Embracing Vulnerability: Empowering Young Minds through Mistakes with Jennifer Hanford
Whether you're an educator, a musician, or simply someone seeking growth and connection, this episode will resonate deeply with you. Join us as we learn from Jennifer Hanford, Head Band Director at James Bowie HS, and her wisdom and passion for nurturing the next generation of musicians and leaders. Join us as we delve into the transformative power of vulnerability and the importance of making mistakes in front of our students.
Whether you're an educator, a musician, or simply someone seeking growth and connection, this episode will resonate deeply with you. Join us as we learn from Jennifer Hanford, Head Band Director at James Bowie HS, and her wisdom and passion for nurturing the next generation of musicians and leaders. Join us as we delve into the transformative power of vulnerability and the importance of making mistakes in front of our students.
Jennifer shares her inspiring journey as a band director, discussing how being vulnerable with her students has been a game-changer in building meaningful relationships with them. Get ready to be moved as Jennifer takes us through her life-changing experience of performing with the Bluecoats Alumni Corps at the 2022 DCI Finals World Championships. By embracing vulnerability, she has created an environment where her students feel safe to explore and express themselves fully, not just as musicians, but as individuals.
Jennifer Hanford
Director of Bands, James Bowie HS
Jennifer Hanford currently serves as an Assistant Band Director at James Bowie High School, in Austin Texas. She directs and assists with the concert bands, jazz bands, chamber music, and all program-wide operations.
As a director with the James Bowie Outdoor Performing Ensemble (JBHSOPE), Jennifer oversees all visual and woodwind education. Since her arrival in 2016, the JBHSOPE has advanced to the UIL State Championship two times, BOA San Antonio Finals, BOA Grand Nationals Semi Finals, and was the BOA McAllen regional champion.
In the concert hall, Jennifer’s bands consistently receive sweepstakes ratings at UIL Concert and Sight Reading. Ms. Hanford has also provided unique opportunities outside the classroom for her students, including performances at the SXSW conference, AISD Pops Festival, Essentially Ellington Jazz Competition, and Bluebonnet Music Festival.
Jennifer has a comprehensive background in the marching arts as a teacher and performer. She served as a visual technician with DCI World Class Semi-finalist Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps in 2014 and 2015, specializing in technique and body choreography. As a performer, she marched with the World Champion Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps on euphonium and baritone in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
Jennifer holds professional affiliations with the Texas Music Educators Association, and the Texas Bandmasters Association. Jennifer received her Bachelors degree in Music at the University of Tulsa and education certification from the University of Arkansas.
