July 9-11, 2025
Following a distinguished 33-year teaching career, Paula Crider continues to share her passion for making music as guest conductor, lecturer, clinician and adjudicator in the U.S. and abroad. She is Professor Emerita at The University of Texas, where she was twice awarded for distinguished teaching.
Crider has taught in the public schools at all levels, and holds the unique distinction of having been the first female in Texas to serve as director of bands at a class 5-A high school. She presents seminars throughout the U.S. She serves as coordinator for the National Band Association Young Conductor/Mentor Program, is Educational Consultant for Conn-Selmer, and was recently appointed to the Midwest Clinic Board. She is a Past President of the National Band Association and American Bandmasters Association.
Crider has written numerous articles for The Instrumentalist, The Band Director’s Guide, and National Band Association Journal, and manuals for brass techniques, marching band methods and instrumental conducting. She is co-author for the Masterwork Studies series (Hal Leonard) and author of The Conductor’s Legacy (GIA).
Awards and honors include the Tau Beta Sigma/Kappa Kappa Psi “Outstanding Service to Music Award,” Sudler “Legion of Merit,” Women Band Director’s International Rose, Grainger Society Medal, Kappa Kappa Psi Bo Makvosky Memorial Award, National Band Association AWAPA Award, 2004 Texas Bandmaster of the Year, Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame, and Midwest Medal of Honor. She considers her greatest honor to be the privilege of working with all who share a passion for excellence in making music.
Summer Conference Registration
Prices:
Pre-Registration May 1 to July 3: $60
Registration after July 3: $75
Retired Members, Life Members, College Students, and First-Year Teachers: Free
7-Star/9-Star Honor Band Students: $20
7-Star/9-Star Honor Band Chaperones: $15
FBA Family BBQ: $25
(Wednesday, July 9, 5:30 p.m. at Freedom High School, just before the Southern Winds Concert) - FBA Members and invited guests
MEAL PRE-ORDERS close on June 27.
7-Star Meal options Monday & Tuesday: (7-Star students, directors, parents) may pre-order meals for Monday, July 7 (at Freedom High School) and Tuesday, July 8 (at the DoubleTree) in addition to the below lunch options for Wednesday, July 9, and Thursday, July 10.
Monday, July 7 - $15 (pizza, chips, drink, dessert)
Tuesday, July 8 - $25 (chips, iced tea/lemonade/water, cookie)
Conference Lunch options Wednesday & Thursday:
ALL conference attendees (directors, students, parents, vendors) may pre-order grab-and-go lunches for Wednesday, July 9, and Thursday, July 10. All options are $25 inclusive (chips, iced tea/lemonade/water, cookie). Pre-orders close on June 27.
Schedule Overview:
DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld
10100 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32821
Please see the Exhibitor Information Page.
2026: July 7 (Adjudication Training), July 8-10 (Conference and Jazz Institute)
Dr. Paula Crider
Keynote Speaker