Gene Bechen

Teaches courses in instrumental music education. Also serves as conductor and festival coordinator for the annual SAU Junior High All-Star Band Festival and the SAU High School Honor Band Festival.

Extensive list of publications in the area of wind band literature analysis, as well as research interests involving: stress and burnout in music education; assessment in instrumental music education; and student teaching in music.

Frequent presenter at state and regional music education conferences. Guest conductor and clinician for numerous junior high and high school instrumental ensembles. Strong advocate for the inclusion of technology in the classroom and the development of hybrid courses.

Holds "Master Educator License" from the State of Iowa Department of Education.

 

Education and Training

The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Music Education
Doctor of Philosophy, 2000

The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Music Education
Master of Arts, 1991

Wayne State College, Wayne, Nebraska
Music Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Education, 1986

 

Courses Taught

Conductor, Symphonic Band
Instrumental Music Methods
Beginning Conducting
Instrumental Conducting
Music Technology and Practicum
Jazz Appreciation
Marching Band/Jazz Band Procedures
Woodwind Techniques
Percussion Techniques
Student Teaching in Music

 

Recent Publications and Presentations

Bechen, E. (2011). Miles, R. (Ed.) Teaching Music Through Performance in Band (Solos with Wind Band Accompaniment). Chicago, IL. GIA Music Publications, Inc.

Bechen, E. (2010). Miniature Set for Band. In R. Miles (Ed.) Teaching Music Through Performance in Band (Volume VIII). Chicago, IL. GIA Music Publications, Inc.

Bechen, E. (2009). Ginger Marmalade. In R. Miles (Ed.) Teaching Music Through Performance in Band (Volume I, 2nd edition). Chicago, IL. GIA Music Publications, Inc.

Bechen, E. (2009). Top 10 Ways to Avoid Burnout for Music Education Students. Conn-Selmer Keynotes: May 2009.

Bechen, E. (2009). Burnout and the Beginning Music Educator. Conn-Selmer Keynotes: March 2009. 

Coppola, C. (2009). Avoiding the Pitfalls of Teacher Burnout. Teaching Music, Vol. 16, Number 4, January 2009. (interview)

Bechen, E. (2008). Burnout and the Beginning Music Educator. MENC Collegiate: November 2008

Bechen, E. (2008). Top Ten Ways to Avoid Burnout for Music Education Students. MENC Collegiate: August 2008 Newslink.

 

Honors and Awards

Outstanding Alumnus - October 2003, Wayne State College, Wayne Nebraska, College of Arts and Humanities

Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society - April 2002, Indiana State University

Visiting Lecturer - May 2001, University of Transkei (UNITRA) in Umtata, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity - April 2001, Gamma Omega Chapter, Indiana State University

Stephen Hempstead Senior High School, Dubuque, IA, 1994-1995, Teacher of the Year Award

Clark County School District, Clark County, NV, 1991-1992, New Teacher of the Year Award (chosen from over 1,100 new teachers in the district)

 

Professional Organizations

College Band Director's National Association
Iowa Alliance for Arts Education
Iowa Bandmasters Association
Iowa Music Educators Association
Jazz Education Network
Music Educators National Conference
National Band Association
National Catholic Band Director's Association
Technology Institute for Music Education

 

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