Tradition Meets Innovation: A New Chapter in Music Education

The Guests

Joel Denton is a respected music educator, conductor, and clinician with over four decades of experience in instrumental music education. He currently serves as the President of the Tennessee Music Education Association (TNMEA), where he advocates for accessible, high-quality music education across the state.

Mr. Denton spent the majority of his career as Director of Bands at Ooltewah High School in Hamilton County, Tennessee, where his ensembles consistently earned superior ratings and performed at regional and national events. A passionate supporter of comprehensive music education, Denton is known for his thoughtful leadership, deep knowledge of pedagogy, and ability to balance tradition with innovation.

He has served as a clinician and adjudicator throughout the United States and is a frequent presenter at state and national music conferences. As TNMEA President, Mr. Denton works closely with music educators across disciplines to support curriculum development, student engagement, and professional growth in an ever-evolving educational landscape

Alexis Yatuzis-Derryberry is a passionate music educator, clinician, and advocate for inclusive, student-centered music programs. She is the Immediate Past President of the Tennessee Music Education Association (TNMEA) and has been a leading voice in the movement to broaden access to music education through innovation and equity.

With years of experience as a middle school music teacher and program leader, Alexis is known for her commitment to building strong, diverse ensembles that reflect the identities and interests of her students. Her work bridges traditional and contemporary approaches, emphasizing the importance of both musical rigor and emotional connection.

In her leadership roles with TNMEA and beyond, Alexis has been instrumental in conversations around expanding the definition of music education to include popular music, Modern Band, and culturally responsive pedagogy. She is a frequent presenter at state and national conferences, where she shares her insights on engagement, creativity, and the evolving role of the music educator.

Episode 1 A Conversation on Tradition, Transition, and Modern Band

In the inaugural episode of Beyond the Stand, I had the privilege of sitting down with two remarkable educators who share a deep passion for music education—Alexis Derryberry and Joel Denton. This two-part conversation explores the intersection of traditional music education and the rapidly growing world of modern band and popular music ensembles. Together, we dive into how we can honor the traditions that have shaped music education while adapting to the changing needs and interests of today’s students.

Music Education: Bridging the Gap Between Tradition and Innovation

Joel Denton, a veteran in traditional music education, shared his journey into music and teaching, emphasizing the life skills that students gain from being part of a band. Beyond playing notes, students learn teamwork, responsibility, and the discipline that comes with being part of a musical ensemble. As Joel so eloquently put it, "We don't teach music; we teach students. Music is the fuel that helps them discover who they are and who they want to become."

Alexis Derryberry, on the other hand, brings a modern perspective to music education. Having worked with both traditional and modern music ensembles, Alexis believes in the power of music to engage students who might not connect with traditional band settings. She advocates for a more immersive approach to teaching popular music, where students not only learn to perform but also engage with different instruments, from guitar to drums, and even piano. Alexis’s path as a teacher began with her own love for music—fueled by a background in percussion and an eventual pivot toward guitar and songwriting in her current role. For Alexis, modern band isn’t just about playing popular tunes; it’s about creating a space where students can experiment, learn multiple instruments, and develop transferable skills.

The Importance of Teaching Musicianship, Not Just Songs

One key point of discussion during this episode was the importance of teaching musicianship, not just song memorization. Joel shared an insightful story about his experience with students learning music through rote memorization, only to realize they hadn't actually developed the skills to play music for a lifetime. As he put it, "If we're not teaching students how to read music or how to truly engage with their instruments, we're not doing our job." This notion was echoed by Alexis, who noted that in her modern band classroom, students don't just play songs—they explore music theory, chord progressions, and composition.

Both educators agreed that the end goal is the same: to foster a love for music that students will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Whether through traditional ensemble performance or the more contemporary approach of modern band, it’s all about developing musicianship and a lifelong appreciation for the art of music.

Modern Band: Meeting Students Where They Are

One of the key advantages of modern band programs, like the one Alexis leads, is that they create an accessible and inclusive space for students who may not fit into traditional ensembles. By offering genres like rock, pop, rap, and country, modern band programs attract students who might not otherwise engage with music. Alexis shared a powerful anecdote from her own experience teaching guitar and songwriting: students who had never picked up an instrument before were not only learning how to play but were also excited about taking music theory and even pursuing music at higher levels.

In fact, one of Alexis's students, who had initially started in her guitar class as a hobbyist, is now preparing for AP theory and is deeply invested in his music education. It's this level of engagement and transformation that makes modern band programs so impactful.

Teaching Beyond the Music

What struck me the most during this conversation was the shared belief that music education isn't just about teaching students how to play an instrument or memorize a piece of music. It's about shaping who they become as individuals. Both Alexis and Joel spoke passionately about the role music plays in teaching students responsibility, collaboration, and perseverance—skills they carry with them far beyond the classroom.

Joel’s experience teaching traditional ensembles taught him that students learn not only how to perform but also how to be better people. And in Alexis’s modern band class, she watches as students grow into musicians who are not only skilled in their craft but also confident in their ability to create and express themselves.

Looking Ahead

As we wrapped up the conversation, both educators reflected on the evolution of student engagement. The world has changed, and students have become more sensitive and attuned to emotional connections in their learning. As educators, it’s our job to adapt and meet them where they are—giving them the tools they need to become lifelong learners and musicians.

In the next episode, we’ll dive deeper into some of the challenges that come with blending traditional and modern approaches to music education. We’ll discuss the logistics, concerns, and how to move forward with curiosity and care as we navigate this exciting transition.

This conversation with Alexis and Joel is just the beginning of a broader discussion about the future of music education. I’m thrilled to continue exploring how we can create an inclusive and dynamic learning environment for all students, regardless of their musical background or interests.

Stay tuned for part two of this conversation!