9:45 AM Rebecca Warren Retired Clinic: The T.R.U.T.H. About Being a Music Educator
10:30 AM Break Break
11:00 AM Ed Nichols Superintendent Clinic
11:45 AM Lunch/Exhibits Lunch/Exhibits
1:00 PM Stacy Owens Topic
1:45 PM Break Break
2:15 PM Regina Raney Middle School Band Clinic
3:00 PM Break Break
3:15 PM Deborah Confredo NAfME: YOU Can Change Lives, ONe Note at at Time!
4:00 PM Dismiss
FAME is a one-day seminar sponsored by the Alabama Music Educators Association and held in conjunction with the AMEA Professional Development Conference. This seminar is an opportunity for 11th and 12th grade high school students who have an interest in pursuing a career in music education to meet and interact with current music educators. FAME attendees who major in music education at an Alabama college or university are eligible to apply for the $1,000 Eleanor Nation FAME Scholarship presented by AMEA.
Welcome to the AMEA family reunion! I know it may seem crazy to call the annual AMEA Professional Development Conference a family reunion, but for me and many of you, the third week of January is family reunion time. These three days are the only time our entire association comes together under one roof. This is the time we see lifelong friends and colleagues. We may even have the chance to break bread together. We learn from inspired speakers, hear career-renewing concerts, visit with our music industry friends in the exhibit hall, and rekindle our passion for teaching music. For many of us, these three days are the most professionally fulfilling days of our year.
I am delighted to welcome to Alabama our keynote speaker, Dr. Deb Confredo. Deb is the current President-elect of NAfME and serves as Professor of Music Education and Director of Graduate Programs for Music Education at the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University. I have served with Deb on many NAfME committees through the years and I am elated that she will spend the conference with us. Deb is a fantastic speaker that is committed to empowering music educators by uplifting our profession to provide music education for all students. She will be delivering our keynote during the AMEA general session Friday at 10:30 a.m. In addition to being our keynote speaker, Deb will also speak to FAME, cNAfME, and our emerging leaders and mentoring groups. When you see Deb around the conference make sure to give her a hearty welcome!
In addition to our keynote address during the Friday general meeting, we will be entertained by the Dill Pickers from Birmingham. For twenty years, the Dill Pickers have been
entertaining audiences in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee with their singing, bluegrass and old-time music styles, and comedy. The Dill Pickers AMEA roots run deep. One of my early career mentors and AMEA Hall of Fame Member Theresa McKibben is a vocalist in the band. You don’t want to miss the Dill Pickers’ fun performance!
I would like to personally invite you to attend our advocacy session “Developing AMEA’s Voice for Advocacy” Friday at 1:00 pm in Forum A-B. AMEA leadership will share with you our advocacy plans for 2023 and beyond. More importantly, this session will be an opportunity for you to let your voice be heard by AMEA’s leadership. We want to hear your ideas and suggestions on how we can better serve your advocacy needs.
Our annual conference is the culmination of many months of planning and hard work. We hope that you will have a fantastic experience while in Birmingham. If any of AMEA’s leadership can assist you during the conference, please let us know. We would love to speak with you and do what we can to help you have an enjoyable conference. I would like to thank our Division Presidents, AMEA Past President David Raney, AMEA President-elect Dr. Phil Wilson, and our wonderful AMEA staff – Dr. Rusty Logan, Pat Stegall, Garry Taylor, and Dr. Carl Hancock for their hard work bringing our conference to fruition.
I hope you will enjoy a good meal, attend thought-provoking sessions, witness musically fulfilling concerts, and you will fellowship with colleagues and friends. Most of all, I hope you leave feeling renewed and energized to provide music education to the students of Alabama. It is my honor to welcome you to Birmingham for the 2023 AMEA Professional Development Conference. Welcome to the family reunion and have a great conference!
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AMEA Officers and Governing Board
President ............................Rob Lyda
President-Elect............................... ..............Phil Wilson
Immediate Past President............... ............................................David Raney
AMEA would like to express appreciation to the following partners who have joined AMEA in our efforts to promote music education in Alabama. Please support these industry/institutional members who support you as music educators!
American Travel Consulting
P.O. Box 750, Albertville, AL 35950
Arts Music Shop, Inc.
3030 East Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36116
Gadsden Music Company
607 Broad Street, Gadsden, AL 35901
J.W. Pepper
191 Sheree Blvd, Exton, Pennsylvania 19341
Marchmaster
P.O. Box 73370, Newnan, GA 30271
Performance Carts 11212 AL Hwy 157, Moulton, AL 35650
Southern Performances PO Box 6852, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Troy University
John M. Long School of Music, Troy, AL 36082
University of Alabama
Department of Music Education Box 870231, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0231
University of North Alabama UNA Box 5040, Florence, AL 35632
University of South Alabama 5751 USA Drive South, Mobile, AL 36688
2023 Conference Featured Speakers, Performers, & Clinicians
Featured Performing Group
Keynote Speaker
NAfME National President-elect Deborah A. Confredo. Deborah A. Confredo has taught elementary, middle, and high school instrumental music in New York and Pennsylvania, and has been a music teacher educator at Illinois State University, University of Illinois, and Temple University. She is currently Professor of Music Education and Director of Online Graduate Studies in Music Education at Temple University, and Immediate Past Chair of the NAfME Society for Research in Music Education. She has held membership with the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, the New Jersey Music Educators Association, and the Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA). She is a member of LMEA’s Council for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Professional Development Committee; and Louisiana Music Adjudicators Association.
THE DILL PICKERS are a vocal string band based in Birmingham, Alabama. They have been performing together in concerts and theatrical productions since 1999. Performing gospel, bluegrass, folk, country and old time string band as well as many original songs, THE DILL PICKERS accompany themselves with a wide range of instruments including banjo, guitar, mandolin, upright bass, fiddle, harmonica, piano, strum stick and spoons. Band members are Norton Dill, Stewart Jackson, Theresa McKibben, W. Scott Stewart, Kneeland Wright and Lesli Wright.
Intercollegiate Band Clinician
Marcellus Brown is the Director of Bands at Boise State University and conducts the University Symphonic Winds and the Treasure Valley Concert Band. He teaches instrumental conducting and serves as the Director of the Boise State University Summer Chamber Music Camp. Under his direction the University Symphonic Winds has been recognized as one of the outstanding large wind ensembles in the Northwest. They have presented concerts at numerous Idaho State Music Educators Conferences, the Western/Northwestern College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Regional Conference and the 2011 CBDNA National Conference held in Seattle, Washington. The Treasure Valley Concert Band has performed at the Western International Band Clinic and the AllNorthwest Music Educators Conference. In March of 2015 the University Symphonic Winds was invited to perform at the 81 st Annual American Bandmasters Association National Convention. During the past five years this ensemble has commissioned and premiered four new works for wind band. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Brown holds a Masters of Music Degree in Trumpet Performance and Bachelor of Music Education Degree from the University of Michigan where he took conducting classes with Elizabeth Green. He has done doctorial work at the University of Illinois where he studied conducting with Harry Begian, Professor Emeritus of Bands. Mr. Brown has done extensive work as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator throughout the United States and has been a guest conductor and presenter at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. He has been recognized for his work and dedication as an educator at Boise State University as the recipient of the 2002 Excellence In Teaching Award presented by the LDS Student Association, the 2002 Faculty/Staff Larry G. Selland Humanitarian Award presented by the University Women’s Center and one of ten honored faculty to receive the 2003 & 2012 Top Ten Student Scholar Awards. In 2006 Mr. Brown was elected into the American Bandmasters Association. He has served as President of the College Band Directors National Association Northwestern Division (2007-2009). In 2008 he was elected to a two-year term to serve on the board of the National Band Association. Currently Mr. Brown is serving on the selection panel for the National Band Association William D. Revelli Composition Contest and was elected to a second two-year term on the Board of the National Band Association.
2023 Conference Featured Speakers, Performers, & Clinicians
All-State Gold Jazz Band Clinician
Todd Stoll was raised in Springfield, Ohio, where he studied trumpet at the University of Cincinnati's Conservatory of Music, and later came under the tutelage of Vaughn Wiester. Initially focusing on performing, Stoll went on the road performing after graduation. In the early 90s, Stoll became a band director in the Columbus, Ohio area, where he founded the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra in 1991 to give young people the chance to cultivate a love of jazz through performance. He directed it for 20 years. Under his direction, the Orchestra released 6 CDs. A longtime friend and colleague of trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, Stoll joined Jazz at Lincoln Center's Education Department in 2011, becoming Vice President of Education. Under his leadership, the education department has expanded its community outreach through band performances in New York City with the Jazz for Young People on Tour program and through educational outreach led by members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra while the orchestra is on tour. Stoll also oversaw the creation and launch of the Jazz Academy, an online education site featuring a freely accessible video library of jazz lessons taught by musicians including Eric Reed, Helen Sung, Gary Bartz, and Azar Lawrence.Stoll is an avid fan of Duke Ellington. He calls him "a universal humanist".
All-State Silver Jazz Band Clinician
Saxophonist Dr. Dave Camwell has received wide acclaim for his brilliant technique, poetic expression and innovative programming, with a repertoire that ranges from Baroque to contemporary to jazz. Recently, he has collaborated extensively with Czech saxophonist Kateřina Pavlíková on a series of new works for their group Covert Ensemble. These arrangements focus on creating virtuosic and compelling music for two saxes, cello and piano. He is Director of Jazz Studies and Associate Professor of Music at Troy University in Alabama, and is a Yamaha, D'Addario, Beechler and Key Leaves Performing Artist with over thirty publications available through Jeanne, Dorn and UNC Jazz Press. Camwell studied at the universities of Calgary, Jacksonville State, Northern Colorado and Oregon. He is an active performer and clinician, having been guest artist at over forty universities throughout North America, as well as winning numerous awards, including 2nd-place in the 2000 North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Jazz competition. He has performed with Norwegian Cruise Lines, at a variety of Jazz festivals, including Montreux and Brienz, Switzerland, and has also toured Taiwan with the Xplorium! Ensemble. Camwell has also performed with the orchestras of Iowa, Minnesota, Pensacola, Des Moines and NW Florida, as well as being a featured soloist with the New York Central City Chorus.
All-State Bronze Jazz Band Clinician
Theo Vernon was the Associate Director of Bands at Grissom High School from 19852018 and as of June 2018 is the Director of Bands. He holds degrees in Saxophone Performance and Music Education from The University of Alabama and a Masters degree from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. He attained National Board Certification in 2003 and re-certified in 2013. He was the first band director in the state of Alabama to receive this certification. His Jazz Bands have represented the state of Alabama and the United States at several venues: a two-week Austrian tour celebrating Austria's millennium in June 1996, the prestigious "Essentially Ellington" Jazz Band Festival and Competition in 1999, a performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. in 2000, one of four U.S. high school jazz bands to perform at The International North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague, Holland in 2002, and one of 12 bands from across the U.S. to compete in the Swing Central Jazz Band Competition in Savannah, Georgia in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2020. Vernon has served as a District Chairman and IAJE president for the state of Alabama. Was selected as the Music Educator of the year by the Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation of Huntsville 2019.
All-State Middle School Jazz Band Clinician
Kim Bain recently retired as Director of Bands at Pizitz Middle School in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Ensembles under her leadership were consistently cited for musical excellence at both the state and national levels throughout her years of teaching. Ms. Bain was named 2012 Teacher of the Year for the Vestavia Hills City Schools. In 2013, her Symphonic and Concert Bands performed at the Music For All National Middle School Music Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. The John Phillip Sousa Foundation awarded the Sudler Cup to the Pizitz Band program that same year. She was awarded the Phi Bet Mu, Rho Chapter, Outstanding Bandmaster Award in 2014. The Pizitz Band was declared a national winner of the National Band Association’s Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence in 2015, and in December of 2015 her band performed at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. Ms. Bain received National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in November 2010. She has served as a clinician for the Alabama Bandmaster’s Association and guest conducted numerous honor bands and camps in Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, a Master of Arts in Music Education, and an Education Specialist degree from the University of Alabama. She also holds a Master of Music degree in saxophone performance from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. In addition to her teaching activities, Ms. Bain is an active freelance musician in the Birmingham area, and saxophone instructor at Samford University.
Events
For Middle & High School Students
Sept. 30, 2022
Festival of Voices
Oct. 15, 2022 All-State Choir Workshop
Nov. 5, 2022
Feb. 17-18, 2023
Single Reed Symposium
Middle School Honor Band
March 3-5, 2023 High School Honor Band
March 21, 2023 Choral Festival Day
Auditions
For Scholarships
Jan. 28, 2023
Feb. 25, 2023
March 4, 2023
Honor Band participants only
March 18, 2023
Buckhorn
Smiths Station High School Symphonic Band
Rehobeth High School Symphonic Band
Daphne High School Wind Ensemble
HED Faculty Recital
Muscle Shoals Middle School Band
Sessions
From Page to Stage: Commissioning as a Tool for Unlocking Student Creativity
Hungary? Try Kodály!
That's a Bop! Fun Ways to Teach Music Literacy
The Coffee Shop Returns: Teaching Middle School in 2023
Teaching Double Bass Technique Through Orchestral Excerpts ...
Functioning Within Disfunction
From the Podium: Get the Percussion Sound You Want and the Sound You Need! Tracy
Saturday, Jan. 19, 10:45 am - Middle School Jazz Band 11:30 am - Bronze Jazz Band 12:15 pm - Silver Jazz Band 1:00 pm - Gold Jazz Band
Posters to be presented at the HED Research Poster Session, Friday, January 20, 2023, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, BJCC East Ballroom Lobby
Sarah E. Burns, Jacksonville State University
Singing Schools Today: Shaped‐note Connections to the Past
Alexa Dishroon, Samford University
Participation in Musical Activities Benefits People with Disabilities: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study on Individuals with Various Disabilities
Ellary A. Draper, The University of Alabama, Andrea CevascoTrotter, The University of Alabama
The Effect of Music Therapy Programming on the Executive Functioning and Behavior of Preschoolers
Marvin Griffin, Auburn University
Establishing Successful School Feeder Programs: Literature Review and Process
Carl B. Hancock, The University of Alabama, Sara Horan, The University of Alabama and Mississippi State University
A Trend Analysis of the Effects of Policy Decisions on Music Praxis Scores, Pass Rates, and Retakes
Jane M. Kuehne, Auburn University
Vocal Development and Health in the Older Singer: A Literature Review
Christopher S. Loftin, Auburn University
Visual and Vocal Expression in Traditional Choirs: An Explanatory‐Sequential, Mixed‐Methods Design
Donna T. Smith, The University of Alabama
Exploring Perspectives of Preservice Elementary Teachers Toward Integrating Music in the Classroom
Natalie E. Smith, Auburn University
Leading Change in Music Teacher Education – How Can We Better Prepare Future Music Teachers?
LIGHTNING ROUND LIGHTNING ROUND
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21 @ 10:30 AM - FORUM THEATER
NANCY BERRY
MODERATORS, ASSETS, AND BARRIERS EXPERIENCES BY SUCCESSFUL FIRSTGENERATION MUSIC STUDENTS
JON BUBBETT SOUND MATTERS! BETTER ENSEMBLE SOUNDS EVERYDAY!
SHANE COLQUHOUN ARE WE MAXIMIZING OUR POTENTIAL?
HEATHER HENSON BE OUR GUEST: A QUICK GUIDE TO HOSTING VISITING PERFORMANCE GROUPS
IAN LOEPPKY YOU ARE YOUR BREATH: MINDFULNESS FOR THE SINGER
MATTHEW MARTINDALE WANT TO DOUBLE YOUR PROGRAM SIZE?
BECKY WARREN TRI-M: BUILDING SUPPORT AND ADVOCACY FOR YOUR MUSIC PROGRAM
2023 AMEA Conference Schedule
5:00-7:00 pm
5:00-7:00 pm
5:00-7:00 pm
7:15-9:30 pm
7:15-9:30 pm
7:15-9:30 pm
7:15-9:30 pm
AMEA Governing Board Meeting, Sheraton Forum L
AVA Scholarship Audition, Sheraton Forum F
ABA Leadership Training, Sheraton Forum C
ABA Board Meeting, Sheraton Forum C
AOA Board Meeting, Sheraton Forum D
AVA Board Meeting, Sheraton Forum F
Collegiate Board Meeting, Sheraton Forum E
7:30 am -5:00 pm Conference Registration Open, Sheraton Forum Registration Desk
8:00-9:00 am
AMEA Leadership Breakfast, BJCC East A-B
9:00 am - 4:00 pm FAME, Sheraton Forum E
9:15-10:15 am
9:15-10:15 am
9:15-10:15 am
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Thursday, January 19, 2023
AVA Concert Session, BJCC Theater
Buckhorn High School Bella Voce, Stacy Daniels, Conductor Florence High School Chamber Choir, Kevin Reese, Conductor
ABA Concert Session, Sheraton Birmingham Ballroom
Oak Mountain High School Percussion Ensemble, Kevin Ownby, Conductor
ABA & Collegiate Interest Session, Sheraton Forum A-B
Brass Instruments 101: Common Problems and Solutions - Craig Aarhus, Clinician
Teaching brass instruments to young students can be challenging for all young directors, especially for those whose primary instrument area is woodwinds or percussion. This session will take participants on a quick survey of some of the most common problems young brass players have and provide helpful solutions for more effective teaching. Concepts covered will include embouchure, posture, tone production, and other basic brass playing fundamentals.
9:15-10:15 am
HED Interest Session, Sheraton Forum C
Being a beginner in my own classroom: Incorporating Modern Band in a Collegiate Methods Course
Julie Bannerman, Clinician
Many music teachers incorporate popular music in their classrooms. Recently, efforts to situate popular music at the center of classroom experiences has gained momentum. In this session, the presenter will share their experiences as a Modern Band Higher Education Fellow and approaches for incorporating popular music pedagogy in collegiate methods courses. Participants will leave this session with resources and ideas for exploring popular music in their own classrooms.
9:15-10:15 am
AOA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum G
“Say What?”: Reimagining Our Rehearsal Dialogue - J. Nick Smith & Cory Near, Clinicians
An inspirational ensemble rehearsal is dependent, among many things, on a teacher’s ability to communicate in meaningful and ar tistic ways. How many times have we instructed our ensembles to “Listen (grabs ear),” “Play with Style,” or “Watch?” And how many times have those critiques made a noticeable musical difference? Geared towards middle and high school educators, “Say What?”: Reimagining Our Rehearsal Dialogue examines frequently used, generic rehearsal language and interactively illustrates the dormant effects it can have during the music-making process. With the assistance of live musicians, participants will be exposed to a variety of practical and artistic examples of dialogue that stimulate student musicianship while also addressing the technical challenges associated with ensemble performance.
9:15-10:15 am
Elementary/General Interest Session, Sheraton Forum J
Celebrating Harmony: Meeting Musicians at Their Level - Michele Hobizal, Clinican
Defining an accessible learning environment is critical to the setting of an inclusive community in the music classroom. By knowing our students and their needs, we can think of their assets and challenges as we prepare our spaces, lesson plans, and experiences. In this session, attendees will work together to create ideas and plans to provide a more accessible learning environment.
9:30 am Lobby Performance: Gardendale High School Chamber Choir
10:30 am-5:00 pm Exhibits Open, BJCC East Ballroom
10:30 am Lobby Performance: Miles College Brass Band
11:00 am-12:00 pm A AOA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum D
Bass-ic Issues in the String Classroom, Sidney King, Clinician
A hands-on workshop focusing on basic double bass set up, sound production, left hand shape, shifting, and other techniques to assist the developing bassist. Basic supplies (rosin, etc.) and instrument maintenance issues are also covered. Bring a bass!
11:00 am-12:00 pm Collegiate Interest Session, Sheraton Forum G
Part 1: Preventing Voice Injuries in Current and Future Music Educators, Singers, and Other Professional Voice Users
Shellie Beeman, Clinician
This session examines vocal health and vocal injuries among music educators, singers, and other professional voice users. Identification of vocal dysfunction, prevention methods, and healthy vocal behaviors are discussed, all of which may be used by the music educator and/or singer to help prevent unhealthy vocal habits, successfully correct issues of the speaking and singing voice, and rehabilitate those suffering from voice disorders. Given that music educators and singers are at a high risk for vocal pathology, it would stand to reason that prevention awareness and vocal health and hygiene education would be highly beneficial for career longevity and educational quality, whether one is a choral teacher, voice teacher, band director, or instrumental teacher.
11:00 am-12:00 pm AVA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum C
Social Media 101: It Ain’t That Scary - Maria Ellis, Clinician
TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter in the Music Class? Why of course! Social media is a part of all of our lives and why shouldn't we use it in our programs. This session will teach social media do's and don'ts, provide ideas for creating warm ups and sight reading materials, as well as teach how to advocate for your music program to strangers. #dontmissthissession
11:00 am-12:00 pm Elementary/General Interest Session, Sheraton Forum J
It's A Musical World: Travel the World Through Music - John Jacobson, Clinician
Explore the music, movement, and customs of countries around the world. Join John Jacobson for a “feets-on” workshop that will teach you how to travel the world with your students without ever leaving the classroom. Come learn songs, games and dances from around the country and around the world. Folk dance, lines dances, classroom games and more. It is a musical world and the musical traditions of that world are a wonderful resource and outlet for any classroom and any age of student. Participants will join John in learning folk dances, party games and more.
11:00 am-12:00 pm ABA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum A-B
A Practical Approach to Basic Improvisation - James Simpson, Clincian
For this session, selected "classic" ballads which have been memorized, will serve as the basis for my approach to improvisation. Initially, songs will be performed in their purist form then played again using numerous embellishments, etc.. A slow, methodical approach will be used to give the novice improvisor the "tools" to begin at a rudimentary level. Students should continue to gain confidence as they work on improvisation and ultimately create something that is unique to them!
11:15 am-12:00 pm ABA Concert Session, BJCC Theater Smiths Station High School Symphonic Band - Gene Butler, Conductor
11:30 am Lobby Performance: Silurian Strings (Thompson Middle School)
12:00-1:00 pm HED Luncheon, BJCC East A-B
12:00-1:00 pm Past Presidents Luncheon, BJCC East C
12:00-1:00 pm FAME Luncheon, Sheraton Forum H-I
12:30 pm Lobby Performance: University of Alabama Flute Choir
1:00-2:00 pm
HED Interest Session, Sheraton Forum A-B
From Page to Stage: Commissioning as a Tool for Unlocking Student Creativity
Kathleen Carter Bell & Conor Bell, Clinicians
We all know that the commissioning of new musical works is a wonderful thing. The collaboration of performer and composer is invigorating, premieres are exciting, and a brand-new piece of music is shared with the world! But how often do we consider how our students might be involved in the creation of new music? Often, they work on the music set in front of them, unaware of the entire creative process which occurred before they get to play a note. Undertaking collaborative commissioning projects with your student ensemble can be an exciting way not only to give your students a front row seat to the creation of new art, but also to encourage students to put their own artistic stamp on the music they will perform. Join us as we discuss the process for commissioning (including important considerations such as securing funding and reviewing contracts) and the many ways this type of project can make students stakeholders in the creative process from a piece's conception to its premiere
1:00-2:00 pm
AVA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum C
That's a Bop! Fun Ways to Teach Music Literacy - Maria Ellis, Clinician
Music Literacy is the foundation for every great musician, but it is often presented via the Western Classical Tradition. This session provides examples of how to use American Music to teach sight reading, solfège, and rhythm. When you leave this session your students will be asking you, "Can we sight read again?"
Puppets, bubbles, and mailboxes, oh my! This session will explore hands-on manipulatives and activities inspired by the Kodály approach. The ideas are simple to implement and can be included with your current curriculum.
1:00-2:00 pm
ABA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum Theater
The Coffee Shop Returns: Teaching Middle School in 2023 Leah Seng, Brandon Peters, & David Caddell, Clinicians
Three middle school band directors (Brandon Peters, Hewitt-Trussville Middle; Leah Seng, Pizitz Middle; and David Caddell, Echols Middle) will offer insight into teaching middle school band and on how their perspectives and viewpoints have changed over the past few years. What remains the same is a common belief that when each of us share what we do best, it makes us all better teachers, thus raising the bar of excellence for our programs and for bands in the state of Alabama. We will discuss Personal & Professional Responsibilities ranging from expectations to communication to social media. We will also touch on Culture & Climate within the middle school band program through relationships, classroom management, motivation, and recruiting. Finally we will discuss Rehearsal Strategies & Techniques through pacing, structure, planning, literature, and student engagement. This clinic is interactive. We will invite the audience to join our conversation on Twitter by using a specific hashtag. They will be prompted to answer questions and guide our topics via Poll Anywhere. The audience conversation will be projected and visible to attendees.
1:10-2:00 pm
1:30 pm
2:15-3:15 pm
ABA Concert Session, BJCC Theater
Rehobeth High School Symphonic Band, Marc McLendon, Conductor
Lobby Performance: Guntersville High School Saxophone Ensemble
AOA Interst Session, Sheraton Forum D
Teaching Double Bass Technique Through Orchestral Excerpts for the Beginning and Intermediate Bassists Sidney King, Clinician
This presentation will take a close look at double bass passages found primarily in grades 1, 2, and 3 pedagogical orchestra repertoire, and how these passages can be used to teach fundamental technical and stylistic elements on the instrument. This will include discussion of bowings, fingerings, and technique (shifting, etc.) to help beginning and intermediate bass students succeed in performance. Additional discussion may include excerpts from more advanced repertoire (grades 4-6.)
2:15-3:15 pm
HED Interest Session, Sheraton Forum C Functioning Within Disfunction - Jane Kuehne, Clinician
We work with many types of people and at times we may not see eye-to-eye. Sometimes this is minor, but sometimes minor conflict can lead to major workplace disfunction. Teachers leave schools because of workplace disfunction. In this session, we will talk through work-related disfunction, its causes, ways it perpetuates, and how we can begin to move things back to functional. Using discussion and role playing in typical and atypical scenarios, we will discuss strategies for managing tricky situations with grace and dignity while also maintaining professionalism, dignity, and wellbeing.
2:15-3:15 pm
Elementary/General Interest Session, Sheraton Forum J Games for When You Can’t Sing! - Kristin Pugliese, Clinician
We are always looking for games that are educational and fun! Pugliese will share activities that will keep your all of your students engaged in times when you lose your voice or can’t sing for any reason. Discover how to take activities you are already doing and adapt them for what our classrooms might look like in the future. Get ideas you'll be able to use on Monday!
2:15-3:15 pm
Collegiate Interest Session, Sheraton Forum Theater
From the Podium: Get the Percussion Sound You Want and the Sound You Need! - Tracy Wiggins, Clinician
Percussion sounds help define many major musical moments for every ensemble. They can also add the correct character and style to a piece. But are the students always producing the best sounds for these moments? This session will look at how different percussion instruments sound from both the conductor's spot on the podium, as well as how those instruments sound from the listener's perspective in the hall. The session will address how to create different sounds on instruments to meet specific musical needs in the literature. This will include examining tuning, instrument and implement selection, and technical and musical approaches for the standard band and orchestra instruments. The goal of this session is for every conductor to have a better sense of what correct percussion sounds should be, and how to request those sounds from their sections.
2:15-3:15 pm
2:30 pm
3:30 pm
3:30-4:20 pm
3:30-4:30 pm
ABA Jazz General Meeting, BJCC East Meeting Room M
Ben Posey, Presiding
Lobby Performance: The “Saints” Clarinet Choir (St. Clair County High School)
Lobby Performance: Shades Valley High School Brass Quintet
ABA Concert Session, BJCC Theater
Daphne High School Wind Ensemble, Jamar Dumas, Conductor
AOA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum C
Brain Hacks for Music Teachers: How to Make Every Student An Obsessed Practicer - Allison Wilkinson, Clinician
What science has discovered about music and the brain is going to revolutionize music education in the next twenty years. Are you ready to join the revolution? In this session, we will dive into practical, applied music psychology. By the time we are finished, you will have a pile of tools that you can use to switch kids from bored to engaged, from distracted to motivated, and from scared to excited. By understanding how your students’ brain is interfacing with music, you will be able to skillfully help your students through intimidation, frustration, fatigue, stress and anxiety.
HUNTINGDON COLLEGE
MUSIC
Majors in Music and P–12 Music Education
Performing ensembles open to students of any major Abundant performance opportunities in Concert Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Band, BallHawks Pep Band, and the Marching Scarlet & Grey (instruments and uniforms provided for instrumental groups)
Broad-based liberal arts education with NASMaccredited music program
Small classes, personal attention, and a Know-and-Be Known atmosphere at one of the friendliest and most beautiful campuses in the South
www.huntingdon.edu/music
Thursday, January 19,
3:30-4:30 pm
Elementary/General Interest Session, Sheraton Forum J
Creative Bits: What a Hit!!! - Sandy Lantz & Gretchen Wahlberg, Clinicians
Children's picture books come alive with melody, props, drums, puppets and barred instrument accompaniments. Come and participate in this hands-on session that will challenge and delight your primary students.
3:30-4:30 pm
AVA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum Theater iSing: Tech Tools for the Choral Classroom - Tucker Ratcliff , Clinician
In a post-COVID world, how can we as choral educators continue to use the technologies used & ideas learned while remote-teaching to better our students and ourselves? In this session, we will learn how new (and old) technologies can propel our programs into new heights! Technologies include: Apple Suite Products: (Apple TV, iPad, MacBook), Software Applications: (forScore, Sight-Reading Factory, Schoology, Choral Tracks), Communication: (CHARMS, Remind, Calendar), Publicity: (Website, Social Media, Canva, Jotform)
3:30-4:30 pm
Collegiate Interest Session, Sheraton Forum A-B
Let's Band Together: Celebrating Women Band Directors Past, Present, and Future
Leigh Thomas & Lindsey Underwood, Clinicians
This session will focus on bringing together and celebrating women from all over our state and the southeast region to support each other in our career field. We will present trends and statistics regarding employment and considerations as it relates to gender. We also will have a panel of women of all ages and experience levels for a Q&A about their experiences and advice for current and future female band directors. Additionally, we will present resources such as local, state, or national organizations for women band directors to support and foster current and future women in our field.
Elementary/General Governing Board Meeting, Sheraton Forum J Sarah McLendon, Presiding
ABA Concert Session, Sheraton Birmingham Ballroom
Muscle Shoals Middle School Band, Daniel Seay, Conductor
Elementary/General Evening Session, Sheraton Forum J Drumming United - Sandy Lantz & Gretchen Wahlberg, Clinicians
AVA Concert Session, BJCC Theater Iron City Singers, Charles Henry, Conductor
ABA Concert Session, BJCC Theater Hoover High School Symphonic Winds, Ryan Fitchpatrick, Conductor
7:30 am - 1:00 pm Conference Registration Open, Sheraton Forum Registration Desk
8:00-8:50 am
8:00-8:50 am
Friday, January 20, 2023
ABA Business Meeting, Sheraton Forum A-B Joel Henson, Presiding
Elementary/General Interest Session, Sheraton Forum J Ukulele – Easy as 1, 2, 3!!! - Sandy Lantz & Gretchen Wahlberg, Clinicians
Tune It! Play It! Teach It! Pick up your ukulele and join us in a hands-on session using simple warm-ups, folk songs, movement, recorder, and games. Teaching processes and full Orff orchestrations will be shared to use in your beginning to intermediate ukulele ensembles. From the novice to the more advanced, these ideas will not only boost your school program, but will also help build confidence in your own ukulele playing and teaching.
8:00-8:50 am
HED Interest Session, Sheraton Forum E
How Can I Utilize Technology in My Rehearsal...Lessons I Learned from Athletics
Megan Rudolph, Moderator, Panel: Amber Pettaway, Ronald Moore, & Nathan Jackson
Covid has brought us many hardships, but it has also helped put technology in the hands of almost every one of our students. Music Education students from Miles College will present technology resources that teachers will be able to immediately take back and implement into their rehearsals and classrooms. Additionally we will share how you incorporate technology without losing instructional or rehearsal time.
8:00-8:50 am
Collegiate Interest Session, Sheraton Forum G
The Real Alto's Lament: Dismantling Traditional Voice Classification and Promoting Fluid Voice Classification in Choral Singing - Gretchen Windt, Clinician
Both in speaking and singing, the human voice is a core component of our identity, and an individual's singing identity develops as early as childhood and adolescence. Throughout these pivotal years, many individuals shape their singing identity in choral settings; however, the standard choral voice classifications (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) do not align with standard solo voice classifications (soprano, mezzo, contralto, tenor, baritone, bass-baritone, bass) resulting in potentially harmful and narrow limitations influencing an individual's singing identity. In reality, most childhood and adolescent treble voices can easily negotiate Alto I and Soprano II, yet young singers are classified as altos -or- sopranos and develop singing identities that conform to the perceived range, color, tessitura, and even personality of these choral voice classifications. In this presentation, we’ll explore strategies to promote fluid voice classification in choral settings that empower childhood, adolescent, and even young adult singers to freely explore the potential of their voices and determine their authentic singing identity.
8:00-8:50 am
AOA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum D
Minor Confrontations: Managing them with Confidence - Anne Witt, Clinician
What to do when we are challenged by students? Or when colleagues do not "take the high road"? Minor confrontations will happen naturally in relationships with students, parents and other teachers. In this interactive session, let's role play actual situations! We will discuss possible "best" responses, "not so good" responses, and how "negative" situations might be transformed into "teachable moments."
8:00-8:50 am
AVA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum C You Are Your Breath: MindfulnessFor the Singer - Ian Loeppky, Clinician
Mindfulness—purposeful, in-the-moment, non-judgmental attention—is linked intimately to the breath. All singers come with an innate understanding of how the breath works to make music; this understanding is a natural stepping-stone to strengthening the link between body, breath, and mind. Drawing from current mindfulness research, Alexander Technique and other “body mapping” traditions, as well as in-classroom experience, participants will explore several mindfulness activities to promote healthy singing, relief from stress and anxiety, and focus of the chorister’s effort within the choir. Participants will be invited to take place in several brief guided mindfulness exercises which can be easily shared with their singers.
8:30 am-5:00 pm Exhibits Open, BJCC East Ballroom
8:45 am Lobby Performance: Chelsea Middle School Clarinet Ensemble
9:00-9:50 am
9:00-9:50 am
9:00-9:50 am
ABA Concert Session, BJCC Theater University of Alabama at Birmingham Wind Symphony, Sean Murray, Conductor
AVA Business Meeting, Sheraton Forum C
Hilen Wilson, Presiding
AOA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum D
Bow Strokes and Right Arm Pedagogy for the Middle and High School Director - Sidney King, Clinician
A hands-on pedagogy session to help string and non-string educators develop an enhanced knowledge and familiarity of bow strokes and techniques for teaching them.
9:00-9:50 am
Collegiate Interest Session, Sheraton Forum G
"Help! I Have an Interview in Two Days!": Tips to Strengthen Your Interview Skills - Melissa Life, Clinician
This session is focused on helping pre-service music educators looking for their first job or for anyone who wants to change jobs on how to better strengthen their interviewing skills.
9:00-9:50 am
HED Interest Session, Sheraton Forum E
Steps for Successful Collaborations - Brenda Luchsinger & Kristofer Sanchack, Clinicians
Unlock the steps for achieving success when working with collaborative musicians with this interactive presentation. Whether you are looking for a pianist for your senior recital, a soloist to feature with your instrumental ensemble, or you are seeking instrumentalists for a collaborative performance with your choir, learn the key steps from the initial hire to the performance. This presentation provides valuable insights from an instrumental soloist, an accompanist, and ensemble conductor. It focuses on tips for establishing and maintaining a professional and musical relationship, the rehearsal process, financial considerations, and many often-overlooked logistical considerations. If you are preparing for your first collaboration or fiftieth, learn effective solutions to improve your experience and performance, all while saving time and money.
9:00-9:50 am
ABA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum A-B
Percussion In The March: From a Percussionist-Turned-Band Director - Alex White, Clinician
The session is about basic techniques and equipment needed for percussion in concert marches in the style of Sousa, King, Fillmore, etc. In addition, advanced techniques and desired sound outcomes are discussed.
9:00-9:50 am
9:45 am
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
12:00 pm
12:00-1:30 pm
Elementary/General Division Business Meeting, Sheraton Forum J
Sarah McLendon, Presiding
Lobby Performance: Calera Brass Band
AMEA General Session, BJCC Theater
AMEA Business Meeting, Rob Lyda Presiding
Keynote: Deborah Confredo
Featured Performance - The Dill Picklers
Lobby Performance: AOA Chamber Orchestra
Collegiate Luncheon, BJCC East A-B-C
12:00-1:30 pm Phi Beta Mu Luncheon, Sheraton Forum H-I
1:00 pm
1:00-3:00 pm
1:00-2:00 pm
Lobby Performance: Spain Park High School Flute Ensemble
HED Poster Session, BJCC East Foyer
AVA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum C
The Art of Singing and Conducting Gospel Music - Maria Ellis, Clinician
I sing because I'm happy- and this session on Gospel Music will definitely make you smile from ear to ear. This session will teach gospel music history, provide gospel warm ups for the classroom, demonstrate conducting gestures and teach how conductors teach gospel music authentically. Get ready to clap on 2 and 4 as we learn Gospel Music.
1:00-2:00 pm
AOA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum G
Grant proposals for Your Program Aren't Scary - Julie Hornstein, Clinician
Highlights on how to approach grant proposals without stressing out.
1:00-2:00 pm
1:00-2:00 pm
Elementary/General Concert Session, BJCC Theater
Trace Singers, Lisa Latham Conductor
Rucker Rhythm, Andrea Marsh, Conductor
AMEA Advocacy Session, Sheraton Forum A-B
Developing AMEA’s Voice for Advocacy - Rob Lyda, Clinician
This session is designed to be an open forum to discuss many of the issues facing the music education community in Alabama. AMEA President Rob Lyda will discuss current and future advocacy initiatives. Come lend your perspective and voice!
1:15-2:00 pm
2:00 pm
2:15-3:15 pm
ABA Concert Session, Sheraton Birmingham Ballroom
Auburn Junior High School Wind Symphony, Joshua Wine, Conductor
Lobby Performance: The UAB Clarinet Choir
Elementary/General Interest Session, Sheraton Forum J
Songs from the Wayside: Revisiting Repertoire from the 1960’s-1990’s - Becky Halliday, Clinician
Over time, song repertoire for elementary general music instruction has changed and evolved. Some songs maintain their place of pedagogical significance, while others have been discontinued in use. This may be for a variety of reasons, such as a renewed focus on diversity and authenticity, inclusion of popular music, or more currently, awareness of problematic language and/or origin. The progression of this canon may be revealed through a content analysis of elementary general music textbook materials. Participants in this session will explore songs from Silver Burdett publications, cross-referenced with other songbooks from the 1960’s-1990’s. Some of this music was marked as “never used” or “unknown” in a recent survey of Alabama elementary music teachers. Participants in this session will explore a selection of these songs, both in the context of the textbook itself and in consideration of current teaching practices such as the Orff Schulwerk Approach and the Kodály Concept. Through singing, moving, and playing instruments, we may discover new applications for the music of past generations.
2:15-3:15 pm
ABA Interest Session, Sheraton ForumTheater
Conversation with our Head Adjudicators - Joel Henson, Moderator Panelists: David Allinder, John Cooper, Bill Connell, & Pat Stegall
This session would be a discussion clinic with David Allinder, John Cooper, Bill Connell, and Pat Stegall. The four panelist all currently serve as head adjudicators for Music Performance Assessment in Alabama. I will serve as a moderator utilizing a series of 10-15 questions to lead the conversation.
2:15-3:15 pm
AOA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum D
Shifting for Low Strings. A Classroom Approach - Sidney King, Clinician
Shifting is a way of life for low string players. It is a technique that is introduced in the earliest stages of string classroom instruction, and continues to be a primary required skill throughout a player's career. This session will focus on concepts that can be helpful in teaching and strengthening these skills in a music classroom setting.
2:15-3:15 pm
AVA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum C
Making the Grade: Building Assessments that Matter - Melissa Life, Clinician
Teachers and students often cringe at the word "assessment." However, assessments are necessary and beneficial in education. This session will help evaluate why we assess and how can we make assessments that work for our busy classrooms.
2:15-3:15 pm
Collegiate Interest Session, Sheraton Forum E
I'm the New Band Director! What Do I Do Now? - Mark Walker, Clinician
This session is primarily directed to first year, or soon to be first year, band directors. Topics of discussion include first steps and direction to take when preparing your space, communicating with administrators, offices, parents, and students, the importance of social media (as well as pitfalls). How and in what order to choose music for a band you've never heard before, how to begin your interactions with new parents and students. Resources and suggestions will be provided.
3:00 pm
3:30-4:20 pm
3:30-4:20 pm
Lobby Performance: Bob Jones High School Chamber Ensemble
ABA Concert Session, BJCC Theater
Huntsville High School Wind Ensemble, Stuart Tankesly, Conductor
AMEA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum G
Alabama Arts Education Initiative Grants & artlook®Alabama Connecting Public Schools with Quality Arts Programs
Andy Meadows, Clinician
Alabama State Department of Education's Arts Specialist, Andy Meadows, will discuss two initiatives from the ASDE that all Arts teachers should be aware of. The first will explore opportunities for schools to enhance existing arts programs or initiate new arts programs through Alabama Arts Education Initiative Grants. Through a line item in the Education Trust Fund Budget for Arts Education, public schools may apply for up to $25,000 to support arts education and/or arts integration. The second will discuss the ASDE's partnership with the Alabama Arts Alliance, as they launch a data collection portal for schools which includes a public-facing map and data dashboard which will allow stakeholders to search through the data. artlook® puts information in the hands of teachers, principals, arts organizations, foundations, corporations, and policy makers with the goal of increasing access to quality arts programs in public schools for every child, every chance, every day.
3:30-4:20 pm
AVA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum C
Serious Fun: Revitalize Your Teaching Through Play - Morgan Luttig & Kari Adams, Clinicians
Do you ever have students who seem bored or disinterested? Do you ever feel tired, burnt out, and like you just can’t bring yourself to teach that same concept one more time? Come explore how to infuse play in your lessons to optimize student engagement and learning as well as revitalize your energy and love of teaching. This interactive session will include a variety of strategies to incorporate play into the classroom without taking
Friday, January 20,
away from valuable learning. Leave with strategies you can implement on Monday that will get your students excited and engaged while they learn, create, and improve their skills. We’ll also introduce ways to incorporate play into your own pedagogy to keep teaching exciting and fun for you as well as your students. This session is jam-packed with strategies you can use right away to revitalize your classroom as well as concepts that will keep the energy going for years to come.
3:30-4:20 pm
ABA Panel Discussion, Sheraton Forum Theater
Panel: How to Thrive as a Woman Band Director - Meredyth Petersen, Moderator Panelists: Betty Bates, Missy Lindley, Deana Rizzo, Sallie White, & Suzanne Winter
A panel of esteemed women band directors (Betty Bates, Missy Lindley, Deana Rizzo, Sallie White, Suzanne Winter) will discuss and share how they have navigated obstacles, achieved success, and found solutions while balancing the unique challenges associated with being a woman band director.
3:30-4:30 pm
3:30-4:30 pm
3:30-4:30 pm
HED Student Recital, Sheraton Birmingham Ballroom
AOA Business Meeting, Sheraton Forum D Joseph Lee, Presiding
Elementary/General Interest Session, Sheraton Forum J K-2 For You, John Jacobson, Clinician
Join John Jacobson and participate in classroom activities especially designed for K-2 classrooms and stages. New materials addressing concepts of Beat, Rhythm, Melody, and more. Also and emphasis on songs that encourage feelings and behaviors reflecting empathy and cooperation in and out of the classroom.
3:45 pm Lobby Performance: Pinson Valley High School Chamber Choir
4:30-5:30 pm
ABA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum Theater
All Things Oboe: To Start or to Switch and Reed Fixing Tricks! - Erin Lyon, Clinician
An informational session on everything oboe! In my 15 years of teaching middle school and 25 years of playing the oboe, I have collected numerous resources and learned a lot! I want to give my opinion on starting oboes from the very beginning, but I will also give pointers on how to pick a student to switch to playing the oboe. I will go over embouchure from the beginning, pitch on the reed to ensure correct embouchure, fingering combinations that are not in most method books, hand position, half hole issues, etc. I will discuss my recommended types of models (F resonance key) for band programs and why, along with plastic vs. wood oboes. I will describe/show how to fix common issues with reeds using the "Reed Geek" I will also show common problems that the instrument has with adjustments and show how to solve them easily. My goal is to share with my fellow band directors that even though the oboe seems like a "tough instrument", if they know simple tricks and have the resources needed, it is not as daunting as it may seem. I, of course, will also give my contact information to be a continuing resource for my colleagues.
4:30-5:30 pm
ABA/Collegiate Interest Session, Sheraton Forum G Mischief Managed!: Creative Solutions for Classroom Management - Emily Parker & Jenney Merritt, Clinicians
This session will focus on creative and innovative classroom management strategies developed over two decades of teaching in a variety of classroom settings. Our goal is to provide fresh ideas for band directors and other music educators to keep their classes engaged, focused and running efficiently so they can maximize instruction. By promoting these positive, fun approaches for classroom management, attendees will be able to create a captivating environment for students of any age.
4:30-5:30 pm
AVA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum C Kodály-Inspired Activities for the Choral Rehearsal - Scott Sexton, Clinician
Are you looking to try some new things in your choral classroom? This session will include tried and true choir activities based on the Kodály philosophy. Participants will be guided through warm-ups and exercises that strengthen teambuilding and musicianship in the choral ensemble. Come ready to sing, solfege, move, and play singing games. The activities in the session are appropriate for choristers of all ages and can be immediately implemented in your choral setting!
4:30-5:30 pm
HED Interest Session, Sheraton Forum E Foolproof Band Arranging - Michael Zelenak, Clinician
Arranging does not have to be difficult! With a little bit of knowledge, you can arrange music for your band that has perfect balance and blend. This step-by-step approach begins with a simple melody and ends with a complete band arrangement. Sufficient doubling ensures that the arrangement will sound full even when half the band is absent. In addition, each section of the band can perform the arrangement alone and sound great. No more fears about students skipping the concert or last-minute requests from the principal. Your arrangement will be foolproof. Supporting documents will be available after the session.
University of Alabama at Birmingham Concert Choir - Brian Kittredge, Clinician Alabama Intercollegiate Band - Marcellus Brown Conductor
Collegiate Interest Session, Sheraton Forum Theater
Conducting 101: Classroom Application of Your Collegiate Conducting Class - Emily Gray, Clinician
There is more to the job than conducting a pattern. "Conducting 101: Classroom Application of Your Collegiate Conducting Class" is geared towards the music education major who may or may not have already taken a conducting class and is looking to apply the knowledge to teaching situations. This session aims to share knowledge about other important factors like different approaches to score analysis, examining the difference between “teaching” and “conducting,” and sharing general advice that a young director may not be thinking of that should be taken into account when starting their teaching career.
8:00-9:00 am
8:00-9:00 am
ABA Business Meeting, Sheraton Forum A-B
Joel Henson, Presiding
Elementary/General Interest Session, Sheraton Forum J
Mixing It Up with Children's Lit - Sandy Lantz & Gretchen Wahlberg, Clinicians
Children's picture books come alive with melody, props, drums and barred instruments. Come participate in this hands-on session that will challenge and delight your intermediate students.
8:00-9:00 am
AVA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum C
From Mediocracy to Excellence! - Megan Rudolph, Clinician
We tend to accept mediocracy from our students. Sometimes we don't even realize it is mediocracy... we just assume that our students are giving us their best, or what they are giving us is all they can do. How do we realize their full potential, and learn how to make our students the best they can be? How do we know how loud they can sing? How do we teach them to sing with good tone, and how do we develop it? This session will give nuggets of knowledge that will help choral directors get the most from their singers.
8:00-9:00 am
HED Interest Session, Sheraton Forum E
Together, We Are Stronger: What Studio Voice Teachers and Choral Conductors Can Learn From Each Other
Sarah Wee & Diane Orlofsky, Clinicians
Voice teachers and choral conductors are integral in the development of young singers and both disciplines can enter mutually beneficial partnerships that are compatible, supportive, and ultimately benefit their shared student populations. Starting from the foundational premise that healthy singing is healthy singing, this session will facilitate an open and frank discussion about shared philosophies and experiences and will offer useful suggestions based on real-world examples.
8:00-9:00 am
9:15-10:00 am
9:15-10:15 am
AOA Reading Session, Sheraton Forum G
AVA Concert Session, BJCC Theater Miles College Choir, Valerie R. Harris, Conductor
ABA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum A-B
Teaching the Saxophone: Insight on Proper Instruction and Application. - Lori Ardovino, Clinician
This session will focus on teaching the beginning saxophonist. Session will cover proper embouchure, sitting/holding position, tone production and voicing, equipment and instructional materials needed for a successful saxophonist.
9:15-10:15 am
Elementary/General Interest Session, Sheraton Forum J
Songs in the Key of Me - John Jacobson, Clinician
John Jacobson will introduce songs and activities that celebrate the beauty of the individual, build character and community, teach skills to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, achieve personal and collective goals, show empathy for others, establish and maintain suppor tive relationships, and make responsible, caring decisions.
9:15-10:15 am
AOA Interest Session, Sheraton Forum G
Know the Way, Show the Way and Go the Way: Leadership From the Podium - Justin White & Tim Heath, Clinicians
Music Educators Dr. Tim Heath and Justin White will share ideas on transferring John Maxwell’s “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way” into the classroom for instrumental music teachers. The session will be broken down into three components. First, the two educators will share how they prepare in developing the entire instrumental program. Second, they share what it means to lead from the podium by providing effective rehearsal and conducting strategies, including a positive approach to feedback. The third component to the session includes laying forth a plan of continued growth as an educator and musician in both the physical and mental areas of well-being.
9:15-10:15 am
10:30 am-12:00 pm
HED/Collegiate edTPA Lesson Plan Competition, Sheraton Forum Theater
Lightning Round, Sheraton Forum Theater
• Jon Bubbett - Sound Matters! Better ensemble sounds EVERYDAY!
Nancy Barry - Moderators, Assets. and Barriers Experiences by Successful First-Generation College Music Students
• Shane Colquhoun - Are we Maximizing our Potential?
• Heather Henson - Be Our Guest: A Quick Guide to Hosting Visiting Performance Groups
• Ian Loeppky - You are Your Breath: Mindfulness for the Singer
• Matthew Martindale - Want to Double Your Program Size?
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• Becky Warren - TRI-M: Building Support and Advocacy for Your Music Program
10:45-1:45 pm ABA Concert Session, BJCC Theater
10:45 am - All-State Middle School Jazz Band - Kim Bain, Clinician
11:30 am - All-State Bronze Jazz Band - Theo Vernon, Clinician
12:15 pm - All-State Silver Jazz Band - Dave Camwell, Clinician
1:00 pm - All-State Gold Jazz Band - Todd Stoll, Clinician
1:00-3:00 pm
1:00-3:00 pm
ABA Adjudicator’s Clinic, Sheraton Forum G
Chris Lindley & Terry Ownby, Clinicians
AMEA Governing Board Meeting, Sheraton Forum E Rob Lyda, Presiding
Auburn Junior High School Wind Symphony
The Auburn Junior High School Band Program serves approximately 200 students in eighth and ninth grade in the community of Auburn, Alabama - home of Auburn University. After outstanding seventh grade beginner instruction at the East Samford School under the direction of Mrs. Kim Chenier, students at Auburn Junior High School are placed into one of three ability-based concert bands and offered supplemental jazz band during their second and third year of instruction at AJHS, all under the direction of Mr. Joshua Wine for the last eleven years. The Wind Symphony is made up of the top sixty instrumentalists at Auburn Junior High School, who continue to push the boundaries of what middle-level musicians can accomplish. In addition, many of the ninth graders at AJHS also participate in the awardwinning Auburn High School Marching Band. The band students at AJHS are frequent participants in the various AllState Bands and Honor Ensembles throughout our state and region, frequently producing the most students from any one middle or junior high school in the Alabama All-State Middle School Bands.
Joshua Wine is currently the Director of Bands and Chair of the Fine Arts Department at Auburn Junior High School in Auburn, Alabama, where he conducts and oversees four concert bands, percussion methods class, jazz band, musicology club, and teaches music appreciation. Furthermore, he assists with the instruction of the award-winning Auburn High School Marching Band as an Assistant Director. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Wine serves as Assistant Minister of Music/Orchestra Director at Lakeview Baptist Church in Auburn, and Conductor & Music Director for the East Alabama Community Band, an all-adult band serving the Auburn-Opelika area. Mr. Wine also serves as the South-Central District Co-Chair for the Alabama Orchestra Association.
A native of Wetumpka, Alabama, Mr. Wine earned his degrees in Music Education from Troy University and Auburn University respectfully. His past and present professional affiliations include NAfME, NBA, AMEA, Phi Kappa Phi, Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Mr. Wine is a regular presenter at the Alabama Music Educators Association State In-Service Conference and he has served as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the Southeast. He lives in Auburn with his wife Haley, twin sons: Anderson (Andy) and Lincoln, and daughters Emerson (Emmy) and Lottie.
Friday 1:10 PM Birmingham Ballroom
Star Spangled
Concert Program
Fanfare for the Third Planet .................................................. Richard Saucedo ..................................................Hal
Lullaby to the Moon .................................................................Brian Balmages
Hands Across the Sea
the Winds
Brubaker
Spoon River ............................................................... Percy Grainger/ Michael Story .....................................Alfred/Belwin Publishing
No One is Alone .............. .................................. Stephen Sondheim/ Robert Longfield ...............................Hal Leonard Corporation
Evergreen Escapades ................................................................. Adrian Sims ......................................................FJH Music Company Inc.
The Buckhorn High School Bella Voce is an auditioned ensemble consisting of the 20 -25 most advanced treble voices in the choral department. Members of Bella Voce represent exemplary character, outstanding musicianship, and a true passion for creating music at the highest level. Bella Voce members regularly perform in all department concerts, school & community programs, All-State, and honor choir festivals. Consistently, Bella Voce members have received superior ratings at State Choral Performance Assessment and adjudicated festivals.
Buckhorn High School Bella Voce
STACY DANIELS is a versatile singer, conductor, and educator. Mr. Daniels currently serves as Choral Music Director for Buckhorn High School where he conducts all choral ensembles. Stacy also is the director of the Huntsville Community Chorus Association Treble Chorale, a vocal ensemble for unchanged voices in grades 6-8. A graduate of the University of Montevallo, Daniels received Bachelor of Music degrees in Choral Music Education & Vocal Performance. Daniels also received the Master of Music Education with an emphasis in Choral Conducting from The Florida State University. Mr. Daniels is an active member of the Alabama Music Educators Association, Alabama Vocal Association, National Association for Music Education, and the American Choral Directors Association. Currently, Mr. Daniels serves as President of the Madison County Choral Directors Association and Repertoire & Resources Chair - Student Activities for Alabama ACDA.
Concert Program
Visit the Exhibits!
Show our industry and institutional partners your appreciation for their support of our conference by visiting their booths. Let them know you’re glad they’re here!
Exhibit Hours: Thursday, 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM and Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
BJCC East Ballroom
Theater
Daphne High School Wind Ensemble
Established in 1989, Daphne High School, an International Baccalaureate World School, is a comprehensive 7A public high school that currently serves approximately 1750 students in grades 9-12. DHS was named by the U. S. Department of Education in 2012 as the first National Blue Ribbon School in the history of the Baldwin County Public Schools. The DHS Fine Arts and Athletic programs are large, and diverse and have also been recognized at the state, regional and national levels on numerous occasions during the school’s thirty-year history. A wide range of core and elective courses are offered including thirteen Advanced Placement classes and Dual Enrollment classes through Coastal Community College. In addition, the school offers the International Baccalaureate Programme, one of the most rigorous, high school curriculum in the world. The Daphne High School Band Program consists of approximately 200 students in grades 9-12. The band consists of 2 concert bands, marching band – “The Sound of the Eastern Shore”, jazz band, 2 winter guards, and 2 percussion ensembles. The music department also teaches guitar, piano, music technology, recording studio, AP music theory, and IB music. The Wind Ensemble has made straight superior ratings at MPA since 2011 and the Marching Band consistently earns best in class and overall awards at marching competitions all over the Southeast.
Jamar Dumas is in his 11th year as the Director of Bands at Daphne High School. He has taught for 17 years total. He attended Lawrence County High School in Moulton, Alabama where Reggie Tolbert and Bob Patton were his band directors. Mr. Dumas graduated from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. He was a member of the acclaimed Marching Southerners and principal oboist of the Chamber Winds. Upon Graduation in 2005, he accepted the associate director position at Oak Grove High School in Birmingham, AL. In 2008, he became the Director of Bands at Satsuma High School in Satsuma, AL. Bands and ensembles under his direction have consistently earned superior ratings across the region. He is also a clinician and adjudicator across the southeast as well as Program Director at Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps. Mr. Dumas is a member of the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA), Alabama Bandmasters Association (ABA), Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Professional Music Fraternity. Mr. Dumas lives in Daphne with his beautiful wife Shelly and daughter Madison Elizabeth. His teaching duties include Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, IB/AP Music, Jazz Band and Guitar.
Thursday, 3:30 PM
BJCC Theater
Concert Program
Jubilee Overture ........................................................................Philip Sparke .......................................................Hal Leonard Corporation
The Earle of Oxford’s Marche ............................................... Gordon Jacob .............................................................. Boosey and Hawkes from “William Byrd Suite”
The New Moon in the Old Moon’s Arms.........Michael Kamen/Arranged by Chris LeBatard and Justin Williams .........Unpublished Arranged with permission by Sony/ATV Tree Publishing Tresona License Number 370459.
Blue Bells of Scotland.......................................Arthur Pryor, arranged by E.M. Pearson ............................................ Carl Fischer LLC Dr. Ari VandeWaa – trombone soloist
The Sound of the Eastern Shore ................................................Justin Williams ................................................................Alfred Publishing Overture to Candide ...............................Leonard Bernstein, transcribed by Clare Grundman ............................. Boosey and Hawkes
Florence High School Chamber Choir
The Chamber Choir of Florence High School is a group with multiple functions and titles. In the past it has been known as FHS Mixed Competition Show Choir. It is also commonly called “Mixed Select” and simply “Sixth Period” which is when the course is offered. They are highly esteemed within our program—a group to which younger, less experienced students aspire. This is an audition group, with new members selected at the end of each year on the basis of solo performance, sight-reading skills, and the ability to hold on to a harmony part in a small group. Chamber consists of 10th through 12th graders. In a given year, this group may have anywhere from 20 to 32 members. Currently there are 30. This choir is the backbone of our choral music program, as well as our show choir program. They perform several numbers in our fall concert and many in our spring show choir show. They also perform at Christmas and accept as many invitations as possible to sing for community groups and events. This past year they received all Superior “1” ratings at State Choral Performance Assessment. Ten of last year’s group’s 20 members auditioned for All-State Choir, and nine were selected. A great deal of dedication and commitment is required to be a member of Chamber Choir. They work hard, rise to every challenge placed before them, love each other, and have great fun making music together.
After teaching choral music and piano classes on an adjunct basis at Florence High School for three years, Kevin Reese became FHS's full-time choral music instructor in 2018. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO, and spent 31 years in music ministry before becoming an educator. In 2007 he instituted the Woodmont Academy of Fine Arts here in Florence and served as its director for 11 years. He was the collaborative pianist for the Shoals Chamber Singers for two years, and has played for a number of musical productions in the Shoals since settling here in 2002. A Missouri native, he has been a guest vocalist and pianist for numerous events over the years in Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Alabama. In 1995, he recorded an album of original songs which won 2nd place honors at the Gospel Music Association's prestigious Christian Artists Seminar in Estes Park, CO. He has performed in numerous musical-theatrical productions over the years and won a Best Supporting Actor award from the American Association of Community Theatre in 2001 for his role as John the Baptist/Judas in a West Memphis production of "Godspell".
He is a member of the National Association for Music Education and the Alabama Music Educators Association. On any given day, he is bursting with pride over his choirs and students, who have garnered many honors and awards during his time at FHS.
He and his wife Corinne have three grown children (all graduates of Florence High School) with families of their own, including four ridiculously adorable grandchildren.
Thursday, 9:50 AM
Concert Program
Gamaya ………………………………Brhadaranyaka Upanishad, Paul John Rudoi........................................Graphite
Veni Veni Emmanuel ………………..18th century Latin Hymn, Michael John Trotta.................................Carl
The Power Of Kindness
O Love …………………………………..George Matheson, Elaine Hagenberg.........................................Beckenhorst
“Rhythm Of Life” from Sweet Charity…Dorothy Fields, Cy Coleman, arr. Richard Barnes..............................Shawnee Press, Inc.
“Make Them Hear You” from Ragtime….Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, arr. Kirby Shaw.........................................Alfred Music
BJCC Theater
Hoover High School Symphonic Winds
Hoover High School “Symphonic Winds” is our premier concert ensemble. It is an auditioned band that encompasses the highest achieving instrumental musicians at Hoover High School. Each year, the students in Symphonic Winds work diligently to play the highest quality literature within the wind band repertoire and are grateful to have a tradition of performing in many exciting and meaningful settings. The ensemble is proud to have performed at the Alabama Music Educators in service Conference. In 2020, the band performed at the CBDNA/NBA Southern Division Conference. Symphonic Winds has also performed as a featured ensemble at the “Music for All,” National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, IN. The band was awarded the distinction of “Honor Ensemble” at NAI (National Adjudicators Invitational) in Atlanta, Georgia. Symphonic Winds has performed as an invited guest ensemble at the University of Alabama Honor Band and the UAB Honor Band Festivals. The ensemble has also been invited to perform at the Alys Stevens Center with The University of Alabama at Birmingham Wind Ensemble and participated in the inaugural UAB Concert Band Invitational. Additionally, Symphonic Winds performed at the first annual “Crimson Festival of Winds”at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The ensemble has an outstanding tradition of over twenty-five consecutive years of superior ratings at Alabama’s State Music Performance Assessment.
Ryan Fitchpatrick is currently the director of bands at Hoover High School in Hoover, Alabama. He attended Jacksonville State University where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree. He then served as a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Alabama where he earned a Master of Music Education. Mr. Fitchpatrick is in his twenty-first year of teaching as a high school director. Prior to serving at Hoover, he was the director of bands at Oak Grove High School in Oak Grove, Alabama. While at Oak Grove he helped lead the program to such accomplishments as Bands of America Super Regional Class Champion and performing at the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference. While serving as the director at Hoover High School for the past eleven years, the band program has received superior ratings consistently. Under his leadership, the marching band has grown to membership exceeding 350 and traveled across the country while performing at football games, parades, and exhibitions. The competition marching band has won many grand champion awards, been a finalist at BOA regionals on numerous occasions, as well as 4A class champion at the Jacksonville BOA regional. Mr. Fitchpatrick has conducted Hoover’s top jazz ensemble at the 66th and 72nd Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. He has led the Hoover "Symphonic Winds" to premier performances at numerous honor band festivals, National Adjudicators Invitational, Grand NAI, as well as performing as a featured band at the Music for All, National Concert Band Festival. Most recently, Mr. Fitchpatrick directed “Symphonic Winds” at the 2020 CBDNA/NBA Southern Division Conference. Mr. Fitchpatrick has served on the Alabama Bandmasters Association Executive Board as District IV Chairman. His professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, Alabama Music Educators Association, Alabama Bandmasters Association, National Band Association, Phi Beta Mu, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Kappa Delta Pi. He has been featured as one of School Band & Orchestra’s “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” as well as the recipient of multiple National Band Association’s Citations of Excellence. Additionally, Mr. Fitchpatrick has enjoyed performing with the Birmingham based, Super Jazz Orchestra and Alabama Winds, a statewide community band. Mr. Fitchpatrick lives in Hoover with his wife Adrian, son Brayden, and daughters Kinsley and Ellerey.
Thursday, 8:10 PM
BJCC Theater
Concert Program
Huntsville High School Wind Ensemble
The Huntsville High School Wind Ensemble has an enviable record of achievement. The band has consistently rated superior in district, state, and regional concert, marching, and jazz competitions. The band has performed in Mexico, Canada, Austria, The Bahamas, England, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, and Italy. The Huntsville High School Band has recently accepted an invitation to perform at the 2024 New Year’s Day Parade and Concert Gala in London, England. The band has performed at the Alabama Music Educator’s Conference many times, most recently in 2009 under Dr. David Spencer. The Wind Ensemble consistently performs grade 5 and 6 literature at Music Performance Assessment. The Huntsville High School Band has approximately 160 students that include a Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Competition Marching Band, Football Band, Percussion Ensemble, and numerous Chamber Ensembles.
Stuart Tankesley has been Director of Bands at Huntsville High School since 2017. He is the ninth band director at Huntsville High School since the program started in 1929. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in 2006 and a Master of Arts degree in 2008 both from The University of Alabama. Prior to being appointed the Director of Bands at Huntsville High School, he was the Assistant Band Director and Choir Director at Discovery Middle School and the Assistant Band Director and Choir Director at James Clemens High School. His bands and choir consistently score superior ratings. He is the founder of Madison Music Camp, a middle school camp which over 200 middle school students in the Huntsville area enjoy every summer. He has previously served as adjunct faculty at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and is an alumnus of Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps. He has taken students to perform in the London New Year’s Day Parade, and as an instructor on a month long performing tour of China. Stuart currently serves as the Alabama Bandmaster’s Association District Chairman for District One and the Alabama Orchestra Association North District Chair. Stuart lives in Huntsville with his beautiful wife Anna, 3 year-old son Connor, and 2 dogs – Weezer and Indy.
Concert Program
Iron City Singers
Iron City Singers was founded on two principles: The singing of excellent choral music at a high level of artistry, and, Performing as an ensemble in which each member feels a strong sense of connection to one another. After each rehearsal, all Singers are invited to a social event as a group to strengthen the bonds between members. Rehearsals are long and demanding, and social events allow time to make connections beyond the music. This year marks the Fifth Anniversary of Iron City Singers. In that time, we have grown from a small, informal group of new acquaintances to an established, substantial, and respected ensemble with a strong sense of community. Future plans for Iron City Singers include recording sessions, regional performances, and ultimately a performance at an ACDA (American Choral Directors’ Association) convention and an international tour. If you are interested in learning more about Iron City Singers, ways you can contribute, or how you can sing with us, please email us at ironcitysingers@gmail.com. Also, follow us on Instagram @ironcitysingers and on Facebook!
Charles F. Henry is the Founder and Artistic Director of Iron City Singers and is the Choral Director at Thompson High School in Alabaster. Previously, Charles taught at Pinson Valley, Spain Park, and Mountain Brook High Schools. In May 2021, Charles graduated with a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Georgia where he studied with Dr. Daniel Bara and Dr. JD Burnett. Charles is also a cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal/Choral Music Education.
Taylor Stricklin, Assistant Director of Iron City Singers, is the Choral Director at Vestavia Hills High School. In May 2020, Taylor graduated with a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Louisiana State University where he studied with Dr. John Dickson and Dr. Trey Davis. Prior to his time in Baton Rouge, Taylor taught middle and high school choir in Enterprise, Alabama. Taylor graduated with a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Samford University in 2015.
Concert Program
The Miles College Choir is a choral ensemble consisting of auditioned students who have a devotion and appreciation for music. The students who are a part of the Choir strive to present a high quality choral experience by performing all genres of music with excellence. To continually nurture the smaller ensemble which evolves from the Choir, The Golden Voices are a smaller group comprised of elite singers selected from the Choir and chosen by the Director to present an equally excellent performance in the ensemble arrangement. Both choral ensembles perform on and off campus throughout the year and present repertoire of diverse musical styles and various historical periods.
An Alabama native, Valerie Reese Harris is currently a professor of music and Director of Choirs at Miles College. Before securing the position in 2016, she earned a BA and excelled as a classical pianist at the prestigious University of Montevallo (Montevallo, AL), where she was quickly recognized and offered the position as university accompanist after graduation. Valerie also earned a MA with Distinction in Music and Worship from Liberty University. Valerie’s musical partnerships with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Tuskegee University, Alabama A & M University, Birmingham-Southern College, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a host of other professional music forums in teaching and accompaniment, continue to grow. She has also worked with renowned arranger and conductor Henry Panion, III by serving as choral director for several projects he has authored. In April 2017, Valerie partnered with Maestro Stacey V. Gibbs as co-composer and accompanist. This composition, Freedom had its world premiere on the stage of Carnegie Hall. She was also the featured pianist. As the Director of the Miles College Choir, she has strengthened its program by growing its membership and diversifying the repertoire. Her choir was selected amongst other university choirs within the state to perform at the Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA), the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Southern Regional Collegiate Festival and the Alabama Bicentennial Celebration (2019). Miles College Choir is also the choir that performed in the award-winning Dreams of Hope documentary that has garnered international recognition She also serves as the alto National Vocal Director Coach for the 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities National Choir.
Saturday, 9:15 AM
Concert Program
“Viva” from Il re Pastore (The Shepherd King)
Muscle Shoals Middle School Band
The Muscle Shoals Band Program was founded in 1965 under the direction of Charles Stratford and over the years has developed a tradition of musical excellence. Muscle Shoals Middle School is part of a city school system that consists of one middle school and one high school. Muscle Shoals Middle School hosts three concert bands, one for each grade level 6-8, and one jazz band made up of 7th and 8th grade students. The Muscle Shoals Middle School bands have earned consistent superior ratings at Alabama State Music Performance Assessment throughout the years. In 2000, the Muscle Shoals Middle School band performed at the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference. Since then, the program has seen growth and continues to perform at various venues and events, the latest being the 6th Annual University of Alabama Middle School Honor Band Festival in December of 2018. Our number of All State Band participants continue to grow from year to year, as well. The Muscle Shoals band program believes that music education is a vital part of becoming an educated person and preparing for life. We teach creative and critical thinking, problem solving, and individual responsibility every day. These lessons and skills are inherent in every music class and benefit students as they continue their educational career. Also, students learn interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate and influence a group to work together toward a common goal for their common good. Every student will gain an appreciation of music and become informed consumers in their long lasting enjoyment of music. Our goal is that every student will become the very finest player he or she is capable of becoming. Through the process of progressing as an individual player and member of a performing ensemble, each student will gain an understanding of how music is put together as a composition. Students will also gain a respect for great performers and performances as they discover the demands of great music on the individual in preparing and performing.
Mr. Daniel Seay - Muscle Shoals Middle School Director, Muscle Shoals High School Assistant Director Mr. Daniel Seay is in his fifth year as the band director at Muscle Shoals Middle School in Muscle Shoals, AL. Prior to his current position Mr. Seay served as the band director at L.F Addington Middle School and J.J. Kelly High School in Wise, VA from 2004-2006. He was also the band director at Brooks High School in Killen, AL from 2006-2018. Mr. Seay graduated from Brooks High School in 1999. He graduated from The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education in 2004 and completed his Masters Degree from The University of North Alabama in the summer of 2017. He served as ABA District 3 Vice Chairman from 20172019 and as chairman from 2019-2021. His professional affiliations include National Association for Music Education, Alabama Bandmasters Association, Phi Kappa Phi, American School Band Directors Association and Pi Kappa Lamda (Theta Theta Chapter). Mr. Seay received the National Band Association Citation of Excellence in December of 2018 and was also recognized by the University of North Alabama as a “2020 Distinguished Teacher Mentor'' in Secondary Education. Mr. Seay is married to Amy Muse Seay of Wilsonville, AL. The couple have four daughters: Caroline, Annalise, Elizabeth, and Emalia.
Concert Program
Thursday, 7:00 PM Birmingham Ballroom
Fairest of the Fair................John Philip Sousa/arr. by Robert W. Smith and Michael Story .......Alfred Publishing Belwin Division Fortress of Stone............................................................................Tyler Arcari .........................................Excelsia Music Publishing, LLC
Pinnacle............................................................................................Rob Grice .................................................................Grand Mesa Music
When Summer’s in the Meadow.....................................arr. by Randall D. Standridge ..................................................Grand Mesa Music Jungle Dance.................................................................................Brian Balmages ...............................................FJH Music Company, Inc.
El Relicario..................................................................Jose Padilla/arr. by Michael Story .................Alfred Publishing Belwin Division
Oak Mountain High School Percussion Ensemble
The Oak Mountain High School Percussion Ensemble has an annual membership of 10 to 15 students each year, consisting of the finest percussion players at OMHS. The ensemble meets daily during the school schedule and, under the direction of Kevin Ownby, performs music covering a large spectrum from the percussive repertoire. The OMHS Percussion Ensemble has placed first in the high school percussion ensemble competition at the Percussive Arts Society’s International Convention. They were later invited to perform as a featured ensemble at PASIC in 2007, and are the only high school ensemble from Alabama to ever earn this honor. In 2016, they were invited to perform at the Sandy Feldstein National Percussion Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. They have also performed on three separate occasions at the Alabama Percussive Art’s Society’s Day of Percussion and twice at the Samford Percussion Ensemble Festival. The majority of students enrolled in this group take private lessons and members have consistently placed in the Alabama All-State Bands since the program’s inception in 1999.
Kevin Ownby is the Director of Bands and Percussion Specialist at Oak Mountain High School in Birmingham, Alabama. Mr. Ownby has been a pillar of the Oak Mountain community since the high school opened in the 1999-2000 school year. Prior to becoming Director of Bands in 2012, Mr. Ownby was the Associate Director of Bands and Percussion Specialist for eight years. His responsibilities as Director of Bands include design and instruction of the marching band show, as well as conducting the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band A, Percussion Ensembles, and Marching Battery and Front Ensemble. Under his leadership, Mr. Ownby’s bands have received numerous special invitations to and superior ratings at a variety of music contests and festivals. His ensembles were invited to perform at the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference in 2012, 2016, 2017, and 2022. Mr. Ownby conducted ensembles at Carnegie Hall (2010 and 2015), the CBDNA Southern Conference (2014), and the Music For All National Band Festival, where the Wind Ensemble was a “Featured Ensemble.” The Spirit of Cahaba Marching Band performed in the National Cherry Blossom Parade (2018), as well as parades at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT (2017), Magic Kingdom (2020), and Universal Studios (2022). In the fall of 2007, the OMHS Percussion Ensemble performed a showcase concert at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention. In 2014, the Oak Mountain Percussion Ensemble won the prestigious Concert Chamber Percussion Ensemble Competition. In 2016, the Percussion Ensemble performed at the Sandy Feldstein Percussion Festival. Mr. Ownby was named “Outstanding Young Band Director of the Year” by Phi Beta Mu in 2019, and was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters’ Fraternity in 2022. He began his teaching career in 1997 under his long-time mentor and friend, Mr. Jim Duren, founding director of the Oak Mountain High School Bands. Since Mr. Ownby began teaching at Oak Mountain High School, he has served as supervising teacher and mentor for many interning music educators. In addition to his responsibilities and work at OMHS, Mr. Ownby serves as a clinician and adjudicator throughout the southeast. He served on the Alabama All- State Percussion Committee in 2020, and was the Percussion Coordinator for the Red Band. He also served as the Director of the 2019 Auburn University High School Symphonic Band Camp. Mr. Ownby has performed in numerous percussion, wind, orchestral, and church ensembles for the past 25 years. He served as Principal Timpanist for the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra and Percussionist for the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra from 2000-2003. Mr. Ownby is an educational artist with Innovative Percussion. He is the man behind the YouTube viral drum line sensation: Jig 2. Mr. Ownby maintains a private studio consisting of students age 8 through college music majors, offering lessons in all areas of percussion, including orchestral and marching percussion, drumset, and mallets. Mr. Ownby is a graduate of Austin High School in Decatur, Alabama. He graduated from Samford University with a Bachelors degree in Music Education and from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Masters degree in Percussion Performance. He is a member of ABA, NAfME, NBA, Shelby County Band Directors Association and the Percussive Arts Society. Mr. Ownby and his wife Laura met in middle school band. They have four daughters - Kayla and twins Leigha and Kara are current members of the Oak Mountain Band program (oboe/ English horn/snare, bassoon/ upright bass, and clarinet, respectively), and Livia can’t wait for her turn to join the Oak Mountain Band. Laura and Kevin are founders and owners of The Drop Stop and Platinum Brand Partners with Young Living Essential Oils. In their free time, the Ownby family enjoys card games, good food, and learning to play new instruments.
Thursday, 9:15 AM
Concert Program
Rehobeth High School Symphonic Band
The Rehobeth High School Symphonic Band is a part of the Rehobeth High School Band Program. The Rehobeth Band Program includes the Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Band. The band program has had numerous students perform in the District 8 Honor Band, ABA All State Bands, and many College/University Honor Bands. We are most proud of our student involvement in other clubs and athletics. We have students involved in ROTC, FFA, Student Council, Basketball, Football, Cheer, Beta Club, various Honors Society, FCCLA, and several other clubs and organizations. Rehobeth High School is tucked away in the Southeast corner of Alabama, 15 mins from the Florida line and an hour from the Georgia line. The Band was proud to represent the school and community in April of 2022 at Sea World in San Antonio. The Rehobeth Band Program is under the direction of Marc McLendon.
Marc McLendon is currently in his 21st year in Music Education. Mr. McLendon has spent his entire career teaching at Rehobeth Middle School and Rehobeth High School. Because of his hard work and dedication, along with all of his students the last 21 years, the Rehobeth community is very proud of the Band Program. The band has consistently made superior ratings at District, State, Music Performance Assessment, other Concert Band Festivals, and at Marching Band Festivals and Contests.
Mr. McLendon is a 1997 graduate of Dothan High School, having the opportunity to be under the direction of his father, Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame member, Steve McLendon. Mr. McLendon graduated from Troy State University in 2002. While at Troy State, he was proud to serve as Band Captain and Section Leader of the nationally acclaimed “Sound of the South” Marching Band. He was also principal trumpet for the Symphony Band and Chamber Winds. He studied trumpet with Dr. James Zingara. Mr. McLendon was also fortunate enough to study with many great music educators including Robert W. Smith, Raymond Smith, Carol Franks, James Smith, and Ralph Ford.
Mr. McLendon is proud to currently be teaching both of his sons, Connor(8th grade) and Christian(Senior). He is also proud of his wife and outstanding Music Educator, Sarah McLendon, who is the current AMEA Elementary Division President. Mr. McLendon has been a long time member of Nafme, AMEA, and is a class of 2022 inductee in to the Alabama chapter of Phi Beta Mu.
Concert Program
Thursday,
Stars and Stripes Forever
Phillip Sousa/ed. John R. Bourgeois ........................Wingert-Jones Publications Fever Dream .........................................................................Robert Clayson (Percussion Ensemble)
All Good Things ........................................................................Rob Grice
Mekong ..................................................................................Robert W Smith ................................................C L Barnhouse Company
Rucker Rhythms is an elective elementary performing ensemble comprised of students in the 4th-6th grades from Rucker Boulevard Elementary in Enterprise, AL. Rhythms performs many times throughout the school year at both school and community events. In 2022, Rucker Rhythms performed with the America Sings! Festival in Washington D.C. Members of Rucker Rhythms have also been honored to participate in the AMEA Elementary Music Festival. Rucker Rhythms puts an emphasis on incorporating a variety of classroom instruments in every performance in an effort to lay a foundation and develop the musicianship of each child both vocally and instrumentally. We also value community service through supportive performance opportunities as well as various service projects.
Friday 1:35 PM
Andrea Marsh is the general music teacher at Rucker Boulevard Elementary in Enterprise, AL. She holds a Bachelors in Music Education from Murray State University and a Masters in Music Education from Boston University. Originally from Kentucky, Mrs. Marsh has now lived in Alabama with her husband and three children for the past 10 years. She is very happy to have the privilege of working in the field of elementary music in such a supportive school system, and counts herself as blessed to be able to lay the foundations of musicianship in the formative years of her students’ education.
BJCC Theater Concert Program
Carry the Light.............................................................................Andy Beck .....................................................................Alfred Publishing
Fiddle Folk Tunes...........................................................Traditional/arr. Sally Albrecht ..................................................Alfred Publishing
I Was Here......................................Gary Burr, Hillary Scott, & Victoria Shaw/arr. Alan Billingsley.................................Hal Leonard
Can-Can (a la Solfege) .......................................Jacques Offenbach/arr. Sally Albrecht.............................................Alfred Publishing
Tongo......................................................................Polynesian Folk Song/arr. Greg Gilpin............................................Alfred Publishing
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Smiths Station HIgh School Symphonic Band
The Smiths Station High School Symphonic Band is the premier performance ensemble at Smiths Station High School. Smiths Station High School is located in Smiths Station, Alabama, and is a part of Lee County Schools. The Symphonic Band has received Superior Ratings since its inception. The Symphonic Band has performed at the Southeastern United State Concert Band Clinic (2003) and the Alabama Music Educators Association State In-Service Conference (2007). The Smiths Station High School Band Program is comprised of two concert bands, a jazz ensemble, a marching band, a percussion ensemble, a olor guard, a winter guard, a majorette line, and numerous chamber ensembles. Since 1972, the Smiths Station Band Program has only had three Director of Bands: Rick Teel (1972-2000), Dr. Rusty Courson (2000-2016), and Gene Butler (2016-present).
Gene Butler is the Director of Bands at Smiths Station High School in Smiths Station, AL. Mr. Butler received his Bachelor of Music Education and Masters of Science in Music Education degrees from Troy University in Troy, AL. While at Troy University, Mr. Butler served as drum major for the “Sound of the South” Marching Band, principal tuba of the Troy University Symphony Band, and as an Undergraduate Assistant to the Director of the School of Music. Upon completion of his Bachelor of Music Education degree, the School of Music faculty selected Mr. Butler for the 2010 Outstanding Music Graduate Award. Most recently, Mr. Butler was awarded the 2015 Outstanding Young Music Educator of the Year for the state of Alabama from the Alabama Music Educator’s Association.
Mr. Butler is in his 7th year of teaching at Smiths Station and 13th year overall. At Smiths Station, Mr. Butler teaches Beginning Band Brass, Marching Band, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band. Prior to Smiths Station Mr. Butler worked at Trinity Presbyterian School in Montgomery, AL. During his tenure at Trinity the band program grew from 39 students to over 80 students. Ensembles under the direction of Mr. Butler have consistently received superior ratings at contests throughout the Southeastern United States.
Mr. Butler is an active clinician and adjudicator across the Southeastern United States. He is a member of the Alabama Bandmasters Association, Alabama Music Educators Association, American School Band Directors Association, and National Association for Music Education. Mr. Butler and his wife, Karen, reside in Smiths Station, AL, with their children, Julie, Rebecca, and James.
Concert Program
Quintessence .......................................................Quincy Jones, adapted by Bill King .......United States Air Force Band Arrangement
Cordoba .....................................................................................Julie Giroux .................................................................Musica Propria, Inc.
Trace Singers is a non-auditioned group of elementary music students who love to sing. The group consists of 30 5th graders from 5 different classes who gather on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 7:15-7:45 a.m. to sing together. The singers are learning the basics of pitch-matching and solfege and discovering the new sounds of harmony. The goal of Trace Singers is to make choral music accessible for students at a young age. Students come from different backgrounds and most have never sung in a choir before. The group changes every year as students graduate and go to middle school. Former Trace Singers groups have sung for the Bicentennial celebration at the Alabama State Capitol, been featured at the Hoover High School Winter Concert, and participated in various community events in Hoover, Alabama. They are excited to sing for the Alabama Music Educators Association and want you to know they fully believe Music Changes the World.
Trace Singers
Lisa Latham counts it a privilege to share her love of teaching and music with her community. Raised as the daughter of a teacher, she loved music, but rejected the idea of teaching until a professor wrote “you were born to do this” at the top of one of her college assignments. Today she believes her primary role as a music educator is to see the person before the subject, much like that professor saw her. Latham believes that building relationships is the key to success in the classroom. Over the past twenty-five years, Lisa Latham has passionately guided students in all levels of music-making from preschool to college. Latham is a wellknown music educator and has served as a guest clinician for numerous festivals and competitions. In 2013, Mrs. Latham received the first Robert E. Wright, Jr. Award for Exceptional Service for her years of work with the Alabama ACDA Young Voices Festival, a service she continues to this day. Most recently, Latham initiated the first Hoover Elementary Music Festival to showcase student achievement in music classrooms across her school district. In addition to public school teaching, Mrs. Latham serves her church as the preteen and middle school choir director and maintains a private voice and piano studio. Latham also serves as an ESL teacher with VIPKID, where she teaches English online to Chinese students. All of these experiences allow Mrs. Latham to help students discover their own gifts and use them to better their world
Friday 1:00 PM
BJCC Theater
Concert Program
Sing to the World......................................................................arr. Ken Berg........................................................Hal Leonard Corporation
O Music.......................................................................Lowell Mason/arr. Doreen Rao......................................Boosey and Hawkes, Inc.
Haida............................................................................Classic Round/arr. Henry Leck.........................................Colla Voce Music LLC
Fairest Lady, No. 7 from “The Nursery Rhyme Cantata”.....Nick Page.........................................................Boosey and Hawkes, Inc.
Bamboo.................................................................Peter, Paul and Mary/Arr. Karen Medley....................................Medley Orff Level 1
Singabahambayo. from “Two South African Freedom Songs”...Arr. Henry Leck.............................................................Walton Music Music Changes the World...............................................................Jim Papoulis....................................................Hal Leonard Corporation
BJCC East Ballroom Thursday, 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
University of Alabama at Birmingham Concert Choir
The UAB Concert Choir is the select choral ensemble at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The choir maintains a rigorous performance schedule, giving multiple concerts locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Despite the challenges of the last year and a half, the choir has maintained a regular schedule of rehearsals, virtual and outdoor performances, and an overall gratitude for doing what we love, all while adhering to the strictest of protocols and safety measures. In 2022, the choir was fortunate to have sung for and worked with internationally acclaimed composers, including masterclasses with Michael J. Trotta and Jake Runestad. The choir engaged in a virtual performance of UAB’s Alma Mater, which was the highlight of the 2020 and 2021 virtual commencement ceremonies. Most recent indoor performances include invitational concerts for the 2020 ACDA Southern Region Conference and the 2020 AMEA In-Service Conference. Additional performances include the 2018 Gotham Sings Performance Series in Carnegie Hall, the 2017 Cante Rode and London Sangerstevne Choral Festivals in The Netherlands and England, the 2016 and 2012 AMEA In-Service Conferences, and the 2014 Interkultur 8th World Choir Games in Riga, Latvia, where the choir won gold and silver medals in three categories (Youth Mixed, Musica sacra with accompaniment, and Spiritual). The choir’s 2012 CD project, “Unceasing Love,” is available at digital outlets including iTunes and Amazon, and via the department’s online store. Additional activities include world premiere performances by prominent choral composers such as Glenn McClure, Michael Trotta, Richard Burchard, K. Lee Scott, and Stacey V. Gibbs. The choir has built a strong reputation of choral excellence, and has performed at past conferences of the American Choral Directors Association, and in international choral competitions, including the Fleischman International Trophy Competition in Cork, Ireland and the 34th annual Florilege Vocal de Tours in Tours, France. Performing activities have also included invitational concerts throughout the United States and Europe, and regular performances of masterworks with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. The choir is selected by audition, and is comprised of undergraduate and graduate students from across the university, including music majors and non-music majors.
Brian Kittredge is Associate Professor and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he conducts the University Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and teaches courses in conducting and music education. Under his direction, the UAB Choirs have gained a strong presence regionally, nationally, and internationally. Most recently, the UAB Concert Choir was invited to participate in the Interkultur 8th World Choir Games in Riga, Latvia, where they earned Gold and Silver medals in three categories. The 2014 European Tour included invitational performances in Germany, Austria, and Italy. In 2012, the Concert Choir was selected as the recording choir for the MorningStar Publication series, featuring premiere performances of K. Lee Scott’s Gloria and Michael Trotta’s I Shall See. Additionally, the choir was the featured ensemble in the world premiere performance of Glenn McClure’s Songs of Freedom, and K. Lee Scott’s Band of Angels, both projects to commemorate the anniversaries of the Civil Rights Movement and the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. The projects included guest perfor mances in Alabama, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. The Concert Choir has also appeared at the 2012 and 2016 Alabama Music Educators Conference in Montgomery, AL., and has participated in regional and state ACDA and NAfME Conferences. The UAB Choirs under his direction maintain an active touring schedule, with concert appearances throughout the United States and abroad. Prior to his appointment at UAB, Kittredge served on the faculty at Louisiana State University, where he taught courses in choral conducting and conducted the LSU Schola Cantorum. Kittredge taught middle and high school at the Louise S. McGehee School in New Orleans, LA, where his choirs appeared in performances at state, regional, and international festivals, and consecutive performances at the ISAS Arts Festival. Kittredge is an active clinician and guest conductor and has appeared at choral festivals in Alabama, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. He will serve as the 2016 guest conductor of the Organization of American Kodaly Educators National Chamber Choir in Long Beach, CA. Kittredge recently served as the Youth and Student Activities Repertoire and Standards Chair for the Alabama Chapter of ACDA, and is an active member of NAfME. He has served on the artistic faculty at the New York State Summer School of the Arts, where his choirs appeared in concerts at the Chautauqua Institute and SUNY Fredonia. Kittredge holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Louisiana State University (2011), a Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music (2004), and a Bachelor of Music degree from Mansfield University (2002).
Concert Program
John Trotta (b. 1978)
1. Introit
SATB Choir and Orchestra
2. Dies Irae
SATB Choir unaccompanied
3. Offertory
SATB Choir and Orchestra
4. Sanctus
SATB Choir and Orchestra
5. Pie Jesu
Soprano and Mezzo-Soprano
6. Agnus Dei
SATB Choir and Orchestra
7. Lux Aeterna
SATB Choir and Orchestra
Friday, 7:30 PM
8. Libera Me
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, SATB Choir and Orchestra
9. Et Mors Ultra Non Erit
Bass Solo and Orchestra
10. In Paradisum
SATB Choir and Orchestra
BJCC Theater
University of Alabama at Birmingham Wind Symphony
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Wind Symphony is the premier performing ensemble for wind, brass and percussion students at the university. Members are selected through audition each semester and comprise the best musicians on campus. Over twenty unique majors are represented in the group from music education to biomedical engineering. The primary objective of this ensemble is to perform literature of the highest musical value with emphasis on works originally written for band and wind ensemble. High expectations for individual musicianship and advanced technical attainment provide members with a musically enriching and artistic performance experience.
Dr. Sean P. Murray is an Associate Professor of Music and director of bands at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His responsibilities include directing the UAB “Marching Blazers”, University Wind Symphony, teaching undergraduate classes in conducting and music education, and coordinating all aspects of UAB’s comprehensive university bands program. Prior to his appointment at UAB, he was associate director of bands at Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Murray is a native of Milwaukee Wisconsin, and earned a Ph.D. in music education with an emphasis in instrumental conducting from The Florida State University. His primary conducting teachers were James Croft, Patrick Dunnigan and Richard Clary. He also earned his Master of Music Education and Bachelor of Music Education degree from The Florida State University College of Music. Dr. Murray is very active as a guest clinician, conductor, and adjudicator throughout the country. He has presented at numerous national and state conferences. He is a member of the College Band Directors National Association, the National Association for Music Education, the National Band Association the Florida Music Educators Association, and the Florida Bandmasters Association. He is also a member of Phi Mu Alpha, Pi Kappa Lambda, and holds honorary memberships in Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi. He was appointed to the faculty at UAB in 2017.
Concert Program
AMEA 2023 Clinicians
Dr. Craig Aarhus is Associate Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at Mississippi State University. At MSU, he co-directs the Famous Maroon Band and basketball pep bands, conducts Wind Ensemble "B," the Concert Band, and Campus Band, and teaches Conducting and Brass Techniques in the Department of Music. He also currently serves as the area coordinator for Music Education in the department. As a member of the band faculty, Dr. Aarhus has been part of a team that has helped lead the band program to unprecedented growth, making it currently one of the largest band programs in the Southeast. A native of Sylacauga, he holds degrees in music education and conducting from Auburn University and The University of Iowa, respectively.
Kari Adams is Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at Florida State University. Prior to her appointment at FSU, Adams completed her PhD in music education at the University of North Texas. She began her career teaching middle school choir, general music, and band in Missouri and continues to work with middle school choirs as a clinician. She is a passionate educator, conductor, clinician, and researcher.
Lori Ardovino has been a guest recitalist at a number of colleges and universities and international and national festivals including the International Clarinetfest, The International Alliance for Women in Music Congress, NACWPI, NACUSA ,Southeastern Composers League, the North American Saxophone Alliance Conference, the College Music Society and the Alabama Music Educators. Dr. Ardovino received the 2013-14 Alabama State Council for the Arts Artist Fellowship was chosen the University of Montevallo University Scholar for 2013. She is an active composer and has had her works performed across the United States, Japan, Italy and Canada. Her CD’s include, From A Crack In The Wall-clarinet music by Alabama Composers, Between Walls-saxophone music by Alabama Composers, The LeBaron Trio-works for clarinet, piano and voice, and Saxophone Music by Living Women Composers. She is a graduate of Minnesota State University-Moorhead (BM, BA), Michigan State University (MM) and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (DMA). She is an Artist/Clinician with Conn-Selmer Company, D’Addario Woodwinds and is a Fulbright Specialist. Currently, she is Chair and Professor Music at the University of Montevallo where she teaches clarinet, saxophone and woodwind methods and ensembles. She performs with the LeBaron Trio, the Meàllo Trio, the Vinna Trio and the Cahaba Saxophone Quartet.
Dr. Julie Bannerman is an Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. She teaches undergraduate and graduate classes and coordinates the PreK Music Partnership. A former public school music teacher, she specializes in general music education at all levels. Her research and clinical interests include curricular innovation, sociocultural issues in music education, and music teacher education. She is published in the Journal of Historical Research in Music Education, Journal of Music Teacher Education, Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, and Journal of Research in Music Education. She regularly presents research and clinical sessions at regional and national conferences.
Shellie Beeman, Lyric Soprano, serves as Associate Professor of Voice at Jacksonville State University. She earned her D.A. degree in Voice Performance with a secondary emphasis in Speech-Language Pathology from Ball State University under the voice instruction of Dr. Meryl Mantione, mezzo-soprano. The title of her dissertation was “Perceptions of Voice Teachers Regarding the Teaching and Monitoring of Students’ Vocal Behaviors as Students Sing and Speak: Recommendations for Prevention and Rehabilitation within the Voice Studio.” Her passion is Vocal Pedagogy. As a voice technician and vocal health advocate, she delights in merging the gap between voice science, artistic musicianship, and the medical arts. Dr. Beeman is a Certified McClosky Voice Technician through the McClosky Institute of Voice and enjoys working with the voice care team to habilitate injured singers. In 2017 she completed training from the Contemporary and Commercial Music Vocal Pedagogy Institute at Shenandoah University.
David Caddell has taught middle school band in Alabama public schools for eighteen years. He is currently serving at Echols Middle School where he teaches Beginning, Concert, and Symphonic Bands. He holds a BS in Music Education and an MA in Music Education from The University of Alabama. Mr. Caddell currently resides in his hometown of Tuscaloosa.
AMEA 2023 Clinicians
Dr. Conor Bell joined Middle Tennessee State University in Fall 2022 as Assistant Professor of Bassoon. Conor is particularly passionate about championing new music and expanding the bassoon’s repertoire by commissioning new pieces and creating arrangements of existing works for the bassoon or his chamber ensembles. Conor has served as principal bassoon of the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra in Kentucky since 2016 and is also an active chamber musician, currently performing with the Elicio Winds—a flute, oboe, bassoon trio which has performed across the country at various conferences, as well as many local venues focused on community outreach.
A passionate educator and performer, Dr. Kathleen Carter Bell (Tennessee State University) has given masterclasses and performances across the country and abroad. An advocate of new music, Kathleen has received several commissioning grants, including awards from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities. Additionally, she recently premiered two works by Afro-British composer Althea TalbotHoward at the International Double Reed Society Conference (Boulder, CO). Kathleen earned her DM in Oboe Performance from IU and received the Barbara and David H. Jacobs Fellowship, granted for “excellence and leadership in the world of music.”
Maria A. Ellis is a passionate educator and conductor. She is the owner of Girl Conductor LLC, a company that creates diverse music education resources and currently serves as the Director of The Sheldon’s City of Music AllStar Chorus. Maria is an active conductor, clinician, adjudicator and presenter throughout the United States and abroad. She holds a B.M. in Music Education emphasis on Voice (K-12 Certified) Degree from the University of Missouri- St. Louis. She has served as the Arts and Administrative Fellow for The St. Louis Symphony and has served as the Community Engagement Manager for The St. Louis Children’s Choirs. Maria is the host of the Award Winning Show "Bach and Beyoncé'' on Classic 107.3 The Voice for the Arts in St. Louis and is a host for the St. Louis Symphony ``Live at Powell" broadcast. Maria is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, National Association of Music Educators, Missouri Alliance for Arts Education, where she is chair of the RIDE (Race, Inclusion, Diversity & Equity) Committee and holds Level 3 Certification from the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education. Maria is the wife of Marion Ellis and the mother of Aria, Kendal and Noah Ellis.
Emily Christine Gray is going into her 7th year teaching, earning her BA from Auburn University (2014) and her MA from the University of Alabama (2016) in Music Education. Currently, Ms. Gray serves as the Associate Director of Bands/Director of Percussion for Tuscaloosa County HS. Ms. Gray has stayed active outside the classroom, giving a presentation (2016) at the Performing Arts Medicine Association on exertion cost rates within collegiate marching band members, working on visual staff with independent drumline “Q2” (2019), and working on drumline staff for the Macy’s Great American Marching Band as the cymbal technician since 2019.
Becky Halliday is an associate professor of music at the University of Montevallo and the director of the University of Montevallo Kodály Institute. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors of OAKE and the Council of General Music Education for NAfME. She earned her Ph.D. in Music Education from The University of Southern Mississippi and both her MMed and BMUS from The University of Georgia, and holds certifications in the Orff Schulwerk Approach and the Kodály Concept. Her recognitions include the UM College of Fine Arts Distinguished Teacher Award and the AMEA Lacy Powell Outstanding Music Educator Award
Dr. Tim Heath is currently the Director of Athletic Bands and Assistant Teaching Professor of Music at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. At Wake Forest, he oversees all aspects of the athletic band program and is a member of the conducting faculty where he serves as the associate conductor of the wind ensemble. Dr. Heath is an active clinician and adjudicator for both concert band and marching band. As a presenter, Dr. Heath has presented sessions and research at both the state and national levels and is published in The Instrumentalist, The National Band Association Journal, and Percussive Notes
AMEA 2023 Clinicians
Joel Henson is entering his 20th year as an instrumental music educator and is currently President of the Alabama Bandmasters Association. Mr. Henson has served students at both the middle and high school level throughout his career. Mr. Henson is currently serving as the Associate Director of Bands at both Pelham High School and Pelham Park Middle School. Prior to his appointment as President, Mr. Henson previously served as Vice President and Recording Secretary of the Alabama Bandmasters Association. Mr. Henson also served as Chairman of District IV of the Alabama Bandmasters Association. Henson’s professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, Alabama Music Educators Association, Alabama Bandmasters Association, National Band Association, Phi Beta Mu International School Bandmaster Fraternity, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. Mr. Henson is also a National Board Certified Teacher. Henson has served as a clinician and adjudicator at events throughout the Southeastern United States. Mr. Henson is a graduate of the University of Alabama receiving both a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Masters of Arts with emphasis in Instrumental Music Education.
Michele Hobizal taught for 31 years in Texas and holds a BME from Texas State University. She is a past conductor of the Katy ISD District Elementary Honor Choir, served two terms as the Texas Music Educators Association Elementary VP, is a Past Elementary VP for the Texas Choral Directors Association, and a cadre member of the Center for Educator Development in Fine Arts. Hobizal currently works for QuaverEd as the Lead Trainer.
Julie Hornstein has been working with management of non-profit Arts Organizations as volunteer, contractor or staff member since 1972. Over the years, she has written dozens of grants for multiple organizations and served as Grants Administrator for three grantmaking organizations as well as serving as a grant panelist. Successful grant applications include those to National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, Kennedy Center for the Arts, State Arts agencies in Alabama and North Dakota, County and City sources. Most recently, she served as Executive Director for Alabama Orchestra Association, garnering around $50 thousand in funding for events. Her experiences on both sides of the grant inform a unique insight into successful Grantmaking.
John Jacobson is the author and composer of many musicals and choral works that have been performed by millions of children worldwide John is the founder and volunteer president of America Sings! Inc., a non-profit organization that encourages young performers to use their time and talents for community service. John was the Senior Contributing Writer for John Jacobson’s Music Express Magazine and a contributing author to McGraw Hill’s Education Spotlight on Music. Currently, he is the President and Educational Content Creator for John Jacobson’s Music Experience, an online digital resource for teachers providing videos, lessons, music, and musicals.
Sidney A. King’s multi-faceted career as a double bassist, composer and arranger spans over three decades. Since 1992, he has performed at the orchestra of the Grand Teton Music Festival, often serving in titled positions. He has served as principal bassist with the Houston Grand Opera, the Texas Opera Theater, the Sunflower Music Festival, and the Des Moines Metro Opera, and has performed with the symphonies of the Detroit, Cincinnati, Houston, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis and Nashville, as well as as the Louisiana Philharmonic and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. He held the position of assistant principal bassist of the Louisville Orchestra from 1984-2006. As a recitalist, Mr. King has presented solo performances at universities and conservatories throughout North America. Recent performances include recitals at the University of Minnesota, University of Tennessee, Loyola University, Ohio University, and the University of Costa Rica in San Jose
Jane M. Kuehne, Ph.D., holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music Education from University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), with lifetime teaching certification in Texas in All-level Music and Secondary-level English, Reading, and Language Arts, and a Ph.D. in Music Education from Florida State University. She is in her 18th year as a music education faculty member in the College of Education (COE), Curriculum & Teaching Department (C&T) where she teaches undergraduate and graduate music education courses and supervises field work and graduate research. She is a founding/continuing member of the editorial board for the Journal of the Association for Music Technology Instruction and serves as the AMEA Research Chair. Dr. Kuehne has been recognized as Outstanding Alumna at UTSA, and her hometown high school (Georgetown, Texas), and was recently recognized as an Outstanding Graduate Mentor at AU, an award nominated and selected by AU graduate students. She has a cat (“Daisy-cat”) who is quite a character, often making unexpected appearances during online meetings and synchronous distance class meetings.
Sandy Lantz and Gretchen Wahlberg taught music in Fort Myers, Florida since 1982. They have taught sessions at MEAs across the US, as well as, OAKE, AOSA national conferences, and local Orff chapters. Together, they have conducted all-county performance in several Florida counties and the inaugural all-state Orff ensemble in 2016. Both Sandy and Gretchen were National Board Certified teachers. Together they have authored the books: Drum It Up, Creative Bits with Children’s Lit, Strum It Up and S’More Bits with Children’s Lit and most recently, Mixing It Up.
Melissa R. Life is currently the Instructor of Choral Music Education at the University of Alabama. She has taught in the public schools for twelve years in West Virginia and two years in Florida. Choirs under her direction have performed throughout the United States and Canada, receiving superior ratings. In 2011, Ms. Life’s chamber ensemble performed at Lincoln Center in New York City under the direction of Eric Whitacre. Currently, Ms. Life is a Ph.D. Candidate in Music Education at the University of Florida where her research has focused on creating authentic assessments and investing in rural music education.
Ian Loeppky has been Professor and Director of Choral Activities at the University of North Alabama since the fall of 2003. He directs the two elite choral ensembles at UNA and teaches undergraduate and graduate choral conducting, choral techniques, world music, and graduate choral literature. In addition, he is founder of the Florence Camerata, Artistic Director of the Huntsville Community Chorus Association, and a frequent contributor to the ACDA Choral Journal and Anacrusis. His works are published by Kelman Music Press, Santa Barbara Music Publishing, UNC Jazz Press, and Carl Fischer. Under his direction, the UNA Chamber Choir and Vocal Jazz Ensemble sing regularly at local and regional concerts, festivals, and conferences. He has been a student of Zen practices with Zen Master George Bowman for fifteen years.
Dr. Brenda Luchsinger is an Associate Professor of Music at Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL, where she teaches horn, music theory and aural skills courses, and brass methods. She earned the degrees, BM in Applied Horn and Instrumental Music Education from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, MM in Horn Performance from the University of Florida, and DMA in Horn Performance from the University of Alabama. Dr. Luchsinger currently holds positions with the Tuscaloosa and Montgomery Symphony Orchestras, Sinfonia Gulf Coast (Destin, FL), and performs frequently with other orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout the southeast. In addition to an active performance schedule in the United States, she has also performed in Australia, Japan, Singapore, Russia, Spain, France, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Canada. She is a frequent lecturer, having presented at many regional workshops, state and national conferences, and international horn symposia. Dr. Luchsinger is also in high demand as an adjudicator, working with many local, regional, and international competitions, including the 2022 International Horn Competition of the America. Dr. Luchsinger serves as the International Horn Society’s Area Representative for Alabama, and as News Editor for The Horn Call. Her teachers have included Charles “Skip” Snead, Paul Basler, Patrick Miles, and Michael J. Arendt.
Morgan Luttig serves as the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Alabama. Prior to her appointment, Luttig studied at Florida State University where she earned an Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award. Luttig began her teaching career in K-12 choral and general music education in Savannah, GA. She is recognized for her service to the American Choral Directors Association, most notably as Honor Choirs Chair for multiple Southern Region conferences. Luttig earned her Ph.D. in Music Education (Choral Conducting) from FSU, M.M.E. (Choral Emphasis) from Westminster Choir College, and B.A. in Music from Washington and Lee University.
Erin Lyon began her teaching career in 2007 and is currently the Associate Director of Bands at Simmons Middle School. Prior to Simmons, Mrs. Lyon held positions at Zion Chapel High School, Clay-Chalkville Middle School, and Leeds Middle School. Bands under her direction have consistently earned superior ratings at the Alabama Music Mrs. Lyon earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Instrumental Music Education in 2007 and a Master of Science Degree in Instrumental Music Education in 2010 from Troy University. Mrs. Lyon also earned her National Board Certification in the area of Early Childhood Music Education in 2018. In 2021, Mrs. Lyon was named the Leeds City Schools/Leeds Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Lyon is a veteran soldier musician of the Alabama Army National Guard. She performed on oboe, English horn, piccolo, and was a vocalist for the 151st Army Band based out of Montgomery, Alabama. In addition to serving in the military, Mrs. Lyon is a member of Alabama Winds, and also performs at many churches around the state. Mrs. Lyon has a private oboe studio and teaches young oboists throughout the Birmingham area. In her spare time, she enjoys backpacking, hiking, and the outdoors with her family. Mrs. Lyon is married to Wade, who teaches special needs children and also owns a local deck building business. They have two beautiful children together, Wyatt (6) and Virginia Grace (4).
Andy Meadows (MFA 1994) founded the Booker T. Washington Magnet School Photography program in 1995 at the then Carver Creative and Performing Arts School in Montgomery. Meadows now works as Arts Education Specialist for the Alabama State Department of Education where he distributes grants to schools and works to improve arts education in Alabama. (https://art.ua.edu/loupe/teaching-legacy-passed-to-next-generation/)
Jenney Merritt is the Director of Bands at Discovery Middle School in Madison, Alabama. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education from The University of Alabama and a master’s degree from American Band College in Ashland, Oregon through Sam Houston State University. Throughout her eleven year teaching career, Jenney has also served as a band director at Madison County High School, Central School and Madison County Elementary in Gurley. Jenney was selected as Teacher of the Year for Discovery Middle School and the Madison City School district in 2019-2020. Her bands routinely receive superior ratings and accolades at competition. Jenney currently resides in Madison with her husband, Matt, their beautiful daughter Lane and golden retriever, Rigby.
Dr. Cory Near currently serves as Visiting Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Luther College in Decorah, IA. His duties include conducting the Luther College Concert Band and Symphonic Band. Outside of the rehearsal room, he also teaches courses in conducting and rehearsal methods. As a conductor, Dr. Near has had the opportunity to work and collaborate with composers Michael Daugherty, Joel Puckett, Joseph Schwantner, Anthony Plog, Jennifer Higdon, Steven Bryant, Bob Becker, Scott Lindroth, and Jack Stamp. Additionally, he worked with “The President’s Own String Quartet” and Joel Puckett on his Short Stories while studying at Temple University. Dr. Near received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN), under the tutelage of Dr. Emily Threinen. He also holds a Master of Music degree from Temple University (Philadelphia, PA), also under the tutelage of Dr. Emily Threinen. His undergraduate degrees are both from The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH), where he studied music education and tuba performance with Jim Akins, Principal Tuba - Columbus Symphony.
Dr. Diane Orlofsky recently completed her 36th year of teaching at Troy University where she also worked as the Director of Choirs (2006 -2022). She currently serves as the Graduate Music Advisor for the Long School of Music in addition to her role as part-time music teacher educator (following her retirement in June of 2022). Orlofsky was the first recipient of the AMEA Lacey Powell Outstanding Music Educator award (2016) and she remains an active clinician, conductor, adjudicator and researcher. She is currently writing a third book which focuses on the archival collection of Jerome Bruner at Harvard University.
Emily Parker is the Director of Bands at Hampton Cove Middle School in Huntsville, Alabama. She holds a bachelor's degree in Music and a master’s degree in Music Education from Samford University. Over her twelve years of teaching, Emily has also directed and developed bands at Riverton Intermediate, New Market School, Discovery Middle School and Buckhorn Middle School, where she was chosen as Teacher of the Year in 2013. She has recently served as District I Chairman for the Alabama Bandmasters Association. Emily regularly performs in several area ensembles including the Brass Band of Huntsville, Redstone Brass, Twickenham Winds, Magnum Tuba Quartet and First Baptist Church Orchestra.
Brandon Peters is in his fifteenth year as Director of Bands at Hewitt-Trussville Middle School, and his sixteenth year of teaching. He was named Teacher of the Year for Trussville City Schools in 2019 and 2013. He holds a BS in Corporate Finance, a BS in Music Education, and a MA in Music Education, all from the University of Alabama. Mr. Peters is a native of Jasper, Alabama.
Meredyth Petersen is the Director of Bands at Fairhope High School in Fairhope, Alabama where she conducts the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band and directs the Fairhope High School Buccaneer Band and her bands consistently receive Superior ratings. Mrs. Petersen was elected to membership in the American School Band Directors Association in June 2017. Mrs. Petersen currently serves as the District Chairman for District VII of the Alabama Bandmasters Association. She is active as a guest conductor and clinician of bands throughout the state of Alabama. In October of 2021, Mrs. Petersen was the recipient of the Golden Apple Award presented to teachers of excellence. From 2013-2018, Mrs. Petersen served as Director of Bands at Gulf Shores Middle School where she was named Teacher of the Year in 2017. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Virginia Tech in 2007 and her Masters of Music Education from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in 2013.
Kristin M. Pugliese has been an educator for more than 15 years. She began her career in early childhood education and soon moved into the music classroom. She has worked almost exclusively in Title 1 Schools in various states including Rhode Island, Georgia and Massachusetts. As part of the Music Department Leadership Committee, she helped create music standards for the Cambridge Public Schools System.In 2009, Kristin founded Note Knacks Music, LLC. Following the 2009-2010 school year with Fulton County Schools (GA), she decided to focus full-time on the company. Kristin is passionate about how knowledge is acquired and believes it impacts how children will view learning later in their lives. Following her beliefs, Note Knacks is dedicated to providing music educators with the tools needed to make music more accessible for young children.
Tucker Ratcliff was appointed Choral Director at Grissom High School in July 2017 after receiving his Bachelor of Music degree in Choral Music Education from the University of Montevallo. Presently, Ratcliff works with the Women’s, Men’s, and Concert Choir, alongside the top auditioned ensemble, the Chamber Choir. Under his direction, ll 4 choirs have never received below Superior and Excellent ratings at State Choral Performance Assessment. During his tenure as director, Grissom Choir has performed alongside the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, on the Carnegie Hall stage, and is slated to make its international, European debut performance in Vienna, Olomouc, & Prague in the Summer of 2023. Outside of the Choral Department, Ratcliff has serves as the Music Director and Orchestra Conductor for the Grissom Fine Arts Musical Theatre Department & Ars Nova School of the Arts, where he teaches vocals to cast members, and rehearse/directs the orchestra in the pit during rehearsals & performances for shows such as Chatty Chatty Bang Bang, Tuck Everlasting, The Light in the Piazza, and more.As a member of many regional, state, and national organizations, including: NAfME, AMEA, AVA, and ACDA, Ratcliff currently serves as Treasurer for the Huntsville Choral Directors Association (HCDA). Mr. Ratcliff gets his zest for life and his inspiration for music from the great outdoors. His favorite ways to fulfill this need include hiking, biking, and camping with his wife, son, and family. He finds that this cycle of taking in the natural world and putting it into the music he loves continuously propels him towards new heights
Dr. Megan Rudolph is in her 29th year of teaching choral music. Her teaching experience includes teaching all ages and all types of choral ensembles. Currently she is the Director of Choral/Vocal Studies and Music Education at Miles College. Prior to 2021 Dr. Rudolph was the choral director at Vestavia Hills High School where she oversaw ten choirs. Her choirs consistently received superior ratings at state, regional, and national festivals. Choirs under her direction have performed at the ACDA National Conference (2019), Alabama State Music Educators’ conference (2019, 2015), and the Choir Nationals for Top Choirs in Carnegie Hall (2017, 2015). Dr. Rudolph is an active presenter, adjudicator, and mentor to young teachers. She is Nationally Board Certified (2013, 2003) and Orff Level I Certified. She has served as the ACDA Southern Division R&R for Vocal Jazz, and is Past President of Alabama ACDA. Additionally, she is a dedicated wife and mother of four children (Alexis 14, Austin-12, Zach-10, and Max-7).
Dr. Kristofer Sanchack serves as Assistant Professor and Director of Choral Activities at Alabama State University, where he conducts multiple choirs and teaches musicianship courses. Dr. Sanchack’s wide-ranging musical career began with his study of piano, where he rapidly progressed to study with Curtis Institute of Music mainstay, Freda Pastor Berkowitz. He continued pursuing music with a BM in Composition with Honors and High Distinction from Pennsylvania State University. While at Penn State, he accompanied and performed with six different choruses, including the women’s, men’s, and mixed choruses, as well as the State College Choral Society. He holds an MM in Choral Conducting from the University of South Carolina, where he received an assistantship in accompanying, and a DM in Choral Conducting at Indiana University. Dr. Sanchack served as Director of Youth and Children’s Music at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, and as the Keyboard Artist for the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. Dr. Sanchack has led choral music at several universities, including Brevard College, Hollins University, the University of Indianapolis, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, and Trine University. As a pianist, Dr. Sanchack has appeared with the Asheville (NC), Greenville (SC), Montgomery (AL), and Indianapolis (IN) Symphony Orchestras, and continues to be in demand as a soloist and accompanist around the United States. He is also the current accompanist for the statewide chorus, Melody Makers of Indiana.
Leah Seng is in her twelfth year at Pizitz Middle School, and her twentieth year of teaching. She was named Teacher of the Year for Pizitz Middle School in 2018 and Rotary Teacher of the Year in 2017. She holds an M.M.E. from the University of Georgia and an Ed.S. in Music Education from the University of Alabama. She is also a board member and clarinetist in the Alabama Winds.
Dr. Scott Sexton is on the music faculty of the John M. Long School of Music at Troy University, where he conducts several choral ensembles and teaches music education courses. Prior to this position, he taught elementary music and secondary choral music in the public and private schools of Mississippi. He earned his degrees from Troy University (B.M.E.), the University of Mississippi (M.M.), and Auburn University (Ph.D.). Additionally, he completed Kodály Certification at the University of Oklahoma. As a recipient of the Denise Bacon OAKE scholarship, he studied at the Kodály Institute in Kecskemét, Hungary. He has been praised for his innovative teaching and command of musicality in the choral classroom. He has taught and performed throughout North America, Europe, and Africa.
Dr. Jimmy Simpson received his Doctor of Arts and Master of Music Degrees from the University of Mississippi, and his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. His 44 years as a music educator includes teaching band in Union Mississippi and Canton, Mississippi for seven years and serving as a graduate assistant at the University of Mississippi for three years. He joined the music faculty at the University of North Alabama in 1973 where the taught music education courses and served as UNA Music Department Chair for 33 years. Dr. Simpson is a charter member of the Shoals Area Big Band (established 1980), and plays lead alto saxophone and clarinet. Dr. Simpson has served as President of the Alabama Music Educators Association and President of Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu. In 2008 he was inducted into the inaugural class of the Alabama Music Educators Association Hall of Fame. He has been listed in Outstanding Educators of America, Outstanding Young Men Of America and Who’s Who Among American Teachers. Dr. Simpson has been elected to a number of professional honor societies, including Omicron Delta Kappa, Pi Kappa Lambda and Phi MU Alpha Sinfonia
J. Nick Smith is Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands for the School of Music at Eastern Michigan University. He conducts the Symphonic Band, teaches courses in Music Education, and directs the “Pride of the Peninsula” Marching Band and Basketball Pep-Bands. Smith holds advanced degrees from University of Minnesota (Doctor of Musical Arts, Wind Band Conducting) and the University of Michigan (Master of Music, Wind Band Conducting). His primary conducting teachers were Emily Threinen and Michael Haithcock. As an experienced public-school educator, Smith served a total of six years at Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The Hillcrest Wind Ensemble received all “Superior with Distinction” ratings at all Music Performance Assessment events, was invited to perform at several local and national festivals, and had the highest number of students in the history of the band program selected for the Alabama All-State Festival. Smith earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Auburn University, where he was named the “Outstanding Undergraduate Student in the College of Education.” He served as Head Drum Major for the Auburn University Marching Band and principal trumpet of various ensembles, he was also President and Treasurer of Kappa Kappa Psi,and Founding President for the student chapter of the National Band Association. Smith is an active member of the College Band Director’s National Association (CBDNA), Life Member of Kappa Kappa Psi, and Honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma.
AMEA 2023 Clinicians
Tiffani Stricklin, National Board Certified Teacher, is in her 20th year teaching elementary general music. Currently, she teaches Pre-K through fifth grade at McAdory Elementary School in Jefferson County. Mrs. Stricklin earned a B.M. of Music Education from University of Montevallo and MAEd in English as a Second Language from University of Alabama at Birmingham. She holds Kodaly certification through the University of Montevallo and Orff-Schulwerk certification through Samford University. Stricklin has participated in Resource Development Summits with the Alabama Learning Exchange (ALEX) and presented at local and state conferences. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, Bryan and Mia, and their three dogs.
Leigh Thomas (Winfield, AL) received undergraduate (2010) and graduate (2012) degrees from the University of Alabama, where she was drum major of the Million Dollar Band, a percussionist, and a graduate teaching assistant. She arrived at Bob Jones HS in 2012 (Assistant Director) and transitioned to Director of Bands beginning 2015. In this time, BJHS has performed three times at the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference. She performs with the Alabama Winds, who have been a performing ensemble at the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference (2015 & 2019), the Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic (2017), and the Western International Band Clinic (2021).
Lindsey Underwood, director at Northridge Middle School, has taught middle/high school band, choir, musical theatre, private voice/instrument lessons for 11 years. She obtained her Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Montevallo in 2010. She is the Music Director at First United Methodist Church in Montevallo and plays trumpet in The Alabama Winds (2017 Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic guest ensemble). She’s active in NAFME, AMEA, ABA, the League of Women Band Directors, and Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She enjoys fitness, the outdoors, reading, and spending time with her husband B.J. and their dogs, Andy and Ollie.
Dr. Mark J. Walker serves as Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Troy University where he conducts the Troy University Symphony Band, the nationally renowned “Sound of the South” Marching Band, teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in conducting, marching band techniques, measurement and evaluation, and wind literature In addition to his teaching duties, Dr. Walker serves as Chairman of the Southeastern United States Clinic and Honor Bands, Executive Director of the Middle School Southeastern United States Band Clinic and Honor Bands, and is the Director of the “Sound of the South” Summer Music Camp and Director’s Clinic. He also serves as Co-Chair of the National Band Association’s Hall of Fame of Distinguished Band Directors. Dr. Walker is a published author, whose articles appears various music education publications and is the editor of the book The Art of Interpretation of Band Music published by GIA. He is a contributor to The Euphonium Source Book, published by Indiana University Press. Additionally, Dr. Walker is the Associate Editor of the Journal of Band Research. Dr. Walker is an elected member of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. His past and present professional affiliations include Phi Beta Mu, CBDNA, National Band Association, NAfME, Alabama Music Education Association, Alabama Bandmasters Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Mu Alpha, Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Delta Kappa, Tau Beta Sigma, Sigma Alpha Iota, Texas Bandmasters Association, and World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles. Dr. Walker is married to Jessica Walker, who teaches sixth grade at Goshen Elementary, and resides in Troy with their daughter, Emily.
Soprano Sarah Wee is an Assistant Professor of Voice at Troy University where she teaches private lessons, vocal pedagogy, diction, and directs the Opera Workshop. Dr. Wee also enjoys a career singing recital, concert, and operatic literature. Dr. Wee received her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, where she later served as a lecturer in the voice department. She graduated from Webster University with a Bachelor’s Degree in classical voice performance and earned a Master’s Degree in vocal performance from Washington University in St. Louis.
Alex White is the Director of Bands at Murphy High School in Mobile, Alabama. At Murphy, he teaches Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Percussion Ensemble. In addition to performing ensembles, he teaches AP Music Theory, International Baccalaureate Music, and Dual Enrollment Music Appreciation through Bishop State Community College. He received his Bachelor's of Music in Instrumental Education from the University of South Alabama where he is currently working on his Master of Music degree. During his time at the University of South Alabama, he participated in various ensembles and organizations including the Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and the Jaguar Marching Band where he received the Thomas Finch Leadership Award. He currently resides in Mobile, Alabama with his wife Lennon.
Justin White is Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Alabama. He attended the University of Alabama and was a Master’s Conducting Associate at the University of North Texas, where he earned a M.M. in Wind Conducting with a related field in Music Education in 2014. While at UNT, he was a conducting student of Nicholas Enrico Williams, Dennis Fisher and Eugene Migliaro Corporon. In 2020, Mr. White was selected winner in The American Prize conducting competition for winds and outstanding young band director by the Alabama Chapter of Phi Beta Mu.
Dr. Tracy Wiggins is Assistant Director of Bands and coordinator of the percussion program at the University of North Alabama. He holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the HARTT School, University of Hartford, the Master's Degree in Percussion Performance from the University of New Mexico, and the Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Oklahoma State University, as well as post-master's work at The Ohio State University.
Allison Wilkinson is the CEO and Founder of the I Am School of Music and the Making Musicians Training Program. Each year, she teaches the tools of Applied Music Psychology to music educators from around the world, from Australia to Zimbabwe and everywhere in between. A veteran teacher with more than 15,000 hours of direct teaching and many more in research, Allison is also the mother of four children and the favorite aunt of fifteen more.
Originally from Chicago, mezzo soprano Gretchen Windt has performed with companies including Sarasota Opera, Utah Opera, Ohio Light Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Opera Southwest, Chesapeake Chamber Opera, and Opera Idaho. She has performed roles including Hansel (Hansel and Gretel), Cherubino (Le Nozze di Figaro), Prince Orlofsky (Die Fledermaus), Dorabella (Cosi fan tutte), Meg Page (Falstaff), and Rosina (Il barbiere di Siviglia). She has degrees from the University of Utah, the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music, and North Park University. Currently, she is the Director of Vocal Studies and Associate Professor at the University of North Alabama. For more information: www.gretchenwindt.com
Dr. Anne C. Witt teaches Music Education and Strings at the University of Alabama. She taught middle and high school strings/orchestra every day for 15 years in Austin, Texas, leaving a lasting legacy of achievement. Based on the foundation of her successful secondary teaching, Dr. Witt has taught at the collegiate level for the past 25 years. Her degrees were earned at the University of Alabama and the University of Texas at Austin. She is the author of A Rhythm a Week, a supplementary method for band and strings classes. After returning to her hometown in 2003, she organized a community initiative to fund the start-up of a strings program for the Tuscaloosa City Schools. After 17 years, over 2000 students have participated, and several alumni have become music teachers. There are five full-time teachers in all middle and high schools, and the program has served as an inspiration for other school districts. Dr. Witt is a frequent presenter at AMEA, focusing on practical topics in the “use it on Monday” category. She continues to be active in the public schools as observer/supervisor of UA students, guest conductor and mentor teacher.
Michael S. Zelenak PhD is Associate Professor of Music and Coordinator of Music Education at Alabama State University where he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses. He earned National Board Certification teaching chorus, strings, keyboard, guitar, and general music in Pinellas County, FL. He serves on the editorial board of NAfME’s Music Educators Journal, the Florida Music Educators Association’s Research Perspectives in Music Education, and is past-president of the Alabama Music Educators Association’s Higher Education Division. His research appears in Journal of Research in Music Education, Bulletin of the Council of Research in Music Education, and Music Education Research International.
AMEA Membership Honor Roll
The Alabama Music Educators Association is proud to recognize those AMEA members having 25 or more years of continuous membership in NAfME. This year, each person attaining 25 years and those reaching increments of five years beyond that will be honored. The following music educators will be honored during the Friday evening General Session.
Gene Inglis - 50 Years
Betty Bates - 45 Years
Ronald Bearden - 45 Years
John Bradley - 45 Years
Michael Brown - 45 Years
William Connell - 45 Years
Treadwell Davis - 45 Years
Charles Eady - 45 Years
Jimmy Hobbs - 45 Years
John McAphee - 45 Years
Steve McLendon - 45 Years
Jerry Potter - 45 Years
Jeannie Bubbett - 40 Years
Jon Bubbett - 40 Years
Curtis Burttram - 40 Years
Tim Clinton - 40 Years
Tim Grabill - 40 Years
Rickie Malone - 40 Years
Sallie White - 40 Years
Rick Whitmire - 40 Years
Kay Carter - 35 Years
Mark Connell - 35 Years
Jerome Cunningham - 35 Years
Byron Dawes - 35 Years
Kathy Hughes - 35 Years
Kathleen Lavay-Turner - 35 Years
George Martin - 35 Years
Diane Orlofsky - 35 Years
Ron Pence - 35 Years
Johnnie Vinson - 35 Years
Beth Watters - 35 Years
Eddy Williams - 35 Years
Michelle Gann - 30 Years
Gina Garmon - 30 Years
Karen Garrett - 30 Years
Johnny Nash - 30 Years
Marcus Stewart - 30 Years
Michael Bird - 25 Years
AMEA Outstanding Administrators
Dr. Dee Dee Jones, Hartselle City Schools 2019 Dr. Deidra Robinson, Albertville High School
2018 Dr. L. Wayne Vickers, Alabaster City Schools
2017 Dr. Mark Richardson, Vestavia Hills Elem. East
2015 Dianne Johnson, Jefferson County Schools
2014 Dr. Bill Cleveland, Homewood City Schools
2013 Reba Caldwell,Tuscaloosa County High School
2013 Dr. Vic Wilson, Mountain Brook High School
2012 Jim Jeffers, Tallassee City Schools
2011 Rita Thomas, Hillcrest High School
2010 Michael Reed, Hartselle City Schools
2008 Dr. Phillip Hammonds, Jefferson County Schools
2007 Jane Baker, Principal, Shades Valley High School
2005 Ray Winegar, Opelika City Schools
Dale Bloodworth - 25 Years
Trenton Burkett - 25 Years
David Busby - 25 Years
Beverly Fain - 25 Years
Kenneth Hall - 25 Years
Timothy Harris - 25 Years
Jemmie Hawkins - 25 Years
Lea Hoppe - 25 Years
Jamie Howell - 25 Years
Christopher Lindley - 25 Years
Robert Lyda - 25 Years
John McCombs - 25 Years
Jerrod Newell - 25 Years
Daniel Seaborn - 25 Years
James Stainback - 25 Years
Craig Weeks - 25 Years
Brian Wilson - 25 Years
Carlton Wright - 25 Years
James Lambert, Monroeville Jr. High
Michael Gross, Vestavia Hills High School
Terry Wilkerson, Monroeville Jr. High
Kenneth Abbott, Hewitt-Trussville High School
Robert Chapman,Simmons Middle School
R. A. Ginn, Pinson Elementary School
John Allen Pickard, Selma City Schools
Garry Taylor, Class of 2023
Clifford “Ski” Winter, Class of 2022
Ken Berg, Class of 2021
Yale Ellis, Class of 2021
Ken Williams, Class of 2021
Jerry Bobo - Class of 2020
Harry McAfee - Class of 2020
Sharon McCann August, Class of 2019
Theresa McKibben - Class of 2016
Vicki Portis - Class of 2016
John Bradley - Class of 2015
Bill Brunner - Class of 2015
Jim Duren - Class of 2015
Curtis Hollinger - Class of 2013
Billy R. (Rip) Reagan - Class of 2012
Joseph C. Riemer, Jr. - Class of 2010
Roland Lister - Class of 2009
Pat Morrow - Class of 2009
David Walters - Class of 2009
Barbara Odom Distinguished Service Award
2019 Dr. Carl B. Hancock, The University of Alabama
2015 Garry Taylor, AMEA Executive Director
2012 Joe Hull , Tuscaloosa Music Shop
2011 Gene Gooch, ABA Executive Director
2010 Tony Pike, Davidson High School
2008 Rhonda Tucker, Shades Cahaba Elementary School
2007 Steve McLendon, Dothan High School
2006 Darry Pilkington, Hoover High School
2005 Dr. John M. Long, Troy University
2004 Lacey Powell, AMEA President & Executive Director
2003 Greta Champlin, Huntsville City Schools
Ed Cleino Outstanding Young Music Educators
2021 Sadie Wall, Edgewood Elementary School
2018 Justin White, Thompson High School
2017 Will Parker, Straughan High School
2016 Taylor Cash, Albertville City Schools
2015 Gene Butler, Trinity Presbyterian School
2014 Jim Schaeffer, Hueytown High School
Gerald Welker - Class of 2009
Gene Black, Inaugural Class of 2008
Carleton Butler, Inaugural Class of 2008
Ed Cleino, Inaugural Class of 2008
William Dawson, Inaugural Class of 2008
William Denison, Inaugural Class of 2008
Gene Gooch, Inaugural Class of 2008
Wilbur Hinton, Inaugural Class of 2008
Dianne Johnson, Inaugural Class of 2008
John M. Long, Inaugural Class of 2008
Floyd McClure, Inaugural Class of 2008
Frances Moss, Inaugural Class of 2008
Eleanor Nation, Inaugural Class of 2008
Lacey Powell, Inaugural Class of 2008
James Simpson, Inaugural Class of 2008
Thomas Smith, Inaugural Class of 2008
Hugh Thomas, Inaugural Class of 2008
Orland Thomas, Inaugural Class of 2008
Johnnie Vinson, Inaugural Class of 2008
Lacey Powell Outstanding Music Educators
2023 Heather Cantwell, Liberty Park Middle School
2022 Carrie Cruz, McCalla Elementary School
2021 Dr. Anna "Becky" Haliday, Univ. of Montevallo
2020 Deanna Bell, Vestavia Hills Elementary East
2019 Dr. Rob Lyda, Cary Woods Elem. School, Auburn
2018 Kim Bain, Pizitz Middle School
2016 Diane Orlofsky, Troy University
2015 Lea Hoppe, Randolph School
2013 Gene Inglis, Saks High School
2012 Regina Noland, Tuscaloosa City Schools
2011 Paul Edmondson, Gadsden City High School
2010 Michael T. Nix, Lauderdale County Schools
2009 Dr. Leslie Welker, Hillcrest Middle School
2007 Dr. Johnnie Vinson, Auburn University
1996 Frances Moss, Calhoun Community College
1993 Lacey Powell, AMEA President & Executive Director
1992 Bobby McCullar, Minor High School
1991 Ted Galloway, Vestavia Hills High School
1990 Dianne Johnson , Jefferson County Schools
1989 Bill Brunner, Austin High School
1988 Hugh Thomas, Birmingham Southern College
1987 Jerry Bobo, Fayette County High School
1985 Wilbur "Bodie" Hinton, Auburn University
1983 Dr. John M. Long, Troy University
Certified in 2022
Heather Atkins, Shelby County Schools
Timothy Beattie, Mobile Public Schools
Erica Hand, Athens City Schools
Crystal Hanna, Selma City Schools
Nathaniel Haskew, Albertville City Schools
Heather Holmes, Shelby County Schools
Melissa McIntyre, Vestavia Hills City Schools
Leah Seng, Vestavia City Schools
Complete List:
Music/Early Adolescence Through Young Adulthood
David Allinder, Jefferson Co School District
Darwin Anderson, Madison City Schools
Marsha Asquith, Madison County Schools
Kimberly Bain, Vestavia Hills City Sch District
Timothy Beattie, Mobile Public Schools
Kristi Bowers, Huntsville City School District
Dakota Bromley, Chilton County School District
Jonathan Cagle, Jefferson Co School District
Jeff Calvert, Jefferson Co School District
John Cooper, Decatur City School District
Laura Doss, Birmingham, Alabama
Donald Dowdy, Madison Co School District
Gary Foster, Mountain Brook City Sch District
Traci Fuller, Montgomery Co School District
Gregory Gumina, Jefferson Co School District
Erica Hand, Athens City Schools
Crystal Hanna, Selma City Schools
Nathaniel Haskew, Albertville City Schools
Joel Henson, Jefferson Co School District
Margaret Heron, Jefferson Co School District
Kirstan Hill, Jefferson County School District
Sandra Hill, Jefferson Co School District
Daniel Hornstein, Huntsville City School District
Edward Horton, Vestavia Hills City Schools
Mary Hovik, Madison County Schools
John Kincaid, Hoover City School District
Matthew Martindale, Shelby County Schools
Lee Mason, Birmingham City School District
Brian Neugent, Hoover City School District
Regina Raney, Decatur City School District
James Schaeffer, Hoover City School District
Jed Smart, Tuscaloosa County School District
Elizabeth Stephenson, Huntsville City Schools
Kimberly Strickland, Birmingham, Alabama
Jamie Thomas, Piedmont City School District
Renee Thomas, Baldwin Co School District
Adam Truesdale, Leeds City School District
John Vernon, Huntsville City School District
Christopher Walker, Jefferson Co Schools
Jennifer Walsh, Jefferson Co School District
Megan Wicks, Vestavia Hills City Sch District
Hilen Wilson, Tuscaloosa City Schools
Music/Early and Middle Childhood
Heather Atkins, Shelby County Schools
Sharon August, Vestavia Hills City Sch District
Deanna Bell, Jefferson Co School District
Donna Blethen, Birmingham City School District
Laura Butler, Mountain Brook City Sch District
Emily Cagle, Jefferson Co School District
Brian Cocke, Tr ussville City Sch District
John Cook, Trussville City Sch District
Veronica Crawford, Tuscaloosa City Schools
Carrie Cruz, Jefferson Co School District
Beth Davis, Decatur City School District
Katherine Donaldson, Vestavia Hills Schools
Brooke Dunham, Shelby Co School District
William Goff, Jefferson Co School District
Carlee Green, Hoover City School District
Karla Hodges, Tuscaloosa City School District
Heather Holmes, Shelby County Schools
Leslie Jones, Jefferson Co School District
Courtney Keenum, Colbert County Schools
Kristy Lott, Jefferson County School District
Alicia Luttrell, Mobile County Schools
Erica Lutz, Montgomery Public Schools
Erin Lyon, Leeds City Schools
Melissa McIntyre, Vestavia Hills City Schools
Theresa McKibben, Homewood City Schools
Alicia Moreno Mulloy, Huntsville City Schools
Clarence Myrick, Jefferson Co Schools
Janet Nelson, Mountain Brook City Sch District
Vicki Lynn Portis, Hoover City School District
Melinda Pruitt, Birmingham City School District
Lesley Rogers, Trussville City Schools
Leah Seng, Vestavia City Schools
Jeanette Shorey, Shelby Co School District
Joy Smith, Birmingham City School District
Marcia Staples, Huntsville City Schools
Tiffani Stricklin, Jefferson Co School District
Jennifer Thompson, Jefferson County Schools
Rhonda Tucker, Homewood City Schools
Phil Wilson, Auburn City School District
Amy Womack, Mountain Brook City Schools
Walter Wren, Leeds City School District
The Exhibitors
This directory is compiled from information supplied by the exhibiting firms or institutions. This list may not include vendors who registered after the publication deadline.
Alabama Education Association
The Alabama Education Association (AEA) is the member-driven voice of Alabama's education employees. AEA members are teachers, education support professionals, administrators, professors, future teachers, and education retirees. Booth 38
Alabama Percussive Arts Society
The Alabama chapter of the Percussive Arts Society is a nonprofit organization that educates and supports the art of percussion throughout the state of Alabama. Booth 31
Alabama State University Department of Music
ASU is a 4-year, Public HBCU located in Montgomery Alabama. As an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music, the Department of Music at ASU offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, the Bachelor of Music Education degree (instrumental and vocal tracks), and the M.Ed in Music Education degree (Alt-A Certification available). Ranking in the top 5% of all HBCUs, nationwide, in number of music graduates being produced every year, the Department of Music at ASU offers conservatory-style training, along with an emphasis on the study of African-American culture, history, and music. The Department is made up of 14 full-time faculty and 10 part-time faculty offering applied study in the areas of woodwinds, brass, percussion, piano, voice, and composition, and offers performance opportunities for majors and non-majors in Band, Choir, Jazz, Gospel, Opera, Orchestra, and Chamber ensembles. Booth 55
Alabama Symphony Orchestra
Our mission is to change lives through music. We aim to make symphonic music accessible to every resident of Alabama and beyond. Booth 68
All National Music
Home to the Robert W. Smith Music Festival in Orlando, FL. Featured in July 2022 School Band and Orchestra Magazine - NEW! March 23-26, 2023 Expanded Event - THREE World Renowned Composers! Brian Balmages, Soon Hee Newbold, and Robert W. Smith! Have your Band or Orchestra perform at the Robert W. Smith Music Festival held in Orlando, FL! in 2024, we bring new destinations to the festival including San Antonio, Washington D.C., and Memphis in addition to Orlando! Please stop by booth 58 and find out more information! Visit us online at allnationalmusic.com Call/text 407-801-BAND (2263) Booth 58
American Travel Consulting
Specializing in student group travel, American Travel Consulting can customize the perfect trip for your group! With decades of experience in student group travel, we look forward to working with you to plan your next band, choir, orchestra, or school group trip! Booths 2 & 3
Andy’s Music
Andy's Music is a full-service locally owned and operated family music business in Mobile, Alabama, serving the Gulf Coast since 1977. Andys Music strives to provide schools and students a competitive price structure and one of the best repair shops in the Southeast. Our Educational Support Team works first hand with Band and Orchestra programs starting with Recruitment! Andy's Music is a 10X winner of the prestigious NAMM TOP 100 Dealer Award, and was also voted as Mobile's favorite music store in the Mobile Register's Readers Choice Awards which began in 2002. Andy's Music is also a member of the Alliance of Independent Music Merchants (AIMM). The AIMM Group is an alliance of leading musical instrument retailers who provide value to their customers by focusing on quality products, educational programs, and exceptional customer service. Booth 62
Art’s Music Shop, Inc.
Serving the musical needs of the Southeast since 1905; convention exhibit features extensive stock of educational/instrumental music for today's school band. Peninsula Booth E
Auburn University Department of Music
The Auburn University Department of Music dedicates itself to providing a globally recognized, innovative education in all aspects of traditional & contemporary music in a nurturing and inclusive environment reflecting our liberal arts tradition. We are committed to state of the art facilities for future generations that contribute to, value, appreciate, and advocate for the musical arts through performance, research, service, and outreach. Booth 27
AWB Apparel
T Shirts Booths 7 & 8
Belhaven University
Belhaven University stands among select Christian colleges and universities with national influence. The University offers 70 areas of study including academic majors and concentrations across a full spectrum of disciplines. Belhaven University's Music Department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Booth 24
Best in Class Tours
Youth tour company specializing in band and Choir trips. Booth 23
Blount Awards & Engraving
We are your complete source for awards and recognitions of any kind! We service schools, businesses, municipalities and individuals all over the state of Alabama. Just some of our services: awards for competitions & festivals; end of the year awards & recognitions; pageants; sporting events. We can custom make anything you need. Booth 59
Custom Fundraising Solutions
Mattress Fundraiser and Contact Free fundraisers that has helped Bands in Alabama raise over $2,000,000. Booth 37
The Exhibitors
DeMoulin Brothers & Company
Band Uniforms, Marching Accessories, Formal Wear, and Guard/Performance Wear and Costuming. Booths 30 & 39
Drum Major Leadership Academy
The Drum Major Leadership Academy brings high value, low cost leadership training to more than 4,000 student leaders from 500+ band programs nationwide! We specialize in virtual and in-person learning experiences including: Summer Leadership Camps, Drum Major Workshops , Free Masterclasses, National Competitions, Private Lessons, and more! Want free leadership training for your drum majors next season? Come to booth 50 and ask us how! Booth 50
Eastman
The Eastman family of brands, including Wm. S. Haynes Co., S.E. Shires Co., Backun Musical Services, and Laskey Mouthpieces, proudly makes handcrafted instruments for players of all levels. Booths 56 & 57
First Class Tours
Charter bus company providing transportation locally & nationwide. Booth 15
Fred J. Miller, Inc.
Fred J Miller is the leader in innovation, quality, creativity and service! A family oriented uniform company, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail, integrity and always putting the client FIRST! We specialize in creating the perfect uniform and pageantry products for high schools, colleges and universities and drum corps. The Cesario Collection Uniform Performance Wear, manufactured by FJM, Inc., provides the highest level of wellcrafted, athletically styled and constructed garments for today’s student musicians. Years of research, development, and field trials have produced a new concept in uniforms, forged from entirely new patterns and construction. Setting new standards in meeting the demands of modern band speed, movement, choreography and flexibility, FJM, Inc. has placed significant emphasis upon long-term value. These fully washable, contemporary uniforms feature extended durability for longevity, easy and environmentally responsible care, simplified alterations, and industry-leading styles and custom designs. Booths 53 & 54
Gadsden Music Company
Band instruments sales and service. Peninsula Booth C
Group Travel Network, Inc.
Preferred Travel Planner, with 20+ years of continuous experience, specializing in performance group travel to destinations such as Orlando, Hawaii, San Antonio, Atlanta, New York, Washington DC, Europe and more. One Call - One Source! We do it ALL....so YOU don't have to! Booth 45
Guardian Travel and Fundraising
Guardian provides group travel services and over a dozen fundraisers to support your program. We are also coordinate the Music City Bowl student performance and the Alabama All-Stars of Music. Come see us to learn more about what we can do for you! Booths 35 & 36
Huntingdon College Department of Music
At Huntingdon College we pride ourselves on giving students the opportunities and individual attention needed for success in the many fields of music. We offer Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music and Music Education K-12 (Choral and Instrumental). Huntingdon offers many ensemble opportunities to both music and non-music majors including Marching Band, Concert Band, Concert Choir, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and various Chamber Ensemble. For more information on our program please contact Dr. Brandon Slocumb, Chair of the Department of Fine Arts. Dr. Slocumb, Department Chair and Choral Director: bslocumb@hawks.huntingdon.edu, Mr. Howard, Director of Bands: Bhoward@hawks.huntingdon.edu. Booth 32
Jacksonville State University, David L. Walters Department of Music
A comprehensive department preparing music educators and performers for leadership positions. JSU Music: A Proud Tradition in Sound Education Booth 43
Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University
The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University engages audiences across the university, the state of Alabama and beyond with curated arts experiences that inspire, enlighten and unite. Booth 22
Jonathan Martin Music
Jonathan Martin Music is dedicated to making marching music achievable for ensembles of all sizes. We are music to make your program stronger! Booth 19
Jupiter/Mapex/Majestic-KHS America
Serving the musical community with world class instruments that provide a lifetime of musical inspiration. Booth 34
J.W. Pepper
Founded in 1876, J.W. Pepper is the largest sheet music retailer in the world, delivering unparalleled customer service to musicians through its distribution centers, stores, and website jwpepper.com. Pepper offers sheet music useful to directors and performers alike, as well as music equipment, accessories, and technology solutions to support music programs. Booth 5
Kaleidoscope Adventures
Kaleidoscope Adventures is a full-service student trip planner with more than 27+ years of inspiring student travel and a former educator as CEO. We specialize in surprisingly unique educational, performance, sports, senior class trip, festival and cruise travel to more than 40+ student friendly
The Exhibitors
destinations. We make student safety a priority with a clearly communicated safety plan and trusted partners. According to the Student & Youth Travel Association independent study 74% of teachers believe travel has a very positive impact on students personal development. As a student trip planner you can count on the KA professionals to collaborate with you to organize the perfect education or performance tour. Explore the roots of our democracy in Philadelphia or the battlefield of the civil rights movement in Birmingham. Marvel at the architecture of the Chicago skyline or the mysteries of space at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Share the holiday spirit as you perform in the Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World or stage an unforgettable show at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City. Booth 67
Marchmaster / Fruhauf Uniforms
Marchmaster is the premier southeastern leader in supplying footwear, guard equipment, custom designed uniforms & outfits, head gear, concert performance wear, podiums, field equipment, banners, electronics and other accessories for bands, orchestras, choral groups, and performing ensembles. Since 1910, Fruhauf Uniforms has manufactured the highest-quality music education apparel. Four generations later we are better than ever, and continue to use the highest quality of materials and workmanship. Peninsula Booth B
Mississippi State University, Dept of Music
Mississippi State University is a comprehensive land grant institution ranked by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a Very High Research Activity University. The university is a member of the Southeastern Conference. The Department of Music is part of the College of Education and is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. In the fall of 2022 the department moved into a $21 million state-of-the-art facility. The 37,000-square-foot facility at 124 Hardy Road includes classrooms, a choral rehearsal hall, faculty offices, sound-proof practice rooms, recording studio, lecture/recital hall, student lounge and administrative suite. See http://music.msstate.edu/ for more information about the department. Booth 48
Music & Arts
Music & Arts supports music education as a trusted resource for band and orchestra instruments, accessories, print music, instrument repairs, individual and group lessons, and instrument rentals. The company provides ready-to-go educator solutions, quality and immediately available instruments, convenient rental options, and value-added resources to help build your music programs. Contact your Music & Arts Educational Representative or email Schools@MusicArts.com for support today. Booths 20 & 29
Music Filing Solutions
Space Saving Sheet Music Filing System. Booth 44
Music USA Festivals
Music USA Festivals, in business since 1972, holds music festivals for elementary, middle, and high school bands, choirs and orchestras at Universal Orlandos Soundstage 33. We are celebrating 30 years of performances at Universal Orlando this year. In 2022 we will be celebrating 50 years of festival excellence and served over 1,000,000 students. Booth 11
NOVUS Clothing Company
Custom Apparel. Booth 9
OrlandoFest
OrlandoFest is firmly committed to providing quality music festivals for elementary, middle school, junior high school, and senior high school student musicians and generating positive educational growth through performance. Our Festival is open to competitive and non-competitive bands, orchestras, choirs, and dance groups of all types! Booth 26
Performance Carts is a manufacturer of high-end carts for speakers, mixers, keyboards, drum sets, and other items used be marching ensembles in their performances. We also provide sound reinforcement consulting. Peninsula Booth A
Point University Department of Fine Arts
Music and Fine Arts at Point University. Booth 49
Propsandcarts.com
North Alabama resource for custom percussion carts and show props for the marching arts. Booth 65
QuaverEd
QuaverMusic is a comprehensive, fully-digital music curriculum! It is packed with engaging content that meets PreK8th National Standards. Highly interactive technology and user-friendly navigation make teaching and learning easier. QuaverMusic is taught in over 18,000 schools, with four million students engaged in seriously fun education. Booth 6
Redemption Marketing Service
Fundraising company specializing in gourmet popcorn, chocolates, cheese, and pecans Booth 28
Rhythm Band Instruments
Rhythm Band Instruments offers its customers a superior experience, with a huge selection of early education music instruments that feature recorders, bells, percussion, Orff and Boomwhackers. Our products are supported by a skilled and friendly team of sales and customer service
The Exhibitors
representatives who are fully knowledgeable (many of whom have roots in music education) about all of the products and are focused on educating the customer and providing them with the instruments they need. Customers can purchase with the help of our staff or buy directly from our website. Booth 4
Samford University School of the Arts - Division of Music
The Division of Music is preparing musicians to enrich society through a diligent pursuit of excellence. Music study at Samford University is essentially a threefold program, including training in musicianship, training in specialized professional areas, and studies in the liberal arts. The core of the program is musicianship-continuous study in music performance, including solo and ensemble experiences, along with extensive work in music theory and history. In specialized areas, such as teacher training, composition, and music and worship, requirements include training and experiences in the special skills and knowledge appropriate to the respective degree program to equip the graduate to function effectively on the professional level. The liberal arts requirements contribute to the breadth of knowledge appropriate for the professional musician. Booth 41
Simply Sheets Fundraising
Located in Mobile, Alabama, Simply Sheets is the ONLY Bedsheet and Bath Towel fundraising company. Simply Sheets also offers Satin Pillow Cases and Cooling Pillows. We offer both Traditional and Online programs. Our programs offer your organization NO upfront costs, NO contracts and NO minimums. Give your supporters products they will enjoy for years to come. Booth 1
Snap!
Mobile
Our admin support platform enables group leaders everywhere to build thriving programs for themselves and their participants. Booth 10
SouthCoast Music & Design
SouthCoast Music & Design is a marching focused firm with a simple goal: to consolidate the non-teaching responsibilities placed on the modern band director. Numerous streams of communication become one through our ability to complete conceptual design, musical arrangements, visual design, sound effects, prop manufacturing, and costume consultation under one roof. Founded in 2018, SouthCoast has become one of the fastest growing design companies in the southeast and has serviced over 100 schools across 10 states in five short years. Booth 66
Southeastern Performance Apparel
Southeastern Performance Apparel specializes in concert and choir apparel for men and women. Shop our collections of formal dresses, tuxedos, show choir outfits and more. We offer quick delivery, free samples and discounted group pricing. Booth 21
Southern Performances
Southern Performances was founded by David and Dayna Brannan with the mission of offering an all-around company to help any program or group perform with the highest quality equipment, apparel and instruction. With an extensive knowledge of the arts, they have combined forces to offer band and choir programs the best possible customer service for performing ensembles! Peninsula Booth D
Stanbury Uniforms, LLC
Providers of quality, custom uniforms and accessories for marching band, drum corps, color guard and other performance groups for more than 100 years. Booths 17 & 18
Super Holiday Tours
From our humble beginnings in 1975, Super Holiday Tours has grown to become one of the most successful and recognizable Student Group Travel Organizations in the United States! At Super Holiday Tours, we make all school trips easy and memorable by handling every aspect of your travel arrangements, and experiences. Whether it be a marching band looking to dominate the next showcase or competition, a class trip in search of discovery, or a high school senior class looking to go out with a bang, Super Holiday Tours can take your student group on an unforgettable adventure with practiced ease. Super Holiday Tours is deeply rooted in values and practices that prioritize student safety. Ultimately, we aim to educate, exhilarate and inspire, knowing no destination is too far, and every experience is exceptional. Your next great adventure is waiting. Lets go! Booth 25
Superior Travel and Tour
Superior Travel and Tour is a travel company with a sales team, tour guides, and owner who are all former music educators. Our company was there to help our groups through the pandemic and we have plans to work with you all on navigating the new world of travel. We are in our 15th year of providing travel services to performing arts groups and would enjoy the opportunity to work with your group too! Contact us to begin planning your next Superior trip! Booth 22
The University of Alabama Roll Tide!! Booth 51 & 52
The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music. Booth 33
The University of West Alabama Department of Fine Arts
Students at the University of West Alabama major in a flexible and customizable music degree program designed for their success in the rapidly changing world of music. From the very first semester, students are engaged in a hands-on and highly immersive curriculum, gaining practical, realworld experience as they turn their dream into reality. Students of our current music faculty have gone on to sing on Broadway, record in Nashville and with Hollywood movie studios, and perform in the Philadelphia Orchestra and with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Competitive financial aid packages are still available for the 2023-24 school year, including ensemble scholarships for both majors and non-majors. Booth 61
The Exhibitors
Troy University School of Music
The John M. Long School of Music invites alumni, friends, and guests to visit our booth and explore the music opportunities available at Troy University.The John M. Long School of Music is a vital part of a dynamic, global university. The School of Music has more than 240 undergraduate and graduate music majors and undergraduate music minors and more than 30 faculty members who are world-class teachers, scholars, conductors, composers, and performers. The School of Music provides opportunities for all university students to develop the musical skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to become artistic performers and/or intelligent consumers of music. Music majors are provided with “real-world” educational experiences designed to prepare them for viable careers in music education and the music industry. Troy University offers undergraduate degrees in Music Education , Music Industry, and General Music (BA). Additionally, Troy offers masters level degrees in Music Education. Graduate Assistantships are available working with university bands, university choirs, music education, and music industry. Troy University is a fully accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Booth 46
University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Music
In a relatively short time, the UAB Department of Music has distinguished itself as one of the finest centers for educating young musicians in the southeast. Faculty and students perform in the acclaimed Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center (with its four performing venues) and around the globe. We recently became the first program in the state of Alabama to be designated an All-Steinway School, making the department one of only 73 schools worldwide so named by piano maker Steinway & Sons. The department is home to numerous world-renown scholars and performers, with recent appearances by faculty and students in Egypt, Russia, France, England, Scotland, Brazil, South Korea, the Czech Republic, and Mexico, as well as television broadcasts throughout the world. Our graduates have consistently found success in graduate study at some of the nations most prestigious schools, and work in music business and music technology, music education, churches, and as active performers. The department offers a variety of levels of instruction to give you a balanced musical education. Located in Birmingham home to the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Opera Birmingham, Alabama Ballet, Chamber Music Society, Birmingham Music Club and a host of other visiting artists UAB is at the very center of the arts, affording our students invaluable exposure to the worlds greatest artists. Booth 47
University of Montevallo
The Department of Music is one of the most highly regarded music programs in the state and region. Continuously accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music since 1931, we have remained a competitive force in Alabama's collegiate music education. We are proud of the success and the achievement of our students, alumni, and faculty. Booth 12
University of North Alabama Department of Music
The UNA Department of Music offers multiple degrees and private study opportunities for students. Bolstered by superior performance ensembles and outstanding music faculty, the department provides students an outlet to IGNITE their passion for the arts with numerous opportunities to perform and connect with their fellow students and community. The Department of Music remains a consistent resource of excellence for the University of North Alabama, the Shoals Region, and beyond with its competitive scholarships, performance awards, and its status as a leader in the music education field. The University of North Alabama Department of Music is committed to providing diverse educational experiences that focus on academic excellence, professional-caliber creative performances, innovative curricula and pedagogies, community engagement, and recruitment of the highest-quality students regionally, nationally, and internationally. Booths 63 & 64
University of South Alabama Department of Music
The Department of Music at the University of South Alabama, through its innovative curriculum and exemplary faculty, offers educational and creative opportunities for musicians and music educators. Propelled by an increasing music student population, a newly created graduate degree program, and a highly active concert series featuring accomplished soloists and diverse ensembles, the department continually embraces new artistic experiences that balance the rich history of music with emerging music of the 21st century. Providing opportunities for lifelong learners within our community, the department is an important asset to the University of South Alabama and a valuable resource for the entire Gulf Coast region. Booths 13 & 14
U.S. Army Bands
Even before the U.S. Army was created in 1775, musicians were an integral part of the military. From the signal corps drummers in the Revolutionary War, to the full jazz bands of WWII, music has been a critical part of the Army's success. Whether it's a ceremonial performance or a concert to boost the morale of Soldiers, U.S. Army Bands members have the opportunity to serve their country while making music. If you're already studying music in school or are a working musician, U.S. Army Bands offer great opportunities for your musical career. It's a gig that gives you the time to concentrate on music while earning a steady paycheck. As an Army musician, you'll be able to hone your musical techniques and abilities in a variety of musical styles. You may even be eligible for an assignment to one of the Army bands playing worldwide for dignitaries, heads of state or even the president of the United States. Auditions for all woodwind, brass, and percussion instrumentalists are now available for anyone aspiring to be a professional musician. We are seeking individuals who are passionate for musical excellence, service to country and a desire to be part of an elite organization. There are a total of 21 U.S. Army Bands across the United States and overseas that will provide the opportunity to perform in ensembles such as ceremonial band, brass band, jazz ensemble, brass/woodwind quintet, rock band, and many more. If you have the dream to travel the world and play music in front of large crowds as well as to constantly enhance your own skills, this is the career for you! Please take time to speak with Staff Sergeant Joseph Grabill, our Southeast United States Auditions Coordinator, to find out more about the process to join the U.S. Army Bands program. You can contact Staff Sergeant Grabill via email at joseph.c.grabill.mil@army.mil or by phone at (256) 746-6704. You can also visit www.goarmy.com/band for more information. Booth 40
Warburton Music Products
We manufacture a complete line of mouthpieces for Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Piccolo Trumpet, Cornet, French Horn, Trombone, and Tuba - plus our growing line of top quality accessories for both brass and woodwind instruments. The Warburton system flexibility gives you the most efficient mouthpiece or saxophone neck components for performing in any playing situation. Warburton also manufactures a professional line of Bb Trumpets, C Trumpets, Cornets, and Flugelhorns! Booth 60
