Weinstein To Focus On Marching Arts Education Projects
Howard Weinstein himself couldn’t have written a more ideal job description. Music education, drum corps and an avenue to reach young people with the desire to perform. A position with Youth Education in the Arts offered the perfect blend, and the 43-year-old Orlando, Fla., resident decided this week to seize the maroon and golden opportunity.
Weinstein was recently named the new Director of Education for YEA! and the Assistant Director of the Cadets. The former leader of the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps and accomplished high school band director and music educator of more than 20 years will spend the next three months in a part time role with YEA! then, upon moving to the Allentown, Pa., region, will become a full-time member of the team.
"I have long been admiring YEA! and the Cadets organization. When the offer came, I jumped on it," Weinstein said. "It’s education. It’s drum corps. And I’m really excited to be able to again combine the two."
The world of drum corps is far from unfamiliar to Weinstein. He served as Director and Program Coordinator of the legendary Boston Crusaders for nearly nine years, from 1999 to 2007. His role hasn’t always been in an instructional capacity. Weinstein marched with the Suncoast Sound of Clearwater, Fla., from 1983 to 1985. After aging out, he taught the corps until 1989.
For 11-years – 1986 to 1997 – Weinstein was a high school band director in Florida and Georgia schools. Presently, he serves as a clinician, instructor and leadership specialist at the Tarpon Springs High School Music Conservatory in Tarpon Springs, Fla., and as a consultant for leadership, design and band administrators. Weinstein is also an adjudicator for the Florida Music Educators Association and many other independent marching and concert associations.
Back to Pennsylvania
Born in Philadelphia, Pa., Weinstein looks forward to returning to the region for his new position. The son of a musician in the Naval Academy band, Weinstein was raised in Annapolis, Md., near the U.S. Naval Academy. Upon his father’s retirement, Weinstein moved to Florida when he was 15-years-old, and has kept the state his residence since.
YEA! has a solid foundation in educational components and programs currently in place, Weinstein said. Instructional DVDs, manuals and the well-established Music Is Cool clinic series held during the corps’ summer tour are a clear success for the Cadets and YEA!. But there is plenty of room for additional educational programs, Weinsten added, including opportunities in the symphonic and jazz bands and choral areas.
"There are also things we can do in student leadership programs within YEA!." Weinstein said. "As well as see if we can expand into teacher development. I want to take what existing infrastructure is already in place and build upon it."
