We would like to invite musicians in grades 9-12 to apply for the 2025 (Fall) Grand Valley State University Wind Band Workshop. This will be an outstanding day of music making, including the opportunity to play alongside collegiate musicians, master classes with our faculty, working with a guest composer, and a concluding side by side concert with GVSU musicians.

Fee

$25, which helps to offset the costs of meals, music, recordings, group photo and T-shirt. The remaining costs are provided by the GVSU Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance.

Housing

Housing: As a result of participant input and University insurance and liability guidelines, we will not be offering supervised housing.

Nominations

All nominations will be online. The honors band is open to all high school musicians from grades 9 – 12. The application is combined with the director’s recommendation in a single submission.

Director Nomination Form

Kevin Tutt

Kevin Tutt is the Chair of the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance. He is also the conductor of the GVSU Wind Symphony and has taught courses in conducting, music education, and general education. 

Prior to his appointment at GVSU, Dr. Tutt held teaching positions at Brandon University, in Brandon, MB, The Pennsylvania State University in University Park, PA, Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA and the Central Dauphin School District in Harrisburg, PA. He has been a guest conductor, clinician and consultant for all levels of ensembles and public school programs in the United States and Canada.

Dr. Tutt holds degrees in conducting and music education from The Pennsylvania State University. His recent professional interests include: teacher evaluation policies in the arts, the impact of arts advocacy, and the evaluation of Teacher Preparation Institutions. His publications have appeared in the Music Educators Journal, Journal of Band Research, Arts Education Policy Review, Research Perspectives in Music Education, Visions of Research in Music Education and Michigan Music Educator and he has been an invited presenter at regional and national music conferences. 

Kim Archer

Kimberly K. Archer (b. 1973 in Mendota, IL) is currently serving as Distinguished Research Professor of Music Composition at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Illinois. She teaches composition, orchestration, analysis, counterpoint, and music theory. Past appointments include Bowling Green State University in Ohio, Western Carolina University in North Carolina, and Southeast High School in Florida. Archer holds a Bachelor of Music Education from The Florida State University, a Master of Music in Composition from Syracuse University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition from The University of Texas at Austin. Her teachers include David Maslanka, David Gillingham, Andrew Waggoner, Donald Grantham, and Charlie Carter.

A specialist in music for winds and percussion, Dr. Archer has been commissioned by organizations such as

• The “President’s Own” United States Marine Band
• The United States Air Force Band of Mid-America
• Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma
• The Florida Bandmasters Association
• The International Women’s Brass Conference
• Consortiums of university and high school ensembles around the country

Her music has been performed throughout the United States, at events including

• The 59^th Presidential Inauguration
• The Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic
• The World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) International Convention
• Regional conventions of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA)
• State conventions of the Nebraska State Band Association, Oklahoma Music Educators Association, and the National Band Association-Wisconsin

Dr. Archer is the author of the textbook Orchestration for theSymphonic Band, as well as a contributor for Composers on Composing for Band, Volume 4. In addition, her for those taken too Minneapolis, MNsoon …. (Symphony no. 1) is featured in an interview in the February 2004 issue of “The Instrumentalist,” titled “Kimberly Archer Turned Sadness into a Five-Movement Memorial.” She is a regular recipient of the ASCAPLUS award.

Dr. Archer’s published music is available from Murphy Music Press and C. Alan Publications. Her Fanfare Politeia is available on the United States Marine Band album "Monuments." Her Symphony no. 3 (Troy 1152) is recorded on Albany Records. Her Concerto for Piano and Wind Ensemble (8984-MCD), Symphony no. 2(6669-MCD) and for those taken too soon …. Symphony no. 1 (7643-MCD) are recorded by Mark Custom Recording.

Step 1: Director Nominations date October 1

Students must be nominated by their band directors to participate. Directors must nominate their students using the online form linked below by October 1.

Directors

• Before you nominate, please check with each of your nominees to make certain that the nominees can and will attend this event if selected.  
• We will notify directors of student acceptance by October 17.
• Please make sure that each accepted student practices their part diligently before the workshop.  Students who do not know their part may feel out of place.

Wind Band Workshop - Director Nomination Form

Step 2: Student Acceptance/Registration (October 17-31)

1. Students selected will be sent an email on or before October 17 with a link to accept their nomination and to complete their registration.
2. Cost: $25. Includes lunch, dinner, and T-shirt and is paid online as part of the registration form.
3. All participants are required to upload a completed Minors on Campus Release Form and COVID-19 Waiver as part of their registration.

November 20, 2025:  Tentative Schedule

9:00    Check-in Lobby of Performing Arts Center


9:30    Rehearsal - breaks during rehearsal


12:00  Lunch (included in registration fee) - subs

12:45  Instrumental Masterclasses 
with GVSU Applied Instructors

2:00    Rehearsal- breaks during rehearsal


4:00    GVSU Student Performances

5:00    Dinner (included in registration fee) - Pizza

5:30    Dress for performance - Students should wear their regular concert attire.

7:00    Concert. Free and open to the public. Parking is free after 6 pm.