Southeast Regional Practicum: FEBRUARY 25-26, 2026
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Join us in Baton Rouge for the 2026 Southeast Regional Practicum!
This two-day in-person gathering brings together Teaching Artists from across Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and more for an energizing mix of learning, reflection, and connection. Hosted by Kids’ Orchestra, the Practicum is your chance to:
- Level up your practice with interactive workshops led by expert clinicians.
- See artistry in action through real-time classroom observations.
- Reflect and problem-solve with peers in collaborative conversation groups.
- Build your network of Teaching Artists who share your passion and challenges.
You’ll walk away with new tools, fresh ideas, and a stronger sense of community to fuel your work back home.
Don’t miss out! Registration closes February 6. Scroll down for workshop details, travel info, and more.
About the Host organization
KO serves over 1,800 students across South Louisiana and gives them the opportunity to study music, play an instrument, and perform in an ensemble. Founded in 2010, Kids’ Orchestra (KO) continues providing its El Sistema-inspired, afterschool program that provides the opportunity to create and enjoy the arts by increasing skills in and the knowledge of music, social and emotional learning opportunities, and supplemental nutrition. With almost half of the population from low-income communities, needs-based scholarships for up to 97% of tuition are provided. A well-maintained, correctly sized instrument for each student is provided free of charge. Over 80 accomplished teaching artists, many completing graduate studies at Louisiana State University’s School of Music, meet with students two times a week to provide music instruction. They eat a healthy snack, get help with homework and academic tutoring plus direct contact with caring adults. Every student has the opportunity to perform in two Neighborhood Concerts each year to celebrate their progress with their families and community.
Learn more: https://kidsorchestra.org/about/
featured clinician
Nicole Boutros Melrose
The moment Nicole Boutros Melrose touched the violin at 11 years of age, a ringing sound of hope was produced. Coming from a background of socio-economic hardship and experiencing the struggles of a first generation Arab-American, the violin provided Nicole with a way to express herself and hope for a bright future. At the age of 15, she knew she wanted to start a program for children like herself who could not afford access to high-quality string programming. In 2013 she started her first program with historically underserved students in East Dallas. What started as a small class with a few crowdfunded violins became a large and thriving program impacting over 300 families, with 100% of auditioning program graduates admitted into Magnet Arts and Talented and Gifted Academies. Nicole’s programs have become well-known for innovative teaching methods and pedagogy, meaningful collaborations and community partnerships, culturally responsive and engaging repertoire, and powerful results.
Nicole is a visionary innovator, groundbreaking string educator, clinician, composer, researcher, speaker, and performing violinist. She created StringRise so that students and educators far and wide can be impacted by the transformational power of innovative string methodology, curriculum, workshops, and products. She believes beginning strings is the key to the thriving, growing, and equitable future of string education. Nicole is an expert in beginning string pedagogy, an innovative composer, engaging speaker, and visionary product developer working to catalyze equity in music education through the StringRise Fellowship and Scholars program.
In addition to leading StringRise, Nicole is a violinist who performs with symphony orchestras across the United States, and plays with diverse musical styles ranging from bluegrass, to jazz, to hip-hop. Nicole was the first in her family to graduate from college, with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Southern Nazarene University and a Masters in Social Justice from Southern Methodist University. She is a recipient of the B’nai B’rith Award for her commitment to ethics, and the Karis Stahl Fadely award for her intercultural work.
Nicole is very active in the string education community – she is a member of the Suzuki Association of America, Texas Orchestra Directors Association, Texas Music Educator’s Association, and serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA). She presents at conferences, universities, and school districts around the United States. You can read more about Nicole’s personal story and work featured in the The Dallas Morning News HERE.
WORKSHOPS
From Structure to Safety: Building Predictable, Belonging-Centered Music Classrooms
This two-day, practice-driven workshop supports Teaching Artists in designing music classrooms where structure and emotional safety work together to support student learning, regulation, and belonging. Participants will explore how predictable routines, intentional lesson openings, and clear procedures are foundational to trauma-informed, culturally responsive teaching, especially in after-school and community music settings.
Through interactive activities, reflection, and real-world planning tools, Teaching Artists will learn how to establish or reset routines at any point in the year; design the first 10 minutes of class to support regulation and engagement; and respond to student behavior through trauma-informed, non-punitive strategies that maintain appropriate boundaries. The workshop emphasizes practical application, helping participants align daily classroom structures with long-term musical goals while fostering environments where both students and educators can thrive.
By the end of this two-day workshop, participants will be able to:
- Design predictable classroom routines and procedures that support student regulation, focus, and smooth instructional flow at any point in the year.
- Explain how trauma and chronic stress impact student behavior and learning, and apply trauma-informed strategies that promote emotional safety without shifting into therapeutic roles.
- Plan and implement the first 10 minutes of a music lesson to establish expectations, build connection, and prepare students for meaningful music-making.
- Use non-verbal management strategies, clear language, and supportive interventions to respond to dysregulation while maintaining student dignity and classroom consistency.
- Clarify professional boundaries and sustainable teaching practices that protect Teaching Artist well-being while supporting students with care and consistency.
sample schedule
Day 1
9:00 – 10:00 Breakfast and Opening Session
10:00 – 12:00 Workshop #1
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 3:00 Workshop #2
3:00 – 5:00 Kids’ Orchestra Site Visit and Peer Observations
6:30 – 8:30 Regional Networking Social
Day 2
9:00 – 9:30 Breakfast
9:30 – 11:30 Workshop #3
11:30 – 12:30 Lunch
12:30 – 2:30 Workshop #4
3:00 – 5:00 Critical Response Process
5:00 – 6:00 Closing Reflections
Attending the southeast Regional Practicum
FEBRUARY 25-26, 2026
The TATI Regional Practicums are designed to be intimate, personalized conferences between a committed group of Teaching Artists. By registering for the Southeast Regional Practicum and securing one of these limited spots, you are committing to attend both days in their entirety.
General Registration: $125
Cohort Alumni receive a 30% discount for life.
Current Cohort Members receive 1 free registration valid in the year they are enrolled in the Lab Cohort program.
travel and lodging
Hotel Recommendation
A block of discounted rooms has been reserved at:
Hampton Inn & Suites Baton Rouge Downtown
462 Lafayette St, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
T: +1.225.382.2100
Hotel Amenities:
WiFi
Garage parking
Business center
Fitness center
Room Rate: $124/night (excl tax and fees)
