2024 AMEA Conference Program Book by AL_AMEA

Alabama

MUSIC EDUCATORS

Association

2024 Professional Development Conference January 18-20 Von Braun Center, Huntsville

DEPARTMENT MUSIC 2023 AUDIOF TIONS go.uab.edu/music

FOR ADMISSION AND SCHOLARSHIP APPLICAT IONS

Table of Contents FAME ................................................................................................................................................................4 President’s Welcome..........................................................................................................................................5 Get the Mobile App ...........................................................................................................................................5 AMEA Governing Board and President’s Cabinet ...........................................................................................6 AMEA Awards...................................................................................................................................................7 Lobby Performance Schedule ...........................................................................................................................7 AMEA Industry/Institutional Members.............................................................................................................8 Featured Speakers, Performers, and Clinicians ...........................................................................................9-11 Posters to be Presented at the HED Research Poster Session ........................................................................12 Thursday at a Glance.......................................................................................................................................13 Friday at a Glance ...........................................................................................................................................14 Saturday at a Glance........................................................................................................................................15 Rehearsal Schedules at a Glance.....................................................................................................................15 Lightning Round..............................................................................................................................................16 Complete Conference Schedule .................................................................................................................17-27 Buckhorn High School Wind Ensemble .........................................................................................................28 Dauphin Junior High School Symphonic Band ..............................................................................................29 Fairhope High School Wind Ensemble ...........................................................................................................30 Hartselle High School Chamber Chorale........................................................................................................31 Hewitt-Trussville High School Chamber Choir..............................................................................................32 Indian Springs School Chamber Choir ...........................................................................................................33 Jacksonville State University A Cappella Choir .............................................................................................34 Jacksonville State University Brass Band.......................................................................................................35 Kitty Stone Singers..........................................................................................................................................36 Northridge High School Jazz Ensemble .........................................................................................................37 Pinson Valley High School Percussion Ensemble ..........................................................................................38 Simmons Middle School Honor Band ............................................................................................................39 Thompson High School Wind Ensemble ........................................................................................................40 UNA Collegiate Singers and Chamber Choir .................................................................................................41 Map of the Von Braun Center .........................................................................................................................42 Conference Clinicians ................................................................................................................................45-53 Membership Honor Roll..................................................................................................................................54 Barbara Odom Distinguished Service Award..................................................................................................54 Outstanding Administrators.............................................................................................................................54 AMEA Hall of FAME......................................................................................................................................55 Lacey Powell Outstanding Music Educators .................................................................................................55 Ed Cleino Outstanding Young Music Educators.............................................................................................55 Alabama’s National Board Certified Teachers in Music ................................................................................56 Exhibitors ...................................................................................................................................................57-62

Advertisers Belhaven University....................................................................62 Best in Class Tours........................................................................6 Birmingham-Southern College..........................................12 & 62 Mississippi State University .......................................................43

Sight Reading Factory ...................................................Back Page Troy University School of Music .......................inside back cover UAB Department of Music ................................inside front cover UNA Department of Music.........................................................44

2024 FAME Schedule Time

Clinician

9:00 AM Rebecca Warren

Topic Host

10:00 AM

Devin Lacy

The Hidden Gem: Elementary Music

10:45 AM

Break

15 Minutes

11:00 AM Keith Anderson 11:45 AM

Lunch/Exhibits

1:15 PM Matthew Gardner 2:00 PM

Break

Four Superpowers of Successfull Music Educators 90 Minutes Everything but the Music: The True Job of the Music Educator 15 Minutes

2:15 PM Meghan Merciers So, I Want to to Study Music in College: Tips for School Selections, Applications, and Auditions 3:00 PM

Break

15 Minutes

3:15 PM

Wrap-up

Host

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. 4

P RESIDENT ’ S W ELCOME

D R . R OB LYDA , AMEA P RESIDENT

Welcome to the Rocket City and AMEA 2024! We are delighted to be in Huntsville for the first time in AMEA’s history. Huntsville is a city known for its natural beauty, welcoming atmosphere, and transformative innovation. I hope these three days together will be transformative for you and your colleagues. This year’s program is full of inspired speakers, fabulous concerts, a packed exhibit hall, and time for you to visit with friends and colleagues. I’m delighted to welcome to Alabama several distinguished guests. This year our keynote speaker is Dr. Scott Burstien of Music Will. Scott served for many years as a high school band director before moving into his role at Music Will. Scott is committed to finding ways for music educators to connect with all students in our schools through active music-making. In addition to the keynote speech on Friday, Scott will be presenting several sessions and leading Modern Band 101 on Saturday. We are delighted to have Scott with us and hope you will take advantage of his sessions and Modern Band 101. I’m delighted to welcome Dr. Rob Deemer to Alabama to speak at our Leadership Breakfast and present several sessions. Dr. Deemer is a Professor of Composition at SUNY Fredonia in New York, past Chair of NAfME’s Composition Council, and the Founder and Director of the Institute for Composer Diversity. Rob is a wealth of knowledge, and we are fortunate that his schedule allowed him to be at AMEA. In addition to our keynote address during the Friday general meeting, we will be entertained by the Aeolians of Oakwood University under the direction of Jeremy Sovoy Jordan. You may have seen their Spring 2023 viral video performance of “It’s You I Like” or heard of Take 6 who met as students performing as part of the Aeolians. I have long been a fan of the Aeolians and am overjoyed they can perform for us. Trust me, you don’t want to miss The Aeolians’ performance!

I would like to personally invite you to attend several events throughout the conference. Stop into our Open Mic performances in the Mars Music Hall on Thursday. Attend the first-ever Elementary All-State Choir performance and the AVA Honor Choir on Friday evening. Drop by our FAME events throughout the day on Thursday. Visit the exhibit hall to shop and thank the vendors for supporting our conference. Attend the All-State Jazz Band Concerts on Saturday. Dine in one of the fabulous restaurants around the conference site or grab a quick bite from the snack bar in the exhibit hall. Register and attend Modern Band 101 on Saturday. There is something for everyone at this year’s conference. 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 Huntsville. 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 President-elect Dr. Phil Wilson, and our wonderful AMEA staff – Dr. Rusty Logan, Pat Stegall, Garry Taylor, and David Raney 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 Huntsville for the 2024 AMEA Professional Development Conference. Welcome to the Rocket City and have a great conference!

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AMEA Officers and Governing Board President - Rob Lyda President-Elect., Phil Wilson Treasurer/Registrar - Pat Stegall Recording Secretary - Heather Holmes Executive Director - Rusty Logan Assistant Executive Director - David Raney Editor, Ala Breve Magazine - Garry Taylor ABA President - Lori Hart AOA President - Joseph Lee AVA President - Hilen Wilson Elementary/General President - Alicia Luttrell Higher Education President - Carly Johnson ALcNAfME Advisor - Meghan Merciers ALcNAfME President - Sarah Hicks Industry Membership Representative - Joey Harbison ALSDE, Arts Education Specialist - Andy Meadows

Printed by Hardwick and Son Printing, Dothan, Alabama

Editor & Advertising Manager: Garry Taylor editor@myamea.org Cover Photo: istock.com/Sean Pavone

AMEA President’s Cabinet Accessible Music Education Chair - Ellary Draper Advocacy Chair - Rob Lyda AP Music Theory Chair - Holly Luke Composition - Patrick Darby Diversity in Music Education Chair - Shane Colquhoun Emerging Leaders Chair - Diane Orlofsky Government/ALSDE Relations Chair - Becky Halliday Harmonizing Instruments Chair - Jeanette Shorey Historian - Rusty Courson Jazz Education Chair - Nick McDonald Membership Chair - Pat Stegall Mentoring Chair - Phil Wilson Music Industry Chair - Michelle McDonald Music in Our Schools Month Chair - Sadie Wall Music Supervision Chair - Greg Gumina Music Reviewer - Band - Jeremy Stovall Music Reviewer - Choral - William Powell Music Reviewer - ELEM/GEN - Jason Jackson Music Reviewer - Jazz - Andy Nevala Public Relations Chair - Michael Bird Research Chair - Jane Kuehne Retired Member Chair - Dianne Johnson Society for Music Teacher Education Chair - Morgan Soja Tri-M Chair - Deanna Marshall

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Join us in the Von Braun Center East Hall 1 & 2, Friday at 7:00 PM for the presentation of the

2024 AMEA AWARDS FAME SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT JORDAN CUTCHENS, HOLTVILLE HIGH SCHOOL/AUBURN UNIVERSITY EDWARD CLEINO OUTSTANDING YOUNG MUSIC EDUCATOR AWARD: MATTHEW GARDNER, AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL AMEA OUTSTANDING ADMINISTRATOR: DR. BRAD HUNTER, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS AMEA HALL OF FAME, CLASS OF 2024: DR. DIANE ORLOFSKY ALABAMA’S NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS IN MUSIC - CLASS OF 2023 AMEA HONOR ROLL (25 YEARS AND INCREMENTS OF 5 YEARS) OUTSTANDING YOUNG COMPOSERS COMPETITION FINALISTS

Lobby Performances All lobby performances are in the Von Braun Center, Lower Level Lobby

Thursday, January 18, 2024 10:30 am Alabama A&M University Bulldog Beat 11:30 am UNA Trumpet Ensemble 12:30 pm Smiths Station Flute Ensemble 1:30 pm Birmingham Wind Ensemble’s - Vulcan Brass 2:30 pm McKee Middle School Flute Ensemble 3:30 pm The Ukesters 8:30 am 1:30 pm 2:30 pm 3:30 pm 4:30 pm

Friday, January 19, 2024 James Clemens High School Chamber Choir UNA Camerata Strings frequency (Troy University) Auburn University Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble Auburn University Commercial Music Trio 7

AMEA Industry/Institutional Membership 2023-24 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!

Alabama Symphony Orchestra

3621 Sixth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222 https://www.alabamasymphony.org/

American Travel Consulting

P.O. Box 750, Albertville, AL 35950 https://www.americantravelconsulting.com/

Collins Hornworks

5256 Willow Way, Birmingham, AL 35242 https://collinshornworks.com/

Fink’s Music

1604 Mockingbird Ct. Unit #A, Florence, AL 35630 https://finksmusicschool.com/

Gadsden Music Company

607 Broad St., PO Box 132, Gadsden, AL 35901 https://gadsdenmusic.com/

Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center

910 South College Street, Auburn, AL 36849 https://goguecenter.auburn.edu/

Group Travel Network

5401 S. Kirkman Rd. Suite 530, Orlando, FL 32819 https://grouptravelnetwork.com/

J.W. Pepper of Atlanta

9053 Riverside Parkway, Lithia Springs, GA 30122 https://www.jwpepper.com/

Marchmaster

14 Lake Point Drive, Dahlonega, GA 30533 https://marchmaster.com/

Sight Reading Factory

1321 Upland Drive, Suite 12621, Houston, TX 77043 https://www.sightreadingfactory.com/

Southern Performances

427 Appollo Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 https://southernperformances.com/

Super Holiday Tours

116 Gatlin Avenue, Orlando, FL 32806 https://superholiday.com/

The University of Alabama School of Music

810 2nd Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 https://music.ua.edu/

The University of North Alabama

UNA Box 5040, Florence, AL 35632 https://www.una.edu/schoolofthearts

The University of South Alabama Department of Music

5751 USA Drive South, Mobile, AL 36688 https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/

Troy University John M. Long School of Music 112 Long Hall, Troy, AL 36082 https://www.troy.edu

2024 Conference Featured Clinicians and Speakers Keynote Speaker: Scott Burstein Dr. Scott Burstein is the National Director of Teaching and Learning for the nonprofit Music Will. His duties include managing Music Will’s musical content, curriculum, and professional development. Previously, he taught 12 years in Los Angeles. Scott studied music at the University of California, Santa Barbara, the Eastman School of Music, and received his DMA in Music Education at the University of Southern California. While primarily a guitarist, he performs on a variety of instruments. Elementary All-State Choir Clinician: Greg Gilpin Greg Gilpin is a celebrated ASCAP award-winning choral composer and arranger and a highly respected choral conductor. He is known throughout the United States for leading performances at New York City’s iconic Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center as well as Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. His international appearances include the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia, Royal Festival Hall in London, England, and Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland. Mr. Gilpin is also a producer and musician in the recording industry and is Director of Educational Choral Publications for Shawnee Press, a distinguished choral publisher. In 2020, Mr. Gilpin’s “pandemic pivot” took him down an additional career path by becoming certified as a financial coach and a certified Boss Organizer, creating his own professional organizing business, Maestro Organizing. This work has led to appearances on Fox and NBC network affiliates. Mr. Gilpin can also be seen on the hit TV show “Hoarders”, alongside Dorothy Breininger, renowned producer and organizer. In 2021, Mr. Gilpin wrote the score for the award-winning short film, “Rosie’s Rescue” and was awarded “Best Score” for this same movie. He also teamed up with well-known opera singer, Angela Brown, and created the world premiere of a thrilling new arrangement of “What Child is This?”, debuted by Ms. Brown and the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. The music world is coming back to life and Mr. Gilpin is excited to be teaching, composing, conducting, and organizing! He is a proud member of ACDA, NAfME, SAG-AFTRA, and is a Life Loyal Member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. AVA Immersion Honor Choir Clinician: Valerie Reese Harris 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 University of Montevallo (Montevallo, AL), where she was quickly recognized and offered the position of 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 continues 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. April 2017, Valerie partnered with Maestro Stacey V. Gibbs as co-composer and accompanist on the composition, Freedom, which had its world premiere on the stage of Carnegie Hall. Professor Harris has served several churches as Minister of Music with duties ranging from conductor, pianist, and coordinator of music and worship ministries. 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). Featured Clinician: Rob Deemer Recipient of the 2018 ASCAP Deems Taylor/Virgil Thomson Internet Award, Rob Deemer is a composer, conductor, educator, author, and advocate. His works have been commissioned and performed by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the President’s Own Marine Band, the U.S. Army Orchestra, the Rasçher Saxophone Quartet, loadbang, Akropolis Reed Quintet, and Gaudete Brass. His work as an advocate for composers from underrepresented demographic groups led him to create the Institute for Composer Diversity at the State University of New York at Fredonia. His work with the Institute for Composer Diversity has culminated in partnerships with the League of American Orchestras, the National Association for Music Education, the College Band Directors National Association, the American String Teachers Association, and the Midwest Clinic. Deemer is Professor and Head of Composition as well as the Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at the State University of New York at Fredonia and serves as the chair of the National Association for Music Education Repertoire Diversity Initiative and the New York State School Music Association Composition & Songwriting Committee.

2024 Conference Clinicians and Speakers Rob Denty, All-State Gold Jazz Band A native of Brunswick, Georgia, Rob Denty, has been an active musician since picking up the saxophone at age 10. After graduating from the University of North Florida, Rob moved to Chicago in 1995 and quickly became involved in the city’s vibrant music scene. In 2001, Rob joined the Chicago Jazz Ensemble in residence at Columbia College, then under the direction of William Russo and later directed by Jon Faddis. After 27 years in Chicago, he relocated to Raleigh-Durham, N.C. in 2023. He has backed many world-class artists including Aretha Franklin, Meshell Ndegeocello, The O’Jays, Slide Hampton, Ramsey Lewis, Johnny Griffin, Cedar Walton, Doc Severinsen, Mary Wilson and the Supremes, Paquita D’ Rivera, Eddie Henderson, Lynne Arriale, Christian McBride, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Clark Terry, actors Gary Sinese and Bob Newhart, Joe Lovano and Frankie Valli. He has performed at numerous national and international venues including East Coast Jazz Festival, Washington D.C.; Symphony Center, Chicago; Max M. Fisher Music Center, Detroit; Teatro Manzoni, Milan, Italy; Chicago Jazz Festival, The Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, Pittsburg; Ravinia Festival, and The Oprah Winfrey Show. Rob leads and co-leads his own groups which have produced five recordings. He is also an active educator who completed his Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies at DePaul University. From 2019-2023, Rob led the award winning, Lincolnway-East Jazz Ensemble 1 and multiple small groups. He has been involved, under the guidance of Jon Faddis and Wycliffe Gordan, in the Louis Armstrong Legacy program which placed jazz mentors in the Chicago Public schools. Rob conducts clinics and workshops and maintains a full studio of private students. Please visit www.robdenty.com Chris Kozak, All-State Silver Jazz Band Christopher Kozak is associate professor and director of jazz studies at The University of Alabama. He holds both an MM in jazz arranging and composition and a BM in African-American jazz studies in double bass performance from the University of Massachusetts. While at UMASS he studied Jazz Composing and Arranging with Jeff Holmes and double bass with renowned Double Bassist and composer Salvatore Macchia. He also studied advanced Improvisation Techniques with saxophonist Chris Merz and multireeds artist Adam Kolker. Professor Kozak was also a composition student of Yusef Lateef and his methods of Autophysiopsyhic Music. Previously, Professor Kozak was an active performer in the Northeast music scene on the Acoustic and Electric Bass in Jazz, Contemporary, and Popular styles. Since his hire at The University of Alabama, he has maintained an active role as a performer. He was a Downbeat Jazz Award recipient in 2000, 2001, and 2002 with the UMASS Studio Orchestra on double bass. He is a former faculty member of Springfield College, Holyoke Community College, and is a current member of the CMENC, ABA, AMEA, and Jazz Education Network. He also remains active as a clinician and high school jazz festival adjudicator at the regional, national, and international levels. As the current director of the University of Alabama Jazz Ensemble, he has taken the Ensemble to various Festivals such as the GA/Athens Twilight Jazz Festival, Notre Dame Jazz Competition, and to the 1st

Annual Jazz Education Network Conference in St. Louis, MO. Professor Kozak has been on faculty at The University of Alabama since 2005. Matt Leder, All-State Bronze Jazz Band Dr. Matt Leder is an avid educator and is a indemand guest artist/clinician who performs throughout the United States. Dr. Leder holds a DA in Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado, an MM in Jazz Studies from the University of New Orleans, and a BM in Jazz Performance from East Carolina University. While at UNO, Leder was a member of the “Louis Armstrong Quintet,” funded through the Armstrong Foundation. Dr. Leder has studied with Ellis Marsalis, Clyde Kerr, Irvin Mayfield, and many others. He has a passion for the music and culture of New Orleans. Dr. Leder’s dissertation, “Towards An Informed Pedagogy of Modern New Orleans Style,” describes New Orleans style and offers possibilities of adding this syntax of jazz into the modern classroom. Summer 2017, Dr. Leder was invited to be a National Endowment of Humanities Summer Scholar at Tulane University in New Orleans and summer of 2020 he was named a CMS NextGen Teaching Fellow through NAMM. Dr. Leder was named a GRAMMY Educator of the Year Quarterfinalist for 2021 and 2022. Dr. Leder has been a professional musician for over 20 years and performs all genres of music. Leder served over eight years as a Navy musician and four years as an Air Force Dr. Leder has been music faculty at Calhoun Community College since August 2022. Prior to this appointment, he served as Music Director/Instructor at Gadsden State Community College and was the director of the award winning GSCC Show Band. Dr. Leder served as Chair of the Music Department at Northern New Mexico College and has held faculty positions at Brown University, University of Colorado at Denver, Community College of Rhode Island, and St. George’s School. Ben Posey, All-State Middle School Jazz Band Dr. Benjamin Posey is in his 7th year as the assistant band director at Robert F. Bumpus Middle School. During this time, he has directed the Bumpus Jazz Band at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame Student Jazz Band Festival where the Bumpus Jazz Band received Superior ratings from all adjudicators as well as “The Band of Distinction” trophy awarded to the highest scoring middle school jazz ensemble for two consecutive years. Prior to the opportunity to work in the Hoover City Schools, Mr. Posey served for five years as the Director of Bands and Music Education Programs at Birmingham-Southern College. At BSC, he directed the college’s Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and multiple chamber ensembles while overseeing all students pursuing degrees in the Bachelor in Music Education. Mr. Posey also serves as the Chairman of the Jazz Division of the Alabama Bandmasters Association. Mr. Posey received a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Samford University, a Master of Arts in Education specializing in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Music Education from Auburn University. He lives in Hoover with his wife, Rebekah, their two daughters, Maddy and Aubrey, and their son, Jonathan.

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2024 Conference Featured Performers - The Aeolians “Beyond Boundaries” Concert Series. Later that month, the Aeolians accompanied the world acclaimed soprano, Kathleen Battle at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center in her, “Underground Railroad: A spiritual Journey” Concert Series. Since January 2013, the Aeolians have teamed up with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) to present an annual Martin Luther King Jr (MLK) tribute at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, Birmingham, Alabama. This collaboration has seen masterpieces performed from the symphonic choral literature to include Brahms, Mozart, Schoenburg, Dvorak, Hailstork & Dett just to name a few. In 2016, it featured Beethoven’s “Choral Fantasy” with guest classical pianist, Nervo Altino from the Altino Bros. This choir has been truly blessed and for this they are thankful.

The Aeolians of Oakwood University was originally organized in 1946 by the late Dr. Eva B. Dykes. Since its inception, the choir has traveled widely, touching the hearts of both young and old with their inspirational singing. Subsequent conductors include: Mrs. Joni PierreLouis, Mr. Harold Anthony, Dr. Jon Robertson, Dr. Alma M. Blackmon, Dr. John Dennison, Dr. Ricky Little (a former Aeolian), Dr. Eurydice Osterman, Michele Cleveland, Lloyd Mallory, Dr. Julie Moore, Norman Crarey, Dr. Wayne Bucknor (a former Aeolian) Dr. Jason Max Ferdinand (a former Aeolian), and presently Jeremy Sovoy Jordan, also a former Aeolian. Directors have made considerable contributions over the years. Under the direction of Dr. John Dennison, the Aeolians performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, receiving flattering reviews. Under the direction of Dr. Alma M. Blackmon which began in 1973, the group was propelled into national and international prominence with the performance of over 200 concerts in the United States, Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Canada, Poland, Romania, and Great Britain. Under the current director, the group tours extensively, and has extended their international prominence to Trinidad & Tobago, Russia, and Jamaica. Under the God-inspired direction of Jason Max Ferdinand, the choir has placed 1st two years in a row (2010 & 2011) in the iSing HBCU Challenge hosted by Reid Temple AME Church in Lanham, Maryland, and being named in 2014 as the four-peat national HBCU choral champions. They have also been presented with the keys to the City of Huntsville with Dec. 3rd & Dec. 5th being days named in their honor. In Oct 2015, the Aeolians made their debut at Carnegie Hall performing with the Altino Bros, the Altino Brothers Concert Chorale, and the Beyond Boundaries Symphony Orchestra in the Altino Bros’

In 2017, after presenting several concerts in England and Scotland, the Aeolians traveled to Llangollen, Wales, to participate in the Choir of the World competition at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, recognized as “one of the most respected accolades in the choral calendar,” with the winners receiving the prestigious Luciano Pavarotti trophy. Rounds of keen but friendly competition ended with the Aeolians being awarded the 2017 Choir of the World Luciano Pavarotti trophy! The Aeolians continue to travel near and far, blessings the hearts and souls of many.

Jeremy Jordan, Conductor A native of Huntsville, AL, Jeremy Sovoy Jordan attended Oakwood University where he studied vocal performance and pedagogy and was a member of the Aeolians, under the direction of Jason Max Ferdinand. In 2017 along with his brother Justin, Jordan was inducted into the North Alabama Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame. In 2013, he accepted the position of Director of Music and Choral Department at Miami Union Academy (MUA), teaching grades 6th-12th. MUA is a historically black private academy that has been in existence since 1917. The high school choir enjoyed much success under the direction of Jordan, being participants in the 2018 Music for All National Choir Festival. They’ve also had the privilege of performing at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA. Under his leadership, the MUA Choral Department initiated an annual social justice concert to raise awareness about the injustices our students see in their communities and the world at large. Jeremy also serves as Conductor and Composer-in-Residence for the New Canon Chamber Collective Orchestra whose goal and purpose are to promote new and existing compositions by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color(BIPOC) composers. Jordan is currently the Director of Choral Activities and conductor of the Aeolians of Oakwood University.

Concert Program Lift Every Voice and Sing - arr. Roland M. Carter (GIA Publications Inc.) How Great Thou Art - arr. Dan Forrest (Beckenhorst Press, Inc.) Psalm 57 - John C. Tebay (Alliance Music Publications, Inc.) It Is Well - arr. Derric Johnson (Derric Johnson Press) Laudate Dominum - David von Kampen (unpublished) Sov, sov, liten gut - Frank Havrøy (Norsk Musikforlag A/S, Oslo) Seal Lullaby - Eric Whitacre (Hal Leonard Corporation)

Friday, 11:15 AM VBC East Hall 1&2

Hope Remains - Sarah Ru (Ru sticated Music Choral Series) Wade in the Water - arr. Jeremy Sovoy Jordan and Sarah Ru (unpublished) Signs of the Judgement - arr. Mark Butler (Hinshaw Music Inc.) It’s You I Like - arr. David von Kampen (unpublished) Climb Every Mountain - arr. Justin Wilson (unpublished) Words of Love - Asriel Davis (unpublished) Amazing Grace - arr. Diedre Robinson (unpublished)

Posters to be presented at the HED Research Poster Session, Friday, January 19, 2024, 2:30 - 3:45 pm, VBC Lower Level Lobby Elise N. Allen : A Survey of the Demographics, Attitudes, and Working Conditions of Secondary Instrumental Music Educators in Rural Counties in Georgia Stephanie E. Archer: Teacher Perceptions of Beginner‐level Piano Technique and Injury Prevention Julie K. Bannerman: Teaching Elementary General Music in Bilingual Schools Allison L. Croysdale: Getting off to a good start: A case study of introducing and reinforcing effective practice habits in junior high school band students Carrie S. Cruz: Demographics and Access to Elementary Music Education Patrick J. McCormick: Keeping Choir in Show Choir: A Qualitative Study on How a Select Group of Public Secondary School Choral Directors from Various Regions of the United States Incorporate Choral Methods in Competitive Show Choir AnneMarie H. Patrick: Research based teaching strategies for teaching Multilingual Learners: A qualitative case study of mainstream, ESL and general music teachers Donna T. Smith: Exploring Perspectives of Preservice Elementary Teachers Toward Integrating Music in the Classroom Chunyuan (Joy) Xu: Vocal Pedagogy in Choir: The Importance of Vocal Health for Adolescent Choir Students

Birmingham-Southern College announces the reinstitution of the

BACHELOR OF MUSIC DEGREE A four-year program leading to state certiﬁcation at the P-12 levels. Scholarship Auditions for 2024-2025 will be held on February 24, 2024, or at an earlier date by special arrangement.

For more information, contact Lester Seigel, lseigel@bsc.edu. Please note the registration deadline is February 15, 2024.

Thursday at a Glance Concer t s Dauphin Junior High Symphonic Band Hewitt-Trussville High School Chamber Choir UNA Collegiate Singers and Chamber Choir Simmons Middle School Honor Band

Justin Compton Allen Gillespie Ian Loeppky, Rebecca Rockhill Matthew Chambless

Mars Music Hall VBC East Hall 1&2 VBC East Hall 1&2 VBC East Hall 1&2

9:15 AM 10:30 AM 11:05 AM 1:00 PM

Contemporary Music Mic Drop

Various

Mars Music Hall

1:00 PM

Buckhorn High School Wind Ensemble` Jacksonville State University A Cappella Choir Pinson Valley Percussion Ensemble Thompson High School Wind Ensemble

Jacob Souder Eliezer Yanson Jr. Latrice Green Graham Bennett

VBC East Hall 1&2 VBC East Hall 1&2 Mars Music Hall VBC East Hall 1&2

3:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:15 PM

South Meeting Room 1 South Ballroom 3 South Ballroom 5 South Ballroom 4 South Ballroom 2 South Meeting Room 1 South Meeting Room 1 South Ballroom 3 South Ballroom 3 South Ballroom 5 South Meeting Room 1 South Ballroom 4 South Ballroom 1 South Ballroom 2 South Ballroom 3 South Ballroom 1 South Ballroom 2 South Meeting Room 1 South Ballroom 4 South Ballroom 5 South Ballroom 4 South Ballroom 2 South Ballroom 5 South Meeting Room 2 South Ballroom 1 South Meeting Room 1 South Ballroom 4 South Ballroom 5

9:15 AM 9:15 AM 9:15 AM 9:15 AM 9:15 AM 9:50 AM 11:05 AM 11:05 AM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 2:15 PM 2:15 PM 2:15 PM 2:15 PM 2:15 PM 2:15 PM 3:30 PM 3:30 PM 3:30 PM 3:30 PM 3:30 PM 3:30 PM 4:05 PM 7:00 PM

Clinic Sessions Exploring Music Therapy: Understanding the Education Requirements.. Andrea Cevasco-Trotter Around the Calendar: A Blueprint for Collaboration ... Brooke Mason Choral Warm-Ups: Connecting with Purpose Greg Gilpin Seven Trips Through the Score: A Tme Saving Technique... Justin White: Vocal Pedagogy for Choral Students Tamarceo Shaw How to Begin or Transition to a Career in Higher Education Brandon Slocumb Not-So-Artificial: Partnering with AI in the Music Classroom Andrew Mills Snap Back to Reality: A Guide for New Music Teachers Lillian Kennedy Encouragement, Empowerment, and Excellence: Behavior Strategies Andrea Hayter Lead-in with Literature: Using Children’s Literature as a Springboard Erika Knapp Curiouser and Curiouser: Journeys Down the Research Rabbit Hole Diane Orlofsky Composition 101 in the Classroom Rob Deemer Teaching Music in Title I Schools: Strategies for Success Robert Bryant Sight Read with Confidence! Strategies for Beginning Sight Readers Sarah Burns Do You Hear What I Hear? Anne Witt Mentor/Mentee=Win/Win Becky Warren Seven Essentials for Developing Voices in Choir Francis Cathlina The What, Why , and How of Modern Band: In Training and in Practice Shane Colquhoun Warm-Ups: The End is Only as Good as the Beginning! Tyler Arcari Internet or InterNOT: Make Your Lessons POP! Vincent Guerrero Practical and Direct Applications for an Inclusive Music Classroom Alexa Dishroon Intentional Voice Building through 8-Step Warm-up Francis Cathlina From Gym to Carnegie Hall - Favorite 2-Part Repertoire Greg Gilpin The Purpose of Practice/Practice with Purpose Joseph Gray Conquering the Beast: Strategies and Resources for Passing the Praxis Michael Zelenak Diversifying our Repertoire and Curriculum Rob Deemer Long Lost Music: Diverse Composers Forgotten in History Jonathan Steltzer Dance the Night Away Erika Knapp

Other Events AMEA Leadership Breakfast Conference Registration

Embassy Suites Big Spring CD VBC Registration Desk

8:00 AM 7:30 AM-5:00 PM

FAME

VBC Saturn Hall Salon 12

9:00 AM-4:00 PM

Exhibits Open

VBC South Hall 1

10:30 AM-5:00 PM

FAME Luncheon

VBC Saturn Hall Salon 12

11:45 AM

Past President’s Luncheon

Embassy Suites Big Spring B

12:00 PM

HED Luncheon

Embassy Suites Big Spring A

12:00 PM

Exhibit Hall Reception HED/ALcNAfME Mixer

VBC South Hall 1 Embassy Suites Orion Room

4:00-5:00 PM 5:30 PM

Elementary/General Governing Board Meeting

VBC South Ballroom 5

5:30 PM

Friday at a Glance Concer t s Kitty Stone Singers HED Faculty Recital Featured Performance: The Aeolians Northridge High School Jazz Ensemble Fairhope High School Wind Ensemble HED Student Recital Elementary All-State Choir Jacksonville State University Brass Band AVA Gospel Immersion Honor Choir

Cheryl J. Wright Various Jeremy Jordan John Cain Meredyth Petersen Various Greg Gilpin Casey Thomas Valerie Reese Harris

VBC East Hall 1&2 Mars Music Hall VBC East Hall 1&2 Mars Music Hall VBC East Hall 1&2 Mars Music Hall VBC East Hall 1&2 Mars Music Hall VBC East Hall 1&2

8:25 AM 9:00 AM 11:15 AM 1:30 PM 2:45 PM 4:00 PM 7:40 PM 7:45 PM 8:30 PM

Clinic Sessions Setting Up For Success From the Head of the Table to the Podium: Equipping Women to Lead Research in Schools: Collaborations between Teachers and Researchers Bring Your New Students Up-To-Speed... Fast! From Overwhelmed to Overjoyed: 9 Steps to Becoming a Happy... From Poof to Portato: A sequence of bow strokes Getting to the Art of it! Programming for Concert Bands with Intentionality From Complexity to Clarity: Tips & Tricks to Help the Overwhelmed... Keynote: Reaching the Unreachable: Connecting to Every Student Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Horns: The Buzz About Suzuki Brass From Tokenism to Authenticity: Empowering Perspectives... Conducting Masterclass Rockin' the Middle School Band: Turning Up the Fun Factor... Chip Chop!: How Music Activities Connect to ELA Standards The Mentorship Continuum: Continuing Growth in Students & Self Winning with Warmups Exploration! Improving Your Choral Sound with Vocal Placement... 1,2, 3… Improvise with me! Casting a Wider Net: How and Why We Need to Offer More ... Professional Collaboration between Cooperating Teachers and Student Taming your Flute Section's High Register Promoting Black Excellence in the Music Classroom The Value of the Music Connection

Brenda Brenner Diane Orlofsky Ellary Draper Greg LeFils Jeanette Shorey Brenda Brenner Jon Bubbett Matt Weaver Scott Burstein Brenda Luchsinger Cara Morantz Francis Cathlina Michelle McDonald Morgan Soja Will Panter Brenda Brenner Damion Womack Erika Knapp Panel Discussion Sarah Burns Heather Small Lillian Kennedy Mary Land

South Meeting Room 2 South Ballroom 4 South Meeting Room 1 South Ballroom 2 South Ballroom 3 South Meeting Room 2 South Ballroom 4 South Ballroom 1 East Hall 1&2 South Meeting Room 1 South Ballroom 1 South Ballroom 2 South Ballroom 4 South Ballroom 5 South Ballroom 3 South Meeting Room 2 South Ballroom 2 South Ballroom 5 South Ballroom 1 South Ballroom 3 South Ballroom 1 South Ballroom 5 South Ballroom 3

8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:15 AM 1:30 PM 1:30 PM 1:30 PM 1:30 PM 1:30 PM 1:30 PM 2:45 PM 2:45 PM 2:45 PM 2:45 PM 2:45 PM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM

When Inspiration Won’t Strike: Programming in the Modern World

Morgan Luttig

South Ballroom 2

4:00 PM

Teaching Ukulele Through Popular Music Education It's More than Band... Let's Play! Taiko Drumming in the Music Classroom

Scott Burstein David Caddell Jamal Kennedy

South Ballroom 4 South Ballroom 1 South Ballroom 5

4:00 PM 4:35 PM 4:35 PM

Other Events Conference Registration ABA General Meeting Exhibits Open AVA General Meeting ELEM/GEN General Meeting AMEA General Session (Keynote, Aeolians Performance) AMEA Emerging Leaders Luncheon Phi Beta Mu Luncheon Collegiate Luncheon HED Poster Session AOA Meeting UAB Alumni Reception UNA Alumni Reception University of Alabama Alumni Reception Samford University Alumni Receptiion AMEA Awards President’s Reception

Registration Desk VBC South Ballroom 1 VBC South Hall 1 VBC South Ballroom 2 VBC South Ballroom 5 VBC East Hall 1&2 VBC South Meeting Room 3 Embassy Suites Big Spring CD Embassy Suites Big Spring AB VBC Lower Level Lobby VBC South Meeting Room 2 Embassy Suites Big Spring A Embassy Suites Big Spring B Embassy Suites Big Spring D Embassy Suites Orion Room East Hall 1&2 Embassy Suites Big Spring AB

7:30 AM-1:00 PM 8:00 AM 8:30 AM-5:00 PM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:15AM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM 2:30 PM 4:00 PM 5:30 PM 5:30 PM 5:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:00 PM 9:30 PM

Saturday at a Glance Concer t s Hartselle High School Chamber Chorale Indian Springs School Chamber Choir All-State Middle School Jazz Band All-State Bronz Jazz Band All-State Silver Jazz Band All-State Gold Jazz Band

Kate Dupuis Lee Wright Ben Posey Matt Leder Chris Kozak Jerome Jennings

East Hall 1&2 East Hall 1&2 East Hall 1&2 East Hall 1&2 East Hall 1&2 East Hall 1&2

9:15 AM 9:50 AM 10:45 AM 11:30 AM 12:15 PM 1:00 PM

South Meeting Room 2 South Ballroom 5 South Ballroom 2 South Meeting Room 1 South Ballroom 3 South Meeting Room 2 South Ballroom 5 South Ballroom 1 South Ballroom 2 South Ballroom 4 South Ballroom 1

8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:15 AM 9:15 AM 9:15 AM 9:15 AM 9:15 AM 10:30 AM

Clinic Sessions AOA String Orchestra Reading Session Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! 2 Part Repertoire to Get Your Choir Moving Rehearsing the Out-of-Balance Choir Virtual Instruments and their Actual Capacities Operation Battery Pack: Engagement and Excellence in Ensemble Settings Theory is Awesome Drum Circle Fun for Everyone! Teaching the Band You Have to Develop the Program You Want Digital Symphony: Mastering Classroom Composition with DAW... Integrating Hip-Hop into Music Education Lightning Round

Joseph Lee Greg Gilpin Greg LeFils Lee Johnson Morgan Luttig Brenda Brenner Erika Knapp John Hillsman Michelle McDonald Scott Burstein Various

Other Events ABA General Meeting

South Ballroom 1

8:00 AM

HED/cNAfME EdTPA Competition

South Ballroom 3

9:15 AM

Modern Band 101 (Workshop)

South Ballroom 4

10:30 AM - 4:30 PM

ABA Adjudicator’s Meeting

South Ballroom 1

1:00 PM

AMEA Governing Board Meeting

South Meeting Room 1

1:00 PM

Rehearsal Schedules at a Glance AVA Gospel Immersion Honor Choir VBC Saturn Ballroom 3

Elementary All-State Choir VBC Saturn Ballroom 1

Thursday, January 18 Registration 9:00-9:30 am Rehearsal - 9:30-11:00 am Lunch Rehearsal - 1:30-5:00 pm Dinner Rehearsal - 7:00-9:00 pm

Friday, Jan. 19 8:15-8:45 am - Check-in/Registration 9:00-11:00 am - rehearsal

Friday, January 19 Rehearsal - 9:00-11:00 am Lunch Rehearsal - 1:00-3:30 pm VBC East Hall 1&2 Soundcheck - 4:30-5:15 pm Performance - 8:30 pm

11:00-12:30 pm - Parents pick up their child for lunch (parents are responsible for feeding and supervising their children) 12:30-2:00 pm - Rehearsal 2:00-2:15 pm - Break 2:15-4:00 pm - Rehearsal 4:00-5:20 pm - Parents pick up their child for break (parents should bring), change into concert clothes (dark jeans & t-shirt) 5:20 pm - Arrive VBC East Hall 1&2 and find places on stage 5:30-6:30 pm - Rehearsal/Sound check 6:30 pm - Sit in the Green Room to wait 7:30 pm - Concert (VBC East Hall 1&2) 8:15 pm - Concert ends

All-State Jazz Bands VBC 2nd Floor Saturn Ballroom Salons 1, 2, 5, & 3B Thursday, Jan. 18 Check-in 1:00 - 2:00 pm 2nd Floor Saturn Ballroom Rehearsals 2:00 - 5:00 pm 7:00 - 9:00 pm 9:00 - 11:00 pm - Jam Session Friday, Jan. 19 Rehearsals 9:00 am - 12:00 pm 2:00 - 4:00 pm 4:15 - 5:00 - Masterclass 7:00 - 9:00 pm Saturday, Jan. 20 9:00-9:45 am - Final Rehearsal in Salons 9:45-10:15 am - Move equipment to East Hall 1&2 10:15-10:45 am - Middle School warm-up on stage 10:45 am - Middle School Concert Bronze Band warm-up in Green Room 11:30 am - Bronze Jazz Band Concert Silver Band warm-up on stage 12:15 pm - Silver Jazz Band Concert Gold Band warm-up on stage 1:00 pm - Gold Jazz Band Concert

LIGHTNING ROUND SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 @ 10:30 AM - VBC SOUTH BALLROOM 1 STEPHANIE ARCHER COGNITIVE COUSINS: MUSIC AND MATH NANCY BERRY THEY DON’T KNOW HOW TO BE STUDENTS: STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING THE POST-COVID MUSIC STUDENT MACY BELL REFLECT, DISCUSS, INQUIRE, ACT! CRITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS AS A FRAMEWORK FOR TRANSFORMATIVE MUSIC EDUCATION SHONDA DEVINE A DISCUSSION OF THE AFRO-AMERICAN SPIRITUAL IN REVERENCE AND PERFORMANCE PRACTICE

ALICIA MORENO MULLOY CHAT GPT: EMPOWERING MUSIC EDUCATORS TO LIGHTEN THEIR WORKLOAD KACI NORMAN ALABAMA STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS FUNDING FOR TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS JAMMIE PHILLIPS LEADING WITH EQUITY IN MIND: TEACHING BAND IN THE URBAN SETTING REBECCA WARREN IF NOT YOU, THEN WHO? LEARNING TO TOOT YOUR OWN HORN!

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE!

WWW.BELHAVEN.EDU/MUSIC music@belhaven.edu | 601-974-6494 16

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2024 AMEA Conference Schedule

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

4:30-7:00 pm

Conference Registration Open, VBC Registration Desk (Lower Level)

5:00-7:00 pm

AMEA Governing Board Meeting, Embassy Suites, Big Spring A

5:00-7:00 pm

ABA Leadership Training, Embassy Suites, Big Spring C

7:15-9:30 pm

ABA Board Meeting, Embassy Suites, Big Spring C

7:15-9:30 pm

AOA Board Meeting, Embassy Suites, Big Spring D

7:15-9:30 pm

AVA Board Meeting, Embassy Suites, Big Spring B

7:30 am -5:00 pm

Conference Registration Open, VBC Registration Desk (Lower Level)

8:00-9:00 am

AMEA Leadership Breakfast, Embassy Suites, Big Spring C-D

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

FAME, VBC Saturn Ballroom Salon 12 (2nd Floor) - See page 4 for complete schedule.

9:15-10:15 am

ABA Concert Session, VBC Mars Music Hall Dauphin Junior High Symphonic Band, Justin Compton, Conductor

9:15-10:15 am

ABA & AOA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 4 Seven Trips Through the Score: A Time Saving Technique for Learning ANY Score - Justin White, Clinician

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Time is our most valuable resource. In this session, participants will learn to utilize the “Seven trips through the score” method as a time saving score study technique. This method utilizes a simple color-coded marking system that progresses from the initial stages through the rehearsal process. We will inventory a sample score to find all of the educational values to guide our planning and instruction. The “Seven trips” method can be utilized with any type of score including band (jazz, marching, concert), orchestral and choral. 9:15-10:15 am

ELEM-GEN Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 5 Choral Warm-Ups: Connecting with Purpose - Greg Gilpin, Clinician

The first connection with a choir is incredibly important, even magical. It creates the first communication and sets the tone for the rehearsal whether it’s the beginning of the year, the week, the day, or a one-time choral event. Greg Gilpin will present an engaging session of reminders, refreshers, and nuances involving “the meet and greet”, breath, vowel, diction, the “warm-up rut” and a list of “keeps” that will help you to connect and reconnect with your singers in every rehearsal. To top off the session, he will share favorite warm-ups from some of the most well-known choral conductors in the industry! 9:15-10:15 am

ALcNAfME Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 3 Around the Calendar: A Blueprint for Collaboration Between Sister Programs - Brooke Mason, & Sam Becker, Clinicians

This session is geared towards future middle school band directors and teachers in search of collaborative ideas to build their programs. We will talk through month by month: curriculum checkpoints, performances, and the planning of future events. A blueprint will be given for collaborative opportunities to build community between schools and a strong cluster band program, detailing both traditional calendar staples in our field as well as new ideas. Our goal in creating a calendar is to have a mix of performance opportunities, outside instruction, fun and travel, and a strategic curriculum to create a great overall middle school band experience that motivates students to continue on to the high school band experience. 9:15-10:15 am

AVA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 2 Vocal Pedagogy for Choral Students - Tamarceo Shaw, Clinician

This session will focus on key elements for developing the voices of choral students. The human voice is a powerful tool. Singers use their voices to express meaning and emotion in vocal literature. However, this cannot be effectively achieved without a basic understanding of how the vocal mechanism functions. Many students will enter the music classroom with a love of singing but knowing little about healthy vocal production. Choral students who have a strong foundation in vocal pedagogy will also foster good vocal habits, prevent vocal injuries, and contribute to a balanced choral sound. Participants in this session will gain knowledge and tools to assist choral students in achieving their full vocal potential. 9:15 - 9:40 am

HED Interest Session, VBC South Meeting Room 1 Exploring Music Therapy: Understanding the Education Requirements and Professional Career Andrea Cevasco-Trotter, Clinician

Thursday, January 18, 2024 The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of the music therapy profession for choral, orchestra, and band directors who might have high school students interested in music therapy as a future career. It is also appropriate for any individuals contemplating a potential career change. During the presentation, individuals will learn about the various populations music therapists serve, settings in which they are employed, and the typical ways music is used. Learners will also hear about traits that individuals must possess in order to succeed in the classroom and the profession. Information will be provided regarding the degree requirements and the typical format of academic and clinical training that exists in AMTA approved music therapy programs. Additional information will be provided about the differences between music therapy, music education, music performance, and other music practioners in the community. Throughout the presentation audience members will be provided opportunities to ask specific answers questions. 9:50-10:15 am

HED Interest Session, VBC South Meeting Room 1 How to Begin or Transition to a Career in Higher Education - Brandon Slocumb, Clinician

Drawing from experience both as an applicant for many (many!) university positions and from recent experience leading three search committees (Instructor of Percussion, Assistant Professor of Theory/Woodwinds, and Assistant Professor of Music Education and Director of Choral Activities) the presenter will present pertinent information for any teacher who is considering a career in higher education. The presenter will detail the processes of hiring and promotion and give tips to help applicants be successful in all aspects of college teaching. 10:30-11:30 am

AVA Concert Session, VBC East Hall 1&2 Hewitt-Trussville High School Chamber Choir - Allen Gillespie, Conductor University of North Alabama Collegiate Singers - Ian Loeppky & Rebecca Rockhill, Conductors

10:30 am-5:00 pm

EXHIBITS OPEN, VBC South Hall 1

11:05-11:25 am

ALcNAfME Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 3 Snap Back to Reality: A Guide for New Music Teachers - Lillian Kennedy, Clinician

You've landed your first teaching job, congrats! Now, it's time to transition into the world of becoming a full-time music teacher. During this session, it's all about keeping it real as we discuss the realities that many face when entering a first time teaching job. We will walk through some tips, tricks, and tools that you can use for your first year and beyond! 11:05-11:25 am

HED Interest Session, VBC South Meeting Room 1 Not-So-Artificial: Partnering with AI in the Music Classroom - Andrew Mills, Clinician

In this session, I will provide a broad overview of the recent explosion of AI programs that can, with surprising accuracy, assist in completion of any number of tasks. While AI technology cannot replace the power and contextual understanding of the human brain, the tools available can significantly decrease a teacher's workload in some situations, allowing us to spend more time on teaching our students and building meaningful relationships. 11:45 am-1:00 pm

FAME Luncheon, VBC Saturn Ballroom (2nd Floor) Salon 12

12:00-1:00 pm

HED Luncheon, Embassy Suites Big Spring A

12:00-1:00 pm

Past Presidents Luncheon, Embassy Suites Big Spring B

1:00-1:50 pm

ABA Concert Session, VBC East Hall 1&2 Simmons Middle School Honors Band, Matthew Chambless, Conductor

1:00 - 2:00 pm

AMEA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 4 Composition 101 in the Classroom - Rob Deemer, Clinician

Composition is one of the best ways to engage students with the Creating Arts Standard, but educators often have little to no experience in composing themselves or teaching students how to discover their inner creator. Rob will explore a number of techniques that are easy to integrate into the classroom and provide ideas that you can take back to your students the very next day. 1:00 - 2:00 pm

AMEA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 1 Teaching Music in Title I Schools: Strategies for Success - Robert Bryant, Clinician

With growing numbers of students and teachers in Title I schools, more attention must be paid to the challenges and successes of these programs. Dr. Robert Bryant will offer proven strategies for building and sustaining high-performing music programs in Title I schools. 1:00 - 2:00 pm

AVA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 2 Sight Read with Confidence! Strategies for Beginning Sight Readers - Sarah Burns, Clinician

Thursday, January 18, 2024 Sight reading should not be a dreaded nor skipped part of your choral rehearsal. Come to this session to learn strategies for developing sight reading skills with your beginning sight readers. This can be done by following a repertoire-based sequential sight reading curriculum while engaging your singers through group games and activities that will prepare them for sight reading at SCPA events. Lead your students along the path to sight read with confidence! 1:00 - 2:00 pm

ELEM/GEN Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 5 Lead-in with Literature: Using Children’s Literature as a Springboard - Erika Knapp Clinician

In this session, we will explore bringing children’s literature to life with songs, creative activities, movement, instruments and more. Leave with ideas to use K-5, as well as ways to naturally build in assessment to these activities! If you have a recorder, bring to this session. 1:00-2:00 pm

ALcNAfME & AOA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 3 Encouragement, Empowerment, and Excellence: Behavior Strategies that Work - Andrea Hayter, Clincian

Teaching is one of the most difficult jobs in America, and for many, student behavior is one of the most difficult parts of the job. While personal musicianship and best pedagogical practices are crucial for success in the classroom or rehearsal hall, teachers and directors often lack meaningful training on how to manage behavior. Participants will learn research- and evidence-based strategies to proactively set up students for success and respond effectively to misbehavior when, not if, it occurs. This is not a fancy program or the educational gimmick of the week. These techniques and strategies are practical and can be implemented immediately, enhancing classroom management systems already in place. They can be adapted to meet specific classroom or program needs. Participants will learn to respond to conflict using body language, timing, and specific phrases to diffuse tension and de-escalate behaviors. In addition to these reactive strategies, this session includes proactive strategies, such as how to systematically teach expected routines and behaviors to the point that misbehavior becomes a choice. We will also discuss specific interactions to show students they are valued as human beings as well as techniques to build rapport and trust to create a positive space where students can thrive. 1:00-2:00 pm

HED Interest Session, VBC South Meeting Room 1 Curiouser and Curiouser: Journeys Down the Research Rabbit Hole - Diane Orlofsky, Clinician

This session will work to de-mystify the process of research and to illustrate how venturing “down the research rabbit hole” can be enhanced by the joy of curiosity. The session will also explore how to successfully choose a research area and then how best to navigate from broad topic identification to focused topic development. All types of research will be discussed with an emphasis on qualitative, historical, and action research. Examples from the presenter’s own research portfolio will be used as guides to discussion. This session will be especially geared toward graduate students and in-service teachers who are interested in conducting small action-research projects. 1:00-4:30 pm

Contemporary Music Ensembles Mic Drop, VBC Mars Music Hall

2:15- :15 pm

ABA Interst Session, VBC South Ballroom 4 Warm-Ups: The End is Only as Good as the Beginning! - Tyler Arcari, Clinician

In this session, join Composer/Educator Tyler Arcari, as well as the fantastic Guntersville High School Band, as they demonstrate warm-up techniques and fundamentals that then transfer to the music. How we start our rehearsal and how we start our "sound" have a lot in common; as we explore exercises that help us achieve our “end” goals, we will talk about warming up with “intent” and making the most out of the limited time we all have. 2:15-3:15 pm

AVA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 2 Seven Essentials for Developing Voices in Choir - Francis Cathlina, Clinician

Vocal development is foundational in each choral rehearsal. With an understanding of vocal function, singers can navigate the musical demands and maximize emotional delivery. Rehearsals become enjoyable, students invest more deeply, and lifelong singing is nurtured. As many singers’ sole voice instructor, this responsibility often falls upon the choral director’s shoulders. This session presents seven essentials to build efficient phonation in singers of all ages. Guided by these evidence-based principles, attendees will reflect on historical literature and modern scientific studies. What are tried-and-true vocal practices that develop the apparatus? How does modern science inform our teaching? Armed with immediately-applicable tools, participants will rejuvenate their choral pedagogy. This session accompanies Dr. Cathlina’s two-part Choral Journal article “7 Essentials for Developing Voices in Choir: Part 1” and “Part 2” and readily applies to choral educators of all levels. 2:15-3:15 pm

HED Interest Session, VBC South Meeting Room 1 The What, Why , and How of Modern Band: In Training and in Practice - Shane Colquhoun, Clinician

Made popular by David Wish and Music Will (formerly known as Little Kids Rock), Modern Band is rapidly becoming commonplace in music education. Utilizing the popular music canon, Modern Band allows music educators to reach a different student population and diversify their music programs. In this presentation, the presenter will explore the following questions: What is Modern Band? Why is it needed addition to our music programs, and how can Modern Band be incorporated at the secondary level and in teacher preparation programs?

Thursday, January 18, 2024 2:15-3:15 pm

ELEM/GEN Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 5 Internet or InterNOT: Make Your Lessons POP! - Vince Guerrero, Clinician

School wifi strikes again! In this session, we’ll explore resources and strategies to adapt your teaching to utilize less (or no) technology by creating a grab bag of low-tech activities to have at your disposal. How can we meet the same objectives as we had planned with different resources and activities from a “no-tech tub”? 2:15-3:15 pm

ABA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 1 Mentor/Mentee=Win/Win - Becky Warren, Clinician

The Session will provide the specific framework to develop a mentoring program. Development of a mentoring program will: 1)Build relationships among ensemble members. 2)Help students develop greater leadership skills. 3)Grow a greater sense of “ownership” of the program by the students. 4)Provide additional time for student’s musical development. 5)Serve as supplemental “staff ” for the program. 2:15-3:15 pm

AOA & ALcNAfME Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 3 Do You Hear What I Hear? - Anne Witt, Clinician

Error detection is a skill that can always be improved, even for experienced teachers. This session will help participants “sharpen the saw;” it is for instrumental students and teachers, with examples played by intermediate string students. Scores will be provided. Dr. Witt will share some guidelines for predicting student errors, along with techniques to help students make fewer of them. 3:30-3:55 pm

AMEA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 4 Practical and Direct Applications for an Inclusive Music Classroom - Alexa Dishroon, Clinicians

This session aims to bridge a need apparent in music education- inclusion for students with disabilities. The presentation will dive into the possibilities of accommodations, adaptations, and modifications music educators can utilize for their students. A range of disabilities addressed under the Individuals with Disabilities Act will be covered including learning disabilities, physical limitations, and neurodiverse students. This presentation aims to be more than surface-level advice and defining terms- it will hopefully open many educators’ eyes to their students’ experiences and the world of possibilities for including all student populations, truly opening the door for music education for all. 3:30-4:20 pm

ABA Concert Session, VBC East Hall 1&2 Buckhorn High School Wind Ensemble, Jacob Souder, Conductor

3:30 - 4:30 pm

AMEA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 1 Diversifying our Repertoire and Curriculum - Rob Deemer, Clinician

The last few years have seen a significant increase in the interest in programming music by women/non-binary composers and composers of color. Rob will provide a data-rich deep dive into what is happening across the country, where changes still need to be made, and what resources are available for educators to discover new works by composers from historically excluded groups. 3:30-4:30 pm

AOA Interest Session, VBC South Meeting Room 2 The Purpose of Practice/Practice with Purpose - Joseph Gray & Ryan Beach, Clinicians

A short PowerPoint will be given on neuroplasticity and developing an effective long-term practice structure using the GOLD method. We will then work with students individually using the IISS method to overcome challenges encountered in their daily practice. 3:30-4:30 pm

ALcNAfME & HED Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 1 Conquering the Beast: Strategies and Resources for Passing the Praxis Exam - Michael Zelenak, Clinician

The Praxis Music Content Knowledge exam remains the primary obstacle for music education students to conquer before moving on to their internships. Although the ALSDE has recently lowered the required score, the breadth and depth of the exam make it overwhelming. In this session, participants will explore the format and organization of the exam. They will learn strategies to make their preparation more effective. And, they will obtain resources to assist in their preparation. If you will be taking the Praxis, this session is for you! 3:30-4:30 pm

AVA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 2 Intentional Voice Building through 8-Step Warm-up - Francis Cathlina , Clinician

The choral warm-up is the choir director’s greatest tool for developing voices. Instead of an afterthought, these moments are ripe opportunities to grow each singer’s instrument. This understanding invites educators to explore the central question: what should a warm-up process look like to build robust voices? Drawing upon historical and modern vocal pedagogy research, this session presents an eight-step

Thursday, January 18, 2024 warm-up sequence as a solution. Topics include scale work, register isolation, mental fortitude, intonation, dynamic control, and conducting focus. A demonstration choir will showcase the possibilities of this intentional voice-building process. Attendees will examine each step scientifically and immediately witness its impact on an ensemble in real time. Additionally, all attendees will actively engage in the learning by singing through the vocalises. Through this sequence, choirs gain a stronger sense of self, enriched by each singer’s varied background. By the end, the ensemble is primed to serve as an expressive instrument of beauty, artistry, and musical narrative. This session represents the third installment in Dr. Cathlina’s Choral Tone series and readily applies to all conductor-teachers. 3:30-4:30 pm

ELEM/GEN Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 5 From Gym to Carnegie Hall - Favorite 2-Part Repertoire - Greg Gilpin, Clinician

Greg Gilpin will share his favorite repertoire he has conducted in his 35 plus years in the choral music industry as composer, conductor, and editor. The 2-PART music will range from openers, closers, the always difficult to find “second selection”, encores and various languages and cultures. Many selections will be available in other voicings for mixed choirs and men’s and women’s ensembles. 4:00-5:00 pm

Exhibit Hall Reception, VBC South Hall 1 - Sponsored by Kaleidoscope Adventures & Southern Performances

4:05-4:30 pm

AMEA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 4 Long Lost Music: Diverse Composers Forgotten in History - Jonathan Steltzer & Jacob Morgan, Clinicians

Diverse composers from the early 20th century have been overlooked as many ensembles start programming works with cultural relevance in consideration. In the state of Georgia, 1468 of the approximately 1500 pieces on the approved repertoire list are composed by white males. Ranging from composers Whitlock, the band director at the Carlisle Indian School, and Imogen Holst, the daughter of Gustav Holst, we will go through many high quality works from multiple diverse composers with arrangements for modern concert band instrumentation. Pieces can be programmed for pops, jazz, and classical concerts to teach various styles, genres, and time periods not commonly found in the modern band classroom. 5:30-6:30 pm

HED/ALcNAfME Mixer, Embassy Suites Orion Room

5:30-7:00 pm

ELEM/GEN Governing Board Meeting, VBC South Ballroom 5 Alicia Luttrell, Presiding

7:00-7:45 pm

AVA Concert Session, VBC East Hall 1&2 Jacksonville State University A Cappella Choir - Eliezer Yanson, Jr., Conductor

7:00-7:50 pm

ABA Concert Session, Mars Music Hall Pinson Valley High School Percussion Ensemble - Latrice Green, Conductor

7:00-8:00 pm

ELEM/GEN Evening Session, VBC South Ballroom 5 Dance the Night Away - Erika Knapp, Clinician

Come folk dance with friends! Learn some classic mixers, dances from other cultures, and even a pop song or two! 8:15-9:15 pm

ABA Concert Session, VBC East Hall 1&2 Thompson High School Wind Ensemble, Graham Bennett, Conductor

7:30 am - 1:00 pm

Conference Registration Open, VBC Registration Desk (Lower Level)

8:00-8:50 am

ABA Business Meeting, VBC South Ballroom 1 Lori Hart, Presiding

8:00-8:50 am

AOA Interest Session, VBC South Meeting Room 2 Setting up for Success - Brenda Brenner, Clinician

Friday, January 19, 2024

Some of the most important factors that determine success in playing a stringed instrument involve the beginning “set up” stage, which includes establishing a proper playing position and developing free and open muscular motions. Teachers can ensure success for their students by establishing a series of procedures that break down the setup tasks into a sequence of exercises that allow their students to look and sound great! 8:00-8:50 am

HED Interest Session, VBC South Meeting Room 1 Research in Schools: Collaborations between Teachers and Researchers Ellary Draper, Meredith DeVore, & Laura Brown, Clinicians

Friday, January 19, 2024 Conducting research can be daunting, particularly in music classrooms with students as participants; however, research conducted in authentic music settings is essential to the profession and can guide decisions teachers as well as teacher educators make on a day-to-day basis. This session will discuss the process of conducting research in music classrooms, the benefits of research in these environments, and how collaboration between music teachers and researchers is a critical. A teacher and researchers who recently collaborated on a project where the data was collected in inclusive music classrooms will be used as an example throughout the presentation. 8:00-8:50 am

AVA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 2 Bring Your New Students Up-To-Speed... Fast! - Greg LeFils, Clinician

Are you struggling to prepare your new students with zero experience in a choir for performance assessment in just a few months? Do you wish you had a proven method to get them trained in literacy and integrated as a productive member of your choral community within one year? In this session, Dr. LeFils will share tried and tested techniques to bring your new students up-to-speed fast! You'll learn how to quickly assess your students' strengths and weaknesses, develop personalized lesson plans, and motivate them to engage in choir activities. You'll also discover how to create a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages learning and growth. With LeFils' guidance, you'll gain valuable insights into how to build a cohesive and successful choral program that caters to students of all levels of experience. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to the profession, this session is sure to provide you with the tools you need to help your new students excel in the choir. 8:00-8:50 am

AMEA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 4 From the Head of the Table to the Podium: Equipping Women to Lead Diane Orlofsky, Catrina Bristol, Laura Moore, Melinda Doyle, and Hui-Ting Yang, Clinicians

The session is designed to cross AMEA organizational lines and will appeal to women at all levels of teaching experience. Members of the panel have held a variety of leadership roles within professional and performing organizations as well as higher education and will share their experiences as women leaders. Topics will include, but not be limited to: a)How to successfully navigate male-dominated organizational hierarchies; b) How to maintain balance between careers, families, and professional musicianship; c) How to avoid the “Tallest Poppy” and imposter syndromes; d) How to grow and promote supportive mentoring infrastructures for women. Small break-out groups for Q and A’s with panel members will be included in order to facilitate “action-oriented” solutions for both novice and experienced women music educators and will also explore how AMEA can encourage the addition of women leaders within the profession. 8:00-8:50 am

ALcNAfME Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 3 From Overwhelmed to Overjoyed: 9 Steps to Becoming a Happy Music Teacher - Jeanette Shorey, Clinician

Are you looking for ways to find joy and balance in your classroom? In this session, you'll be provided with practical tools and techniques for creating a joyful, balanced learning environment in your music classroom. We'll focus on ways to embrace, equip, and empower yourself as a music teacher, so that you can design lessons that captivate, embrace diversity, and ignite your students' enthusiasm. We'll cover topics like planning engaging and inclusive lessons, using technology to enhance music learning, integrating movement and dance into your music lessons, and developing your own creative voice as a music teacher. You'll leave with a toolkit of practical strategies and techniques that you can use to create a happy, balanced, and joyful learning environment in your music classroom. 8:25-8:50 am

ELEM/GEN Concert Session, VBC East Ballroom 1&2 Kitty Stone Singers, Cheryl J. Wight, Conductor

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Exhibits Open, VBC South Hall 1

9:00-9:50 am

AOA Interest Session, VBC South Meeting Room 2 From Poof to Portato: A Sequence of Bow Strokes - Brenda Brenner, Clinician

A sequence of bow strokes – Bowing technique is a crucial foundational skill in string playing that creates good tone quality and forms the basis for musical style. In this session, methods of teaching fundamental bow strokes and bow choreography in group settings from beginning through intermediate levels will be explored. Literature utilizing the various strokes will be presented. 9:00-9:50 am

AVA Business Meeting, VBC South Ballroom 2 Hilen Wilson, Presiding

9:00-9:50 am

ABA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 4 Getting to the Art of it! Programming for Concert Bands with Intentionality Jon Bubbett, Jerrell Horton, Heather Henson, & Michael Chambless, Clinicians

One of the biggest obstacles to a successful MPA experience occurs before the students ever see the music! This session will explore different thoughts and ideas on programming from four seasoned band directors for middle school, small bands, and larger bands.

Friday, January 19, 2024 9:00-9:50 am

ABA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 1 From Complexity to Clarity: Tips & Tricks to Help the Overwhelmed Director Find Success - Matt Weaver, Clinician

This clinic is designed specifically for high school band directors who often find themselves juggling numerous responsibilities and navigating a complex array of challenges. This session aims to provide practical strategies and insights to help directors simplify their approach, find clarity amidst the chaos, and ultimately achieve success in their roles. 9:00-9:50 am

ELEM/GEN Business Meeting, VBC South Ballroom 5 Alicia Luttrell, Presiding

9:00-10:00 am

HED Faculty Showcase Recital, VBC Mars Music Hall

10:15 am - 12:00 pm

AMEA General Session, VBC East Hall 1&2 AMEA Business Meeting, Rob Lyda Presiding Keynote: Reaching the Unreachable: Connecting to Every Student - Dr. Scott Burstein Featured Performance: The Aeolians of Oakwood University, Jeremy Jordan, Director

12:00-1:30 pm

ALcNAfME Luncheon, Embassy Suites Big Spring AB

12:00-1:30 pm

PHI BETA MU Luncheon, Embassy Suites Big Spring CD

1:30-2:30 pm

AVA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 2 Conducting Masterclass - Francis Cathlina, Clinician

Inspiration lies at the heart of our role as conductor-teachers. And our conducting gesture is the key to inspiring an ensemble toward their best. Instead of an afterthought, gesture should encourage healthy singing and sound pedagogy. What habits impede beautiful vocalism? What movements obstruct the singers’ musical communication? This session aims to develop gestural beauty and efficacy to enhance—and not inhibit—each educator’s pedagogy. Attendees will leave the session with increased knowledge about 1) the mechanics of efficient conducting technique and 2) the implications of gesture on free choral tone and ensemble musical realization. This session readily applies to choral conductors of all levels. 1:30-2:30 pm

HED Interest Session, VBC South Meeting Room 1 Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Horns: The Buzz About Suzuki Brass - Brenda Luchsinger, Clinician

The Suzuki Method has been a proven method of string and piano education for decades. The recent development of the Suzuki Brass Method now brings this successful approach to brass students. Brass players throughout the world have been using this method and Suzuki Brass studios are popping up around the world, in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and throughout the U.S., including in California, Utah, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Tennessee, and locally in Alabama! Learn about the philosophy, the repertoire, and the creative games that make the method unique. See a selection of child-sized instruments, which provide young students the ability to hold their instruments and play with an ergonomically sustainable technique. Listen to the fast-paced progress of brass students who currently use the method. Find out how the Suzuki Brass Community is taking the brass world by storm, and how the proven principles of the Suzuki Brass Method can transform your brass players into your next prodigies. 1:30-2:30 pm

ABA & AOA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 1 From Tokenism to Authenticity: Empowering Perspectives from Women in Music Cara Morantz, Leigh Thomas, & Erin Charles, Clinicians

Panelists lead a discussion and offer strategies for managing marginalization in the profession. Through the sharing of experiences, we all find the courage to overcome fear and follow our inner knowing. Open floor for attendees to share their own experiences, challenges, and success stories. 1:30-2:30 pm

ALcNAfME Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 3 The Mentorship Continuum: Continuing Growth in Students & Self - Will Panter & Mary Land, Clinicians

This session explores the intricacies of developing young leaders and the importance of building relationships between seasoned educators and those just beginning their careers. Educators have the opportunity to facilitate incredible growth in their students, through large-scale programming and daily reinforcement strategies, as detailed by Will Panter. Dr. Mary Land will explore the possibilities for the continual development of all music educators through intentional mentorship. 1:30-2:30 pm

ELEM/GEN Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 5 Chip Chop!: How Music Activities Connect to ELA Standards - Morgan Soja, Clinician

Friday, January 19, 2024 If you're wondering how to incorporate English language literacy into your music classroom, don't panic! You're already doing activities that reinforce music concepts AND language literacy. In this session, we will make easy connections between music learning activities and the ELA standards they reinforce. 1:30-2:30 pm

ABA Concert Session, VBC Mars Music Hall Northridge High School Jazz Ensemble, John Cain, Director

2:30-3:45 pm

HED Poster Session, VBC Lobby (Lower Level)

2:45-3:45 pm

AOA Interest Session, VBC South Meeting Room 2 Winning with Warmups - Brenda Brenner, Clinician

An effective warm-up routine that integrates technical and musical elements as a preparation for playing repertoire is a key to successful teaching. Separation of both left- and right-hand difficulties before attempting them within the repertoire is essential. This clinic will examine how to design an effective routine and will present examples of warm-ups using standard repertoire from the string orchestra literature. 2:45-3:45 pm

ALcNAfME Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 3 Professional Collaboration between Cooperating Teachers and Student Interns Sarah Burns & Blair Calloway, Clinicians

The role of the cooperating teacher is vital to the success of the student intern. Success in the music classroom rests upon the professional relationship that develops between the cooperating teacher and the student intern. Through a panel discussion with current cooperating teachers representing elementary, instrumental, and choral areas, collegiate pre-service music educators will learn strategies for working collaboratively with a cooperating teacher during the student internship. Topics to be discussed include the role of the cooperating teacher as well as the the role of communication and expectations between the cooperating teacher and the student intern. 2:45-3:45 pm

ELEM/GEN Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 5 1,2, 3… Improvise with me! - Erika Knapp, Clinician

Ever feel intimidated when you try to teach improvisation? Well, no more! Come learn tried and true steps to support student improvisation (and your own!) Be ready to sing, say, dance and play your improvisation-worries away! If you have a recorder, bring to this session. 2:45-3:45 pm

ABA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 1 Rockin' the Middle School Band: Turning Up the Fun Factor in Music Education! Michelle McDonald, Clinician

The goal of This session is to equip music educators with practical strategies and techniques to make middle school band more enjoyable, while also exploring creative ways of teaching fundamental skills, and increasing student retention in music programs. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities, collaborate with their peers, and share their own experiences and insights. The session will also include discussions on best practices for creating a supportive and inclusive band culture, as well as strategies for building strong relationships with students and their families. Participants will learn how to create a positive and engaging learning environment in their middle school band classes, which can help to increase student retention and achievement in music. Additionally, the strategies and techniques covered in this session can be used to enhance and modernize existing music curricula, as well as develop new music programs that meet the needs of today's students. 2:45-3:45 pm

AVA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 2 Exploration! Improving Your Choral Sound with Vocal Placement/Seating Techniques Damion Womack, Clinician

This session will focus on specific techniques to enhance the vocal and reading ability of your choral ensemble by experimenting with various seating arrangements and proper vocal placement. In addition, we will discuss how different seating and vocal arrangements issues can be greatly improve pitch and intonation by making a few modifications in your rehearsal settings. Attendees will also actively participate in various singing arrangements as a demonstration choir. 2:45-3:45 pm

ABA Concert Session, VBC East Hall 1&2 Fairhope High School Wind Ensemble - Meredyth Petersen, Conductor

2:45-3:45 pm

AMEA Interest Session, VBC South Meeting Room 1 Panel Discussion: Casting a Wider Net: How and Why We Need to Offer More for Our Students Rob Lyda, Moderator

Friday, January 19, 2024 4:00-4:25 pm

ELEM/GEN Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 5 Promoting Black Excellence in the Music Classroom, Lillian Kennedy & Jamal Kennedy, Clinicians

February is Black History Month. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the numerous achievements made by many African Americans. Let us show you in this session, how we celebrate and uplift our students in our classrooms during this time of year, and how you can continue to promote black excellence for your students all year long. 4:00-4:25 pm

ABA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 1 Taming your Flute Section's High Register - Heather Small, Clinician

If the flute is not your specialty, this class will offer suggestions for improving the tone quality and intonation of 3rd octave notes in your section. 4:00-5:00 pm

AMEA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 4 Teaching Ukulele Through Popular Music Education - Scott Burstein, Clinician

In this workshop, participants will learn to play ukulele through popular music. Activities will include reading iconographic notation, improvising, and exploring additional resources for modern band. This session is relevant to K-12 music classrooms and aims to support educators to approach music education with a diverse, highly inclusive, and culturally sensitive framework. 4:00 - 5:00 pm

AMEA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 3 The Value of the Music Connection - Mary Land, Clinician

The goal is to provide teachers with the tools to take the needed actions to keep strong connections throughout their careers. The gift of these connections is a pathway to shared aesthetic moments which produce more meaningful experiences for both the ensemble and its audiences. Knowing how to connect to the many aspects of the music teacher’s job can create an environment where each person is valued, appreciated, and accepted. This is The Value of the Music Connection. 4:00-5:00 pm

AVA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 2 When Inspiration Won’t Strike: Programming in the Modern World - Morgan Luttig, Clinician

We all know the many hats we need to wear as choral music educators. How often does programming for our concerts come last on the list of priorities? It can be a challenge to feel inspired to program amidst everything else we’re tasked to do. Not feeling inspired in your programming? Come join this session to ignite your creativity! Discover how to develop concerts that take the singers and audience on a journey through thematic and framework programming. Participants in this session will explore how to weld meaningful performances made up of a wide variety of repertoire that speaks to students’ past, present, and future. Spanning inspiration to performance, this interactive session will include strategies to develop unique and poignant concert programs for singers and audience alike. Participants will leave this session with tangible ways to build concert programs full of meaningful repertoire, engaging transitions, staging, and interactive elements that culminate in an inspirational experience for all involved. 4:00-5:00 pm

AOA Business Meeting, VBC South Meeting Room 2 Joseph Lee, Presiding

4:00-5:00 pm

HED Student Showcase Recital, VBC Mars Music Hall

4:35-5:00 pm

ABA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 1 It's More than Band... - David Caddell, Clinician

In an increasingly product-driven profession, this session seeks to provide ideas and suggestions in establishing and maintaining a studentcentered culture in your band program. 4:35-5:00 pm

ELEM/GEN Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 5 Let's Play! Taiko Drumming in the Music Classroom - Jamal Kennedy, Clinician

How can you combine video games and drumming into your classroom? This session introduces you to the world of Taiko Drumming through the handheld lens of the Nintendo Switch. This will keep your students, young and old, engaged here and at home! 5:30-6:30 pm

UAB Alumni Reception, Embassy Suites Big Spring A

5:30-6:30 pm

UNA Alumni Reception, Embassy Suites Big Spring B

5:30-6:30 pm

University of Alabama Alumni Reception, Embassy Suites Big Spring D

Friday, January 19, 2024 5:30-6:30 pm

Samford University Alumni Reception, Embassy Suites Orion Room

7:00-9:15 pm

AMEA General Session, VBC East Hall 1&2 AMEA Awards Elementary All-State Choir Alabama Honor Choir

7:45-8:45 pm

ABA Concert Session, VBC Mars Music Hall Jacksonville State University Brass Band - Casey Thomas, Conductor

9:30-11:00 pm

President’s Reception, Embassy Suites Big Spring AB

Saturday, January 20, 2024 8:00-9:00 am

ELEM/GEN Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 5 Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! 2 Part Repertoire to Get Your Choir Moving - Greg Gilpin, Clinician

Movement is key to learning, singing, memorization and retention, physical well-being, and inclusion. Greg Gilpin will present a selection of diverse chorals, each with its own unique movement ideas that can be incorporated into rehearsal and performance to elevate the choral art. The four Artistic Processes of Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting can never be achieved if the repertoire is not fully understood during the learning process. This session addresses and supports all these processes. 8:00-9:00 am

ABA Business Meeting, VBC South Ballroom 1 Lori Hart, Presiding

8:00-9:00 am

HED Interest Session, VBC South Meeting Room 1 Virtual Instruments and their Actual Capacities - Lee Johnson, Clinician

This session will introduce and demonstrate virtual studio technology instruments that composers, songwriters, producers, and sound designers use with DAWs to create and produce music from a wide range of styles, periods, and genres. Music produced with these technologies includes film scores, video game scores, songs, beats, soundtracks, concert music, accompaniment tracks, church music, media music, experimental and academic music, demos and mock-ups, and more. 8:00-9:00 am

AVA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 2 Rehearsing the Out-of-Balance Choir - Greg LeFils, Clinician

Are you facing the common challenge of managing a choir that is out of balance? This session, "Unbalanced but Not Unmanageable: Overcoming Challenges in Choral Programs," offers professional guidance to overcome this difficulty. You will learn to carefully select quality literature and arrange music to suit the unique makeup of your choir. We will equip you with research-based teaching strategies to engage your underrepresented singers and enhance their participation in your choral program. This interactive session includes singing and movement activities, and group discussions to enhance your learning experience. Join Dr. LeFils and discover how to optimize your choral program, with a session that delivers practical, evidence-based techniques for success. Choose "Unbalanced but Not Unmanageable: Overcoming Challenges in Choral Programs" to enhance your choral program. 8:00-9:00 am

ALcNAfME Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 3 Operation Battery Pack: Engagement and Excellence in Ensemble Settings - Morgan Luttig, Clinician

The world may be back to 100%, but our students may not all be physically, emotionally, or mentally ready to run full speed ahead. How can we as educators lead with empathy, while also encouraging engagement and excellence in the rehearsal? Is it possible to build student motivation without acting as the battery-pack for the ensemble? This session will explore how to purposefully address both the emotional and academic musical needs of students in ensemble settings. Through student-centered strategies for selecting repertoire and innovative ways to approach the rehearsal process, it is possible to engage young musicians from a place of inclusion and belonging without compromising student individuality. This session will include active discussions on increasing empathy by better understanding student motivation, diving into frameworks such as Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies and Robyn R. Jackson’s Four Will Drivers. Come experience activities to engage students directly in play, deep score exploration, and self-motivated learning. 8:00-9:00 am

AOA Reading Session, VBC South Meeting Room 2

9:15-10:15 am

AVA Concert Session, VBC East Hall 1&2 Hartselle High Schoo Chamber Choir - Kate Dupuis, Conductor Indian Springs School Chamber Choir - Lee Wright, Conductor

Saturday, January 20, 2024 9:15-10:15 am

AMEA Interest Session, VBC, South Ballroom 4 Integrating Hip-Hop Into Music Education - Scott Burstein, Clinician

In this session, participants will be introduced to the basics of beat-making, rapping, and culture. Through hands-on songwriting techniques, culture-building activities, and an exploration of hip hop artists and sounds, teachers will develop a stronger understanding of hip hop's influential voice in music education and strategies to implement in their classrooms. 9:15-10:15 am

AOA Interest Session, VBC South Meeting Room 2 Theory is Awesome - Brenda Brenner, Clinician

Learning music theory concepts deepens students’ understanding of music. Knowledge of intervals, solfege, chord structure, and musical form strengthens the comprehension of musical style, allows students to contribute intelligently to the musical decision-making process, and perform with more understanding and awareness. Strategies for building practical theoretical skills in the beginning through advanced string classroom through games, musical activities, and improvisation will be presented in this clinic. 9:15-10:15 am

ELEM/GEN Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 5 Drum Circle Fun for Everyone! - Erika Knapp, Clinician

Explore fun activities to incorporate into drum circles and percussion lessons. Help support student’s playing, listening, and ensemble skills along the way! 9:15-10:15 am

ABA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 1 Teaching the Band You Have to Develop the Program You Want John Hillsman, Regina Raney, Harry McAfee, Heather Palmer, and Gena Nix, Clinicians

This session is an outreach activity of the Project Committee of the Rho (Alabama) Chapter of the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. The five presenters collectively have 164 years of band directing experience in varying and contrasting teaching situations even within their own careers. The session activities will serve to illustrate the importance of teaching the band program that one currently has in order to develop the program that he or she desires to obtain. The approach will first be to identify and assess the current resources inherent within a given band program using the results to systematically inform planning and developing strategies focusing upon achieving desired outcomes through the development of program improvement plans. 9:15-10:15 am

AMEA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 2 Digital Symphony: Mastering Classroom Composition with DAW-some Tools! - Michelle McDonald, Clinician

With the increasing importance of technology in music production, it is crucial for music educators to understand and implement DAWs into their curricula. The aim of this session is to provide music educators with the knowledge and skills to confidently incorporate DAWs into their classroom teaching. Participants will learn about the different types of DAWs available, their features and capabilities, and how to effectively integrate them into their music curriculum. Throughout the session, participants will have the opportunity to engage in handson activities, explore different DAWs, and work collaboratively with their peers to develop lesson plans that incorporate DAWs into their music curriculum. Participants will learn how to effectively use DAWs to engage their students in music composition, which can help to increase student retention and achievement in music classes. Additionally, the skills and knowledge gained from this session can be used to enhance and modernize existing music curricula, as well as develop new music programs that incorporate technology. 9:15-10:15 am

HED/Collegiate edTPA Lesson Plan Competition, SVBC South Ballroom 3

10:30 am-12:00 pm

Lightning Round, VBC South Ballroom 1

10:30 am-4:30 pm

AMEA Interest Session, VBC South Ballroom 4 Modern Band 101 - Scott Burstein, Clinician

This hands-on course serves as an introduction to modern band and the Music as a Second Language pedagogy. The workshop will cover core values of Music Will such as approximation, scaffolding, musical decision making, iconic notation, and culturally sustaining teaching techniques. Instruction on guitar, keyboard, drums, vocals, and bass. Participants will also use their new musical skills to compose and perform an original song in a collaborative setting. 10:45-1:45 pm

ABA Concert Session, VBC East Hall 1&2 All-State Middle School Jazz Band, Ben Posey, Clinician All-State Bronze Jazz Band, Matt Leder, Clinician All-State Silver Jazz Band, Chris Kozak, Clinician All State Gold Jazz Band, Rob Denty, Clinician

1:00-3:00 pm

ABA Adjudicator’s Clinic, VBC South Ballroom 1 Joel Henson, Clinician

1:00-3:00 pm

AMEA Governing Board Meeting, VBC South Meeting Room 1 Rob Lyda, Presiding

Buckhorn High School Wind Ensemble Located in rural Madison County, the Buckhorn cluster band programs have more than tripled in size over the last decade to include over 600 students 6-12, with three directors teaching at four schools. Their programs take pride in bringing together students from widely varying socioeconomic backgrounds, having overcome many of the same obstacles our self-funded rural counterparts face throughout the state. A motivating factor in applying to perform at AMEA has been to show all bands, regardless of size and resources, what is possible when music educators, educational leaders, and community stakeholders work together to do what is best for students - which we know must include support for the arts. The Buckhorn High School Wind Ensemble is a testament to the fruits of those labors. Established in 2016 as a purely volunteer extracurricular group, it has become the school’s premiere instrumental ensemble with auditioned membership limited to approximately 60 students from 9th-12th grade. The mission of its founding was to not only give its students the opportunity to explore much more challenging literature and gain a deeper musical experience in a tightly-knit team, but more importantly to increase students’ emotional sensitivity, work ethic, and mental grit - so as to better prepare them for post-secondary instrumental opportunities and a myriad of life challenges. For its first four years, the group rehearsed after school only twice-a-week for two hours. Since becoming a spring semester course in 2020, both the wind ensemble and symphonic band do not meet outside of their daily 80 minute class. This intentionally increases rigor in the classroom while leaving after school hours for students to prioritize family and academics. Students have more flexibility to participate in other performing arts opportunities and worthwhile activities including sports, clubs, religious affiliations, and part-time jobs. Since its inception - and despite its limited rehearsal time - the wind ensemble has received all superior ratings at ABA Music Performance Assessments while performing a wide variety of classical and contemporary grade 4-6 literature. Through intentional collaboration, the 6-12 programs have vertically-aligned music and character standards while fostering a culture of family, discipline, delayed gratification, servant leadership, and careful cultivation of our motto traits: “Integrity, Tenacity, Artistry”. We believe these efforts are what have seen the entire program grow not only in enrollment but more importantly in achievement, both inside and outside of the band room. Jacob Souder is the Director of Bands at Buckhorn High School in rural New Market, just outside of Huntsville. During his 14 years as director, the program has grown to nearly a dozen instrumental, visual, and service / leadership groups including competitive marching band, a combined Winter Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, a music theory course, Indoor Percussion, Winter Guard, Cadet Guard, a multi-tiered Leadership Council, and a volunteer student service organization which raises thousands of dollars for a different local charity each year. Mr. Souder’s ensembles have received consistent superior ratings at marching competitions and music performance assessments, and collaborates with program-funded adjunct staff who have helped lead their students to earning multiple SCGC & WGI medals. Mr. Souder earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Alabama (BME, 2010), and his master’s degree from the University of Alabama (M.Ed., 2023). During his undergraduate studies, he served as both principal alto & tenor saxophonist for the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Studio Lab Jazz Band, and the Jazz Combo. In addition to these performance experiences, he played baritone saxophone as well as guitar in the studio lab band and served as marching baritone section leader prior to serving as Drum Major for the nationally-renowned UNA Marching Band. Mr. Souder completed his undergraduate internship with esteemed music educators - Pat Stegall, Terry Ownby, and David Waters - and has worked closely, for many years, with mentors Bill Connell and Dr. David Ragsdale. Mr. Souder is a member of Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society; active in district and state music associations; and is a life member of Alpha Tau Omega, our nation’s Christian leadership development fraternity. His wife Katy is a wonderful musician and an elementary educator specializing in differentiated instruction and sociolinguistics. They have two children, Jackson (11) who loves drumline and basketball, and Maggie (5) who wants to be a teacher when she grows up. Thursday 3:30 PM VBC East Halls 1&2

Concert Program

Joy Revisited ......................................................................................Frank Ticheli ...................................................................Manhattan Beach Music The Seal Lullaby............................................................................... Eric Whitacre ............................................................... Hal Leonard Corporation Foundry .............................................................................................John Mackey ................................................................ Osti Music, Incorporated One Life Beautiful ........................................................................... Julie Giroux .......................................................... Musica Propria, Incorporated Carnival of Venice .................................................Demersseman / Hemke / Clark / Rogers .......................................Southern Music Company featuring Bailey Terkeurst, senior alto saxophonist Buckaroo Holiday ..........................................................Aaron Copland / Kenneth Megan .................................Boosey & Hawkes, Incorporated Easter Monday on the White House Lawn ........................... John Philip Sousa .............................................................Southern Music Company

Dauphin Jr. High School Symphonic Band Serving the City of Enterprise and students from nearby Ft. Rucker, Dauphin Jr. High School is one of two 7th and 8th grade Junior High Schools in the Enterprise City School System. Its students represent a diverse learning community where students are encouraged to explore their abilities while developing a plan for their future. The band programs at Dauphin and its sister school, Coppinville Jr. High School, are identical, each featuring three beginning band classes, separated by instrument family for a semi-homogenous beginning band experience for the 170 students enrolled in the beginning band curriculum. The second year band studies at each school feature Concert, Symphonic, and curricular Jazz Band courses. Students from these programs feed Enterprise High School, where they will participate in one of their four Concert Bands and the Enterprise Big Blue Band. The Dauphin Jr. High Symphonic Band exists as an Advanced class in the Dauphin Jr. High curriculum and is designed to provide individualized second year instruction for our band members. Since its inception the Symphonic Band has never scored less than Superior Ratings at Alabama Bandmasters Association Music Performance Assessment, adding to the consistent Superior Ratings earned by Dauphin concert bands prior to the development of this auditioned ensemble. Students in the Dauphin Symphonic Band are routinely selected for All State, All District, and Regional Honor Band Festivals where they continually display the simple motto of our band program: Choose Excellence. Justin Compton attended Jemison High School in Jemison, AL where he lived until his graduation in 2006. He then attended Troy University where he studied trumpet with Dr. James Zingara and conducting with Dr. Mark Walker. During his tenure at Troy University he was a member and leader within the Sound of the South Marching Band, Troy University Symphony Band, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America. He was also a member of the Troy University Trumpet Ensemble which traveled to perform at the International Trumpet Guild Conference three times Following his departure from Troy University with a degree in Music Education, he attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham where he continued his study of trumpet with Dr. Zingara and Dr. Steven Roberts and conducting with Dr. Sue Samuels. While at UAB he served as a graduate student assistant within the Band program and assisted with the instruction of the Marching Blazers, a music librarian for the band department, assisted with the Blazer Basketball Pep Band, and helped organize the UAB Marching, Middle School, and High School honor bands. He completed his Master's in Arts Education from UAB in 2013 and was named a distinguished graduate in music. Mr. Compton earned an Ed.S in Instructional Leadership Administration from Troy University in 2023. As the Director of Bands at Dauphin Jr. High School, Mr. Compton has overseen the evolution of the band program to include two auditioned concert ensembles, homogeneous beginning band instruction and a curricular jazz ensemble. Working closely with Mrs. Sophia Compton, Director of Bands at Coppinville Jr. High School, they oversee the curriculum and recruitment for Junior High Bands in Enterprise City Schools. Previous to this appointment, Mr. Compton was the Director of Bands at Zion Chapel School in Jack, Alabama where he served in that capacity for six years. Under his direction the Zion Chapel Symphonic Band performed at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C., Universal Studios Florida, and the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. Prior to his time at Zion Chapel he was the Director of Bands and Choirs for Jackson Middle School and Assistant Director of Bands at Jackson High School, both in Jackson, Alabama. Ensembles under his baton consistently received Superior ratings at regional marching competitions and Alabama Bandmasters Association District VIII Music Performance Assessment. He currently lives in Enterprise with his wife Sophia, and his twins, Oliver and Clover.

Concert Program

Thursday, 9:15 AM VBC Mars Music Hall

Blue Sky Horizon ........................................................................Randall Standridge.................................................Randall Standridge Music (2021) Prairie Dances.................................................................................Zachary Docter...................................................................Alfred Publishing (2023) Blue...................................................................................................Robert W. Smith ........................................................RWS Music Company (2015) A New Day’s Adventure ................................................................Robert Clayson........................................................................................Manuscript Springtime Ride...................................................................................Erika Svanoe................................................................Swan Maiden Press (2017) Fleet Street March...............................................................................Laura Estes..................................................................Excelcia Publishing (2023) Dance of the Shadows.....................................................................Adrian B. Sims .........................................................Adrian B. Sims Music (2024)

Fairhope High School Wind Ensemble The Fairhope High School Wind Ensemble is the premier instrumental ensemble at Fairhope High School. Students are selected through a rigorous audition process that determines placement in either the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, or Concert Band. The Fairhope Wind Ensemble has earned superior ra:ngs at the Alabama Bandmasters Association Music Performance Assessment for more than 30 years. Additionally, the Wind Ensemble has performed at the Alabama Music Educators Association Annual Conference in 2005. Students in the Fairhope High School Wind Ensemble are regularly selected for the Alabama All-State Bands, the Alabama District VII Honor Band, Baldwin County Honor Band, and numerous university honor bands throughout the state, region, and nation. Graduates of the Fairhope Wind Ensemble have gone on to professional careers in music performance, music education, jazz, and the music industry – many attending some of the finest music schools in the nation. In addition to the Wind Ensemble, the Fairhope band program includes the Symphony Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, and the Fairhope High School Buccaneer Band.

Meredyth Petersen is the Director of Bands at Fairhope High School in Fairhope, Alabama where she directs the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band and the Fairhope High School Buccaneer Band. Since her arrival at Fairhope in 2018 her bands have consistently received Superior ratings in local and state assessments. Mrs. Petersen was elected to membership in the American School Band Directors Association in June 2017. Mrs. Petersen is active as a guest conductor and clinician of bands throughout the state of Alabama. She served as District Chairman for District VII of the Alabama Bandmasters Association from 2019-2023. In 2020-2021, she served as the Alabama Bandmasters Association Covid-19 Task Force Committee Chair which helped guide the reintroduction of band into classrooms across the state of Alabama. In October of 2021, Mrs. Petersen was the recipient of the WKRG 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. In addition, she assisted at Gulf Shores High School and oversaw the beginner band program at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Elementary Schools. Mrs. Petersen received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Virginia Tech in 2007. She received her Master of Music Education from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in 2013 and her Educational Leadership Certificate from the University of South Alabama in 2023. Her husband Will currently serves as Director of Bands at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, a position he has held since 2012. Friday,, 2:45 PM VBC East Halls 1&2

Concert Program

The Beginning of All Things .............................................Brooke Pierson ................................................... Taurus Music Publishing Encanto ................................................................................ Robert W. Smith ....................................................................... Hal Leonard Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night ................... Elliot Del Borgo .................................................................. Shawnee Press Amparito Roca .................................................... Jamie Texidor, arr. Aubrey Winter ............................................. Boosey & Hawkes With Each Sunset (Comes the Promise of a New Day).. Richard L. Saucedo .............................................................. Hal Leonard Finale from Symphony in F minor No. 4 ........ Peter Tchaikovsky, arr. V.F. Safranek ..................................................... Carl Fisher

Hartselle High School Chamber Chorale The Hartselle High School Chamber Chorale began in 2014 as an extracurricular choir that gave dedicated singers the opportunity to challenge themselves musically outside of the regular school day. Since then, Chamber Chorale has been added to the daily class schedule and has grown considerably. Today, the group is comprised of 50 auditioned young men and women who are committed to choral excellence. Students in this ensemble represent the most advanced voices in the Hartselle High School Choral Department and are regularly selected for All State and Honor Choirs throughout the region. The Hartselle High School Chamber Chorale performs at all departmental concerts, school, and community events, and regularly accepts invitations to perform at venues across North Alabama. Each spring, the Chamber Chorale performs with the HHS Choral Department at State Choral Performance Assessment where they have consistently received superior ratings.

Kate Dupuis currently serves as the Choral Music Director at Hartselle High School in Hartselle, Alabama, where she conducts all choral ensembles and teaches AP Music Theory. Under her direction, the choral program has grown its membership and has consistently received Superior with Distinction ratings at State Choral Performance Assessment. HHS Choirs perform at venues in Hartselle, throughout North Alabama, and beyond. Most recently, they have performed for audiences at Walt Disney World and at Truist Park for the Atlanta Braves. Kate holds a B.M. in Music Education from the University of Southern Maine (SOM ’08) where she double majored in both voice and trumpet, and an M.M. in Music Education from Boston University (CFA ’12). She is currently pursuing her National Board Certification. Mrs. Dupuis is an active member of the Alabama Music Educators Association, Alabama Vocal Association, National Association for Music Education, and the American Choral Directors Association. Previously, Kate has served as the District I Chair for Alabama Vocal Association and as the Choral Chair for the Vermont Music Educators Association. She has served as an adjudicator and guest clinician for various music festivals throughout the North East. A native of New England, Mrs. Dupuis relocated to Alabama in 2011. Prior to being appointed Choral Music Director at Hartselle High School, Kate served as the Choral Director and Jazz Band Director at Williston Central School in Williston, Vermont, and as the Band and Choral Director, and general music teacher at the Westford School in Westford, Vermont. Kate currently resides in Madison, Alabama with her husband, Rene, and their two beautiful children- Beckett (8), and Avery Adele (5).

Concert Program

Saturday, 9:15 AM VBC East Hall 1&2

For This Joy ........................................................................arr. Susan LaBarr ................................................Walton Music Corporation Claire Alford, Clarinet Martha Bowling, Piano Muusika......................................................................................Part Uusberg ..................................................Walton Music Corporation Gaude Et Laetare..................................................Jan Pieterszoom, ed. James Rodde ................................Walton Music Corporation Ceciliada .................................................................................Marcin Wawruk ...............................................................Pavane Publishing The Gift to Sing ..................................................................Marianne Forman......................................................Beckenhorst Press Inc. Martha Bowling, Piano Measure Me, Sky! .................................................................Elaine Hagenberg ................................................Elaine Hagenberg Music Martha Bowling, Piano

Hewitt-Trussville High School Chamber Choir The Hewitt-Trussville High Chamber Choir originated in the fall of 2010. Since its inception, the Chamber Choir has scored all Superior ratings at State Assessment. They frequently perform for civic organizations and churches in the community. December is a particularly busy time as they perform for local television, several downtown hospitals, and the Birmingham Airport. Spring can be busy as well, performing at Talladega Raceway or at our Capitol in Montgomery. The group represents many facets of the HTHS student body. Members are participants in band, jazz band, athletics, theater and other various student organizations.

Allen Gillespie is in his forty-ninth year of high school choral music completing his fourteenth year as Choral Director at Hewitt-Trussville High School. He received a Bachelor and Masters of Music Education as well as an Education Specialist degree from the University of Montevallo. Allen is a past president of the Alabama Choral Directors Association and the Alabama Vocal Association. His choirs have always received Superior ratings in performance and sight reading at AVA events. He has been music director at Huffman United Methodist Church for twenty years. Allen and his wife of 40 years, Sula have a married son, Desi. Sula is a Nurse Practitioner in Neurology at Children’s of Alabama.

Thursday, 10:30 AM VBC East Hall 1&2

Concert Program

Sinnuh Man ........................................................ words and music by Kenney Potter ....................................................Hinshaw Music E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come ....adapted from Revelation 22, music by Paul Manz ................................MorningStar Music Set Me As A Seal .................... adapted from Song of Solomon 8:6-7, music by Michael John Trotta .....Hampton Roads Music Shenandoah ...................................................American Folk Song arranged by James Erb ...............................Lawson-Gould Music For All We Know .................words by Sam Lewis, music by J. Fred Coots, arranged by Kirby Shaw ........................Alfred Music I Surrender All .................words by J.W. Van Deventer, music by W.S Weeden, arranged by Moses Hogan ..............Hal Leonard Corporation, . Soon-Ah Will Be Done ...........................William Dawson, Tuskegee Choir Series ............................................................Kjos Music

Visit the Exhibits! Show our industry and institutional partners your appreciation for their support of our conference by visiting their booths. Let them kno

w you’re glad they’re here!

Exhibit Hours: Thursday, 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM and Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM VBC South Hall 1 32

Indian Springs School Chamber Choir The Chamber Choir is the flagship choral ensemble of Indian Springs School. Founded in 1980, five years after Springs began admiting women, the Chamber Choir has represented the school at state, regional, and national conferences and competitions in cities such as Los Angeles, San Antonio, Chicago, and New York City, and has also traveled abroad to destinations in Europe and Asia. Recent highlights of the Indian Springs Chamber Choir include performances with the choirs of Mississippi State University and Northwestern State University (LA), a performance of Mozart’s Coronation Mass, as well as receiving the highest overall score awarded at the District III State Choral Performance Assessment in the Spring of 2023.

Dr. Lee Wright is beginning his fourth year as the Director of Choral Music at Indian Springs School in Birmingham, Alabama. Previously, he served twelve years (2003-2015) as the choral director at John Carroll Catholic High School and two years (2018-2020) as Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Education at Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, Virginia. In addition to his work at Indian Springs, Dr. Wright is also the Assistant Conductor of the Cahaba Chamber Chorale, a professional choral ensemble based in Birmingham. He earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the University of Montevallo where he studied conducting with Robert Wright and Gary Packwood, and voice with Melanie Williams. For his doctoral work, Lee was awarded a Presidential Fellowship at the University of Georgia, working under the tutelage of Dan Bara, JD BurneW, and Liz Knight. Lee is a member of the Alabama Music Educators Association and the American Choral Directors Association and currently lives on campus at Indian Springs and enjoys exploring the United States with Amanda, his wife, and their two sons, Felix and Jasper.

Concert Program

Saturday, 9:50 AM VBC East Hall 1&2

Justorum Animae ........................................................ Charles Villers Standford ....................................................................... cpdl.org Lass Dich Nur Nichts Nicht Dauren ............................... Johannes Brahms ............................................... Edition Peters No. 6093 The Peace of Wild Things ......................................................Jake Runestad ...........................................Jake Runestad Music JR0036 Joy ........................................................................................ Hans Bridger Heruth .........Santa Barbara Music Publishing SBMP 1392 Unclouded Day ....................................................................... Shawn Kirchner .......................................... Hal Leonard HL 48021256

Jacksonville State University A Cappella Choir The A Cappella Choir is Jacksonville State University’s flagship ensemble performing a wide variety of standard choral literature from all musical periods, contemporary art music, and world music. Founded in the 1950s, the A Cappella Choir tours annually and participates in events hosted by the Alabama American Choral Directors Association and Alabama Music Educators Association. The A Cappella Choir is an auditioned ensemble comprised of students from various disciplines across campus. Current members hail from Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Papua New Guinea and are majoring in music education, music performance, theatre, film, communication, business, computer science, English, history, exercise science, and integrated studies. Eliezer Yanson Jr. is an associate professor of music and director of choral activities at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama where he conducts the A Cappella Choir, Chamber Singers, and Civic Chorale and teaches undergraduate and graduate music classes. Prior to his appointment to Jax State, Eliezer served on the music faculty at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. He earned a doctor of musical arts degree in choral conducting from the University of South Carolina, a master of music in church music (conducting) and a bachelor of music in piano performance from Bob Jones University. His main conducting mentors have been Larry Wyatt and Warren Cook. Eliezer has also worked and studied with André Thomas, Don Portnoy, Paul Vermel, Dian Tchobanov and Hilary Apfelstadt. An active adjudicator, conference speaker, and clinician, Eliezer has conducted choirs and clinics in the United States, Thailand, Bulgaria, and in his native Philippines. He was the 2015 3rd Prize Winner of The American Prize in Conducting: College/University Chorus Division and has appeared in Carnegie Hall as conductor in 2015 and 2018. While passionate about conducting and teaching, Eliezer’s greatest role is being husband to Martha and father to Isabella and Andre. Thursday, 7:00 PM VBC East Hall 1&2

Concert Program Dr. Eliezer Yanson Jr., director Dr. Rachel Park, collaborative pianist

I Exsultate Deo……………………..…......………Alessandro Scarlatti (1660 – 1725) ................................................................................cpdl.org Alleluia…………………………….................………Dominick DiOrio (b. 1984) ...........................................................G. Schirmer (ED 4517) Assisted by Dr. Matthew Jordan, marimba God So Loved the World……………....................……John Stainer (1840 – 1901) .....................................................................................cpdl.org II ...... Come to Me, My Love………………..................…Norman Dello Joio (1913 – 2008) ...........................................Hal Leonard (HL00007541) Newtown Psalm………………………..................……John F. Hudson (b. 1987) ...................................................Gia Publications (G – 8584) Laura Nabholz, soloist Shalom…………………………….........................…….......Dan Forrest (b. 1978)....................................................Beckenhorst Press (BP2242) Assisted by Alayna Endicott, violin III Rosas Pandan…………………....................……Filipino Folk Song, arr. George Hernandez ................................. Pavane Publishing (P1286) Kaelyn Harris, soloist Balleilakka……………………......................……A. R. Rahman (b. 1967) , arr. Ethan Sperry.............................................Earthsongs (S – 339) Timmy Jones & Leila Acheson, soloists Assisted by Noah Cook, Carson Gallman, Robert Parnell, and Mason Webb, percussion I’ll Be On My Way………………………................……Shawn Kirchner (b. 1970).................................................................shawnkirchner.com Josh Guzman, soloist Assisted by Alayna Endicott, violin

Jacksonville State University Brass Band The Jacksonville State University Brass Band is a true “British-style” brass band, in that it incorporates cornets, tenor horns, and true baritones. It is the only collegiate brass band in the state of Alabama and is only the second brass band overall in the state. The Brass Band is an offshoot of the JSU Brass Choir, which has been in existence since the early 1950’s. The JSU Brass Band, in only their second month of existence, competed in the Third Section of the 2022 North America Brass Band Association Championships and placed fourth (missing third place by a quarter of a point). In April of 2023, it again competed in the Third Section of the NABBA Championships, this time winning the section with a score of 91.5.

Originally from Cedartown, Georgia, Dr. Casey Thomas is Assistant Professor of Trombone at Jacksonville State University. Dr. Thomas completed both his Masters and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in trombone performance and pedagogy from The University of Iowa in Iowa City and his Bachelor’s degree in music education from JSU. He is a low brass instructor with The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps (www.cadets.org). He is also a member of Resonant Projection, a professional trombone quartet dedicated to promoting new and undiscovered works, and is a founding member of the Durward Ensemble (www.durwardmusic.com), which performs across the country and is a chamber ensemble that promotes the diversity of contemporary music to a broad audience through performances of rarely performed works and by commissioning new works by living composers. Dr. Thomas is the principal trombonist of the Gadsden (AL) Symphony Orchestra, bass trombonist with the Rome (GA) Symphony Orchestra, the Music Director of the Brass Band of Huntsville (AL), and has performed with various ensembles throughout the U.S. and Canada. Previous academic appointments were at Berry College, Georgia Highlands College, Georgia Northwestern Technical College, Ouachita Baptist University, Cornell College, and Saint Ambrose University. Dr. Thomas is married to Teresa Beary (a tubist) and together they have two cats, Feech and The Dude. Friday, 7:45 PM Mars Music Hall

Concert Program

Simoraine ..................................................................................... Clive Barraclough.....................................................................................Studio Music Light-walk ............................................................................................Barrie Gott ......................................................................Salvationist Publishing Dr. Brant Blackard, drum set, JSU percussion faculty “Pie Jesu” from Requiem ........................................John Rutter, Transcribed by Dustin Burgess.........................................Oxford University Press SSG Madison Taylor Baldwin, soprano, U.S. Army Field Band, JSU graduate The Clock with the Dresden Figures............................................Albert Ketelby...................................................................................Kirklees Music Star-Spangled Banner .........................John Stafford Smith,Wind Band arrangement by Luigi Zaninelli.................Theodore Presser Company Transcribed by Casey Thomas, Potenza Music Party Piece .........................................................................................Phillip Sparke ......................................................................................Studio Music Jason Casanova, Instructor of Euphonium, JSU Exhalation - Religious Experience - Major .............Carla Bley, Transcribed by Casey Thomas ........................Self-published by the composer Omie Crockett, alto saxophone, JSU Jazz Performance major Intrada - Ein’ Feste Burg ......................................................................Ray Farr .............................................................................. Wright and Round

Kitty Stone Singers The Kitty Stone Singers elementary choir, under the direction of Cheryl Wight, consists of fourth through sixth grade students who meet once a week after school. The ensemble has been a fixture in the Jacksonville City School system throughout the school’s history. The Kitty Stone Singers have participated in a variety of events including the Jacksonville State University Honor Choir Festival, the ACDA Young Voices Festival, the AMEA Elementary Music Festival, the annual Lighting of the Jacksonville Christmas Tree, as well as 2 concerts each year for parents and community members. The choir enjoys performing a wide range of choral repertoire, exploring different languages and cultures.

Cheryl Wight serves as the elementary music teacher and director of Kitty Stone Singers at Kitty Stone Elementary School in Jacksonville, Alabama. She completed her Bachelor of Art in music education at Abilene Christian University and her Master of Art in Vocal Performance at Arizona State University. She completed her Kodaly Levels in Kyle, TX under Dr. Micheal Houlahan and Dr. Philip Tacka in 2022. Mrs. Wight taught high school choir, junior high choir and elementary music in Texas and Arizona before staying home to raise her 4 children. She and her husband moved to Anniston with their family in 2003, when her husband began teaching voice and directing opera at Jacksonville State University. God has blessed Mrs. Wight with the opportunity to work with the amazing students in Kitty Stone Singers for the past 10 years. She is a member of NAfME, ACDA, OAKE, and SHAKE.

Concert Program

Friday, 8:25 AM VBC East Hall 1&2

We Are the Day!...................................................................Mark Burrows.......................................................................Choristers Guild Peace Like a River................................................................Douglas Beam.................................................................................Colla Voce This Shall Be For Music.....................................................Mark Patterson ...........................................................................BriLee Music Lyrics: Robert Louis Stevenson Something in the Dark........................................................Janet Gardner................................................................Heritage Music Press Lyrics: John Parker Pié Jesu .............................................................................Mary Lynn Lightfoot ......................................................Heritage Music Press Merciful Jesus Lord, grant to them rest. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Grant them rest. ¡Fuego!.................................................................................Victor C. Johnson...........................................................Heritage Music Press (from Tres canciones de los elementos) Fire! Fire! See the red glow. See the orange flame! Fire! Fire!

Northridge High School Jazz Ensemble Since Northridge High School opened in 2003, the NHS Band has grown to become an award-winning program for marching, jazz and concert band. The Jaguar Pride Marching Band performed in the 2016 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans and the 2022 Cheez-It Bowl in Orlando. The band recently performed in the 2023 National Independence Day Parade in Washington D.C. The concert program has consistently produced numerous all-state and district honor band students. Most recently, Northridge had 17 students qualify for the 2023 All-State Band. Northridge has also been represented in the AllState Jazz Band and All-State Orchestra. The Northridge High Symphonic Band participates annually in Music Performance Assessment, receiving superior ratings for each of the last 8 years. In May of 2019, Northridge traveled to Gatlinburg to compete in the Smoky Mountain Music Festival. The Northridge Jazz Ensemble won the top prize in the Intermediate Jazz Division while the Symphonic Band was the first-place winner in the large band division. The Northridge Jazz Ensemble performs frequently each year in a variety of school and community events. Recently, the jazz band was invited to be the opening band for the University of Alabama Jazz Ensemble. The NHS Jazz Ensemble plays annually in the Shelton State Jazz Festival, where they have received instruction from the likes of Blue Lou Marini. The 2022-23 jazz ensemble is made of up highly accomplished musicians, including 9 members who earned spots in the Concert Band Allstate. John Cain is a native of Tuscaloosa and holds degrees in Special Education and Music Education from the University of Alabama. Mr. Cain is in his 33rd year of teaching with the Tuscaloosa City Schools. Prior to arriving at Northridge, he worked at Oak Hill, Tuscaloosa Middle School and Central High School. While at Northridge, Mr. Cain has received multiple District-wide awards, including the PTSA Teacher of the Year and the TCS Secondary representative for the Alabama Teacher of the Year. In 2013, Mr. Cain was one of 4 statewide Finalists for the Jacksonville Teacher Hall of Fame. Last year, Mr. Cain was awarded the Druid Arts Award for the Music Educator of the Year by the Arts Council of West Alabama. In addition to his role as the band director, Mr. Cain has been active in the school through coaching duties, having served the tennis and basketball teams. His tennis teams have won state championships in 2018 and 2022. Mr. Cain was named the 2022 Alabama Coach of the Year for boys’ tennis. During his teaching career, Mr. Cain has remained active as a musician, playing his trumpet in a variety of bands throughout the community. Mr. Cain has been married to Maura Cain for 29 years. The couple has two children, Dr. Julia Kim and Anna Gilbert. Friday, 1:30 PM Mars Music Hall

Concert Program

Back In Blue Orleans....................................................................................................................................................................Les Hooper Rocks In My Bed................................................Duke Ellington/Arr. Ellington and Billy Strayhorn/Transcribed by David Berger Sing, Sang, Sung .................................................................................................................................................................Gordon Goodwin Chinoiserie..........................................................................................................................Duke Ellington/Transcribed by David Berger Caravan........................................................................................................................Duke Ellington and Juan Tizol/Arr. Alan Baylock Conducted by Chris Kozak

It Had Better Be Tonight ..................................................................Henry Mancini/ Words by Johnny Mercer/Arr. Scott Ragsdale Nica’s Dream................................................................................................................................................Horace Silver/Arr. Mart Avant Guest soloists Mart Avant and Dr. Jonathan Noffsinger

Moanin’......................................................................................................................................................Charles Mingus/Arr. Sy Johnson

Pinson Valley High School Percussion Ensemble The Pinson Valley High School Percussion Ensemble became active in the Fall of 2019 under the direction of Latrice Green. Based in Pinson, Alabama, this group of students strives to grow as musicians through various performances, workshops, clinics, and leadership opportunities. Some of their individual accomplishments include acceptance to and participation in various university honor bands, the All District and All County Honor Bands, and consistent superior ratings at Solo and Ensemble. Perhaps the most rewarding part of this group of students is our collaboration with the PVHS Drum Circle, who performed with the Alabama All Star Drum Circle for students with special needs at the 2020 Alabama Music Educators Association Conference. The PVHS Drum Circle and Percussion Ensemble perform together annually, and are a fantastic representation of student experiences at Pinson Valley.

Latrice Green attended Jacksonville State University, where she received a BA in Music Education with a concentration in percussion. She performed with various ensembles at JSU, including the Marching Southerners, and participated in WGI, allowing her to teach at different middle and high schools in Alabama and Georgia. She received her masters in Public Administration and certificate in Nonprofit Management from UAB, which she uses to further the goals of her band and percussion programs. Ms. Green is the current vice president for the Alabama chapter of the Percussive Arts Society, a member of the National Association for Music Education, and an alumnae of Sigma Alpha Iota. As a member of the Alabama Bandmasters Association, she routinely presents sessions on various topics of music education at national and state conferences. She lives in Birmingham, Alabama where she is the assistant director of bands at Pinson Valley High School.

Concert Program

Thursday, 7:00 PM VBC Mars Music Hall

Fuerza Negra...............................................................Francisco Perez................................................Tapspace Publications Starfall .........................................................................James Vilseck .................................................Tapspace Publications Hydra .............................................................................Chad Heiny....................................................Tapspace Publications A La Escuela ....................................................................Lalo Davila......................................................Rowloﬀ Productions Make a Joyful Noise.......................................................Ivan Trevino Ojo.................................................................................Joe Moore III All Night Long ................................................Lionel Richie, arr. by John Hearnes

President’s Reception Embassy Suites, Big Spring AB Friday, 9:30 - 11:00 PM hors d'oeuvres & cash/coupon bar 38

Simmons Middle School Honor Band The Simmons Middle School band is made up of 285 of the best students that Simmons Middle School has to offer with two concert bands (honor band and concert band), jazz band, and our beginning band program. Simmons Middle School is one of two feeder programs into the award-winning Hoover High School Band, and the only Title One secondary school in Hoover City Schools. All of the bands at Simmons Middle School have enjoyed musical success, consistently earning superior ratings at the Music Performance Assessment and the Solo and Ensemble Festival. Additionally, the Honor Band has been selected to perform at The University of Alabama Honor Band Festival, the Southeastern United States Honor Band Festival at Troy University, and the Music for All Southeastern Regional. Band is an extraordinary outlet for students throughout the course of the school day, and a place where they feel they belong. In the Simmons Band, we truly believe in the family atmosphere of being in the band and want to build every student up for musical and personal success. We value the trusting relationship that we have with the Hoover Community to ensure that every student has access to the highest quality music education.

Matthew Chambless began his teaching career in 2014 and is the Director of Bands at Simmons Middle School where his teaching responsibilities include Honor Band, Jazz Band, and co-teaching beginning band and concert band. Mr.Chambless has held positions at Chickasaw High School, Holtville Middle School/High School, and Double Springs Middle School/Winston County High School. Bands under the direction of Mr. Chambless have consistently received superior ratings at marching band competitions and have received superior ratings at the Alabama Music Performance Assessment. In 2019 the Simmons Middle School Honor Band was selected as a guest performance ensemble at The University of Alabama Middle School Honor Band. Mr. Chambless holds membership in the National Association for Music Education, Alabama Bandmasters Association, and the Alabama Education Association. In 2021 Mr. Chambless gave a clinic at the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference, “A Comprehensive Pass Off System for the Urban and Rural School System”. Mr. Chambless earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Instrumental Music Education from The University of Alabama. During his tenure at Alabama, Mr. Chambless was an active performer and held positions with the Million Dollar Band, Alabama Wind Ensemble, Alabama Symphonic Band, Huxford Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Jazz Ensemble, Alabama Brass Choir, and the Alabama Trumpet Ensemble, where he served as the conductor of the trumpet ensemble in 2013. Mr. Chambless is still an active trumpet performer who has previously held a position in the Shoals Symphony Orchestra and is now an active member of the community band Alabama Winds. Mr. Chambless currently performs at many churches in the Birmingham, AL area. Mr. Chambless enjoys playing tennis, spending time with friends and family, and traveling. Mr. Chambless is married to Victoria Chambless, who is an outstanding flute player and the Associate Director of Bands at Pizitz Middle School. As a native of Hoover, AL, and a product of Hoover City Schools, Mr. Chambless is thrilled to be teaching in Hoover City Schools and serving as the Director of Bands at Simmons Middle School. Thursday, 1:00 PM VBC East Hall 1&2

Concert Program

Inspiration Fanfare..................................................................Adrian Sims..........................................................................................Alfred Spit-Fire,..................................................................................William Owens..........................................................................................FJH March of the Freedom Fighters..................................Carol Brittan Chambers................................................................... Carl Fischer Begin Transmission...............................................................John Herndon...................................................................................Tapspace Waterdrops Come Spring,..................................................Richard Saucedo...........................................................................Hal Leonard Dancing Lights.....................................................................Randall Standridge......................................................................................FJH

Thompson High School Wind Ensemble The Thompson High School Wind Ensemble is the top performing wind band at Thompson High School. It annually consists of 4050 auditioned wind and percussion members varying in the 9th-12th grades. This group consistently receives superior ratings at state performance assessment, has performed at various venues around the state of Alabama, and has even been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. The THS Wind Ensemble has also been selected to play at AMEA in the past, and is honored to be selected again. Graham Bennett is a native of Hoover, Alabama. After graduating from Hoover High School in 2008, he attended Jacksonville State University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. Mr. Bennett participated for three years in Drum Corps International as a member of the world class organizations Spirit and The Madison Scouts. Mr. Bennett went on to receive his Masters in Music Education from William Carey University in the Summer of 2019. He previously served as the director of bands at Jacksonville High School and Mary G. Montgomery High School before joining the faculty of Thompson High School in 2019. Mr. Bennett currently serves as the Director of Bands at Thompson High School and directs with the Thompson High School Marching Southern Sounds, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble. During his tenure at Thompson High School, the Wind Ensemble has received consistent superior ratings at State Assessment, the Marching Southern Sounds have ranked top three in the state of Alabama, and the band program has performed at various national locations. Alabaster City Schools has also received “Best Community for Music Education” from the NAMM Foundation annually under the leadership of Mr. Bennett and all of the other incredible faculty and staff within the Music Educations programs in ACS. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett and their two beautiful daughters currently reside in Helena, Alabama.

Concert Program

Thursday, 8:15 PM VBC East Hall 1&2

Gavorkna Fanfare......................................................................Jack Stamp .............................................. Neil A. Kjos Music Company Amazing Grace..................................................................arr. William Himes ............................. Rosehill Music Publishing Company La Mezquita de Córdoba .......................................................Julie Giroux .............................................................. Musica Propria, Inc. March, Opus 99 ....................................................Sergey Prokofiev, arr. Paul Yoder .................................. Hal Leonard Corporation El Cumbanchero ................................................Rafael Hernandez, arr. Naohiro Iwai ................................... De Haske Publications Jupiter .................................................................................... Gustav Holst ...................................................................Boosey & Hawkes

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UNA Collegiate Singers and Chamber Choir An elite group of singers, this ensemble appears on and off campus at events such as the Renaissance Faire in Florence, on tour with the UNA Collegiate Singers, in collaboration with other groups such as the UAH Concert Choir and Huntsville Youth Orchestra, and as part of the Alabama ACDA Collegiate Choirs Festival. In the spring of 2009, they had the privilege of representing the University of North Alabama on the Department of Music & Theatre’s first international tour in its history, taking them to Italy. Since then, the group toured to Costa Rica in the springs of 2011 and 2019 and Ireland in spring 2013 as part of UNA’s Study Abroad program; they completed a second tour to Italy in the spring of 2015. They have been featured performers at the AMEA conference in 2006, 2013, 2016, and 2019, and sang on the inaugural Convocation program for the Alabama All-State Choral Festival last spring. Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Ian Loeppky has been Professor and Director of Choral Activities at the University of North Alabama since the fall of 2003. His studies began at the University of Manitoba, continued at the University of Minnesota with Kathy Romey, and finished at the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati with Earl Rivers and Stephen Coker. He has also studied with Helmuth Rilling, Dale Warland, Frieder Bernius, Martin Isepp, Charles Bruffy, and Bobby McFerrin. He is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the National Association for Music Education, the National Collegiate Choral Organization, the Alabama Vocal Association, the International Federation for Choral Music, Choral Canada, Phi Mu Alpha, and Pi Kappa Lambda. He is a member of the editorial board for Anacrusis, the journal of Choral Canada. Loeppky has worked as a singer, scholar, conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and arranger in Canada, the United States, and Portugal. 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, a frequent contributor to the ACDA Choral Journal and Anacrusis. and is in demand as a clinician and adjudicator throughout the region and internationally. 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. Rebecca Rockhill assumed the post of Director of the UNA Collegiate Singers in the spring of 2017. Her choirs have performed for state and regional conferences for the Alabama Music Educators Association and for American Choral Directors Association. Her choral department boasted more students selected to the Alabama All-State Choir and the All-State Show Choir than any other school in the state. As well, she has served as a collaborative pianist for the All-State Choir and vocal director and pianist for the All-State Show Choir many times. Rockhill has been the recipient of “Teacher of the Year” in Florence City Schools three times. She has received the Frances P. Moss Award for Alabama Choral Director of the Year, and was selected Educator of the Year by the University of North Alabama Alumni Association. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Alabama, Master of Music Education from Eastern Kentucky University, and Education Specialist from the University of North Alabama. She has served as Repertoire and Standards Chair for ACDA and District Chair for the Alabama Vocal Association. She has also served as President of Alabama Vocal Association. She is choir director and organist at First Presbyterian Church in Florence. Thursday, 11:05 AM VBC East Hall 1&2

Concert Program Levente Gyöngyösi, Laudate Dominum (Kontrapunkt) Kim André Arnesen, His light in us (earthsongs) Norman Dello Joio (19132008), A jubilant song (G. Schirmer)

Sid Robinovitch, “Noche de lluvia” from Canciones por las Americas (earthsongs) Stephanie Martin, Nothing gold can stay (Renforth) Jaakko Mäntyjärvi, “Double, double toil and trouble” from Four Shakespeare songs (Sulasol) Traditional isiXhosa arr. Michael Barrett, Thixo onothando (Walton) –

Sky Walk to Embassy Suites

Upper Level

South Hall

Meeting Room 1

Ballroom 1

Ballroom 2

Ballroom 3

Ballroom 4

Ballroom 5

Meeting Room 2

Meeting Room 3

Prefunction

Pub

South Hall 1

South Hall

Arena Lobby

Propst Arena C

Arena Pre-Function Room

South Hall 2

East Hall 1

Ticket Office

East Hall 2

East Hall 3

Kitchen

Saturn Ballroom 2

Mark C. Smith Concert Hall

Saturn Ballroom 3

Salon 10

Playhouse

Administration

Ballet Room

Rehearsal Room

Salon 12b

Lower

Saturn Ballroom 1

Green Room

Salon 1a

Salon Salon 11 12a

Salon 1b

Open to Lower Level

Salon Salon 3a 2

Salon Salon Salon Salon 6 7a 7b 8 Salon 9

Salon 5

Salon 4

Salon 3b

Upper

Pre-Function

Von Braun Center

VBC

VON BRAUN CENTER

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For more information: music.msstate.edu Dr. Phillip Stockton pstockton@colled.msstate.edu 43

The University of North Alabama Department of Music offers scholarships to qualified music majors and minors in all instrumental, vocal, and piano programs through auditions. Participants in University Ensembles may be eligible for a Performance Award, regardless of their academic major. Audition Dates: November 3, 2023 | January 26, 2024 March 2, 2024 | April 13, 2024 Contact us una.edu/music | 256.765.4375 music@una.edu | @unamusic1

Degrees Bachelor of Music in Performance Instrumental Piano Vocal Bachelor of Arts or Science in Music Instrumental Vocal / Choral Bachelor of Science in Education Choral Music, P-12 Instrumental Music, P-12

Minor Music Certificates Musical Theatre Percussion Specialist

AMEA 2024 Clinicians Tyler Arcari (b. 1989) is a composer, arranger, author, and clinician whose music is played around the world. He received his B.A. and M.S. degrees in music education from Troy University where he studied with composer Ralph Ford and Euphonium under Dr. Mark J. Walker. As a teacher, Tyler has taught at both the middle and high school levels. Tyler’s primary focus when writing has been for the young musician. He became passionate about and interested in the needs of developing musicians as a classroom teacher, and finds writing for musicians at this level to be very rewarding. Tyler’s music can currently be found published through Excelcia Music Publishing, Wingert-Jones Publications and Carl Fischer Music. His original works have been featured on Bandworld Magazine’s Top 100, All-State programs, as well as numerous state contest lists and events such as the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. As an arranger, Tyler has worked with many high school, university, and community groups as well as for professionals such as Carl Hilding “Doc” Severinsen and vocalist Holly Shelton. As a Clinician, Tyler regularly appears as composer in residence as well as guest clinician for honor bands. Currently, Tyler serves as the Director of Music Production and Editing at Excelcia Music Publishing LLC, Wingert-jones Publications, and RBC Publications. In his spare time, Tyler enjoys playing fantasy-world video games and building his own computers. He is an avid animal lover and lives in Lakeland with his wife Heather, their two rabbits named Maximus and Marshmallow, their peach cat named Otis, and dog named Hilda. Ryan Beach is a performer, practice coach, podcaster, and content creator whose mission is to help driven, hardworking, and creative musicians that are struggling to see progress in their musical practice by increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of their work with the GOLD Method of practice organization. As an performer, Ryan has served as the principal trumpet with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra since 2014. Before that, he served as principal trumpet with the Indianapolis Symphony for one year. During the summers, Ryan has also been performing as principal trumpet of the Charlottesville Opera Festival. Ryan’s talent as a musician has led him to earn various awards. Some awards include winning the International Trumpet Guild conference solo and orchestral excerpt competitions in 2011, the second trumpet player in conference history to win both competitions in the same conference. Ryan released his first solo album, titled “Insights: New Music for Trumpet and Piano”, in early 2021. In addition to his abilities as a musician, Ryan also hosts a podcast titled “That’s Not Spit, It’s Condensation!” in which he interviews musicians and industry professionals to learn more about them as people and to get new perspectives on what it means to achieve success professionally as well as personally. As a content creator, Ryan curates a YouTube channel as well as other social media platforms to connect with others and share what he has learned in an effort to help others continue growing. Sam Becker is the band director at Hillcrest Middle School. Originally from Huntsville, Alabama, Mr. Becker graduated from Grissom High School in 2017 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Auburn University in 2021. While at Auburn, he served as the Mellophone section leader, freshman advisor for the AUMB, and mentor for United Sound. He performed with the Symphonic Winds, AUMB, pep band, and horn studio. Mr. Becker professional affiliations include AMEA, NAfME, and Kappa Kappa Psi. Most recently Mr. Becker was awarded the Nick’s Kids Foundation’s Teacher of Excellence. Brenda Brenner is Professor of Music Education and Director of the Jacobs Academy at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. She specializes in string music education, teaching applied violin, as well as courses in violin and string pedagogy. Brenner received a BM and BME from Wichita State University and an MM and DMA in violin performance from the Eastman School of Music. In addition to her appointment to the Music Education Department, she serves as co-director of the IU String Academy, a position she has held since 1993. Her String Academy students have been featured in concerts in major venues throughout the United States and have presented tours throughout Europe, Asia, and South America. As director of the Fairview Project - a program in which every first and second grader in a Title I school learns violin as part of the curriculum - Brenner researches the cognitive, academic, and social outcomes of early instrumental music instruction. An active performer of chamber music throughout the United States, Brenner partners with her husband, organist Christopher Young. She also teaches and conducts at the IU Summer String Academy and is Assistant Director of the IU Retreat for Professional Violinists and Violists. Brenner is an active international clinician, is a Past President of the American String Teachers Association, and is on the board of the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. Dr. Caterina Bristol is Assistant Provost and Dean of the Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School at Alabama State University. For over two decades, she has promoted diversity and equity in the arts and higher education. She is experienced in accreditation and serves on various commissions and boards. She is a member of the Commission on Accreditation (National Association of Schools of Music), a visiting evaluator for NASM, and on the Executive Committee of the Alabama Council of Graduate Deans. Dr. Bristol is an advocate of student knowledge and skill development through traditional instruction, experiential learning, and entrepreneurial activities. Dr. Robert L. Bryant III serves as Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Music Education at Tennessee State University. A native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Dr. Bryant has an established record of excellence in teaching in both K-12 and higher education. As a high school and middle school band director, ensembles under his leadership consistently earned ratings of distinction at numerous music performance assessments, festivals, and competitions throughout the United States. Dr. Bryant teaches music teacher preparation courses and music education master’s degree courses. His research interests include minority music teacher preparation, urban music education, music teacher job satisfaction and career longevity, and music technology.

AMEA 2024 Clinicians Dr. Laura Brown holds a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree from Appalachian State University, a Masters of Music Therapy degree from Appalachian State University, and a PhD in Music and Human Learning in the Butler School of Music at The University of Texas at Austin. She has served on the faculty at Ohio University and Western Illinois University. Dr. Brown was the recipient of the Ohio University School of Music Outstanding Teaching Award in 2018. Her clinical experiences include working with children and adults with disabilities in both private practice and public school settings. Dr. Brown’s primary research interests include music therapy with children with autism and inclusive music practices in school settings. She has presented her research and conducted clinics at regional, national, and international music education and music therapy conferences, and her published research appears in the Journal of Music Therapy, Music Therapy Perspectives, Update: Applications of Research in Music Education, Music Educators Journal, and General Music Today. As an active member of the American Music Therapy Association, Dr. Brown serves on the Academic Program Approval Committee and the editorial board of Music Therapy Perspectives. Jon Bubbett, received his BMEd from Troy State University and a MMEd from VanderCook College of Music. His thirty eight year career closed with twenty six years at Thompson High School in Alabaster, AL. His bands have performed for the Music for All National Concert Band Festival (2011, 2015) and the Alabama Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference (1997, 2009, 2014, 2019). He has served as a clinician participant for the Alabama Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference and the Midwest Clinic. Mr. Bubbett has concert band music published through Excelcia Music Publishing, RWS Music, Belwin, Eighth Note Publishing, and JonBubbettMusic.com. Sarah Burns, assistant professor of music education at Jacksonville State University, received her D.M.A. in Music Education from Shenandoah University (VA). She received the M.M.E. with Kodály emphasis from Capital University (OH) and the B.S. in School Music from Freed Hardeman University (TN). Dr. Burns has completed certification in both Kodály (Capital) and Orff-Schulwerk (Memphis) with training in Dalcroze Eurhythmics, World Music Drumming, and Montessori music education. She teaches undergraduate/graduate music education courses and supervises intern and practicum students. Research interests include historical research in music education, community music making, shape-note singing schools, and geriatric music engagement. David L. Caddell is the Director of Bands at Echols Middle School where he is completing his 18th year in education. Under his leadership, the middle school band program has grown to include over 300 students (grades 6-8). Mr. Caddell’s bands have received superior ratings at the ABA Music Performance Assessment and have performed at music festivals in Atlanta, GA; Gatlinburg, TN; and Orlando, FL. He has served as guest honor band conductor across the state of Alabama. He has presented clinics at AMEA, All-State Band, and ABA Summer Conference. He also serves as a cooperating teacher for The University of Alabama.Mr. Caddell holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees in Music Education. His professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, the Alabama Bandmasters Association, and the National Bandmasters Association.

Blair Callaway is currently an Instructor of Instrumental Music Education at Jacksonville State University. He received his Master of Arts Degree from the University of North Alabama in Florence, AL and his Bachelor of Science Degree from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL. Blair taught high school band for twenty-eight years in Georgia and Alabama. Blair is a member of the National Association for Music Education, Alabama Music Educators Association, American School Band Directors Association, National Band Association, Georgia Association of Jazz Educators, and the Epsilon Nu Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Exhibit Hall Reception Thursday, 4:30 - 5:30 PM VBC South Hall 1 hors d'oeuvres & cash/coupon bar Sponsors: Kaleidoscope Adventures and Southern Performances 46

AMEA 2024 Clinicians Francis Cathlina, D.M.A. (he/him) is a distinguished Vietnamese-American conductor and educator, known for his innovative programming that seamlessly weaves choral music with narrative. His transformative concert experiences invite audiences into a world where choral artistry becomes a powerful storytelling medium. A two-time GRAMMY-nominated educator, Dr. Cathlina serves as the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. He provides visionary leadership for the Choral Area, oversees the Doctoral and Master’s Choral Conducting program, and conducts the University Singers (flagship SATB choir) and Mazi (SSAA choir). As a first-generation musician, Dr. Cathlina’s Eastern heritage profoundly shapes his teaching. His dedication to collaboration and rigor has earned international recognition, including being named a 2023 National Finalist for The American Prize: Dale Warland Award in Choral Conducting (College Division). The UofM University Singers, under his direction, have been selected to perform at the 2024 Tennessee Music Educators Association Conference. Early in his career, the Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA) designated him the “Young Director of Distinction.” Dr. Cathlina holds a D.M.A. in conducting with a vocal pedagogy cognate from the University of North Texas, an M.M. from Michigan State University, and a B.M.E. from Baylor University. Before his doctorate, he taught in Texas public schools, working with elementary through high school-age singers. He is deeply grateful for the steadfast support of his husband, family, and friends, who embrace his unique blend of Vietnamese culture and Western upbringing. Dr. Cathlina, his husband Kyle, and their fur baby, Coco, proudly call Memphis, Tennessee, their home. www.franciscathlina.com Andrea Cevasco-Trotter is the Director and Professor of Music Therapy at The University of Alabama; she has taught there since 2006. She researches the effects of neurological music therapy interventions on premature infants and is known for her research with the aging population. Her research has been published in medical and music therapy journals. She has served as a member of the Editorial Committee for Music Therapy Perspectives and Journal of Music Therapy as well as the Board of Directors and Examination Committee for the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Michael Chambless is in his ninth year as Director of Bands at Thompson Middle School, and his tenth year of teaching. Mr. Chambless is a native of Hoover, Alabama and a graduate of Hoover High School. Prior to his time at Thompson, Mr. Chambless began his teaching career at Hillcrest and Duncanville Middle Schools in Tuscaloosa, AL. His bands have consistently received superior ratings at the Alabama Bandmasters Music Performance Assessment. The TMS Symphonic Band has performed at the 2018 University of Alabama Middle School Honor Band Festival, the 2022 Alabama Music Educators Association Conference, and the 2023 Southeastern Regional Music for All Concert Festival in Atlanta, GA. His bands have also performed in Orlando at both Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Mr. Chambless is also a two time recipient of the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence. Mr. Chambless holds a Bachelors of Science in Music Education from The University of Alabama and a Masters in Education from the American Band College at Central Washington University. Band, Million Dollar Band, and studied saxophone with Dr. Jon Noffsinger. His professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, National Band Association, Alabama Music Educators Association, and Alabama Bandmasters Association. He currently resides in Helena, Alabama with his wife Cindy, who is a professional musician, and their daughter Caroline.flute classes. Dr. Erin Charles is the Director of Visual and Performing Arts and Upper School Band Director at Randolph School, a private PK-12 school in Huntsville, Alabama. As an arts administrator, she oversees faculty members in the Fine Arts Department who specialize in band, choir, theatre, and visual arts. She serves as an advocate for Fine Arts in the Randolph and Huntsville community. Dr. Charles also enjoys directing the Upper School Concert Band and her main instrument is clarinet. Prior to her position at Randolph, Dr. Charles was a professor in the Music Education Department at the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Shane Colquhoun, Ph.D., is a Grammy-nominated music educator with a diverse musical background in music education and production. Shane is the Assistant Professor of Music Technology and Contemporary Music Styles at Alabama State University. He has published in General Music Today, the Media Journal in Music Education, and is the author of The Producers of Pop: A Comprehensive Plan for Studying Popular Music Producers.

Meredith DeVore has been the music specialist at Shades Mountain Elementary since 2016. At SMES, her singers have performed in the community and for state, local, and school board officials and participated in state festivals. She is certified in Orff-Schulwerk, Level I. She earned her Bachelor's of Music Education from Auburn University, graduating summa cum laude in 2008. Mrs. DeVore taught middle school choir for eight years, where her choirs consistently earned superior ratings at state and regional festivals, and her singers participated in All State and Young Voices Festivals. Mrs. DeVore coordinates the ACDA Young Voices Festival, and directs the Intermezzo Choir of the Birmingham Girls Choir. Mrs. DeVore is active in the music ministry at her church, Hunter Street Baptist. She is married to Elliott, and they have two children. She is a member of NAfME/AMEA, ACDA, and ACOE.

AMEA 2024 Clinicians Lexie Dishroon is a music educator in Birmingham, AL and teaches instrumental music and provides saxophone instruction to local schools and private students. She recently served as a graduate assistant at Samford University where she assisted with the Samford University Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, and Pep Band. Additionally, she instructs mixed-grade ensembles at Heritage Christian Academy. Lexie has presented scholarly research, taught instrumental ensembles, and conducted at a variety of levels, ranging from elementary to international. Lexie’s career aspirations are to shape the field of music education to be inclusive of all students of all abilities through her small business she recently started, Enabled Music Making. She received her undergraduate degree in music education from the University of North Alabama and completed her Masters of Music Education from Samford University. Ellary Draper is Associate Professor of Music Therapy at The University of Alabama. Dr. Draper has worked as a music therapist with a variety of ages and populations and as an elementary general music teacher. Currently she serves as the Chair of the Special Education Committee for the Alabama Music Educators Association. Her research focuses on inclusive music settings and is published in the Journal of Music Therapy, Journal of Research in Music Education, UPDATE: Applications of Research in Music Education, General Music Today, and Ala Breve. She is a Faculty Fellow in the Collaborative Arts Research Initiative at The University of Alabama. She holds degrees in music education and music therapy from Westminster Choir College, Florida State University, and The University of Texas at Austin.

Greg Gilpin is a celebrated ASCAP award-winning choral composer and arranger and a highly respected choral conductor. He is known throughout the United States leading performances at New York City’s iconic Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center as well as Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. His international appearances include the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia, Royal Festival Hall in London, England and Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland. Mr. Gilpin is also a producer and musician in the recording industry and is Director of Educational Choral Publications for Shawnee Press, a distinguished choral publisher. The music world is coming back to life and Mr. Gilpin is excited to be teaching, composing, conducting and organizing! He is a proud member of ACDA, NAfME, SAG-AFTRA, and is a Life Loyal Member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Dr. Joseph Gray is the Associate Director of Bands and trumpet instructor at the University of North Alabama. Before coming to Florence, he served on the music faculty at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and as a senior instrumentalist with the U.S. Army Music Program. Dr. Gray is principal trumpet with the Shoals Symphony Orchestra and performs regularly with the Huntsville and Chattanooga Symphony Orchestras. He has performed with orchestras across the country, including the Alabama, New Mexico and Madison Symphony Orchestras and held the position of Principal Trumpet with Opera Southwest. He has been involved in the drum corps activity for over 25 years. As a performer, he was a member of the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. As an educator, he has served on the educational staffs for the Academy and Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. Dr. Gray completed his DMA in trumpet performance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Music where he was a recipient of the Eugene M. Bolz Fellowship. Dr. Gray completed his Master of Music at the University of New Mexico and his Bachelor of Music at the California State University, Long Beach. Vince Guerrero is a former middle school band director and elementary music teacher. He earned his BA in Music from American University where he performed with multiple ensembles including the AU Symphonic Band, Jazz Workshop, and Saxophone Quartet. He was also active in the Pride of San Antonio Showband until moving to Nashville, TN in 2021. Here he began at QuaverEd as a Customer Service Specialist and now serves as a Music Specialist Trainer.

Andrea Hayter has been in the field of education for 12 years with experience both in elementary music and English as a Second Language. She has taught in private schools, public schools, and abroad. In 2019, she won the Teacher of Excellence Award from the Arlington Masonic Lodge for her work building community in the classroom. Her teacher training seminars help empower teachers with strategies to manage their classrooms and engage every student.

Heather M. Henson graduated from Samford University and began her teaching career in Jefferson County at Gardendale HS, Oak Grove HS, and Pittman MS. She was the visual coordinator, clarinet instructor, and winter guard director for Brookwood HS for twelve years. The last sixteen years Ms. Henson has built a music program at American Christian Academy where she directs the Symphonic, Marching, Intermediate, Beginning, and Royal Bluezz Jazz Bands. She teaches HS Choir, Music Theory, MS Speech, and is the advisor for the Tri-M chapter. Professional memberships include the NAfME, NBA, AMEA, Women Band Directors International, and the International Clarinet Association.

AMEA 2024 Clinicians John Hillsman is a native of Tifton, Georgia. Upon graduation from Tift County High School, he attended Troy State University. He currently holds a Bachelor, a Master, and a Specialist Degree in Music Education from TSU (now Troy University). While at Troy State, Mr. Hillsman served as the drum major of the nationally recognized “Sound of the South” Marching Band. He has served as the drum major and a staff member of the McDonald’s All-American Band. Before accepting his current position as band director at Beauregard High School in Beauregard, Alabama, Mr. Hillsman was the band director at Hawkinsville High School, Westover High School, Washington County High School, and Jeff Davis High School. This year marks his thirty-ninth as a music educator in the states of Georgia and Alabama, and his ninth as the band director at Beauregard High School. Jerell Horton has been the band director at Vestavia Hills since 2006. He is a graduate of Samford University. Prior to his appointment at Vestavia Hills High School, he served as the assistant director at Pizitz Middle School and Vestavia Hills High School. While at Vestavia Hills, the bands have consistently earned superior rating at District and State concert band assessments. The Vestavia Hills Wind Ensemble performed at the 2011 Alabama Music Educators Conference, and the Music for All National Concert Band Festival in 2013. The Vestavia Hills High School Rebel Marching Band performed in the 2010 London New Year’s Day Parade in London, England and the 2018 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland. In January 2024, the Rebel Marching Band will perform in the Rome New Year’s Day Parade. The Vestavia Hills High School band was awarded the National Program of Excellence Southern Division Blue Ribbon Award presented by the National Band Association. Mr. Horton has served as an honor band clinician within the states of Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia. Mr. Horton is a National Board Certified teacher and was named to SBO magazine’s 2014 list of 50 Directors Who Make a Difference. Mr. Horton was honored to serve on 2017 and 2022 Music for All Tournament of Roses teaching staff. He is married to Monica Horton (also an educator) and they have four children, Madina Jaimes, Israel, Chism, and Loula Grayce. Lee Johnson is the Professor of Composition and Technology at Auburn University and has a deep commitment to the creation and presentation of symphonic, cross-over, hybrid, and virtual music in nontraditional ways. He has conducted and recorded his music with the London Symphony Orchestra at the famed Abbey Road Studios, The Russian National Orchestra at Mosfilm Studios, the London Session Orchestra, the Center for Contemporary Music Moscow at the Moscow Conservatory, and with numerous session orchestras and session musicians. His compositions have been performed by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Georgia Film Orchestra, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Centre for Contemporary Music Moscow, the Cabrillo Festival Orchestra, the Kings Bishop Virtuosi, the California Symphony Orchestra, the Vega String Quartet, the Mankato Symphony Orchestra, the Alton Symphony Orchestra, the University City Symphony Orchestra, the Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra, as well as ensembles from Auburn University, the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, the University of West Florida, Minnesota State University, Saint Xavier University, and many others. Dead Symphony No. 6, composed and conducted by Lee Johnson, spent three weeks on Billboard’s Top Classical Albums Chart. Aaron Jamal Kennedy is currently a 5th-year PreK-5 General Music Teacher/Show Choir Director at Oak Park Elementary School. Jamal holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in Instrumental Music PK-12 at the University of North Alabama. During his time at UNA, Jamal took part in various ensembles, including the UNA Composition Studio. In 2018, he received an award from the AMEA Young Composer’s Competition. In 2022, Jamal was also the recipient of the Alabama Arts Alliance Grant. He is also co-owner of The Chromatic Duo, a podcast that advocates for Black Music Educators, with his wife, Lily. Lillian Kennedy is currently a 5th year PreK-5 General Music Teacher/Show Choir Director at Woodmeade Elementary School. Lillian holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in Instrumental Music PK-12 from the University of North Alabama. During her time at UNA, she participated in the UNA Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble/Group, and Shoals Symphony. Lillian was nominated as the 2022-2023 New Teacher of the Year at her current position and continues to promoteexcellence for her students. She is also co-owner of The Chromatic Duo, a podcast that advocates for Black Music Educators, with her husband, Jamal. Erika J. Knapp is an Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of North Texas where she teaches both undergraduate and graduate coursework in music education. She holds a Ph.D. in Music Education from Michigan State University and specializes in early childhood and elementary education. An active presenter and guest clinician/conductor, Dr. Knapp has shared her scholarship and passion for teaching at national and international venues, where she focuses on inclusive practice and empowering educators to create active, joyful musical experiences for their students. Additionally, she is an Orff Pedagogy teacher for the American Orff Schulwerk Association and teaches levels I and II courses across the United States. Dr. Mary Land is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Music Education at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She conducts the University Concert Band and teaches courses in instrumental music education. Before moving to higher education, Dr. Land was a public-school band director in Georgia for over twenty-five years where she developed an outstanding band program in Pickens County, Georgia. Bands under Mary Land’s direction have received invitations to perform at numerous music conferences and clinics. Dr. Land is an active adjudicator, conductor, and clinician throughout the United States and serves as a clinician for the Conn Selmer Division of Education. Her professional affiliations include: MSBOA, NAfME, IAJE, CBDNA, Pi Kappa Lambda American Honor Society.

AMEA 2024 Clinicians Dr. Gregory W. LeFils Jr. is a visiting assistant professor of choral music education at Stetson University, in DeLand, Florida. His duties include teaching music education classes and supervising student teachers. Dr. LeFils holds a Ph.D. in music education from The Florida State University. Dr. LeFils’ professional experience includes directing two secondary choral music programs in Florida, conducting The Orlando Chorale and The Orlando Chamber Choir, and singing/soloing/guest conducting the Festival Singers of Florida. His research interests include teacher effectiveness, music teacher curriculum and training, and choral history. Dr. LeFils has presented over 20 state and national research and educational clinics throughout the region including the annual conferences of Music Education Associations in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, and Florida, as well as other various workshops for music educators in central Florida. His dissertation is entitled The History of the Stetson University Concert Choir. In addition to his roles as researcher and educator, Dr. LeFils maintains an active agenda as a speaker, clinician, and adjudicator across the region. 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. Originally from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, 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 became the first horn player worldwide, certified to teach the Suzuki Method for horn in 2018. She serves on the Brass Committee for the International Suzuki Association and is the lead developer of the materials for the Suzuki Horn Method. She is a frequent lecturer, speaking 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. She serves as the International Horn Society’s Area Representative for Alabama, and as News Editor for The Horn Call. She can be heard on recordings with the Wind Symphony of the University of Florida (Durian Music, Stravinsky and Friends) and the American Wind Symphony (Music of the Americas). Her teachers have included Charles “Skip” Snead, Paul Basler, Patrick Miles, and Michael J. Arendt. Morgan Luttig is the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Alabama. An active conductor, music educator, and clinician, Luttig is recognized for her service to the American Choral Directors Association, most notably as Honor Choirs Chair for the 2022 and 2020 Southern Region Conferences. Luttig previously served as Visiting Choral Director at her alma mater, Washington and Lee University, and taught K-12 choral and general music in Savannah, GA and Princeton, NJ. Luttig earned her PhD in Music Education (Choral Conducting) from Florida State University and a Master of Music Education degree (Choral Emphasis) from Westminster Choir College. A native of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Brooke Mason began teaching at Duncanville Middle School in 2021. Ms. Mason previously taught at Sipsey Valley Middle and High School from 2016-2019. Between her time at Sipsey Valley and Duncanville, Ms. Mason earned her Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Alabama. While at UA, she worked with the Million Dollar Band, and taught classes such as Teaching Instrumental Music, Teaching Brass Methods, and Basics in Music. Ms. Mason has presented research at the AMEA Conference, the GMEA Conference, and the NAfME Music Research and Teacher Education Conference. Harry McAfee spent 11 years building an exceptional program at Bottenfield Jr. High. He also had the experience of rebuilding the Shades Valley Band from 29 students to over 230 before moving to the award-winning Hoover High School. Mr. McAfee developed successful programs through effective means of recruiting, retention, planning, and teaching. He continues to teach privately and to mentor young teachers in the Birmingham area. He embraces opportunities to share his experience and expertise with young teachers struggling to develop their programs. Mr. McAfee was recently inducted into the Phi Beta Mu Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame. Michelle McDonald is a graduate of Troy University and started her teaching career in Ozark City Schools in 2007 as the director of bands for D.A. Smith Middle School and the associate band director at Carroll High School. Currently, Mrs. McDonald is the band director at Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools -Middle and co-directs the Music Industries program of the Tuscaloosa Fine Arts Academy at Bryant High School in the Tuscaloosa City Schools system. She is actively involved in com unity outreach to bring awareness and support for the performing arts, having served as the Director for the Dothan community band, founding board member of the Dale county performing arts Council, director of the Dale County community choir, and founding member of the Alabama Music Industries Education Association. Michelle McDonald has served as a clinician and adjudicator across Alabama and had the great honor of serving as a guest clinician for the Middle School SEUS Honor Band. Professional memberships include Alabama Music Industries Education Association, National Association for Music Education, Alabama Bandmasters Association, Women Bandirectors International, Music Will Teacher, and Alabama Music Industry Educators Association. Dr. Laura Moore is Chair of the Music Department at the University of South Alabama, where she also serves as the Director of Choral Activities and teaches conducting and music history at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Dr. Moore has served as the President of Alabama ACDA and Registrar for the Alabama chapter of NATS. She serves as a visiting evaluator for the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and currently serves on the Board of Directors of NASM as Chair of Region 8. Dr. Moore is active as a collaborative pianist, adjudicator, clinician, music director, and church musician.

AMEA 2024 Clinicians Andrew Mills is a life-long learner and musician in his tenth year of teaching, the last four having been at Florence Middle School in Florence, Alabama. In addition to teaching, Andrew conducts the choir at Sheffield Methodist Church and directs music for Summerstock at the Ritz (Sheffield, AL). His career has afforded him opportunities to teach k-5 general music, beginning band, beginning piano, middle and high school choir, and undergraduate music methodology courses. In the classroom, Andrew strives to foster passionate, intelligent music-making that is responsive to students’ needs and identities. Andrew holds a B.S.Ed. in Music Education from the University of North Alabama, M.M.Ed from Gordon College, and is pursuing a PhD from Auburn University. Andrew's life outside of music is centered on his family, including his wife Suzanne Reese-Mills and his spirited sons Jesse and Rory. Jacob Morgan is an accomplished young music educator based in McDonough, Georgia. Under the direction of Jacob, the Union Grove Middle School (UGMS) Band Program has increased enrollment of the band program to its largest size in program history and has consistently earned Superior Ratings at Large Group Performance Evaluation. While serving as Director of Bands at UGMS, Jacob was also elected to serve as the Band Chair for District VI of the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA), developed the Henry County Unit Plans, Learning Progressions, and Learning Targets for Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Middle School Band, presented professional development sessions to other teachers in Henry County Schools, and has served as a Mentor to new band directors in the county. As an advocate for education, Jacob has presented at the Maryland, Delaware, South Carolina, and Georgia Music Educators’ Association conferences. Jacob has also hosted and organized many different GMEA events, including District Band Auditions and Allstate Band Auditions. Jacob is a graduate of Kennesaw State University (KSU) with a Bachelors’s in Music Education and also serves as the Vice President of “The Marching Owls” Alumni Society of Kennesaw State University. Dr. Cara Morantz is Assistant Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She teaches the UAB Marching Blazers and Blazer Bands, directs the UAB Symphony Band, and teaches courses in music education and aural skills. Prior to her arrival at UAB, Dr. Morantz spent nine years in the public schools of Cobb County, Georgia, where she taught at both the middle school and high school levels. From 2005-2007, she served as assistant director of bands at Lassiter High School. She also served as assistant director of bands on the faculty at Cooper Middle School (20072012) and Durham Middle School (2012-2014). Gena Inglis Nix is graduate of Jacksonville State University. She was a member of the Leadership Staff in the Marching Southerners as serving as Drum Major from 1997-1999. Gena is currently in her 23rd year as band director. She is in her third as band director at Ohatchee High School. Previous teaching experience includes J.B. Pennington High School, Northwest Whitfield Middle School, and Gaston High School. Gena is an active member of NAfME, AMEA, and Sigma Alpha Iota. In 2022, and the Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu. Gena served ABA District 2 as chairman and vice-chairman 2019-2022. Dr. Diane Orlofsky (Professor Emerita of Music and Music Education) recently completed her 37th year of teaching at Troy University where she was also the Director of Choirs (2006 -2022). She currently serves as the Graduate Music Education Coordinator/Advisor in addition to her role as half-time Lecturer. Orlofsky was the first recipient of the AMEA Lacey Powell Outstanding Music Educator award (2016) and she remains an active clinician, conductor, lecturer, adjudicator and researcher. She is currently writing a third book which focuses on the archival collection of Jerome Bruner at Harvard University. Heather Palmer is in her 21st year as a music educator in the state of Alabama. She has been the associate director of bands at Vestavia Hills High School in Birmingham Alabama since 2004. She received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Samford University. Throughout her career, her bands have consistently earned superior ratings at Music Performance Assessment and other band festivals. Mrs. Palmer has been a marching band adjudicator, guest clinician, and guest conductor. She is a member of the National Association of Music Educators, AMEA, ABA, and the Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. Will Panter is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Wind Conducting at Western Michigan University, where he also serves as a Graduate Assistant. His time at Western has allowed him to serve as the Graduate Assistant Conductor with the University Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and Concert Bands. He also works directly in the teaching and leading of the WMU Bronco Athletic Bands. Before moving to Michigan, Panter served as the Assistant Director of Bands at South Effingham Middle School, where he worked with various concert, marching, and small ensembles. Prior to this appointment, Panter graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree in 2021. Panter was honored as a Presidential Scholar for his time at UGA and chosen as the School of Music Convocation Speaker. Leadership Development and Mentorship Programming are very important facets of Panter’s passion for creating new generations of capable and effective leaders. From various work in his undergraduate degree within UGA’s Center for Leadership and Service, spearheading a new leadership development curriculum for his middle school students, and continuing to provide resources for collegiate students at WMU and high school students across the state of Georgia, Panter enjoys empowering musicians to discover their true potential as leaders in the world.

AMEA 2024 Clinicians Regina Yates Raney completed her 33rd year in public education and her 22nd year as the band director at Austin Middle/Junior High School. Mrs. Raney earned her Bachelors of Music Education, BS in Math Education, and Master of Arts in Education from the University of North Alabama. She earned her EdS from the University of Montevallo. Mrs. Raney earned her National Board Certification in 2005. She regularly conducts honor bands throughout the southeast. She was the ABA District 1 Chairman. She holds memberships in NAfME, AMEA, NBA, ASBDA, Phi Kappa Phi, Kappa Mu Epsilon, Tau Beta Sigma, and Phi Beta Mu. Male soprano and voice teacher Tamarceo Shaw is from Florence, Mississippi. He graduated from Simpson College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music (Voice), Austin Peay State University with a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance, and Auburn University with an Educational Specialist degree in Vocal Music Education. Tamarceo’s research is in vocal pedagogy. He has presented his research at conferences through MTNA, ACDA, and NAfME. In 2022, he was awarded a Teacher Enrichment Grant by the MTNA Foundation Fund. Currently, Tamarceo is working on his Doctor of Philosophy in Vocal Music Education at Auburn University.

Jeanette Shorey is National Board Certified music teacher with over 2 decades of experience teaching general music, choir, Orff ensembles, and group guitar. Jeanette is an Arts Integration Specialist, an instructional coach, a National presenter and a mentor. She has studied Arts Integration at The Kennedy Center through their CETA program and has completed Orff Levels I & II. She has presented at MEA’s all over the country and mentors music teachers through The Happy Music Teacher Academy. Jeanette is the author of resource books, Stories That Sing and Stories That Sing Too! Dr. Brandon Slocumb is an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of Music at Huntingdon College where he was awarded the Dr. and Mrs. John N. Todd III Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2023. At Huntingdon, Dr. Slocumb teaches Low Brass, Music History and Music Education courses. His previous experience includes teaching at LaGrange College, Birmingham-Southern College, Alabama A & M University, and Samford University. From 2009-18 he operated a substantial low brass studio in the Birmingham area while working as a freelance trombonist. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Samford University and Master’s and Doctoral degrees in trombone from the University of North Texas and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Dr. Heather Small is associate professor of flute at Troy Univ. (AL) and a masterclass clinician in the southeast. She teaches music theory, class woodwinds, applied flute and directs the flute ensemble. In January 2023, Dr. Small conducted the Troy flute ensemble in a showcase concert at the Florida Flute Association Conference in Orlando, Fl. She serves as competition coordinator for the National Flute Association Newly Published Music Competition and is currently the Faculty Senate president at Troy. Her degrees include: BME, Oberlin; MM, Univ. of North Texas; DM (flute performance), Florida State Univ. Dr. Morgan Soja is the Director of Music Education at Samford University. She earned her PhD and MM in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and her BM in Music Education from Bowling Green State University. She has certificates in Kodaly levels I and II, Orff Level I, II, and III, and GIML Introductions to MLT and Elementary General Music coursework. Soja is an active participant in the Supporting Beginning Music Teachers area of strategic planning and action of SMTE. She has presented frequently at state and national NAfME conferences.

Jonathan Steltzer is a saxophonist at Fort Stewart in Hinesville, GA with the 3rd ID Army Band. Jonathan has presented at various conferences including the International Saxophone Symposium, ClarinetFest, American Single Reed Summit, North American Saxophone Alliance Regional and International Conferences and the South Carolina, Maryland, Georgia, South Carolina, and Delaware Music Educator Association Conferences. In 2022, Jonathan was selected as a Grammy Music Educator Quarter-Finalist. Jonathan is a graduate of Kennesaw State University in 2020 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. Becky Warren served 40 years as a Band Director. She is the NDMEA Distinguished Service Award recipient and Founder of Warren Music Consulting. In Alabama, Mrs. Warren was active as ABA Chairman for Districts 2 and 3, President-elect of the ABA, and President of AMEA. She served on the Board of NDMEA. She is a member of NAfME, NBA, NDMEA, MEA, and Phi Beta Mu. Becky has served as a clinician, adjudicator, professional development speaker, and guest conductor in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, Iowa, and the International Music Camp. Three of her clinics and numerous Chat Rooms have been presented at the Midwest. She has also been published in The Instrumentalist Magazine.

AMEA 2024 Clinicians Matt Weaver is the Director of Bands at Southside High School in Southside (Gadsden), Alabama. He is a 2012 graduate of JSU and a 2020 graduate of UWG. Under his direction, the Southside Wind Ensemble was selected to perform at the 2018 AMEA Professional Development Conference. He and his wife Haley met while in the band at JSU. They have three sons, Benton, Pearson, and Callon. The Weavers reside in Southside and attend Rainbow Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Rainbow City, AL where Matt serves as Minister of Music. P. Justin White currently serves as the Interim Director of Bands at Samford University. Before Samford, Justin served as Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Alabama and Director of Bands at Thompson High School. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and received a Master’s in conducting from the University of North Texas. While at UNT, Justin was a conducting student of Nicholas Williams, Dennis Fisher, and Eugene Corporon. In 2020, he was selected winner of The American Prize in Conducting and outstanding young band director by the Alabama chapter of Phi Beta Mu. Dr. Anne C. Witt recently retired from the University of Alabama, after a 53-year career of teaching music. She taught strings/orchestra in middle and high school in Austin, TX, before beginning her university career at the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of Alabama. She has also taught private cello and piano lessons, and classes for retired adults. Her greatest joy comes from seeing her students succeed. 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, Dr. Witt organized a community initiative to fund the start-up of a strings program for the Tuscaloosa City Schools, called Strings in Schools. After 18 years, over 2500 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. She also began the Adult Strings program, the Adult String Weekend and Cellobration Day at UA. Dr. Witt has served as President of the Texas Orchestra Directors Association, National President of ASTA and state of Alabama ASTA President. She continues to be active in these associations, the All State Orchestra Festival and as a guest conductor. She is a frequent presenter at AMEA, focusing on practical topics in the “use it on Monday” category. She continues teaching young musicians as an active volunteer in the public schools. As an active performer, Dr. Hui-Ting Yang has performed throughout the Czech Republic, China, Korea, Taiwan, and the United States. Hui-Ting received the Doctor of Music in Collaborative/Chamber Music and the Master of Music in Accompanying from Florida State University, the Master of Music in Piano Performance from Ohio University, and the Bachelor of Music Education from Taipei Municipal University of Education. Dr. Yang is currently an Associate Professor of Piano at John M. Long School of Music, where she serves as the Coordinator of Piano Studies and received the Troy University 2009 Faculty Senate Excellence Award.

Dr. Damion Womack, a GRAMMY nominated Music Educator has dedicated over twenty years serving as an inspirational and motivational conductor, educator, and administrator, at the elementary, middle, high school, collegiate, and professional levels. Dr. Womack has served as Director of Choral Activities at Mississippi College and Chair of Fine Arts and Director of Choral Activities at Huntingdon College. Currently, Dr. Womack has been reappointed as Director of Arts at The Montgomery Academy where he previously received the McLemore Award for Excellence in Teaching. Choral ensembles under the direction of Dr. Womack have performed by juried invitation for regional and national conventions of The American Choral Directors Association and The National Association for Music Education. Dr. Womack is in demand as a guest conductor and clinician. He has presented workshops and lectures for ACDA and NAfME conventions. His research topics include choral tone, unified and expressive singing, and word stress. Dr. Womack has conducted choral festivals for ACDA and MEA organizations across the United States. Dr. Womack currently serves as President- Elect Designate for ACDA Southern Region and ACDA National Youth Choirs Coordinator. In addition he has served on numerous planning committees for ACDA Southern Region Conferences. Dr. Womack holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC and holds Music Education degrees from Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University. 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.

James Champion - 55 years

Mary Hughes - 35 years

Tim Hammond - 25 years

Ted Mann - 50 years

Steve Price - 35 years

Margaret Heron - 25 years

Harry McAfee - 50 years

James Simpson - 35 years

Kelly Hollingsworth - 25 years

Christopher Rowe - 50 years

Brent Coleman - 30 years

Spencer Johnson - 25 years

Dane Lawley - 45 years

Chris Cooper - 30 years

John Kincaid - 25 years

Bonnie Lipscomb - 45 years

Rhonda Tucker - 30 years

Christopher Pryor - 25 years

Robert Sheehan - 45 years

Wiley Chester Bean - 25 years

David Raney - 25 years

Rebecca Walker - 45 years

Heather Cantwell - 25 years

Chris Smith - 25 years

Connie Hammond - 40 years

Julia Cook - 25 years

Sheila Sparks - 25 years

Debora Mayes - 40 years

Douglas Farris - 25 years

Christopher Walker - 25 years

Larry Batchelor - 35 years

Richard Good - 25 years

Michael Wilson - 25 years

Jeff Burnside - 35 years

Debbie Gray - 25 years

Rita Wright - 25 years

Barbara Odom Distinguished Service Award 2019

Dr. Carl B. Hancock, The University of Alabama

2007

Steve McLendon, Dothan High School

2015

Garry Taylor, AMEA Executive Director

2006

Darry Pilkington, Hoover High School

2012

Joe Hull, Tuscaloosa Music Shop

2005

Dr. John M. Long, Troy University

2011

Gene Gooch, ABA Executive Director

2004

Lacey Powell, AMEA President & Executive Director

2010

Tony Pike, Davidson High School

2003

Greta Champlin, Huntsville City Schools

2008

Rhonda Tucker, Shades Cahaba Elementary School

AMEA Outstanding Administrators 2024

Dr. Brad Hunter, Lee County Schools

2007

Jane Baker, Principal, Shades Valley High School

2023

Dr. Laura Tate, Edgewood Elementary School

2005

Ray Winegar, Opelika City Schools

2022

Dr. Chad Holden, Muscle Shoals City Schools

2004

David Miles, Pizitz Middle School

2021

Dr. Dee Dee Jones, Hartselle City Schools

2003

Earl Franks, Luverne High School

2019

Dr. Deidra Robinson, Albertville High School

2002

Geoffrey Spann, Troy Elementary School

2018

Dr. L. Wayne Vickers, Alabaster City Schools

1999

Dr. Mary Ann Culotta, Jefferson County Schools

2017

Dr. Mark Richardson, Vestavia Hills Elem. East

1998

David Earl Carter, Enterprise High School

2015

Dianne Johnson, Jefferson County Schools

1997

Lewis Copeland, Davidson High School

2014

Dr. Bill Cleveland, Homewood City Schools

1995

James Lambert, Monroeville Jr. High

2013

Reba Caldwell,Tuscaloosa County High School

1992

Michael Gross, Vestavia Hills High School

2013

Dr. Vic Wilson, Mountain Brook High School

1989

Terry Wilkerson, Monroeville Jr. High

2012

Jim Jeffers, Tallassee City Schools

1988

Kenneth Abbott, Hewitt-Trussville High School

2011

Rita Thomas, Hillcrest High School

1987

Robert Chapman,Simmons Middle School

2010

Michael Reed, Hartselle City Schools

1985

R. A. Ginn, Pinson Elementary School

2008

Dr. Phillip Hammonds, Jefferson County Schools

1983

John Allen Pickard, Selma City Schools

AMEA Hall of Fame Diane Orlofsky, Class of 2024

Gerald Welker - Class of 2009

Garry Taylor, Class of 2023

Gene Black, Inaugural Class of 2008

Clifford “Ski” Winter, Class of 2022

Carleton Butler, Inaugural Class of 2008

Ken Berg, Class of 2021

Ed Cleino, Inaugural Class of 2008

Yale Ellis, Class of 2021

William Dawson, Inaugural Class of 2008

Ken Williams, Class of 2021

William Denison, Inaugural Class of 2008

Jerry Bobo - Class of 2020

Gene Gooch, Inaugural Class of 2008

Harry McAfee - Class of 2020

Wilbur Hinton, Inaugural Class of 2008

Sharon McCann August, Class of 2019

Dianne Johnson, Inaugural Class of 2008

Theresa McKibben - Class of 2016

John M. Long, Inaugural Class of 2008

Vicki Portis - Class of 2016

Floyd McClure, Inaugural Class of 2008

John Bradley - Class of 2015

Frances Moss, Inaugural Class of 2008

Bill Brunner - Class of 2015

Eleanor Nation, Inaugural Class of 2008

Jim Duren - Class of 2015

Lacey Powell, Inaugural Class of 2008

Curtis Hollinger - Class of 2013

James Simpson, Inaugural Class of 2008

Billy R. (Rip) Reagan - Class of 2012

Thomas Smith, Inaugural Class of 2008

Joseph C. Riemer, Jr. - Class of 2010

Hugh Thomas, Inaugural Class of 2008

Roland Lister - Class of 2009

Orland Thomas, Inaugural Class of 2008

Pat Morrow - Class of 2009

Johnnie Vinson, Inaugural Class of 2008

David Walters - Class of 2009

Lacey Powell Outstanding Music Educators 2023

Heather Cantwell, Liberty Park Middle School

2009

Dr. Leslie Welker, Hillcrest Middle School

2022

Carrie Cruz, McCalla Elementary School

2007

Dr. Johnnie Vinson, Auburn University

2021

Dr. Anna "Becky" Haliday, Univ. of Montevallo

1996

Frances Moss, Calhoun Community College

2020

Deanna Bell, Vestavia Hills Elementary East

1993

Lacey Powell, AMEA President & Executive Director

2019

Dr. Rob Lyda, Cary Woods Elem. School, Auburn

1992

Bobby McCullar, Minor High School

2018

Kim Bain, Pizitz Middle School

1991

Ted Galloway, Vestavia Hills High School

2016

Diane Orlofsky, Troy University

1990

Dianne Johnson , Jefferson County Schools

2015

Lea Hoppe, Randolph School

1989

Bill Brunner, Austin High School

2013

Gene Inglis, Saks High School

1988

Hugh Thomas, Birmingham Southern College

2012

Regina Noland, Tuscaloosa City Schools

1987

Jerry Bobo, Fayette County High School

2011

Paul Edmondson, Gadsden City High School

1985

Wilbur "Bodie" Hinton, Auburn University

2010

Michael T. Nix, Lauderdale County Schools

1983

Dr. John M. Long, Troy University

Ed Cleino Outstanding Young Music Educators 2024 2021 2018 2017

Matthew Gardner, Austin High S Sadie Wall, Edgewood Elementary School Justin White, Thompson High School Will Parker, Straughan High School

2016 2015 2014

Taylor Cash, Albertville City Schools Gene Butler, Trinity Presbyterian School Jim Schaeffer, Hueytown High School

N ATIONAL B OARD C ERTIFIED T EACHERS IN M USIC

Certified in 2023 Patrick Dailey, Arab City Schools Susan Henderson, Mobile, Alabama Nicole Kmoch, Decatur City Schools James Rogers, Mountain Brook City Schools

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

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 Patrick Dailey, Arab City Schools 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 Nathaniel Haskew, Albertville City Schools Susan Henderson, Mobile, Alabama 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 Crystal King, Selma City Schools Nicole Kmoch, Decatur City Schools Matthew Martindale, Shelby County Schools Lee Mason, Birmingham City School District Brian Neugent, Hoover City School District Regina Raney, Decatur City School District James Rogers, Mountain Brook City Schools 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

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, Trussville 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 A&M University Music Department Alabama A&M Music Department. Booth 56 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. As a member-driven organization, we are committed to advancing the cause of public education, and we believe every child deserves a quality education. Every Child. Every Opportunity. Booth 66 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 64 Alabama Symphony Orchestra The Alabama Symphony Orchestra has entertained and enriched audiences for almost 100 years, playing a variety of classical and popular music and hosting performances by some of the finest guest artists in the world. The 53 talented musicians of the ASO bring to life some of the world's most treasured musical masterpieces and introduce listeners to exciting new works and composers, performing 100 concerts annually. Booth 32 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! Booth L Andy’s Music Andy's Music is a full-service family owned and operated music retailer based in Mobile, Alabama, serving the Gulf Coast since 1977. We offer nationally competitive prices, a school-tailored student rental program, and have one of the best repair shops in the Southeast. Our educational support team includes school representatives that work first-hand with band and orchestra directors. We have a program-building, comprehensive, recruitment plan for partner schools. Find us on ClassWallet, an online purchasing platform for many schools. Visit our booth for an introduction and to collaborate musical goals. Booths 46 & 52 Apperone Apperone is an on-trip travel app for students, chaperones, parents and administrators. We provide real-time itineraries, electronic scanning of students on and off transportation, geo-fencing and real-time tracking of students, as well as chat and photo sharing features. Booth 42 Argonne Tours Argonne Tours is a full-service travel company specializing in group tours. With over 30 years of travel industry and performing arts experience, our goal is to customize a memorable and hassle-free trip for the director, staff, chaperones and students. Let us give you a quote! Booth 26 Art’s Music Shop, Inc. Serving the musical needs of the southeast sInce 1905; convention exhibit features an extensive array of educational and instrumental music for today's school bands: concert band, solos and ensembles, jazz ensembles, resource materials, and much more. Booths B&H Auburn University Department of Music The Department of Music at Auburn University is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). It offers an impressive number of instrumental, chamber, and vocal ensembles, which are open to all students, regardless of major. Booth 8 AWB Apparel Apparel. Booths 47 & 48 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 19 Best in Class Tours Youth tour company specializing in band and Choir trips. Booth 5 Birmingham-Southern College Division of Visual and Performing Arts A private liberal arts college in Birmingham featuring three degrees for music majors including the Bachelor of Music Education with either vocal/choral or instrumental emphasis and the Bachelor of Musical Arts. The 10:1 student/teacher ratio typifies the personal attention students receive. Lessons in all instruments and voice are private, and the average class size is 13 students. BSC's ensembles include the famed BSC Concert Choir, the Hilltop Singers, Symphonic Band and Jazz Band, as well as opportunities for chamber music and playing in an orchestral ensemble. Booth 38

The Exhibitors Brass Band of Huntsville Alabama's own, the Brass Band of Huntsville (BBoH), will host and compete in the 2024 North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) Championships in the Von Braun Center on 5-6 April 2024. Founded in 2001, BBoH is an all volunteer, 501(c)3 non-profit corporation and founding resident tenant in the Sandra Moon Community Center, where BBoH has launched the Youth Brass Academy (YBA) to expand the opportunities for life-changing experiences in brass banding. Booth 39 Custom Fundraising Solutions Mattress Fundraiser and Contact Free fundraisers that has helped Bands in Alabama raise over $2,000,000 Booth 24 DeMoulin Brothers & Company DeMoulin is the oldest and largest manufacturer of music performance group apparel in the world. We manufacture an endless range of uniforms for Marching Bands, Concert Bands, Color Guard, Choir and many other music related performance groups. The products offered include: custom and in-stock marching band uniforms, formal wear for men and women, guard uniforms and the largest selection of accessory products found anywhere. By combining our experience and craftsmanship in garment manufacturing with the most current design elements and quality standards, DeMoulin Bros. and Co. continues to lead the industry in all fields. DeMoulin Brothers & Company - now in its 132nd year continues to serve the world's quality apparel needs offering full-time representation and complete uniform and accessory lines. Booth N Drum Major Leadership Academy The Drum Major Leadership Academy brings high value, low cost leadership training to more than 5,000 student leaders from 500+ band programs nationwide!We specialize in virtual and in-person learning experiences including:- District Leadership Camps- Drum Major Camps- Drum Major Lessons- National Competitions- Online Courses and more!Want to schedule a leadership clinic for next marching season? Say hello and ask us how! Booth 29 Eastman Music Company The Eastman Music Company family of brand including Eastman, Wm. S. Haynes Co., S.E. Shires Co., Backun Musical Services, Willson, Laskey Mouthpieces, and Bourgeois Guitars—proudly makes handcrafted instruments for players of all skill levels and needs. Learn more about Eastman Music Company at www.eastmanmusiccompany.com. Booths 54 & 55 Fink’s Music LLC Music store, school, and fundraising. Booth 6 First Class Tours Charter bus company providing transportation locally & nationwide. Booth 35 Fred J. Miller, Inc. The Cesario Collection Uniform Performance Wear, manufactured by FJM, Inc., provides the highest level of well-crafted, 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. FJM has developed the hottest thing going in the uniform industry today. Digital print! Now the imagination of FJM designer Michael Cesario is no longer limited by the constraints of old-fashioned construction allowances. FJM has perfected the art of digital print for band uniforms, investing the time, effort and resources in product development to bring you the most visually stunning uniforms available today. Booth 1 Fruhauf Uniforms/Marchmaster 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. Booth C Fun Spot America Theme Parks Fun Spot America debuted on December 24, 1997, as a small five-acre park with go-karts, rides and an arcade. Twenty-five years later, Fun Spot America Theme Parks now feature more than 100 acres of family fun across three diverse and unique locations. The flagship Orlando location includes the city’s first wooden roller coaster in its 31-ride collection. With 29 rides, the Kissimmee park boasts the world’s tallest SkyCoaster and Mine Blower, Florida’s only inverted wooden roller coaster. Located just south of the city, the Atlanta location added ArieForce One, the company’s fastest roller coaster in March 2023 to its ride collection with includes the four-story Sampson go-kart track, the new Screamin’ Eagles attraction. Booth 62 Gadsden Music Company Music Retailor. Booth A GIA Publications, Inc. GIA, Walton and Meredith Music publish high-quality music education resources to enrich lives, bring joy to students and inspire teachers to delve deeper into what it means to be musical. Booths 43, 44, & 45 Group Travel Network, Inc. AMEA Preferred Travel Planner, with 20+ years of continuous experience serving the student performance travel market. GTN specializes 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 D

The Exhibitors Guardian Travel and Fundraising Guardian is a tour operator and fundraising company that provides incredible service to music educators. Booth J Hawaii State Tours Custom Group travel to Hawaii and Performance at Pearl Harbor. Booth G 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 Ensembles. For more information on our program please contact Dr. Brandon Slocumb, Program Coordinator of Fine Arts. Dr. Brandon Slocumb, Coordinator of Music and Music Education: bslocumb@hawks.huntingdon.edu; Mr. Anthony Vittore, Director of Bands: avittore@hawks.huntingdon.edu; Dr. Scott Sexton, Director of Choral Ensembles: rsexton@hawks.huntingdon.edu. Booth 7 It’s Me Handbags Handbags, t-shirts, jewelry, etc. Booth 25 Jacksonville State University, David L. Walters Department of Music With a diverse and inspiring faculty trained at some of the nation's premier institutions who are active as performers, scholars, composers, and teachers, the David L. Walters Department of Music provides exemplary music instruction. Students have rare opportunities to work closely with and learn from these artist-teachers individually and in a wide variety of ensemble, seminar, and classroom settings. An energetic student body is fully engaged in a wide variety of musical performance and learning activities, and all gain significant experience by playing key leadership roles within them. If you want to become part of this dynamic venture in music, we urge you to consider JSU as part of your educational plans for the future. Join us. "JSU Music: A Proud Tradition in Sound Education." Booth 58 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 31 Jupiter/Mapex/Majestic-KHS America Serving the musical community with world class instruments that provide a lifetime of musical inspiration. Booth 12 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 63 Kaleidoscope Adventures Kaleidoscope Adventures is a full-service student trip planner with more than 30+ 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 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 65 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 and is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). 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 (NASM). The department is proud of a new $21 million state-of-the-art, 37,000 square foot music facility that complements the Sills Band Hall. This complex includes classrooms, a choral rehearsal hall, faculty offices, sound-proof practice rooms, a recording studio, a recital hall, a student lounge, and an administrative suite. The Department of Music is comprised of multiple interrelated areas of study that include Band, Brass, Choir, Collaborative Piano, Music Education, Music History, Music Theory, Orchestra, Percussion, Piano, Strings, Vocal, World Music, and Woodwind Studies. Students in MSU's Department of Music have access to dedicated faculty and excellent ensembles at a world-class research university. The department offers the following degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Music in Performance, Bachelor of Music Education, and Master of Music Education. Our faculty members are nationally recognized scholars and artist, and they are strongly committed to fostering student learning and academic achievement. Our unique student-to-faculty-professional musician ratio ensures each student the individual attention desired in a professional setting. Booth 18 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. Booth M

The Exhibitors Music Filing Solutions Space Saving Sheet Music Filing System. Booth 15 Music for All, Inc. Music for All's mission is to create, provide and expand positively life-changing experiences through music. We believe that music and arts education is a core to students' education and must be available to all students. Music for All is an advocate for music and arts education. Our educational programs support the efforts of instrumental music teachers on the high school and middle school levels, as well as provide positively life-changing experiences for students. Booth 20 Musical Horizons International LLC Musical Horizons International LLC specializes in European performance travel. We are the parent company of the Star of Alabama 2025 European Tour. Booth 14 OrlandoFest OrlandoFest is 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! When your ensemble participates in OrlandoFest, they will perform before nationally renowned adjudicators in a state-of-the-art performing arts center and receive a positive, educationally-sound on-stage clinic. Your ensemble will also enjoy the excitement of celebrating their performance by attending the OrlandoFest Awards Ceremony. To make the experience even more exciting, your OrlandoFest package includes admission to Universal Orlando Resort™. Booth 17 Performance Carts Performance Carts is a manufacturer of high-end carts for speakers, mixers, keyboards, drum sets, and other items used by marching ensembles in their performances. Booth K Print Monkey Ink T Shirts, Banners, Signs, and Promo. We are a one stop print shop focusing on schools and webstores for fundraising. Booth 27 QuaverEd QuaverMusic is a comprehensive, fully-digital music curriculum! It is packed with engaging content that meets PreK to 8 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 53 Redemption Marketing Service Fundraising poppin’ popcorn ,wisconsin cheese and sausage, chocolate, etc. Booth 59 Samford University School of the Arts Samford University Division of Music offers a wide variety of degree to serve the diverse needs of students. Samford Music is committed to develop you not only as a talent but as a person with. With newly renovated music facilities, ensembles with international championship titles and professional connections to springboard you into the professional industry after graduation there has never been a better time to study music at Samford University! Booth 9 Sight Reading Factory SightReadingFactory.com makes practicing the important skill of sight reading easy and effective! SRF is cloud-based, composes music instantly and on demand, and provides a virtually unlimited supply of sight reading. SRF integrates with Clever, Google Classroom, Canvas, Schoology, Music First and Classlink. Come check out our newest feature, not found anywhere else in the market: LIVE PRACTICE - which splits SRF ensemble music into separate parts and casts them out to your students' connected devices. Booth 23 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, NO minimums and a 40% Profit! Give your supporters products they will enjoy for years to come. Booth 41 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 and sound effects as well as fully bring your show to life through the design and manufacturing of props, uniforms, flags, floor tarps and vinyls. 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 11 Southeastern Musical Services We are a full service band and orchestral instrument repair and restoration facility. We have been meeting the repair needs of the musical community both locally and world wide since 1974. Located right here in Huntsville, Alabama, we are here ready to help you with all your repair and restoration needs from piccolos to sousaphones and everything in between. Our highly skilled and trained staff of craftsman are here to help your instrument play and sound its best so you can have every confidence in your instrument. Together we have over 100 years experience under one roof here at Southeastern Musical Services. Booth 67

The Exhibitors Southeastern Performance Apparel Quality manufacturer and provider of Uniforms for Choral & Instrumental groups of all sizes We provide Dress, Tuxedos, Show Choir, Band and accessories. Celebrating over 40 years in the performance wear industry. Booth 57 Southern Performances, Inc. Southern Performances was founded on the idea of offering an all-around company to help your band or choir have its best performance. Our staff brings to the table an impressive background in music education because the majority of our staff are current or retired music educators themselves. They have an intimate understand of everything your program needs and how to best meet those needs while being creative and budget-friendly. We pride ourselves on pairing the best possible customer service in the business with the highest quality vendors we can find to ensure a great one-stop shopping experience for our music educator friends. If you need it for your band program, Southern Performances can probably provide it for you!!! Booth E 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 36 & 37 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-let's go! Booth I The University of Alabama in Huntsville Department of Music UAH's Department of Music prepares musicians for careers as performers, educators, composers, church musicians, and music industry professionals. We enable all students, regardless of major, to pursue the art and beauty of music while honing the interpersonal and communication skills vital to every career. Noted for quality instruction by renowned faculty, and an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music, the Department offers eight music programs, dozens of performance ensembles, and over 150 music performances each year. Booth 16 The University of Alabama School of Music Roll Tide!! Booth 33, 34, & 40 Troy University John M. Long School of Music The John M. Long School of Music is a vital part of a dynamic, global university. The School of Music has more than 250 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. Graduate Assistantships are available working with university bands, university choirs, music education, and music industry. The School of Music has a rich performance tradition. More than 15% of the TROY campus is involved in music study. A comprehensive choral and instrumental ensemble program provides more than 200 public performances each year to an audience of more than 250,000 people. Troy University is a fully accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and is an All-Steinway School. Booth 30 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 active duty 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 Sergeant First Class 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 Sergeant First Class Grabill via email at joseph.c.grabill.mil@army.mil or by phone at (256) 746-6704. You can also visit www.bands.army.mil/careers/audition for more information.Booth 28 University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Music The University of Alabama of Birmingham Department of Music offers undergraduate degrees in applied music, music education, and music technology, and the Master of Arts in Education leading to a class A teaching certification. With a world-class faculty and facilities, the UAB Department of Music is a leader in the arts and education communities of the Greater Birmingham area and beyond. Booth F

The Exhibitors University of Mobile University of Mobile in Mobile, AL. Home of the Alabama School of the Arts and over a dozen traveling ensembles. Booth 11 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 2 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 3 & 4 University of South Alabama Department of Music University of South Alabama. Booths 49 & 50 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, and Flugelhorns! Booth 68 William Carey University Recruitment booth for William Carey University's Winters School of Music. Booth 13

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