The Arts at Work: Job-based Competencies, Experiences, and Pathways in the Arts

Join us at the Southern Indiana Education Center as we host two days focused on fine arts educators, work-based learning competencies, and recent changes that impact fine arts programs across the state of Indiana. Brian Weidner from Butler University will be leading both days and will begin Day 1 by leading participants in learning and exploring the following:

• Processes of communicating artistic needs and how the arts can serve the needs of schools

• Work-based competencies that have been consistently demonstrated within fine arts classrooms

• Structuring school schedules

• Fine arts messaging

• Introduction of fine arts pathways (to be discussed further in January)

Participants will have the opportunity to practice learned professional skills and will have access to templates that can be personalized. This is the perfect time to collaborate and connect with colleagues to "speak the same language" while working to provide students focused opportunities in the arts. Join us on November 3 to learn more!

Workshop Details:

• Date: November 3, 2025

• Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm EST

• Location: SIEC, 1102 Tree Lane Drive, Jasper, IN 47546

• Fee Structure: SIEC/ESCI Member - $200/Non-member $280 **If registering for both sessions in this Fine Arts series (see also Day 2 taking place on January 12, 2026), then the fee for SIEC/ESCI Members is $300 per person (Nonmember is $420) ***If registering a school/district team of 3 or more, each person receives a 10% discount (SIEC/ESCI member schools only)

• Other Details:

  • Please bring a laptop computer so online resources can be accessed.

  • A catered lunch will be provided.

  • Participants will receive Professional Growth Points.

  • Deadline to register is 2 weeks before each workshop.

  • See the embedded registration form below.

Presenter: Brian N. Weidner

Brian N. Weidner is Associate Professor and Coordinator of Music Education at Butler University. He holds a Ph.D. in Music Education from Northwestern University with additional degrees in music and education from Olivet Nazarene University, Northern Illinois University, and Illinois State University.  Previously, he served as the Fine Arts Coordinator and Director of Bands at McHenry (IL) High School.  In his current position, he teaches undergraduate courses in instrumental music and administration and graduate courses in curriculum, assessment, philosophy, and research methods. He was recognized as Indiana Collegiate Music Teacher of the Year by IMEA in 2023.

He has published articles in JRME, MEJ, BCRME, IJEA, IJME, JMTE, PoM, CMS Symposium, and regional journals and has presented nationally and internationally.  He is also the author of Brass Techniques and Pedagogy and an editor of the book series Points of Disruption in Music Education. He is Communications Chair for the Society of Music Teacher Education and Policy Chair for the Indiana Music Education Association. His research focuses on the development of independent musicianship through large music ensembles and processes of disruption in music teacher education.