August/September 2008 Ala Breve

ala breve ala breve

The Official Publication of the Alabama Music Educators Association

Your Musicale Event can be either on Friday or Saturday; however, groups taking overnight packages may choose to perform on Friday, and to play in the Park and attend the Awards Ceremony on Saturday. Please

ala breve

Official Publication of the Alabama Music Educators Association August 2008

News/Features

Garry Taylor, Editor 1600 Manor Dr. NE Cullman, AL 35055 (256) 636-2754

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January 1

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35055 (256) 636-2754

Unless otherwise indicated, permission is granted to MENC members to reprint articles for educational purposes.

Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of AMEA or the Editor.

All announcements & submissions are subject to editorial judgement/revision.

The Alabama Music Educators Association is a state unit of MENC:The National Association for Music Education, a voluntary, nonprofit organization representing all phases of music education in schools, colleges, universities, and teacher-education institutions. Active MENC/AMEA membership is open to all persons engaged in music teaching or other music education work.

Ala Breve is published three times a year (August, October, and February) by the Alabama Music Educators Association.

Subscription for members is $4.00 per year as part of annual MENC/AMEA dues.

Subscriptions for non-members is $15.00 per year. Bulk rate postage paid at Dothan, AL.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:

MENC

1806 Robert Fulton DR Reston, VA 20191

Forms

Index to Advertisers

AMEA Governing Board...

President

Pat Stegall

Muscle Shoals High School

1900 Avalon Avenue

Muscle Shoals, AL 35661

(256) 389-2682 School

(256) 389-2689 Fax

pstegall@mscs.k12.al.us

170 Kenwood Drive

Muscle Shoals, AL 35661

(256) 446-8396 Home

(256) 627-4661 Cell

Past President

John Baker

Enterprise High School

500 Watts Avenue

Enterprise, AL 36330

(334) 347-2640 School

(334) 347-3144 Fax

jbaker@ehs.enterpriseschools.net

602 Henderson Street

Enterprise, AL 36330

(334) 393-1376 Home

President-Elect

Steve McLendon

Dothan High School

1236 S. Oates St.

Dothan, AL 36301

(334) 794-0146 School

(334) 793-0986 Home

dhstigerband@aol.com

Recording Secretary

Carla Gallahan

212 Smith Hall, Troy University

Troy, AL 36082

(334) 670-3502 School

cgallahan@troy.edu

Treasurer

Cindy Pass

1612 2nd Avenue SW #181

Cullman, AL 35055

(256) 747-8838 Home

(256) 338-4404 Cell cpass@cullmancats.net

President, ABA

Harry McAfee

Hoover High School

1000 Buccaneer Dr.

Birmingham, AL 35244

(205) 439-1228 School

HMcAfee@hoover.k12.al.us

President, AOA

Penney Adair

1418 Longbrook Dr. NE

Cullman, AL 35055

(256) 775-6597 Home

(256) 339-9780 Cell

johnpenney@bellsouth.net

President, AVA

Damion Womack

The Montgomery Academy

3240 Vaughn Rd.

Montgomery, AL 36106

(334) 272-8210 ext. 261 School

Womack.D@montgomeryacademy.org

President, CMENC

Robert Pendergraft

Box 293118

Birmingham, AL 35229-3118

256-348-4287

rbpender@samford.edu

Collegiate MENC Advisor

Carl Hancock

University of Alabama

School of Music

Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

(205) 348-6335

chancock@bama.ua.edu

President, Higher Education

Dr. Mark Walker

Troy University

Long Hall

Troy, AL 36082

(334) 670-3281

mjwalker@troy.edu

President, Elementary/General

Sara Womack

Greystone Elementary School

300 Village Street

Hoover, AL 35242

(205) 439-3200

(205) 439-3201 - fax

sara@music.org

swomack@hoover.k12.al.us

State Department of Education

Sara B. Wright

Arts Education Specialist

State Department of Education

P.O. Box 30201

Montgomery, AL 36130-2101

(334) 242-8059 Work

1-800-846-0948 Work

(334) 242-0482 Fax

swright@alsde.edu

Alabama Alliance for Arts Education

Melissa Kimbrough

Community Relations Rep.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of AL

450 Riverchase Parkway

Birmingham, AL 35244

(205) 220-4122 Work

(205) 515-4376 Cell

(205) 220-2576 Fax

mkimbrough@bcbsal.org

Executive Director

Editor, Ala Breve

Garry Taylor

1600 Manor Dr. NE

Cullman, AL 35055

(256) 636-2754

amea@bellsouth.net

Fiesta-val

From the President...

Pat Stegall, AMEA President

SOS

In December of 2007, Lloyd Jones from the University of North Alabama asked me to speak at the “Pride of Dixie” band banquet. It was a great honor and a wonderful experience to be able to share some of my thoughts on what membership in the “POD” and becoming a music educator has meant to me.

Standards

My focus for the speech was on three letters; SOS. It was not by design that I chose these three letters, but three words that came to mind when I started thinking about what the POD had done for me: SOS - Standards, Opportunities, and Service. I learned from Dr. Edd Jones, Art Thomas, and Dr. Jimmy Simpson about setting high musical standards. Art Thomas was the Theory and Brass Instructor back then and I just about grew up in his home. His son John was one of my best friends and I spent a lot of time during junior high and high school listening as Mr. Thomas taught private lessons in his living room. Mr. Thomas was very slow and very

methodical. I remember taking class brass with him and we free buzzed for several weeks before ever playing on the horn. He believed that you must get the fundamental tone production right before moving on to other more complex things. Even though it took forever to get there, he taught us to make quality our number one responsibility as players and as teachers.

Dr. Simpson was totally different in his teaching style. He was the band director my freshman and sophomore years and was my clarinet teacher. He was the one who set my standards for playing. I tried hard to emulate his sound and envied his ability to tongue faster than any human being I had ever heard on clarinet. His technical ability was phenomenal. He was my mentor as a clarinetist and later when I became a band director. Doc always looked at the big picture. He was demanding, funny, and always asked probing questions to make us stretch our thinking. He guided us to set high standards for ourselves.

Dr. Jones was definitely the most

influential person for me when it comes to musical standards. He set the bar at perfection. There was nothing else that was acceptable. I remember his first rehearsal. We had never heard of “broad staccato” so he spent two hours explaining the concept. By the end of the rehearsal, we could play one scale in that style. I think that was all we did during that rehearsal, except for looking at the cement blocks on the band room wall a hundred times while he tried to make the connection for us. I think people are always impressed by how cleanly the POD plays and it goes all the way back to that two hour rehearsal on broad staccato. We knew then that his high standards were going to take us places.

Opportunities

The Pride of Dixie taught me that life offered many opportunities. I think back and many opportunities come to mind…the opportunity to build friendships, perform, teach, develop a career, travel, make non-fatal mistakes, achieve goals, personal growth, open discussions…etc.

I had the opportunity to make so many friends through the Pride of Dixie. Even before I was old enough to be a member the POD was influencing my life. My best friends have come to me through the band. I was friends with Mike Theil when we were in junior high school band, who was the son of Art Theil, the UNA band director. I was also best friends with John Thomas, whose father, Art Thomas, was assistant director and brass and theory professor. Jamey Irby was another best friend. His father, Elwyn Irby, was the band director at Central High School and was best friends with Dr. Frank McArthur, another UNA director. I grew up in their homes and they had a tremendous impact on my life. My friendship circle grew once I became a member of the POD. Through traveling together, playing in musicals, dating, senior recital parties, collegiate singers, and internships, I came to know a great group of people who influenced my life and career to this very day. I even met my wife, Mary Ann, who was a majorette for the POD.

I was in the band with some wonderful people. There was Regina King from Phil Campbell HS who always

had a passion for discussing how superior the cornet was to the trumpet… and Dexter Greenhaw, from Athens HS who was multi-talented on bass guitar and trumpet and had the most positive outlook on life of anyone in the group…Sadly, Regina and Dexter both passed away in 2007. They are both sorely missed by their friends, families and the band world. Wes Maddox was another person who gave me the opportunity to teach my first band camp at Holly Pond H.S. and to learn about working as a team to teach a show. Ken Simpson, from Atlanta was the first drummer I ever got along with and who helped me to appreciate and enjoy jazz.

The POD provided me with opportunities to perform in recitals, ball games, studio lab band, musicals, concerts and SOAR. I was able to play in many different situations.

The POD provided me with opportunities to travel to New Orleans and Gatlinburg. On the Gatlinburg trip I learned about the kindness of strangers. I lost my wallet and someone found it and mailed it to me with all of the contents intact except for the $3 postage. It contained thirty dollars which was all the money I had to my name, and my drivers

license! I have since had the opportunity to repay that good deed several times. Non-fatal mistakes are always personal growth opportunities. There was the time after our freshman year, my friends and I commandeered practice room number 119 as our hideout. We didn’t practice very much, but we wrote lots of crazy songs. Dr. Simpson eventually banned us from using that room as our hideout!

Service

Through the POD I learned about service. One of the things I took with me from UNA was that leadership is about service. Leading is not about telling someone what to do, but it is about serving others. I had some great examples to follow.

Some of my classmates during that time have been tremendous leaders for our state music associations. I have classmates that served as Outstanding Band Directors, Principals, School Superintendents, District Chairmen, AMEA Presidents, state coordinators for the Tri-M Music organization, many committee members for ABA, and Phi Beta Mu International bandmaster fraternity members. Collectively, my classmates have produced thousands of

incredibly talented music students. Because of our background through the POD we learned the value of service to our school, our community, our state and to ourselves.

So, what does my experience with the POD have to do with Music Education? Just as I started this article, I believe that the three letters, SOS, state what that influence has been.

First…Standards…as music educators, we must set the standards high so that the activity will continue to stretch and grow.

Second…Opportunities…music educators must seek and provide opportunities for personal growth so that we may become better teachers, musicians and citizens. Third.Service…being a music educator teaches you to be a servant to others and to teach others that leadership is about service.

I challenge you to continue to set the standards higher and higher, and increase the opportunities for more and more students, and to encourage your students to take on leadership roles as servants for the cause of music education. I personally look forward to serving you as AMEA President.

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From the AOA...

Inspiring! How else could I describe our February All State Festival? Each orchestra provided a full stage of eager and focused students. Of course, all under the direction of outstanding and captivating conductors.

The Consort String Orchestra, under the direction of Jacquelyn Dillon, rose to a new playing level this year with well thought out literature that was both challenging and playable. A good time was had by all! The String Sinfonietta Orchestra, directed by Dr. Mark Laycock, worked tremendously hard during our 3 day weekend with a beautiful performance on Sunday to show for it and what a tremendous job by our Festival Orchestra which was directed by Jeff Meyer of Ithaca NY. The bar keeps going up and our

Alabama students keep rising to the occasion!

I would like to take the opportunity to thank some of the folks behind the scenes that really made the weekend the success it was. To all the section leaders and judges, thank you so much for your time and expertise of course but more importantly, the fair and equitable manner in which auditions and placements were handled. Students watch far more than our musical ability, and AOA is teaching musical excellence along with excellent character. Also to the parents, home teachers and AOA members who sacrificed their down time to help with stage set up, tuning and general rehearsal assistance where needed. This was a great help! Joe McCary, you’re the best!!! Thanks again to all.

With such fond memories of our 2008 Festival, one can only be excited about the future and the upcoming 2009 Alabama All State Festival. Even though we are in the early stages of planning, the process is going smoothly and all is ahead of schedule. The Festival will be held at the

beautiful University of Alabama School of Music again. A special thanks to Dr. Skip Snead for hosting us again!

I’d like to mention some changes in personnel. Julie Hornstein is our new Executive Director and Daniel Jamieson has agreed to take over as Treasurer. Also, our new VicePresident/President Elect is Marcy Jedlicka. All our new officers will be fantastic additions to AOA and we’re pleased to have you on board! We’ll miss you Melissa Dufrechou. Good luck in Tennessee! I’m also happy to announce we’ve opened up a set amount from our general funds for a new summer music camp scholarship. This would be an application process and open to any student who participated in the most recent All State Festival and attending a summer music camp. Watch our web page for more news as forms are being written and guidelines set. AOA continues to help our Alabama students of music strive for the best and we’re proud to help them achieve their goals!

October 1-15

October 15 Scholarship applications due

October 17 Deadline for District Chairs to mail audition DVD’s November 15Results posted

December 1 Acceptance forms due December 8 Begin music mail out Feb. 12-15, 2009 Alabama All State Festival

Penney Adair, President, Alabama Orchestra Association

MusicOnCD-ROM

From Elem/Gen...

Sara Womack, President, Elementary/General Division

Many new traditions will be continuing this year, along with some old, but favorite, activities. The Third Annual Elementary Music Festival, held Friday, October 10 at the Wright Center at Samford University, will feature nearly 300 students from across the state. The clinician, Susan Ramsay of Tennessee, has chosen a diverse and exciting program. The following schools will participate:

Bear Exploration Center Magnet, Montgomery

Bluff Park Elementary, Hoover

Brookwood Forest Elementary, Mountain Brook

Childersburg Middle, Talladega County

Coldwater Elementary, Oxford

Coosa Valley Elementary, Pell City

Dearmanville Elementary, Oxford

Deer Valley Elementary, Hoover

Graham Elementary, Talladega City

Green Valley Elementary, Hoover

Greystone Elementary, Hoover

Gwin Elementary, Hoover

J. E. Turner Elementary, Mobile County

Jonesboro Elementary, Bessemer

Record

Liberty Park Elementary, Vestavia Hills

Lincoln Elementary, Talladega County Montgomery Academy – Lower, Private, Montgomery Montgomery Academy – Middle, Private, Montgomery Munford Elementary, Talladega County Oak Mountain Intermediate, Shelby County

Oxford Elementary, Oxford Randolph School, Private, Huntsville Rehobeth Elementary, Houston County Riverchase Elementary, Hoover Stemley Road Elementary, Talladega County

Trace Crossings Elementary, Hoover Tuscaloosa Academy, Private, Tuscaloosa

A joint fall workshop between the Elementary/General Division and the Alabama Chapter of AOSA will be held again this year to better serve the members of both organizations. This year’s Festival clinician, Susan Ramsay, will share some of her fabulous ideas for the elementary classroom. The workshop will be held on Saturday,

October 11 from 9:003:00 at Greystone Elementary School in Hoover.

The AMEA In-Service will be held January 22-24. The Elementary/General Division is excited to have Jim Solomon return to Alabama with some fresh ideas for including hand drums and recorders in the elementary classroom. He will also be facilitating a nighttime drumming session for teachers. You won’t want to miss the great line-up of sessions found at this year’s Conference!

We are currently in need of a hospitality chairman, since Kelly Hollingsworth has graciously taken over duties as co-chairman of District 5. The hospitality chairman is responsible for organizing snacks and lunch for workshops. We will also be electing new officers in the coming year. If you are interested in serving our Division in a leadership capacity, please e-mail me at sara@music.org.

From Higher Ed...

Mark Walker, President, Higher Education Division

I hope this article finds everyone in the Higher Education Division, and the AMEA general membership, having a great summer and getting some much needed rest and relaxation. We had a terrific Conference in January, during which time the HED hosted two successful recitals focusing on professors throughout Alabama and the repertoire they utilize in their teaching. Dr. Diane Orlofsky presided over a poster session that was rich in new information, research, and collegiality.

I want to remind the membership of the HED that we need to continue to encourage our colleagues at our respective institutions to join AMEA and MENC and to participate in our

conferences. Those individuals who are chosen to perform in the 2009 HED Recital Series should be members of MENC, and if they are not, we need to encourage them to join us.

We had a number of Alabama universities represented on the recital programs. The universities and performers are as follows: Alabama State University: Greg Jackson, Carly Johnson, Joel Jones; Troy University: Timothy Phillips, Hui-Ting Yang, Catherine Allard, Michael Hix, Margaret Jackson; University of Montevallo: Joseph P. Ardovino, Laurie Middaugh, Cynthia Perry Jones; Auburn University: Doug Rosener, Ramon Vasquez, William

Shaffer, Matthew Wood; Jacksonville State University: Eryn

Oft, Steven Diblasi; Samford University: Rebecca Remley, Ronald Shinn; University of Alabama –Huntsville: C. David Ragsdale; University of South Alabama: Andra Bohnet, Robert Holm.

As the summer draws to a close, along with this column, it is my hope that everyone is excited about the new academic year, and I wish everyone every professional and personal success for 2008 – 2009.

From CMENC...

Robert Pendergraft, President, Collegiate MENC

Even though the summer months are usually a time to relax, it has been a busy couple of months for the CMENC officers. We have been earnestly trying to plan a fall summit that will be informative and enjoyable, as well as challenging and refreshing. I am excited to say the line-up we have come up with is one which few other student groups have the opportunity to experience. We will kick off the event on Friday evening, October 10, in Birmingham at Samford with a concert of elementary students from around the state. This will be followed by an opportunity to share ideas of peers from around the state at the evening mixer. The rest of Friday evening will be on your own to enjoy the city before kicking off an exciting day on Saturday. Dr. Richard Grunow, chair

of the music education department at Eastman, will deliver a series of seminars applicable to all areas of music teaching. We will have round table discussions going on simultaneously during lunch that will be specific to the student’s desired teaching area: instrumental, choral, or elementary. I am so very excited to have been a part of this opportunity and I hope that each of you from around the state will be able to attend. Students from the Birmingham area have already graciously offered a place for out of town chapters to stay so the trip can remain as cost efficient as possible. Looking forward to the winter meeting, again we have some exciting plans in the works so I encourage you to plan now to attend the conference in January. I look

forward to seeing each of you in October. If you need any details please do not hesitate to contact me at rbpender@samford.edu. Check the Facebook group of Alabama CMENC and the upcoming issues of Semi Breve for more details about both of these upcoming events. Saturday,

Registration Deadline –Monday, September 29, 2008

For further information contact Harry McAfee, Director at 205-439-1228 or visit our website at hooverband.com

Montevallo

The University of Department of Music

Would like to welcome Dr. Alan Goldspiel As the NEW Department Chair

Upcoming Events for Middle and High School Students

FREE All-State Choral Workshop

Saturday, October 4, 2008, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

High School Choral Festival

Thursday, November 6 – Saturday, November 8, 2008

FREE All-State Trumpet Clinic

Saturday, December 6, 2008, 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Full-time Faculty & Staff

Dr. David Callaghan, Interim Dean, College of Fine Arts

Dr. Alan Goldspiel, Chair

Ms. Julie McEntee, Office Manager

Dr. Joseph Ardovino, Director, Instrumental Activities

Dr. Lori Ardovino, Instrumental Faculty; Director, Graduate Studies

Dr. Martin Cochran, Instrumental Faculty, Music Education

Dr. Roderick George, Voice Faculty

Dr. Cynthia Jones, Piano Faculty

Dr. Joseph Landers, Composition & Theory Faculty

Dr. Gary Packwood, Choral Faculty; Coordinator of Music Education

Dr. Anthony Pattin, Piano Faculty

Dr. Melanie Williams, Voice Faculty

Dr. Charles Wood, Voice Faculty, Opera

Dr. Robert E. Wright, Choral Faculty; Director, Choral Activities

From the AVA...

Damion Womack, President, Alabama Vocal Association

Get Involved!!

It is my pleasure and privilege to serve as your President. Over the years, The Alabama Vocal Association has allowed me to grow as an educator, as a conductor, and as a person. I have been able to serve as a coordinator and monitor for All-State and Honor Choirs, to present interest sessions, and to conduct choral groups at conferences. Each of these experiences has been memorable, satisfying, and valuable.

Thanks to the association, I have been able to learn from some of the most highly respected music educators in Alabama. I am sure that many of you have had some of the same opportunities. I truly believe that we have one of the best vocal organizations in the South. Over the years, AVA has grown from having one SATB AllState Choir to having six All-State Choirs, as well as an Honor Choir at AMEA. This

is due to all of your hard work and dedication to choral music in our State.

Our organization offers countless opportunities for teachers and students to grow and to learn more about choral music. Please, take advantage of all the wonderful learning opportunities our organization presents. Please, let the AVA Board know if you would like to help in any way, because we need your help. This is your organization: Please, take advantage and Get Involved!!

This year’s Fall Workshop will be held at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Birmingham on September 5-6, 2008. A full schedule of events and registration will be sent to you in the mail by Pat Blackwell. Dr. Kevin Fenton, Associate Director of Choral Activities at Florida State University, and Dr. Rollo Dilworth, Director of

From Research...

Diane Orlofsky, Chairman, Research Division

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

Alabama Music Educators Association

Research Poster Session

AMEA In-Service Conference

January 22-24, 2009 University of Alabama

Choral Activities at North Park University, will be our featured clinicians. In addition, we will have informative interest sessions, reading sessions sponsored by Hal Leonard, concerts presented by established choirs, and All-State music reading sessions. Please plan to attend!

The Fall Workshop is also a time for us to talk and socialize as we prepare for another successful school year. This year, in an effort to get younger teachers more involved, we will offer a special lunch invitation for teachers who have taught for five years or less. If you are a new teacher, or if you are in your 5th year of teaching, please plan on joining us for this event. If I or any member of our Board can be of any help to you, please let us know. We are here to serve you!!

We had a great time at last year’s poster session and the Higher Education Division decided to make this an annual event at the AMEA In-Service Conference.

PLEASE SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING BY NOVEMBER 1st, 2008:

Abstract of research, either completed or in-progress

Any research genre accepted (philosophical, historical, qualitative, quantitative, behavioral)

No more than 750 words

Separate sheet of paper with author(s) information, current contact information, and institutional affiliation

Submit to dorlof@troy.edu

Subject line: AMEA 2009 Research Poster Session (please, only WORD documents)

Graduate students are encouraged to send their work, too!

All-State Band Festival 2008

1st Chair Red Band

Piccolo - Heather Payne, Pell City HS

Flute - Kayci Greer, Montevallo HS

Oboe - Daniel Cutchen, Hoover HS

Eb Sop Clar - Nichole Bishop, Faith Academy

Bb Sop Clar - Jenny Maclay, Sparkman HS

Alto Clar - Mary Gasson, Thorsby HS

Bass Clar - Trevor Gaby, Bibb County HS

Con Bs Clar - Kathleen Killabrew, Baker HS

Bassoon -Arekson Sunwood, Westminster Christian Academy

Alto Sax - Briana Carrasquillo, Bob Jones HS

Tenor Sax - Sean Toller, Foley HS

Bari Sax - Cody Tidmore, Hillcrest HS

Cornet - Brandon Burkhardt, Oak Mountain HS

French Horn - B.J. Neeley, Covenant Christian Academy

Trombone - Connor Sharpton, Spain Park HS

Baritone - Bryan Wade, Florence HS

Tuba - Michael King, Smiths Station HS

String Bass - Barbara McMillian, Davidson HS

Percussion - Robbie Clayson, Carroll HS

All-State Solo Festival Finalists

1st Place - Jenny Maclay, Sparkman High School

2nd Place - Timothy Harris, Sparkman High School

3rd Place - Cynthia Simpson, Marbury High School

4th Place - Seth Denny, Oak Mountain High School

5th Place - Robert Clayson, Carroll High School

6th Place - Justin Longham, Davidson High School

ABA President Harry McAfee congratulates ABA/Photography By Suzanne scholarship winner Jenny Maclay, Sparkman High School

Phi Beta Mu Scholarship winner Leanna Reeves from Highland Home HS is congratulated by the first Phi Beta Mu Scholarship winner, Auburn University Marching Band Director Corey Spurlin and Phi Beta Mu President Tony Pike.

All-State Choral Festival 2008

State Male Outstanding Choral Student Joseph Powell, St. Paul’s Episcopal School

State Female Outstanding Choral Student & Outstanding Accompanist, Jessica Johnson, Florence High School

All-State Show Choir

Middle School Mixed Choir

Jill Sharp, Grissom High School Music Education Scholarship Winner

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FAME FAME

Future Alabama Music Educators Future Alabama Music Educators

Open to High School Juniors and Seniors

Thursday, January 22, 2009

9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa Four Points Sheraton Ballroom

Applications are due no later than November 1, 2008 Student_________________________________________Grade______

Nominating Teacher______________________MENC#______________ School Name_______________________________________________

Teacher Phone________________ Teacher Email__________________

This student participates in (circle all that apply): Band Chorus Orchestra

Mail this application by November 1, 2008 to:

John Baker AMEA Past President 602 Henderson Street Enterprise, Alabama 36330

PRE-REGISTRATION FORM

AMEA In-Service Conference

January 22-24, 2009

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Please enclose a copy of your card.

Division Affiliation: (check all that apply)

Please tell us if you are:

of a performing group at the conference

To

Mail form and check by Jan. 1, 2009 to: *********************** AMEA, 1612 Second Avenue SW, #181, Cullman, AL 35055

Important: Forms and payment received after Jan. 1, 2009 will be held at the registration desk for onsite registration. Do not send forms or payment to the above address after Jan. 1, 2009

THANK YOU! Your conference packet will be ready at the registration desk in the Bryant Conference Center. Your receipt will be in your packet at the conference. Please contact me if you need further assistance.

Cindy Pass, Treasurer, AMEA and Registrar Phone: (256) 338-4404 email: cpass@cullmancats.net

Please do not fill in the information below. This is for AMEA bookkeeping ONLY

From the ABA...

Harry McAfee, President, Alabama Bandmasters Association

We are Forging Ahead!

Hello All! I hope you had a successful school year and are enjoying a brief respite before it all begins again! We have just returned from another very enjoyable ABA Summer Conference at Orange Beach. There were approximately 75 directors in attendance this year….down a little from last year, probably because of the gas prices, but we had a wonderful time. Along with the ABA Board and general meeting and the Music Selection Committee work, I found the clinics to be very informative and helpful. It was nice to hear Wayne Washam reminisce during his presentation of our “Old Fogey Series” about his long and productive career. A special thanks again to Robin Prickett and Art’s Music Shop for their support of the Conference and the Music Selection Committee. I hope you will try to attend next year. The conference is a wonderful excuse to bring your family to the beach while improving your skills and staying in the mainstream of our ABA activities.

I am happy to inform you that the Music Selection Committee is making significant progress in cleaning and improving our Cumulative List. Instead of adding music to the list, the committee worked this summer to reclassify works and to remove works that are redundant or unavailable. We are no longer planning on printing a paper copy of the list but will begin to correct and update it on the ABA website. You can then download and use the list for your own purposes. Also, be reminded that we are attempting to stem the flow of directors requesting approval for individual pieces. This process has become quite burdensome for our Vice President. Individual requests must be submitted to Chuck Eady by the second Friday in January for consideration. The Music Selection Committee will also meet during the AMEA Conference. Pieces that are approved on request will not be automatically added to the

Cumulative List but may be approved later by the committee. Again, I encourage you to make your “required” selection from the list and then play whatever you want as your second or third selection.

I appreciate your patience and suggestions in preparing for the upcoming State Assessment. Many of you are aware now that the schedule for the Alabama High School Graduation Exam has put us in a very difficult situation for scheduling our State Assessment. I will continue to work to make our schedule as agreeable as possible. Registration for State will still be 21 days prior to the event. Since that will be before most District Assessments, many of you may want to pre-register for State Assessment. Please evaluate your program and purposes and make an early decision about what you want to do. Those of you that pre-register but are not recommended for State Assessment will receive a refund if you notify Gene Gooch by February 23, 2009. I am encouraged by the progress that we see now from the committee that was formed to evaluate our State Assessment. Jim Knight and

the committee met at the Summer Conference and with many of your suggestions has forged a schedule for submitting a plan at AMEA. Please feel free to contact Jim or me if you have suggestions towards that effort. We really want to develop a plan that will best meet the needs of all our band programs across the State.

Finally, let me encourage you to hang together during these rough times. I think students need good band programs now more than ever before. The Alabama Bandmaster’s Association has a long history of trying to meet the needs of directors and serving our students. The wheels sometime seem to turn slowly but we have made careful progress. I’m hoping that we will continue as a full organization representing urban, rural, large and small bands from border to border to improve music education in our great State. Thank you for all you do! Call me if I can help you in any way.

Wishing you much success!

Harry

we put more into our low brass so you can get more out.

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Feature Article

Grissom High School Band: Beethoven and Balmages: Two Premieres, Two Hundred Years Apart

By Wayne Blackwell and Bill Connell

Brian Balmage’s name is not as well known as Beethoven’s, but some day it might be, at least in the world of band music. And the great master Beethoven, not usually well known in the world of original band music, perhaps should have that assessment reevaluated as he composed what may be the greatest composition for large wind band from the entire classical-period, the “Siegessinfonie” for 36 wind and percussion instruments.

These two composers, Balmages and Beethoven, came together for the first time in May, 2007, during the Spring Concert of the Grissom High School Band of Huntsville, Alabama. Brian Balmages’ Concerto for Soprano Saxophone and Band, (jointly commissioned by the Grissom Bands and soloist Lynn Klock), was premiered along with Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Siegessinfonie”, a virtuosic nine-minute work for large wind band, heard in its first modern performance for symphonic band. How did these two premieres – two hundred years apart — come about?

The year 2007 was the 40th anniversary of a very significant event in the life of Huntsville, Alabama — the Apollo I flash fire in 1967 that killed astronauts Roger Chaffee, Ed White and Gus Grissom during pre-launch testing in Houston. Huntsville is closely associated with the space industry, and Grissom band directors Bill Connell and Theo Vernon wanted to help the community commemorate this sober milestone. They decided that commissioning a work in honor of the fallen Apollo astronauts would be an appropriate and significant expression commemorating this date.

As Connell and Vernon begin to develop their ideas on the project, the

primary considerations became 1) who could write such a work and, 2) how would they pay for it. For advice, they contacted a long-time colleague and friend of the Grissom bands, Professor Lynn Klock of the University of Massachusetts. Professor Klock has been a guest clinician for the Grissom bands winter clinic for several years, and is well known for works he has commissioned from composers around the world. Klock suggested that a concerto, especially one for saxophone, might provide a composer the palate and forum in which the deep feelings of this date could be expressed — from the initial horror and sadness of the tragedy to the eventual spirit of hope and gratitude to those who have contributed to the space program’s astonishing

commission project with their financial assistance and community support.

achievements. Professor Klock asked if he could be a part of the commission, providing a financial commitment as well as offering to premiere the work. The Grissom Band Parents Association also enthusiastically endorsed the

With these commitments in hand, the directors and Professor Klock needed to settle on the right composer for the commission. After considerable discussion and interviews, an offer was made to the outstanding young American composer, Brian Balmages. Balmages (b. 1975) is a very active composer, conductor, and performer. His compositions have been performed throughout the world, including the College Band Directors National Conference and the Midwest Clinic, and his commissions have included ensembles from elementary schools through professional organizations such as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Balmages was enthusiastic over the project and especially the reasons behind the commission. He not only is an outstanding composer and teacher, but holds great interest in space exploration. While Balmages was not old enough to remember the Apollo I tragedy personally, he did recall the event clearly through film and historical data. After accepting the project, the work began to take shape over the next several months. The form was decided to be a multi-sectional, onemovement concerto for alto saxophone, perhaps descriptive in the manner of a Strauss tone poem. At Klock’s suggestion, the work eventually

Bill Connell, Brian Balmages, Theo Vernon, and Lynn Klock

evolved into a work for soprano saxophone (instead of alto) because of textural considerations and range requests that stretched the upper limits of the alto. As the concerto neared completion, Balmages sent sections of the work to the band and Klock for rehearsal and additional suggestions.

The completed work expresses musically the events leading up to the Apollo tragedy, even including the desperate bangs of the trapped astronauts inside the capsule, and concludes with an expansive expression of gratitude and hope.

The composer and soloist were both present for several days of rehearsals before the premier. According to directors Connell and Vernon, this experience for the students was one of the most remarkable events of their high school years. The students not only assisted in the making of a world-class work of art, but also in creating a work intimately related to them, their parents

Blackwell, brought to Connell an unpublished Beethoven work, a work for large wind band that has been rarely, if ever, performed. The work was Beethoven’s

and their community. “The connection between art and life could have not been more meaningful,” said director Connell, “particularly in having the composer and soloist in residence for several days, expressing their feelings, experiences and thoughts to the students. It was just remarkable for everyone.”

During the period of the commission and its completion, another friend of the Grissom bands, retired musician Wayne

Siegessinfonie (Victory Symphony), a composition written for a machine - Johann Maelzel’s Panharmonicon - rather than live musicians (a primary reason for its lack of performances). Blackwell had made an edition (not transcription, as it was already scored for large wind band) for live musicians of this yet unpublished score. Connell immediately said the Grissom bands would be thrilled to premiere the work, providing it wasn’t too difficult (it was authentic and virtuosic Beethoven, after all). The score and parts were delivered, and after some work with the soloists, it was decided to premiere the work along with the Balmages’ Concerto.

Connell noticed that there was an almost providential aspect in pairing these two works, written so far apart. “The Beethoven was originally written as a ‘Victory’ Symphony,” said Connell, “to celebrate the returning troops of Sir Arthur Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington) over Napoleon, and it includes an extensive fugue on the British anthem ‘God Save the Queen.’” However, during the night of the premiere, Connell asked the packed

audience in the school auditorium to imagine that Beethoven’s “Victory Symphony” — for that special night — would be a celebration of the “Victory” of the space program over great adversity and challenges during the past four decades, and that the anthem “God Save the Queen,” would, also for this night only, be known as we Americans know it, “My Country ‘tis of Thee,” in honor of those Americans who sacrificed all in pursuit of success in the space program.

The concert and both premieres were hugely successful. The band parents and entire community pitched in before the concert providing exhibitions and displays, even including (real!) moon rocks.

Directors Connell and Vernon and soloist Klock say the commissioning project and premieres were significant not only for the students and community, but in their own lives as well. They highly recommend such a project to all their colleagues, and invite any director who might wish more information regarding their project, or either premiere, to contact them at llennoc1@aol.com.

Brian Balmages’ “Concerto for Soprano Saxophone and Band” with soloist Lynn Klock was recently recorded by the Virginia Winds, led by Dennis Zeisler. A video recording of Beethoven’s “Siegessinfonie” performed by the Grissom High School Band is available at aaaamusic.com

Campus Connections

News and Happenings from Alabama’s Colleges and Universities

Colleges and universities are encouraged to submit newsworthy material and announcements for publication in ala breve

The University of AlabamaHuntsville

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is pleased to announce a series of Internet2-based events for the 2008-09 academic year. Live concerts of the Philadelphia Orchestra will be presented with Dolby Surround Sound audio and High Definition video on a 150 square foot screen. These concerts will be October 3, 2008; December 2, 2008; January 22, 2009; March 24, 2009; and April 23, 2009. Additionally, the university will host a series of masterclasses that will be available as live multicasts over Internet2 at the 200 universities that support this technology. The masterclasses will include the Canadian Brass, December 10, 2008; the St. Olaf Choir, February 2, 2009; and mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne, March 19, 2009. Students will be admitted free to all Music Department events at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

contact Dr. Michael Hix)

February 5-7 High School Concert Band Clinic and Honor Bands

(High School SEUS, contact Professor Carla Gallahan)

February 20-21TROY University

Brass Symposium (contact Dr. Jim Zingara)

March 28 TROY University Clarinet

Day (contact Dr. Tim Phillips)

April 3-4 TROY University Music Industry Showcase (contact Professor Robert W. Smith)

Scholarship information, audition dates, and additional concert dates are listed on our website. We invite you to “visit” us at music.troy.edu or in person soon.

artist in clarinet with Leblanc in Alabama. Gainey will participate in master classes and recitals sponsored by Leblanc, and she will have an artist page on their Web site as do some of the top clarinetists in the world. She will also will be able to submit articles on teaching and performing to a companysponsored magazine that is sent to all music teachers across the country. "The company is very visible in the music world both for performance and for music education," Gainey said. "It is a great opportunity to let people know what we have to offer here at UAB."

Troy University

The end of summer “break” brings not only the start of a new academic school year but also new opportunities for music educators at all levels to “partner” in the education of Alabama’s music students. We are grateful to AMEA for providing a forum for informing our music colleagues across the state about campus opportunities for music students and music teachers. The following is a schedule of annual events in the School of Music for 2008-09. We invite you to mark your calendars and join us on our TROY University campus.

Annual Events – 2008-09

December 4-6 Middle School Band

Clinic and Honor Bands (Middle School SEUS, contact Dr. Mark Walker)

January 16-17 High School Choral Clinic and Honor Choir (Choral SEUS,

The University of AlabamaBirmingham

Associate Professor Denise Gainey of the University of Alabama at Birmingham has been chosen as an endorsing artist and clinician for Leblanc Clarinets. Gainey is the only preferred

In 2004, Leblanc, a long-standing maker of clarinets, founded in 1946 and based in Wisconsin, was purchased by ConnSelmer Inc., a subsidiary of Steinway Musical Instruments. Conn-Selmer Inc. is the leading manufacturer and distributor of band and orchestral instruments for professional, amateur and student use.

Join Us!

Share this application with non-MENC member colleagues and tell them of the benefits of joining MENC.

When your colleagues join MENC: The National Association for Music Education, they automatically become a member of Alabama Music Educators Association. From local activities to national issues, MENC and AMEA offer the combination of services and benefits music educators need!

MENC Member Benefits and Features

Advocacy—MENC informs legislators of the importance of an education that includes music, supports National Standards for Music Education, and sponsors Outreach Programs such as The National Anthem Project and Music In Our Schools Month. Music Educators Journal—Articles on teaching approaches, current issues, classroom techniques, and products and services. Teaching Music—Practical teaching ideas for all specialty areas. Discounts on Resources—25% off all publications, videos, and specialty items. In-Service Conferences and Meetings Opportunities to exchange ideas with colleagues; member discounts on registration fees. Leadership Opportunities Participation on MENC task forces and committees; sponsorship of collegiate and Tri-M Music Honor Society chapters. Automatic State Association Membership—All the benefits offered at the state level, including the state journal and access to local meetings, festivals, and more!

Online Journals for Members Only

General Music Today—Dealing specifically with the concerns of the general music educator.

Journal of Music Teacher Education—Focusing on issues of importance to the music teacher educator.

UPDATE: Applications of Research in Music Education Practical applications for music education research findings.

Optional MENC Periodical

Journal of Research in Music Education—The latest findings in music education research.

Additional Features—MENC credit card, professional liability insurance, medical protection program, instrument insurance and moreare available to you at discounted rates.

MENC MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

❒ Yes, I want to join MENC and Alabama MEA. I understand that the membership year begins July 1 and ends June 30. Credit card holders may join by calling 1-800-828-0229, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time. Rates expire 5-31-2009.

❒ Newor ❒ Renewal

MENCID#

Membership

❒ Active membership dues (national and state) $ 97*

Options

❒ Society for Research in Music Education $36$ (includes subscription to Journal of Research in Music Education) MENC membership is a prerequisite.

❒ Tax deductible contribution to FAME to support $ (select one):

❒ Music in Our Schools Month

❒ Advocacy

❒ Teacher Recruitment and Retention

❒ Student Programs

❒ Wherever it’s most needed!

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $

Payment: ❒ Check enclosed, payable to MENC

Charge:

Please contact MENC Member Services at 1-800-828-0229 for spousal or retired dues.

From the Treasurer...

Cindy Pass, AMEA Treasurer

Avoid the Wait!

Do you hate waiting? I hate waiting. I hate waiting for payday. I hate waiting for the inevitable shock of rising gas prices. I hate waiting for the music I ordered to arrive. BUT - YOU DON’T HAVE TO WAIT to pre-register for the upcoming AMEA InService Conference!

You can save time and money by registering online NOW or by sending in your completed registration form before January 1. Then you don’t have to wait to register when you arrive at the conference

- just zip over to the pre-registered desk and pick up your packet and GO! So avoid the wait - and save a few bucks for gas or new music - Register now and join or renew your MENC membership online TODAY!

Registration Tips:

Read all forms carefully for changes from previous years.

Check that your bookkeeper mails your pre-registration form to the correct address located on the form.

Make sure you preregister BEFORE Jan.

1. Join MENC or renew your membership BEFORE coming to the conference!

Enclose a copy of your MENC card or verification of your current membership status with your pre-registration form.

If you need a receipt for pre-registration before the conference, email me at cpass@cullmancats.net.

Reflections on the Value of Attending a National Conference

Moya Nordlund, Associate Professor and CMENC Advisor, Samford University

The thrill of first time attendance at a MENC national conference is analogous to going to FAO Schwarz, or Disney World for the first time, only better. One comes away with more than just memories, but practical solutions to real problems, and a host of useful ideas one hasn’t even thought about. Over the past decade, I was able to persuade quite a few students to come with me to the biannual MENC conferences, including ones held in Kansas City, Nashville, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and Milwaukee. Attendance for students were never free; even with creative fund raising, most students still had to fork out what amounted to a fortune in a student’s budget. So is it worthwhile? The overwhelming response I have found is “Yes, and I can’t wait to start teaching.” Not only do students get a glimpse of our macrocosmic profession, they return with a renewed sense of calling and passion. What is it that makes conferences attractive and valuable to students? First of all, it is the sense of excitement and camaraderie generated from the neverending concerts. Then there are sessions where one gets cutting-edge information and research findings pertaining to every possible issue in regard to music education, not to mention the many workshops and reading sessions in which one receives free music and “stuff.” And then there are the merchants’ display of the newest gadgetry – from computer software

to instruments and printed curricular materials, to information on tours and fund raising possibilities, and yes, there are usually more give-aways. Last but not least is the opportunity to network among peers and to be in the presence of some of the greatest music educators who ever walked the earth, and often over finger food and soft drinks.

With so many sessions and concerts in so many venues, it can be overwhelming. So it is not a matter of where do we start but how do we start. After registration, the students and I will pour over the handbook. As there are always multiple

sessions going on at the same hour that we want to attend, we had to strategize. We often resort to the tactic of “divide and conquer,” promising each other that we will share what we learn in the various sessions. We will meet back up for general sessions or exhibits, but otherwise everyone will be on a mission. Occasionally we explore the cities we visit, such as the trip to the Winter Olympic ski slopes up the mountains in Salt Lake City. Our trips to these conferences always culminate with a “show and tell” meeting for our CMENC chapter. As for me, I always return with greater appreciation of my students.

The 2008 MENC National Conference in Milwaukee was my first national conference experience. I felt like a kid in a candy store when I entered the exhibit hall! There were so many great teaching resources right there at my fingertips! I really enjoyed the reading sessions, and was able to collect many pieces that I will be able to use with my choir one day. It was great to meet fellow future music educators, as well as learn helpful tips from the more seasoned music educators. The entertainment provided at the general sessions was inspirational, and the performers at the evening concerts displayed impeccable musicianship. I will never forget this experience!

Rachel Holland, CMENC, Samford University

The MENC National Conference of 2008 was definitely a memorable one for me. My first national conference was in 2006 in Salt Lake, and while it was a great experience, I was only a freshman at the time and it was a little overwhelming, considering how little I knew about music education. Milwaukee's conference opened many new doors for me, including the possibility of teaching abroad once I finish my undergraduate degree. I spoke with many representatives of different groups about this possibility that I had never considered before. It made me realize that with a future as a music educator, I am not limited to a classroom in Shelby County -- I have opportunities worldwide to shape the lives of children with music.

Lindsey Folsom, CMENC, University of Montevallo

PHI BETA MU ALL-STATE BAND AUDITION RECORDINGS

P.O. BOX 11513

MONTGOMERY, AL 36111

Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu Bandmasters Fraternity is happy to offer compact discs of the all-state exercises. These CD’s are prepared by competent university teachers and offer an excellent study guide for the all-state audition. Individual CD’s are $15.00. Complete sets of 14 CD’s are $175.00. Please return this order form with check or school purchase order to the above address. For information, contact D. D. Black - Phone: (334) 281-2249 Fax: (334) 288-3595 Email: w4prf@charter.net

Postal rates have increased but the price remains the same. ( ) Band Director ( ) Student

Name______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address____________________________________________________________________________________________________

City_____________________________________________________________ Zip_______________________________________

School______________________________________________________Home Phone ( ) _____________________________

E-Mail Address______________________________________________________________________________________________

Note: Please indicate number of each selection below:

JUNIOR HIGH RECORDINGS

( ) Set of 14 Junior High CD’s - $175.00 (Individual CD’s are $15.00 each)

( ) Jr. High Piccolo( ) Jr. High Bass Clarinet( ) Jr. High Trombone

( ) Jr. High Flute( ) Jr. High Alto Saxophone( ) Jr. High Euphonium BC/TC

( ) Jr. High Oboe( ) Jr. High Tenor Saxophone( ) Jr. High Tuba

( ) Jr. High Bassoon( ) Jr. High Trumpet( ) Jr. High Percussion

( ) Jr. High Bb Clarinet( ) Jr. High French Horn*Alto Sax may be used for baritone sax practice.

SENIOR HIGH RECORDINGS

( ) Set of 14 Senior High CD’s - $175.00 (Individual CD’s are $15.00 each)

( ) Sr. High Piccolo ( ) Sr. High Bass Clarinet ( ) Sr. High Trombone

( ) Sr.. High Flute ( ) Sr. High Alto Saxophone ( ) Sr. High Euphonium BC/TC

( ) Sr. High Oboe ( ) Sr. High Tenor Saxophone ( ) Sr. High Tuba

( ) Sr. High Bassoon ( ) Sr. High Trumpet ( ) Sr. High Percussion

( ) Sr. High Bb Clarinet( ) Sr. High French Horn *Alto Sax may be used for baritone sax practice.

Total Number of CD’s Ordered: ____________ ( )Check or ( )Purchase Order # ___________________________

Please do not write below this line

Check # __________________________ For $____________________________ Rec.____________________________________

Purchase Order # ______________________________________________________ Order #________________________________

REWARD YOUR RECORDER STUDENTS!

• Colorful, adhesive backed cloth stars easily stick to the safety neck strap

• Kingsley Kolor ® Recorders –available in 7 colors as well as traditional black

• Safety Neck Straps (U.S. Patent No. 6,384,307) available in 14 different colors

• Get recorders and neck straps in your school colors!

•Seven coordinated Reward Certificates

•Student Method Book is gently paced to ensure student success

•Imaginative, colorful illustrations enhance student enjoyment

•Music theory pages reinforce concepts and serve as an assessment tool

FREE Play-Along CD with every initial order for Be A Recorder Star ® Method Books

(classroom set of 30 method books required)

AMEA Governing Board Meeting Minutes

June 12, 2008

Blue Cross/Blue Shield Building, Hoover, Alabama

The AMEA Governing Board met at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Building on June 12, 2008. The meeting was called to order at 10:00 am by AMEA President, Pat Stegall. Present at the meeting: Pat Stegall, John Baker, Garry Taylor, Cindy Pass, Carla Gallahan, Penney Adair, Steve McLendon, Harry McAfee, Carl Hancock,Damion Womack, Sharon August, Mark Walker, Melissa Kimbrough, and Robert Pendergraft.

The minutes from the January 9, 2008, January 10, 2008, and the January 12, 2008 Governing Board meetings were read and approved.

Treasurer Cindy Pass provided a detailed Profit/Loss Summary from July 1, 2007-June 12, 2008. Harry McAfee (Carl Hancock) motioned to accept the Treasurer’s Report.

Officer, Representatives, and Division Reportswere presented and may be viewed online by visiting our website, www.alabamamea.org

New Business

The Southern Division Leadership Symposium was discussed. The AMEA Executive Board will attend the symposium on September 14-15, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. Divisions are encouraged to send emerging leaders.

The membership is encouraged to submit application materials for the AMEA Awards and presentations. These awards include the Hall of Fame, Outstanding Administrator, Outstanding Music Educator, and the Barbara Odom Service Award. Deadline for applications is July 15, 2008.

There was discussion on an amendment to the bylaws in regard to the date of office change. The proposal reads “AMEA officers shall be elected by ballots on each even

numbered year to take office on June 1 of that year and to serve until May 31 of the next election year.” Harry McAfee (Mark Walker) motioned that the Board accept the proposal. The motion passed. The amendment will be voted on at the January conference.

A discussion occurred on mentoring new AMEA officers to review responsibilities/duties and improve overall communication between outgoing and incoming officers.

Suggestions for the 2009 AMEA Conference were brought into discussion:

- Move the AMEA leadership breakfast to Friday morning.

- Rotate the order of performances on Saturday morning every other year between the All-State Show Choir and All-State Jazz Band.

- Determine a consistent and uniform recording procedure of the AMEA Conference performances. Have the Executive Director solicit proposals for recording the performances.

- Establish a policy that a performing groupmay only be accepted every three years with the exception of the host university.

The Executive Board reviewed and passed the proposed AMEA Budget for 2008-2009.

Gratitude was expressed by the Board to John Baker for his service as President of AMEA.

The next meeting of the AMEA Governing Board will be held at noon on Saturday, August 23, 2008in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Harry McAfee (Melissa Kimbrough) motioned to adjourn the meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:45 pm by President Pat Stegall.

Respectfully submitted,

Carla Gallahan, Recording Secretary

Alabama Music Educators Association

Young Composers Competition

The AMEA Young Composers Competition has been created to encourage Alabama's developing student composers by providing professional level review and consideration. By recognizing outstanding student compositions, this process will support Alabama music teachers by recognizing their efforts to incorporate the MENC standards. It is also hoped that this kind of professional recognition will provide a showcase for the composition talents of these young Alabama musicians.

Competition Guidelines and Regulations

Eligibility: Open to students grades K-College

Requirements:Compose a solo, song, string quartet, concerto, or any medium of choice in one of the categories.

Score Format: TWO copies of an original score must be sent with the entry form. Hand-written and computergenerated formats are accepted. Measures MUST be numbered on each score submitted. Tape, CD or computer-generated recordings are encouraged but not mandatory.

Contest Rules and Procedures:

1.Sponsoring teacher must be AMEA member.

2. Entries must be original unpublished compositions. No transcriptions or arrangements will be eligible.

3. The purpose of the competition is to encourage student composers. Therefore, the compositions must be conceived and constructed by the composer.

4. Entries shall be between 1-8 minutes in length.

5. Adjudication comments will be available after all entries have been reviewed.

6. Compositions must be submitted with a full score. Recordings are welcome but not mandatory. Please do not send parts with you score.

7.The composer's name must appear on the score and recording (if available). The date of the composition must appear on the title page.

8.All entries must be postmarked by OCTOBER 29. 2008. Entries received after the deadline will not be considered.

9.Finalists will be selected from each Division and Category, the judges will determine how many finalists will be selected.

10.All rights, including copyrighting, remain with the composer.

11.Submitted materials will not be returned.

12.Compositions submitted must not be published and must not have won any other competitions.

13.The panel of judges may include qualified university composition faculty, members of the music industry, composers and other music educators. Their decision will be final, with the right to withhold awards in the event that no entry is judged worthy.

14.Each composer may submit one entry.

15.Finalist(s) will be recognized at the annual AMEA conference.

Judging: Entries will be accepted in the following divisions and categories:

Division 1 - Elementary (K-5)

Division 2 - Middle (6-8)

Division 3 - High (9-12)

Division 4 - College

Composers may enter a piece from any of the FIVE categories below:

Category A: Solo composition (including song with accompaniment; orchestral instrument with accompaniment, e.g. violin sonata).

Category B: Chamber piece for duo, trio, quintet, etc. (other than string quartet).

Category C: Orchestral/Band/Choral. (large ensemble work)

Category D: String Quartet.

Category E: Jazz - a piece for jazz ensemble.(combo or large ensemble)

Points (100):30 points - structure, musical creativity, and development.

30 points - compositional technique; use of instrument(s).

30 points - melodic, rhythmic and harmonic consideration.

10 points - presentation (to include correct musical notation).

Judging: All entrants will receive a written critique from the judging panel. The decision of the judging panel is final.

Prizes & Awards: Composition finalists will be recognized at the AMEA conference.

Entry fee: $20.00 Checks should be made payable to AMEA.

Deadline: Postmarked on or before October 29, 2008

Entry: Send composition and completed entry form to: AMEA Young Composers Competition c/o Chris Cooper

Homewood Middle School

395 Mecca Ave. Homewood, AL 35209 2008-2009

- APPLICATION FORM

SIGNATURE

AMEADivision Events2008 - 2009

Alabama Orchestra Association

AMEA Conference

University of Alabama

January 22-24, 2009

All-State Orchestra Festival

University of Alabama

February 12-15, 2009

Alabama Bandmasters Association

AMEA In-Service Conference/All-State Jazz Band

January 22-24, 2009 - University of Alabama

State Band Competition Festival - TBA

All-State Solo Festival

April 15, 2009 - Auburn University

District I

District Honor Band

All-State Band Auditions

District Band Assessment

Solo & Ensemble Festival

District II

District Honor Band

All-State Band Auditions

District Band Assessment

Solo & Ensemble Festival

District III

District Honor Band

All-State Band Auditions

District Band Assessment

Solo & Ensemble Festival

District IV

District Honor Band

All-State Band Auditions

District Band Assessment

Solo & Ensemble Festival

District V

District Honor Band

All-State Band Auditions

District Band Assessment

Solo & Ensemble Festival

District VI

District Honor Band

All-State Band Auditions

District Band Assessment

Solo & Ensemble Festival

District VII

District Band Assessment

All-State Band Auditions

Solo & Ensemble Festival

District VIII

District Honor Band

All-State Band Auditions

District Band Assessment

Solo & Ensemble Festival

All-State Band Festival

April 16-18, 2009 - Auburn University

Summer In-Service Conference

June 24-25, Hilton Garden Inn, Orange Beach

February 27-28....................................Austin High School

January 30-31.................................Sparkman High School

February 18-20..................................Decatur High School

February 18-20...................................Huntsville Site TBA

March 28...............................Meridianville Middle School

April 25............................................Hartselle High School

February 6-7................................................Gadsden State

January 10..................................Jacksonville High School

February 11-13.............................................Gadsden State

March 28....................................Jacksonville High School

April 25 .................................................Arab High School

TBA..................................................Cullman High School

January 31...............................Muscle Shoals High School

February 9-10...................................Cullman High School

February 11-12.......................Muscle Shoals High School

May 2 University of North Alabama

February 27-28............................Homewood High School

January17...........................................Hoover High School

February 10-12............................Homewood High School

February 10-12.................................Vestavia High School

April 28....................................Homewood Middle School

May 2.........................................Thompson Middle School

February 13-14.......................University of West Alabama

January 31..............................Tuscaloosa Co. High School TBA.............................................................................TBA

March 28..........................................Prattville High School

April 14...........................Tuscaloosa County High School

February 27-28..............Central High School, Phenix City

January 31..........................................Opelika High School

February 18-20..................Benjamin Russell High School

March 7.................................. Auburn Junior High School

April 4.................................................Trinity Presbyterian

February 17-18................Mary Montgomery High School

February 19-20................................Davidson High School

January 17.......................................Davidson High School

April 25................................................Baker High School

May 2...............................................Fairhope High School

February 27-28...........................................Troy University

January 17............................Andalusia Elementary School

February 17-19...........................................Troy University

May 2...................................Andalusia Elementary School

Alabama Vocal Association

Fall Workshop - September 5-6 - Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Birmingham

All-State Show Choir Auditions - October 17-18 - Bluff Park Methodist Church, Birmingham

All-State - February 25-28 - Samford University, Birmingham

State Performance Assessment - April 20-22 - Bluff Park Methodist Church, Birmingham

VI

VII

Elementary/General Division

October 10 – AMEA Elementary Music Festival, Wright Center at Samford University

October 11 – AMEA/AL AOSA Fall Workshop with Susan Ramsay, Greystone Elementary

November 12-15 – AOSA National Conference, Charlotte, North Carolina

January 22-24 – AMEA In-Service Conference, Tuscaloosa

February 21 – AL AOSA Spring Workshop with Thom Borden

News from MENC

AMEA Leaders attend National Conference

AMEA President Pat Stegall and Executive Director/Editor Garry Taylor attended the MENC National Leadership Assembly and National Conference in Milwaukee during April. Highlights of the assembly included:

“State of the Association” address by MENC Executive Director John Mahlmann.

“Job-alike” sessions

“Same size” state sessions

Breakout sessions with topics related to MENC’s strategic plan.

Division meetings (SDMENC)

News from the Conference:

- The 2010 National Conference will have a new format. Details are forthcoming.

- The National Anthem Project will continue next year with another ceremony in Washington DC in June.

- The All-American Marching Band program was a great success and will continue again next year.

- The World’s Largest Concert will continue next year with new outside funding sources in addition to MENC.

- Lynn Brinckmeyer has finished her term as President and Barbara Geer takes over the position. Barbara’s theme is “Music...Just Imagine.”

Serving Jazz Educators is the Aim of New Initiative by MENC: The National Association for Music Education

RESTON, VA (May 8, 2008) — MENC: The National Association for Music Education has always been a strong and successful advocate for music education in all its forms. Recent problems faced by the International Association for Jazz

Education have caused the dissolution of that association, challenging the music education community to step in and fill the need to support education in this quintessentially American art form. MENC will step forward to meet that challenge by providing enhanced services and benefits in the area of jazz education, including:

- A major area on the MENC web site for jazz education, with weekly short articles, a forum for discussions, and links to standards-based jazz lessons on the MENC “My Music Class” online idea center and lesson plan library.

- Increased performance, discussion, and pedagogical opportunities at MENC national events beginning in summer 2010 or before.

- Increased coverage of topics on jazz and jazz education in print or electronic format.

To implement these new initiatives, MENC will work with leaders in jazz education to better serve the 11,000 MENC members already working in that field, rally those former IAJE members who are left without a professional association, and activate a new and exciting network of supporters for jazz in our schools and our culture. Future announcements about MENC’s jazz education initiative will be posted at www.menc.org/news

MENC Marches Away with Prestigious Recognition

MENC is one of only 11 organizations nationally to receive an Award of Excellence in the third round of the 2008 Associations Advance America (AAA) Awards program, a national competition sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) & The Center for Association Leadership, Washington, DC.

MENC received the award for its 2008 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band, a program that recognizes the nation’s finest student marching musicians with “All-American” status. 2008 was the program’s inaugural year. Now in its 18th year, the prestigious Associations Advance America (AAA) Awards recognize associations that “propel America forward” -- with innovative

projects in education, skills training, standard-setting, business and social innovation, knowledge creation, citizenship, and community service. “We are very proud to receive this recognition from ASAE,” said John J. Mahlmann, executive director of MENC. “Through the All-American Marching Band, MENC and our partners were able to reach members of the public who might not have recognized the value of school music programs. By spotlighting the accomplishments of student musicians in the same way as are those of student athletes, we believe this program advances America.”

1000 Students Sing the National Anthem in Nation's Capital

The national spotlight focused on music education on June 13, 2008, as 1,000 students from across the country, YouTube sensation the “Cactus Cuties,” the U.S. Marine Band, and delegates from the Mrs. America organization performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the U.S. Capitol. The performers were celebrating the national anthem and the importance of music education.

A new Harris Poll released in June 2008 found that Americans overwhelmingly support teaching the national anthem in schools and agree music education impacts success in other subjects.

MENC: The National Association for Music Education, the world’s largest arts education organization, marked its centennial in 2007 as the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. More than 130,000 members represent all levels of teaching from preschool to graduate school. Since 1907, MENC has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. MENC’s activities and resources have been largely responsible for the establishment of music education as a profession, for the promotion and guidance of music study as an integral part of the school curriculum, and for the development of the National Standards for Arts Education.

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