Eckroth Music, in conjunction with Hal Leonard and other sponsors, are proud to present the New Music Reading Workshop on July 30-31, 2026. Join educators from across Montana and read through new jazz and concert band literature under the direction of fantastic clinicians.
Whether you are just out of college or a veteran conductor, we are excited to invite you to the New Music Reading Workshop at MSU-B (Glacier Room) in Billings, MT. Thursday evening will be a jazz band reading session followed by a social hour hosted by Eckroth Music. Friday will be a full day of concert band reading with lunch provided on site. Materials will be provided in a digital format, so please bring a laptop, tablet, or other mobile smart device capable of reading score size material.
The registration fee for this entire event is $125 and includes the cost of OPI Renewal Units.
Early Registration Special: Register by June 14th to save $25 on your workshop fee!
9:00 am -- 4:00 pm -- Concert Band Reading Session
Lunch Included
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2026 Registration
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Amenities
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2026 Hotel Rooms - coming soon
About New Music Reading Workshop
FAQ
About New Music Reading Workshop
Eckroth Music, in conjunction with Hal Leonard and Eastman Music are proud to present the NEW MUSIC READING WORKSHOP on July 30 & 31, 2026 at MSU-B, Billings, MT (Glacier Room).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the workshop location?
MSU-B, Billings, MT (Glacier Room)
Will there be OPI Renewal Units?
Yes, you can earn 9 OPI Renewal Units.
Do we need to bring our instrument?
If you are interested in playing in the band, please reach out to Mike Miller to see if there is a seat available in your section.
What should I wear?
Business Casual attire is appropriate for the workshop. The workshop is held indoors; sometimes a sweater/jacket is nice to have along in case the air conditioning is working really well that day.
What is the schedule?
Thursday evening will kick off with Jazz Reading from 6:30 - 9 PM, followed by the Eckroth Music Social Hour until 11. Friday morning, Concert Band reading will begin at 9 AM and go until 4 PM. A lunch will be served from noon until 1 PM.
Meals
Your registration fee includes a lunch on Friday. In addition, there is a social
hour on Thursday evening also included with the registration fee.
Michael Pote
Jazz Band and Concert Band
Michael Pote
2026 Clinician
Michael Pote retired as Director of Bands at Carmel High School (Carmel, IN) in 2025 after spending 35 years in music education. The band program at Carmel High School serves nearly 600 students with 6 concert bands, 5 jazz ensembles, marching band, chamber ensembles, private lesson program, percussion ensembles and 3 winter color guards.
Carmel High School’s Wind Symphony 1 performed at the 2005 Midwest Band and Orchestra clinic, the 2020 North Central Division CBDNA Conference, numerous state conference performances and clinics and has been a 4-time participant in the Music For All National Concert Band Festival. Wind Symphony 1 is a 10-time ISSMA Concert Band State Champion including the last 7 consecutive years.
The marching band at Carmel High School has been a Bands of America National Finalist 27 consecutive years dating back to 1996 and were the ISSMA State Champions in 1990, 2001, 2002, 2012, 2018 and 2022. CHS is a 28-time Bands of America Regional Champion and were named the Bands of America Grand National Champions in 2005, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022.
The Carmel band program has received the National Band Association Program of Excellence Blue Ribbon Award as well as being a two-time recipient of the prestigious Sudler Shield.
Michael was a music ensemble consultant for the Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps during the 2022 and 2023 seasons and is currently on the brass staff of the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps. A clinician for the Yamaha Master Educator Collective, Michael has presented clinics across the country including the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, the South Carolina Music Educators Conference, the Boston Brass Summer Winds Seminar, the North Carolina Music Educators Conference, Florida Music Educators Association and the Arizona Music Educators Association.
Michael was elected to membership in the American Band Masters Association in 2021 and in 2019 was awarded the Phi Beta Mu Indiana Chapter Outstanding Bandmaster. Michael’s three wind ensemble method books, “Process”,“Ensemble: an integrated approach to the Yamaha Harmony Director” and “The Pure-Tempered Bach” are published through Fannin Music Productions.
OPI Renewal Units
How to receive
OPI Renewal Units
How to receive
You will receive 9 OPI renewal units for attending the jazz and concert band workshop. MSU will be present to complete the needed paperwork on sight. The registration fee includes the cost of the renewal units.
