Message and Function: Connecting Musicality to Practicality in Your Rehearsals

How often do we find a disconnect between the artistry we envision on the podium and the technical reality we hear from the ensemble? How can we create a more tangible link for our students to experience music at the same heights that we do? Message and Function addresses this fundamental challenge in ensemble pedagogy by exploring how to bridge the gap between subjective musical expression (the 'Message') and the objective, measurable mechanics of performance (the 'Function'). This presentation offers a practical framework for refining rehearsal communication, demonstrating how linking the “why” of musicality to the “how” of execution transforms our conducting from mere time-beating into a catalyst for authentic, shared musical experiences. Attendees will engage with tangible rehearsal and planning strategies throughout the session that will guide them to more fulfilling rehearsals and inspired performances.

Francisco Borja

Francisco Borja is a Mexican conductor, clarinetist, and music educator. He holds a Master of Music in Wind Conducting and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Borja has performed and conducted internationally in prestigious ensembles including MidEurope's World Youth Wind Orchestra Project, World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles' World Youth Symphony, Music for All's Honor Band of America, and as a guest conductor with the Military Band of Upper Austria.

Currently, Borja is the Director of Bands and Mariachi at Timberline PK8, where he was honored as Teacher of the Year for 2023/2024. In 2026, Borja was named as a national finalist for MakeMusic’s Spark Award in recognition of his contributions to the Timberline community and his dedication to providing the highest quality education to his students.

Beyond his work in the classroom, Borja serves as the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Longmont Concert Band. Under his baton since June 2022, the ensemble has achieved significant recognition, earning an invited performance at Carnegie Hall in May of 2025. During Borja’s tenure, LCB has received overwhelming support from its community and has expanded its outreach efforts with the St. Vrain Valley School District.

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