacher Evaluation: Keep Calm and Improve Your Craft. J.W. Pepper website.
Professional Development Sessions/Consulting Work
West Chester Area School District, PA - May 2023, Curriculum Facilitator
Radnor Township School District, PA February-April 2023, K-12 Music Curriculum Audit
Cecil County Public Schools, MD, August 2022, Recruitment & Retention Post-Pandemic
Cecil County Public Schools, MD, August 2022, Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed,
Something Blue (It's Not About You)
Carroll County Public Schools, MD, September 2022, Should It Stay Or Should It Go
Carroll County Public Schools, MD, September 2021, Student Engagement in the Online Classroom
Archbishop Ryan HS, March 2021, Should It Stay Or Should It Go
Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth (PMAY) 02/21, No Teacher is an Island; Tools for Survival
Carroll County Schools, MD, 09/20, Presented session: Student Engagement in the Online Classroom
Manteca Unified School District, CA - 01/20, Designed/led day on music standards
Lenape Regional Consortium, NJ - 02/19, Designed/led day on music standards
Cape May Regional School District, NJ - 11/19, Designed/led day on - creativity, assessment
Guest Conducting/Clinics/Adjudications
Adjudicator, Music in the Parks, New Jersey, May 2024
Adjudicator, State Festival - Middle School Bands, MD Music Educators, May 2024
Adjudicator, Anne Arundel County, MD, April 2024
Adjudicator & Clinician, Central NJ Music Educators Association, April 2024
Adjudicator & Clinician, Festivals of Music, New Jersey, April 2024
Guest Conductor, PMEA District 12 5/6 Band Fest, Radnor, PA, March 2024
Adjudicator, Music in the Parks, Hershey, PA, May-June 2023
Adjudicator & Clinician, Festivals of Music, New Jersey, April 2023
Guest Conducting, PMEA District 8 High School Orchestra Festival, Berwick HS, January 2023
Guest Conducting, PMEA District 10 Elementary Band/String Fest, Parkland HS, January 2023
Guest Conducting, Charles County High School Honors Band, Charles County, MD, October 2022
Adjudicator, Welsh Valley Middle School Jazz Festival, May 2022
Guest Conductor, Bucks County Music Education Assoc. Middle School Honors Band, Mar. 2022
Adjudicator, Lancaster Lebanon Music Educators Association Adjudication Festival, Mar. 2022
Guest Conducting, Frederick County Maryland All-County Middle School Honor Band, Feb. 2022
Guest Conducting, PMEA District 12, High School Honors Band, Jan. 2022
Guest Conducting, PMEA District 7, Grade 5 & 6 Honors Band, Nov. 2021
Adjudicator/Clinician, 6th Annual Milton Hershey School Music Performance Assessment Festival, 03/20
Guest Conductor, Cape Henlopen High School, DE, Jr. High Honors Band, 02/20
Adjudicator, Howard County Public Schools, MD, Adjudicator for 30 MS/HS horns, 01/20
Clinician, Alston Middle School, Summerville, SC - Worked with grades 6, 7, and 8 bands, 09/19
Adjudicator, Music in the Parks, Hershey, PA - Middle School Orchestras, Jazz and Concert Bands, 06/19
Clinician, Skyview Elementary School, Methacton SD , Worked with Grade 5/6 Concert Band, 04/19
Adjudicator, The National Catholic Band Association Festival , Devon Preparatory School, PA, 03/19
Clinician, Lower Macungie Middle School, Horn Sectional, Grade 7 Band, Jazz Band, 12/18
Clinician, Haverford Middle School, Grade 6 & 8 Bands, 11/18
Guest Conductor, Pennsbury Middle School Honors Band, PA, 02/18
Adjudicator & Clinician, Pennsbury Middle School Honors Band, PA, 05/17
Guest Conductor, Anne Arundel All-County Middle School Honors Band, MD, 02/13
Guest Conductor, Susquehanna University High School Honors Band, PA, 02/11
Presentations
Neff, J. (2024, July). Supporting Girls in the Group [Workshop Session]. International Society for Music Education (ISME). Helsinki, Finland.
Neff, J. (2024, May). Keynote Speaker - Celebrating Your MVP. Zeswitz Music Professional Development Day. Delaware.
Neff, J. (2024, May) Meeting in the Middle: K-12 and 12-K Best Practices. Zeswitz Music Professional Development Day. Delaware.
Panel presentation - Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic, December 2023
Lortz, M. & Neff, J. (March, 2023). Cultivating Belonging in Your Ensemble [Conference Session]. MMEA Conference. Baltimore, MD.
Hughart, A., Hughart, O., & Neff, J. (2023, January). Creating Space for Girls in Jazz [Conference Session]. Jazz Educators Network (JEN). Orlando, FL.
Neff, J. (2022, October). Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue (It's Not About You) [Conference Session]. PMEA District 7. Lebanon Valley College. PA.
Neff, J. (2022, October. Recruitment & Retention Post-Pandemic [Conference Session]. PMEA District 7. Lebanon Valley College. PA.
Neff, J. (2022, October). Recruitment & Retention Post-Pandemic.
Gansky, J. & Neff, J. (2021, July). The Mindful Music Educator [Conference Session]. Women Band Directors International (WBDI) Season of Renewal Summer Conference. Online.
Neff, J. (2021, May). Bringing Attention and Intention to DEI in Your Department Philosophy [Guest Presenter]. Conn-Selmer Music Administration Collaborative. Online.
Neff, J. & Schwartz Reichl, L. (2021, April). Making Music More Inclusive: Transforming Limitations Into Opportunities [Conference Session]. Key of She Jazz Virtual Conference. Online.
Neff, J. (2021, April). The ABC’s of Drafting Your DEI Statement [Conference Session]. National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Eastern Division Conference.Online.
Neff, J. (2021, February). On Your Mark, Get Set, Engage Your Students in the Music Classroom [Keynote]. South Dakota Bandmasters Association 85th Annual Conference. Online.
Neff, J. & Schwartz Reichl, L. (2020, December), Creating an Inclusive Culture [Conference Session]. Key of She Jazz Conference. Online.
Eskin, G., Kauffman, T., Knott, D. & Neff, J. (2020, July). Creating and Sustaining an Inclusive Culture in Your Program (Conference Session). PMEA Summer Virtual Conference. Online
Neff, J. (2020, June). Developing Young Women for Music Careers [Guest Panelist]. Grammy Education Coalition. Online
Neff, J. (2020, June). Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue (It's Not About You) [Guest Speaker]. Towson University Graduate Course (A Study of Emerging Wind Band Repertoire). Online
Neff, J. (2020, June). Using the People's Library to Inspire Your Students in Band [Conference Session]. International Music Education Summit. Online. March 2020
Rowan University NAfME Collegiate, NJ On Your Mark...Get Set...Engage Your Ensemble [Conference Session]. NAfME Collegiate Conference. Glassboro, NJ.
Neff, J. (2019). No Teacher is an Island [Conference Session]. National Association for Music Education.
Bennett, C. & Neff, J. (2019). Singing and Moving with Primary Sources [Conference Session]. National Association for Music Education.
Eskin, G. & Neff, J. (2019, November). Surviving & Thriving: How to Support Girls in the Jazz Band [Conference Session]. PMEA District 11 In-Service Conference.
Neff, J. (2019, June). Assessment Makeover [Conference Session]. Zeswitz Music’s 5th Annual Professional Development Symposium
Eskin, G, & Neff, J, (2019, April). Fostering Girls in the Group [Conference Session]. Key of She Jazz Conference, UArts, Philadelphia.
Neff, J. (2019). Introducing the New Intermediate Band Unit Plans from NAfME/ LOC [Conference Session].Connecticut Music Educators Association, Hartford, CT.
Neff, J. (2019). Introducing the New Intermediate Band Unit Plans from NAfME/LOC [Conference Session]. Massachusetts Music Educators Association, Boston, MA.
Neff, J, (2019). No Teacher is an Island: Tools for Survival in Today's Climate [Conference Session]. New Jersey Music Education Association. New Brunswick, NJ.
Neff, J. (2019). Engaging Students in the Ensemble [Conference Session]. Maryland Music Education Association. Baltimore, MD.
Fortune, E. & Neff, J. (2018). Leading Students to Artistic Choices and Ownership in Middle School Band and Orchestra [Conference Session]. National Association for Music Education, Dallas, TX.
Neff, J. (2018). Introducing the Newly Released Intermediate Band Unit Plans from the NAfME/Library of Congress Project [Conference Session]. PMEA District 11 In-Service Conference.
Neff, J. (2018). No Teacher is an Island: Tools for Survival in Today’s Climate [Conference Session]. PMEA District 11 In-service Conference.
Neff, J. (2018). No Teacher is an Island: Tools for Survival in Today’s Climate [Conference Session]. Vermont Music Educators Association Conference.
Neff, J., Schneckenburger, B., & Siebert, J. (2018, June). A Curriculum Project of NAfME and the Library of Congress - Teaching with Primary Sources [NationalAssembly Session]. NAfME, Library of Congress.
Neff, J. (2018, June). No Teacher is an Island: Tools for Survival in Today’s Climate [Guest Speaker]. Aspiring to Excel course, University of the Arts Summer Music Studies.
Neff, J. (2018, June). No Teacher is an Island: Tools for Survival in Today’s Climate [Symposium Session]. Zeswitz Music’s 4th Annual Professional Development Symposium. Royersford, PA.
Neff, J. (2018). Student Engagement in the Middle School Instrumental Classroom [Conference Session]. Pennsylvania Music Educators State Conference. Lancaster, PA.
Neff, J. (2018). Engaging the Ensemble: Real-World Examples to Help Students Create Meaningful Music-Making [Conference Session]. New Hampshire Music Educators Conference.
Neff, J. & Watson, S. (2017). Enhancing the Ensemble Experience Using Composer Skype Sessions [Conference Session]. The Midwest Clinic: International Band and Orchestra Conference. Chicago, IL.
Neff, J. (2017). Engaging the Ensemble: Real-World Examples to Help Engage Students and Create Meaningful Music Making. PMEA District 12 In-service Day. Bluebell, PA.
Neff, J. & Watson, S. (2017). Enhancing the Ensemble Experience Using Composer Skype Sessions [Conference Session]. PMEA District 10 In-service Day. Allentown, PA.
Neff, J. (2017). Engaging the Ensemble: Are We Asking Enough of Our Students? [Conference Session]. Delaware Music Educators State Arts Day, Dover, DE.
Neff, (2017, June). Engaging the Ensemble: Are We Asking Enough of Our Students? [Conference Session]. Zeswitz Music’s 3rd Annual Professional Development Symposium. Royersford, PA.
Neff, J. & Watson, S. (2017, April). Using Composer Skype Sessions to Make Meaningful Connections [Conference Session]. NAfME Eastern Division Conference, Atlantic City, NJ.
Neff, J. (2016). Engaging Students Through Deeper Content Connections [Conference Session]. PMEA District 11 In-service Day. Bluebell, PA.
Neff, J. (2016). Lost in Translation: Articulating a Common Language [Conference Session]. Delaware Music Educators Association State Arts Day, Dover, DE.
Neff, J. (2016, June). Lost in Translation: Articulating a Common Language [Conference Session]. Zeswitz Music’s 2nd Annual Professional Development Symposium, Royersford, PA.
Emert, D., Neff, J., & Sheehan, S. (2015). The New National Music Standards: How to Unpack Them and Use Them in the Band Classroom [Conference Session]. NAfME Eastern Division Conference, Providence, RI.
Neff, J. & Sokolowski, E. (2014). Unpacking the New Common Core Arts Standards [Conference Session]. PMEA District 11 In-service Day, Bluebell, PA.
Luehrsen, M., Neff, J., & Sterner-Porreca, A. (2013, June). I Want THAT Music Program [Conference Session]. NAMM/President’s Turnaround Arts Initiative Conference, Rye, MD.
Neff, J. & Potter, S. (2010). Embracing Change [Panel Member]. Pennsylvania Music Education Association All-State Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.
Neff, J. (2009). Promoting Music Education through Advocacy [Conference Session]. PMEA District 11 In-service Day. Bluebell, PA.
Neff, J. (2009, March). Promoting Music Education through Advocacy [Guest Speaker]. Eastern University, Radnor, PA.
Neff, J. (2009, March). Promoting Music Education through Advocacy [Guest Speaker]. Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA.
Neff, J. (2009, April).Promoting Music Education through Advocacy [Guest Speaker]. Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.
Webinars
Waynesburg State University & NAfME 01/21 - Responsive Inquiry In and Through Instrumental Music
Women Banding Together, 11/20 – Mentorship During a Pandemic
Women Banding Together, 10/20 – Building Relationships with Administrators
Women Banding Together, 11/20 – Back-to-School Health and Wellness (lead organizer for this panel)
Women Banding Together, 08/20 – The Student and Parent Voice Through the Lens of #BlackLivesMatter
Women Banding Together, 07/20 – Reflecting on Our Classrooms and Communities Through the Lens of #BlackLivesMatter
(lead organizer for this panel)
Women Banding Together, 06/20 - Actionable Steps Towards Change
Women Banding Together, 05/20 - Transitioning with Resilience
PMEA Webinar Series, 06/20 - Self-Care in a Selfie World: Bringing Your Philosophy into Focus (w/D. Knott)
Poster Session
National Council for Social Studies Conference, Chicago, 11/2018 - Maximizing Music's Connections to Social Studies via Inquiry-Based Strategies (Invited to present poster session for NAfME & The Library of Congress project)
Interviews
Everything Band Podcast w/ Mark J. Connor, 03/19/18, Episode 52
Working Musician Podcast w/ David Pedrick, 06/19, Episode 80
Marching Roundtable on “Time Management Tips” w/ Tim Hinton & John Bogenshutz, 03/27/20 Music Ed Mentor Podcast w/ Elisa Janson Jones Episode 70 “Performance Programming & Diversity,”04/03/20 Majoring in Music website– Interviewed for online content
for Spring 2020 article
Performing Experience: Horn teachers: D. Campbell, N. Saunders, C. S. Smith, L. Stout, Sr., J. Gaboury-Sly; Freelance horn player in the Philadelphia suburb area (‘02-‘10); Narberth Community Theater - Jekyll and Hyde, 1st horn in pit (‘05); Member of Windworks Woodwind Quintet - Philadelphia suburb area (‘02-‘04); Meriden Symphony Orchestra, CT - substitute (‘95); Jackson Symphony Orchestra, MI (‘92); College Performing Experiences: (1986-1990) - Michigan State University Symphony Orchestra, under Leon Gregorian; Wind Symphony, under Kenneth Bloomquist and Eugene Corporon - including performance at Midwest Clinic (‘86); Spartan Marching Band under William Wiedrich - including Rose Bowl (‘88); Pre-college: Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, under Rolf Smedvig (‘85-‘86). Pre-college experience in concert band, marching band, jazz band, orchestra, handbells, choir playing horn and piano.
Workshop & Conference Attendance Highlights:
Annual PMEA State and/or District Conferences since 2001
Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, Chicago Illinois, 2001, 2003-2009, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Orlando, FL, 2019
National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Dallas, TX, 2018
National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Empowering Creativity, Nashville, TN, 2017
National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Eastern Division Conference, Providence, RI, 2015 National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Eastern Division Conference, Hartford, CT, 2013 Conn-Selmer Institute, Music Administrator Collaborative, 2013
Arts Advocacy Day, The 2009 National Arts Action Summit, Washington, D.C., 03/2009
PMEA Summer Conference: Focus on Creativity, 07/2007
University of Florida, A Symposium on Assessment in Music Education,03/2007
Eric Jensen's Learning Brain Expo, San Diego California,01/2006
Villanova University, Alternative Rehearsal Techniques w/ Ed Lisk, 07/2005
Vandercook College of Music, Administrative and Leadership Strategies, 07/2005
Villanova University, The School Jazz Band w/ Chris Vadala, 07/2004
Villanova University, Meet the Composer w/ Quincy Hilliard & Brian Balmages, 07/2003
Hartt School of Music, Strings for the Non-String Player, 06/2003
Doctoral Studies Coursework:
~Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
~Teacher Evaluation and Supervision
~PA School Code and School Law and the Legal Process
~Curriculum Theory and Evaluation
~Political, Economic, and Social Structures of School Culture
~Curriculum Management
~Communication Theory and Practice
~Pupil Personnel Services
~Organizational Development and Change Theory
~Staff Development
~School Leadership in Teaching and Learning
~Personnel Management and Labor Relations
~Doctoral Research/Dissertation: Teacher Evaluation
Webb, L.A. & Baumanis, J. L. (2024). GO ON, Tell Your Story! Voices of Women Band Directors. Chicago: GIA Publications.
(Contributor for book publication)
University of the Arts (2022). Amplifying Our Voices Through Music. UArts. Philadelphia, PA.
Eskin, G. & Neff, J. (2020 April). Top 10 Strategies to Support Girls in the Middle School Jazz Band. Teaching Music Magazine
Neff, J. (2020 January). Voice to Vision: Lessons Learned from Supporting Young Women in Jazz. Teaching Music Magazine.
Neff, J. (2018 September). Engaging the Ensemble: How Can You S.C.O.R.E. In Creating Meaningful Music-Making. Band Directors Talk Shop
Neff, J. (2018). A Curriculum Project of the National Association for Music Education and the Library of Congress, Teaching with Primary Sources: Band Responding Unit, Intermediate Level. National Association for Music Education.
Neff, J. (2016 Fall). Administrators’ Perceptions of the Pennsylvania Standards-Based Teacher Evaluation System. P.E.L. PA Educational Leadership, PA-ASCD.
Neff, J. (2016 Spring). Teacher Evaluation: Spotlight on the Classroom Environment. PMEA State Journal.
Neff, J. (2016 Fall). Speaking A Common Language or Getting Lost in Translation? PMEA State Journal.
Neff, J. (2016 May). Administrators’ Perceptions of the Pennsylvania Standards-Based Teacher Evaluation System. Dissertation. Immaculata University.
Neff, J. (2007 Fall). Appropriate Advocacy…Avoid the Kicking and Screaming. PMEA District 12 Newsletter.
Online Articles/Guest Blogs
Neff, J. & Schwartz Reichl, L. (2021, June 9). Has Your Flame Burned Out or Have You (Temporarily) Lost Your Spark? Music in a Minuet, National Association for Music Education.
Hodgson, K. & Neff, J. (2020, April 20). Creative and Engaging Experiences for Student Teachers. Music in a Minuet, National Association for Music Education.
Neff, J. (2020, March 30). Bringing the P.I.E. Online: How to Continue Being Purposeful, Intentional, and Explicit. Alfred Music.
Neff, J. (2019, September 5). Organize and Prioritize: Teacher "Time on Task". Alfred Music.
Neff, J. (2019, June 20). No Teacher is an Island: Tools for Today’s Survival. Music in a Minuet, National Association for Music Education.
Neff, J. (2019, April 30). Considerations in Choosing a Summer Music Camp. Music in a Minuet, National Association for Music Education.
Neff, J. (2017, November 20). No Time for Questions! Or Is There? Music in a Minuet, National Association for Music Education.
Neff, J. (2017 May 29). Did You Bring the Pie? Music in a Minuet, National Association for Music Education.
Neff, J. (2017 May 8). Teacher Evaluation: Keep Calm and Improve Your Craft. Music in a Minuet, National Association for Music Education.
Neff, J. (2017 May 3). How Does Your Garden Grow? Zeswitz Music Co.
Neff, J. (2017 May 31). Hosting a School Jazz Festival. Music in a Minuet, National Association for Music Education.
Neff, J. (2016 October 13). Did You Bring the P.I.E.? Zeswitz Music Co., October.
Neff, J. (2016 May 12). Speaking A Common Language or Getting Lost in Translation? Zeswitz Music Co.
Neff, J. (2016 February 18). Teacher Evaluation: Keep Calm and Improve Your Craft. J.W. Pepper website.
Professional Development Sessions/Consulting Work
West Chester Area School District, PA - May 2023, Curriculum Facilitator
Radnor Township School District, PA February-April 2023, K-12 Music Curriculum Audit
Cecil County Public Schools, MD, August 2022, Recruitment & Retention Post-Pandemic
Cecil County Public Schools, MD, August 2022, Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed,
Something Blue (It's Not About You)
Carroll County Public Schools, MD, September 2022, Should It Stay Or Should It Go
Carroll County Public Schools, MD, September 2021, Student Engagement in the Online Classroom
Archbishop Ryan HS, March 2021, Should It Stay Or Should It Go
Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth (PMAY) 02/21, No Teacher is an Island; Tools for Survival
Carroll County Schools, MD, 09/20, Presented session: Student Engagement in the Online Classroom
Manteca Unified School District, CA - 01/20, Designed/led day on music standards
Lenape Regional Consortium, NJ - 02/19, Designed/led day on music standards
Cape May Regional School District, NJ - 11/19, Designed/led day on - creativity, assessment
Guest Conducting/Clinics/Adjudications
Adjudicator, Music in the Parks, New Jersey, May 2024
Adjudicator, State Festival - Middle School Bands, MD Music Educators, May 2024
Adjudicator, Anne Arundel County, MD, April 2024
Adjudicator & Clinician, Central NJ Music Educators Association, April 2024
Adjudicator & Clinician, Festivals of Music, New Jersey, April 2024
Guest Conductor, PMEA District 12 5/6 Band Fest, Radnor, PA, March 2024
Adjudicator, Music in the Parks, Hershey, PA, May-June 2023
Adjudicator & Clinician, Festivals of Music, New Jersey, April 2023
Guest Conducting, PMEA District 8 High School Orchestra Festival, Berwick HS, January 2023
Guest Conducting, PMEA District 10 Elementary Band/String Fest, Parkland HS, January 2023
Guest Conducting, Charles County High School Honors Band, Charles County, MD, October 2022
Adjudicator, Welsh Valley Middle School Jazz Festival, May 2022
Guest Conductor, Bucks County Music Education Assoc. Middle School Honors Band, Mar. 2022
Adjudicator, Lancaster Lebanon Music Educators Association Adjudication Festival, Mar. 2022
Guest Conducting, Frederick County Maryland All-County Middle School Honor Band, Feb. 2022
Guest Conducting, PMEA District 12, High School Honors Band, Jan. 2022
Guest Conducting, PMEA District 7, Grade 5 & 6 Honors Band, Nov. 2021
Adjudicator/Clinician, 6th Annual Milton Hershey School Music Performance Assessment Festival, 03/20
Guest Conductor, Cape Henlopen High School, DE, Jr. High Honors Band, 02/20
Adjudicator, Howard County Public Schools, MD, Adjudicator for 30 MS/HS horns, 01/20
Clinician, Alston Middle School, Summerville, SC - Worked with grades 6, 7, and 8 bands, 09/19
Adjudicator, Music in the Parks, Hershey, PA - Middle School Orchestras, Jazz and Concert Bands, 06/19
Clinician, Skyview Elementary School, Methacton SD , Worked with Grade 5/6 Concert Band, 04/19
Adjudicator, The National Catholic Band Association Festival , Devon Preparatory School, PA, 03/19
Clinician, Lower Macungie Middle School, Horn Sectional, Grade 7 Band, Jazz Band, 12/18
Clinician, Haverford Middle School, Grade 6 & 8 Bands, 11/18
Guest Conductor, Pennsbury Middle School Honors Band, PA, 02/18
Adjudicator & Clinician, Pennsbury Middle School Honors Band, PA, 05/17
Guest Conductor, Anne Arundel All-County Middle School Honors Band, MD, 02/13
Guest Conductor, Susquehanna University High School Honors Band, PA, 02/11
Presentations
Neff, J. (2024, July). Supporting Girls in the Group [Workshop Session]. International Society for Music Education (ISME). Helsinki, Finland.
Neff, J. (2024, May). Keynote Speaker - Celebrating Your MVP. Zeswitz Music Professional Development Day. Delaware.
Neff, J. (2024, May) Meeting in the Middle: K-12 and 12-K Best Practices. Zeswitz Music Professional Development Day. Delaware.
Panel presentation - Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic, December 2023
Lortz, M. & Neff, J. (March, 2023). Cultivating Belonging in Your Ensemble [Conference Session]. MMEA Conference. Baltimore, MD.
Hughart, A., Hughart, O., & Neff, J. (2023, January). Creating Space for Girls in Jazz [Conference Session]. Jazz Educators Network (JEN). Orlando, FL.
Neff, J. (2022, October). Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue (It's Not About You) [Conference Session]. PMEA District 7. Lebanon Valley College. PA.
Neff, J. (2022, October. Recruitment & Retention Post-Pandemic [Conference Session]. PMEA District 7. Lebanon Valley College. PA.
Neff, J. (2022, October). Recruitment & Retention Post-Pandemic.
Gansky, J. & Neff, J. (2021, July). The Mindful Music Educator [Conference Session]. Women Band Directors International (WBDI) Season of Renewal Summer Conference. Online.
Neff, J. (2021, May). Bringing Attention and Intention to DEI in Your Department Philosophy [Guest Presenter]. Conn-Selmer Music Administration Collaborative. Online.
Neff, J. & Schwartz Reichl, L. (2021, April). Making Music More Inclusive: Transforming Limitations Into Opportunities [Conference Session]. Key of She Jazz Virtual Conference. Online.
Neff, J. (2021, April). The ABC’s of Drafting Your DEI Statement [Conference Session]. National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Eastern Division Conference.Online.
Neff, J. (2021, February). On Your Mark, Get Set, Engage Your Students in the Music Classroom [Keynote]. South Dakota Bandmasters Association 85th Annual Conference. Online.
Neff, J. & Schwartz Reichl, L. (2020, December), Creating an Inclusive Culture [Conference Session]. Key of She Jazz Conference. Online.
Eskin, G., Kauffman, T., Knott, D. & Neff, J. (2020, July). Creating and Sustaining an Inclusive Culture in Your Program (Conference Session). PMEA Summer Virtual Conference. Online
Neff, J. (2020, June). Developing Young Women for Music Careers [Guest Panelist]. Grammy Education Coalition. Online
Neff, J. (2020, June). Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue (It's Not About You) [Guest Speaker]. Towson University Graduate Course (A Study of Emerging Wind Band Repertoire). Online
Neff, J. (2020, June). Using the People's Library to Inspire Your Students in Band [Conference Session]. International Music Education Summit. Online. March 2020
Rowan University NAfME Collegiate, NJ On Your Mark...Get Set...Engage Your Ensemble [Conference Session]. NAfME Collegiate Conference. Glassboro, NJ.
Neff, J. (2019). No Teacher is an Island [Conference Session]. National Association for Music Education.
Bennett, C. & Neff, J. (2019). Singing and Moving with Primary Sources [Conference Session]. National Association for Music Education.
Eskin, G. & Neff, J. (2019, November). Surviving & Thriving: How to Support Girls in the Jazz Band [Conference Session]. PMEA District 11 In-Service Conference.
Neff, J. (2019, June). Assessment Makeover [Conference Session]. Zeswitz Music’s 5th Annual Professional Development Symposium
Eskin, G, & Neff, J, (2019, April). Fostering Girls in the Group [Conference Session]. Key of She Jazz Conference, UArts, Philadelphia.
Neff, J. (2019). Introducing the New Intermediate Band Unit Plans from NAfME/ LOC [Conference Session].Connecticut Music Educators Association, Hartford, CT.
Neff, J. (2019). Introducing the New Intermediate Band Unit Plans from NAfME/LOC [Conference Session]. Massachusetts Music Educators Association, Boston, MA.
Neff, J, (2019). No Teacher is an Island: Tools for Survival in Today's Climate [Conference Session]. New Jersey Music Education Association. New Brunswick, NJ.
Neff, J. (2019). Engaging Students in the Ensemble [Conference Session]. Maryland Music Education Association. Baltimore, MD.
Fortune, E. & Neff, J. (2018). Leading Students to Artistic Choices and Ownership in Middle School Band and Orchestra [Conference Session]. National Association for Music Education, Dallas, TX.
Neff, J. (2018). Introducing the Newly Released Intermediate Band Unit Plans from the NAfME/Library of Congress Project [Conference Session]. PMEA District 11 In-Service Conference.
Neff, J. (2018). No Teacher is an Island: Tools for Survival in Today’s Climate [Conference Session]. PMEA District 11 In-service Conference.
Neff, J. (2018). No Teacher is an Island: Tools for Survival in Today’s Climate [Conference Session]. Vermont Music Educators Association Conference.
Neff, J., Schneckenburger, B., & Siebert, J. (2018, June). A Curriculum Project of NAfME and the Library of Congress - Teaching with Primary Sources [NationalAssembly Session]. NAfME, Library of Congress.
Neff, J. (2018, June). No Teacher is an Island: Tools for Survival in Today’s Climate [Guest Speaker]. Aspiring to Excel course, University of the Arts Summer Music Studies.
Neff, J. (2018, June). No Teacher is an Island: Tools for Survival in Today’s Climate [Symposium Session]. Zeswitz Music’s 4th Annual Professional Development Symposium. Royersford, PA.
Neff, J. (2018). Student Engagement in the Middle School Instrumental Classroom [Conference Session]. Pennsylvania Music Educators State Conference. Lancaster, PA.
Neff, J. (2018). Engaging the Ensemble: Real-World Examples to Help Students Create Meaningful Music-Making [Conference Session]. New Hampshire Music Educators Conference.
Neff, J. & Watson, S. (2017). Enhancing the Ensemble Experience Using Composer Skype Sessions [Conference Session]. The Midwest Clinic: International Band and Orchestra Conference. Chicago, IL.
Neff, J. (2017). Engaging the Ensemble: Real-World Examples to Help Engage Students and Create Meaningful Music Making. PMEA District 12 In-service Day. Bluebell, PA.
Neff, J. & Watson, S. (2017). Enhancing the Ensemble Experience Using Composer Skype Sessions [Conference Session]. PMEA District 10 In-service Day. Allentown, PA.
Neff, J. (2017). Engaging the Ensemble: Are We Asking Enough of Our Students? [Conference Session]. Delaware Music Educators State Arts Day, Dover, DE.
Neff, (2017, June). Engaging the Ensemble: Are We Asking Enough of Our Students? [Conference Session]. Zeswitz Music’s 3rd Annual Professional Development Symposium. Royersford, PA.
Neff, J. & Watson, S. (2017, April). Using Composer Skype Sessions to Make Meaningful Connections [Conference Session]. NAfME Eastern Division Conference, Atlantic City, NJ.
Neff, J. (2016). Engaging Students Through Deeper Content Connections [Conference Session]. PMEA District 11 In-service Day. Bluebell, PA.
Neff, J. (2016). Lost in Translation: Articulating a Common Language [Conference Session]. Delaware Music Educators Association State Arts Day, Dover, DE.
Neff, J. (2016, June). Lost in Translation: Articulating a Common Language [Conference Session]. Zeswitz Music’s 2nd Annual Professional Development Symposium, Royersford, PA.
Emert, D., Neff, J., & Sheehan, S. (2015). The New National Music Standards: How to Unpack Them and Use Them in the Band Classroom [Conference Session]. NAfME Eastern Division Conference, Providence, RI.
Neff, J. & Sokolowski, E. (2014). Unpacking the New Common Core Arts Standards [Conference Session]. PMEA District 11 In-service Day, Bluebell, PA.
Luehrsen, M., Neff, J., & Sterner-Porreca, A. (2013, June). I Want THAT Music Program [Conference Session]. NAMM/President’s Turnaround Arts Initiative Conference, Rye, MD.
Neff, J. & Potter, S. (2010). Embracing Change [Panel Member]. Pennsylvania Music Education Association All-State Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.
Neff, J. (2009). Promoting Music Education through Advocacy [Conference Session]. PMEA District 11 In-service Day. Bluebell, PA.
Neff, J. (2009, March). Promoting Music Education through Advocacy [Guest Speaker]. Eastern University, Radnor, PA.
Neff, J. (2009, March). Promoting Music Education through Advocacy [Guest Speaker]. Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA.
Neff, J. (2009, April).Promoting Music Education through Advocacy [Guest Speaker]. Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.
Webinars
Waynesburg State University & NAfME 01/21 - Responsive Inquiry In and Through Instrumental Music
Women Banding Together, 11/20 – Mentorship During a Pandemic
Women Banding Together, 10/20 – Building Relationships with Administrators
Women Banding Together, 11/20 – Back-to-School Health and Wellness (lead organizer for this panel)
Women Banding Together, 08/20 – The Student and Parent Voice Through the Lens of #BlackLivesMatter
Women Banding Together, 07/20 – Reflecting on Our Classrooms and Communities Through the Lens of #BlackLivesMatter
(lead organizer for this panel)
Women Banding Together, 06/20 - Actionable Steps Towards Change
Women Banding Together, 05/20 - Transitioning with Resilience
PMEA Webinar Series, 06/20 - Self-Care in a Selfie World: Bringing Your Philosophy into Focus (w/D. Knott)
Poster Session
National Council for Social Studies Conference, Chicago, 11/2018 - Maximizing Music's Connections to Social Studies via Inquiry-Based Strategies (Invited to present poster session for NAfME & The Library of Congress project)
Interviews
Everything Band Podcast w/ Mark J. Connor, 03/19/18, Episode 52
Working Musician Podcast w/ David Pedrick, 06/19, Episode 80
Marching Roundtable on “Time Management Tips” w/ Tim Hinton & John Bogenshutz, 03/27/20 Music Ed Mentor Podcast w/ Elisa Janson Jones Episode 70 “Performance Programming & Diversity,”04/03/20 Majoring in Music website– Interviewed for online content
for Spring 2020 article
Performing Experience: Horn teachers: D. Campbell, N. Saunders, C. S. Smith, L. Stout, Sr., J. Gaboury-Sly; Freelance horn player in the Philadelphia suburb area (‘02-‘10); Narberth Community Theater - Jekyll and Hyde, 1st horn in pit (‘05); Member of Windworks Woodwind Quintet - Philadelphia suburb area (‘02-‘04); Meriden Symphony Orchestra, CT - substitute (‘95); Jackson Symphony Orchestra, MI (‘92); College Performing Experiences: (1986-1990) - Michigan State University Symphony Orchestra, under Leon Gregorian; Wind Symphony, under Kenneth Bloomquist and Eugene Corporon - including performance at Midwest Clinic (‘86); Spartan Marching Band under William Wiedrich - including Rose Bowl (‘88); Pre-college: Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, under Rolf Smedvig (‘85-‘86). Pre-college experience in concert band, marching band, jazz band, orchestra, handbells, choir playing horn and piano.
Workshop & Conference Attendance Highlights:
Annual PMEA State and/or District Conferences since 2001
Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, Chicago Illinois, 2001, 2003-2009, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Orlando, FL, 2019
National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Dallas, TX, 2018
National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Empowering Creativity, Nashville, TN, 2017
National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Eastern Division Conference, Providence, RI, 2015 National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Eastern Division Conference, Hartford, CT, 2013 Conn-Selmer Institute, Music Administrator Collaborative, 2013
Arts Advocacy Day, The 2009 National Arts Action Summit, Washington, D.C., 03/2009
PMEA Summer Conference: Focus on Creativity, 07/2007
University of Florida, A Symposium on Assessment in Music Education,03/2007
Eric Jensen's Learning Brain Expo, San Diego California,01/2006
Villanova University, Alternative Rehearsal Techniques w/ Ed Lisk, 07/2005
Vandercook College of Music, Administrative and Leadership Strategies, 07/2005
Villanova University, The School Jazz Band w/ Chris Vadala, 07/2004
Villanova University, Meet the Composer w/ Quincy Hilliard & Brian Balmages, 07/2003
Hartt School of Music, Strings for the Non-String Player, 06/2003
Doctoral Studies Coursework:
~Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
~Teacher Evaluation and Supervision
~PA School Code and School Law and the Legal Process
~Curriculum Theory and Evaluation
~Political, Economic, and Social Structures of School Culture
~Curriculum Management
~Communication Theory and Practice
~Pupil Personnel Services
~Organizational Development and Change Theory
~Staff Development
~School Leadership in Teaching and Learning
~Personnel Management and Labor Relations
~Doctoral Research/Dissertation: Teacher Evaluation