The Growing Band Director 316 Dennis Llinas and Mark Casperson
Jan 29, 2026
Mark Casperson, a Plano East band educator and inventor of the Tuner Caddy, champions daily personal tuner use to build listening and ensemble sound. Dennis Llinas, University of Oregon director and composer of Latin-flavored works, discusses writing authentic salsa-inspired pieces and workshop videos to support student learning. They talk tuner-driven rehearsal habits, repertoire choices, student ownership, and balancing accessibility with cultural authenticity.
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Writing Fills Repertoire Gaps
- Dennis wrote Un Cafecito to fill a lack of authentic salsa-style concert band charts.
- This led to other commissions connecting professional soloists with younger ensembles.
Simplify Music To Reach More Ensembles
- To write accessible pieces, strip ornamental notes and keep the core musical idea.
- Test whether the piece still works after removing 'extra fluff' and simplify accordingly.
Build Culture Before Chasing Perfection
- Create a program culture that shows students you care about them as people and their success.
- High expectations still matter, but relationships drive student buy-in and musical excellence.
