February/March 2008 Ala Breve

ala breve ala breve

The Official Publication of the Alabama Music Educators Association

Thomas Smith

Gene Black

Carleton Butler

Edward Cleino

William Dawson

William Denison

Wilbur Hinton

Johnny Jacobs

Dianne Johnson

John M. Long

Floyd McClure

Frances Moss

Eleanor Nation

Lacey Powell

James Simpson

Hugh Thomas Orland Thomas

Johnnie Vinson

Truman Welch

Gene Gooch

ala ala b brreevve e

February

Official Publication of the Alabama Music Educators Association

Garry Taylor, Editor 1046 Chinook Street Auburn, Alabama 36830 amea@charter.net (256) 636-2754

ADVERTISING & COPY DEADLINES

August issue: July 1

October issue: September 1

February issue: January 1

Send Ad Materials to: Garry Taylor, Advertising Manager 1046 Chinook Street Auburn, Alabama 36830 (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:

8AMEA Governing Board Directory

12AMEA Awards

17 ABA All-State Schedule

18-19ABA Clinicians

Montevallo

The University of Department of Music

INSPIRED BY THE PAST, DEDICATED TO THE FUTURE! AN ALL-STEINWAY SCHOOL

Scholarship Audition Dates:

Saturday, February 16 & Saturday, March 8, 2008

Upcoming Events:

UM Honor Band

February 29–March 2, 2008

Alabama Symphony Orchestra

February 29, 2008

Department of Music Honors Recital

March 13, 2008

College of Fine Arts

Scholarship Fund-raising Gala

April 5, 2008

Alabama Symphony Orchestra

May 9, 2008

Young Musicians’ Camp

June 22–27, 2008

For a complete list of events, please visit our website: www.montevallo.edu/music

Contact us: music@montevallo.edu

205-665-6670

From the President...

John Baker, President Alabama Music Educators Association

Who Are We?

This year I started my 26th year of teaching. The longer I teach the more isolated I feel. As music educators, I think we all get so wrapped up in our own situations at our respective schools that we forget that we are just a part of “The Big Picture.” Sometimes we forget who we are.

We are music educators! The Alabama Music Educators Association is a dynamic, effective group of individuals pulling together to maintain and improve the quality of music teaching and learning, and to increase support for music education in our schools and communities. Our mission is to advance music education by encouraging the making of music for all. We strive to make sure students are making music in the present but also are dedicated to working to ensure students can make music in the future. We want to create life long learners. We have an awesome task that we can’t complete alone. We are stronger and more effective when we work together as an organization. This past summer we cel-

ebrated the 100th birthday of MENC. Through the years MENC became an organization that spoke for music educators and provided opportunities and support for music teachers and their students. Today MENC and AMEA do together what none of us can do separately. WE ARE THE NA-

TIONAL, REGIONAL AND STATE VOICE FOR MUSIC EDUCATION. It takes all of us working together to get the job done. Let’s continue to work together to better the lives of our students.

We have a great opportunity to come together as an organization at our Alabama Music Educators Association Conference January 10th-12th at the University of Alabama. Some of the highlights will include the FAME Conference (Future Alabama Music Educators), Keynote speaker John Jacobson, wonderful ensembles, clinics and workshops as well as the induction of the first class of the AMEA Hall of Fame. Please make plans now to attend.

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

Past President

Becky Rodgers

Fort Payne High School

201 45th Street, N

Fort Payne, AL 35967

(256) 845-4051 School

brodgers@ftpayk12.org

51 Christy Lane

Ft. Payne, AL 35968

(256) 845-4613 Home

(256) 996-3252 Cell

REBECCARODGERS@aol.com

President-Elect

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

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

AMEA Governing Board

Directory 2007-2008

President, Higher Education

Dr. Mark Walker

Troy University

Long Hall

Troy, AL 36082

(334) 670-3281

mjwalker@troy.edu

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

Paul Edmondson

Gadsden City High School

1917 Black Creek Parkway

Gadsden, AL 35904

(256) 543-4225 School

256-492-8123 - Home

256-490-8622 - Cell

pedmonds@.gcs.k12.al.us

paul.Edmondson@worldnet.att.net

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

President, CMENC

Nathan Tucker

301 Helen Keller Blvd. #111

Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

(256) 506-4314

nathan.l.tucker@ua.edu

Collegiate MENC Advisor

Virginia Zingara

Troy University

206 Smith Hall

Troy, AL 36082

334-670-3985 School

vzingara@troy.edu

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

1046 Chinook St.

Auburn, AL 36830

(256) 636-2754

amea@charter.net

EDUCATORS DEPENDON YAMAHA.

T heonlychoice—Yamaha. Why?Wehaveworld-classdesigners, state-of-the-artmanufacturingtechniquesandarecommittedto producingtheindustry’smostconsistent,superior-soundinginstruments available.Thesearejustthreeofthemanyreasonsthateducators dependonYamaha.Learnaboutthese instrumentsandmoreatyamaha.com/band.

From the President-elect...

Pat Stegall, President-elect

Alabama Music Educators -As

Be An Encourager!

What a great AMEA conference! Thanks for attending and thanks to all of the members who made the conference such a grand success.Congratulations to the performing groups and presenters on a job well done. Also thanks to The University of Alabama Music department for the use of their facilities and their help with the conference.

It is this time of year that we are all in “the heat of the battle” so to speak. We all need a word of encouragement when the challenges become so great. Make it a priority to call another music teacher and give them some encouraging words. Say something to your students that will inspire and motivate them to keep pressing for perfection. I have a great friend who gives me encouraging words every Tuesday.

Glenn Spiller (retired band director from Decatur) works with some of my students each week, but I believe the real reason he comes to visit is to be an encourager for me. Glenn always has good things to say and his stories help to keep me going in the right direction. I have been teaching for twentyfour years and I still need those words of praise and encouragement. Perhaps you do, too.

I hope that you will make an effort to contact a colleague just to see how things are going. Build your network and be encouragers for each other. You never know how much a kind word or some simple advice means to a fellow music educator. Good luck to you all as you prepare for spring concerts, competitions, programs and other musical events.

AMEA 2008 Awards

AMEA Honor Roll recipients: Chuck Eady, Curtis Burttram, Tim Grabill, Rickie Malone, Sallie Vines White, Rick Whitmire, Treadwell Davis, and Stephen Fowler with AMEA President John Baker

Outstanding Administrator Dr. Charles Mason, Superintendent of Mountain Brook City Schools (center) with Mountain Brook band directors Frank Blanton, left and Mark Foster, right.

Barbara Odom Award recipient Rhonda Tucker congratulated by AMEA President John Baker

AMEA President John Baker, left and Young Composer Coordinator Chris Cooper, right congratulate Young Composer finalists Brennan Robertson and Wesley King

FromHED

I have to begin this article by congratulating Mr. Garry Taylor, Executive Director of AMEA, the Governing Board, and everyone else involved in the organization and administration of the 2008 AMEA Conference. The Conference was outstanding in every way, the performances were inspiring, and the sessions were thought provoking and challenging. Of course, visiting with colleagues in the exhibits, hallways and restaurants is always a great time, and serves as a reminder that we are not alone in our experiences. Somebody, somewhere is going through the same, or similar, thing as we are, and sharing these experiences serves to reinforce, reinvigorate, and recharge our teaching.

For the Higher Education Division specifically, we were fortunate to enjoy two exceptional recitals given by artists from universities across Alabama, an excellent poster session which featured interesting and original research by

FromCMENC

The key to a successful tenure for a leadership team is the participation and growth of the organization under their guidance. Judging by the overwhelming turnout of collegiate members at this past month’s conference, we owe our previous leadership team a great deal of thanks. Your current slate of officers is excited about the potential for growth and participation of even more chapters in the events coming this year. After serving a term as vice president last year, I look to this year as a year of growth. By having a returning member among the state officers,we will be able to not only start over with fresh ideas, but build on those already in place. During this year I also look forward to the Summit which will be held this Fall and give the collegiate membership an opportunity to participate in high caliber workshops in both

Mark

Walker, President

Higher Ed Division

graduate students and faculty, and finally several superb sessions which will no doubt serve to make a positive impact for us and our students.

Regarding the HED recitals, it appears that these performances may be an excellent way to attract more of our colleagues to AMEA and our conferences. It is important that we encourage our colleagues to first join, and then to take an active part in our organization, and it is just natural that our applied colleagues will be attracted to performance opportunities. I encourage anyone with ideas on how we can “bring them into the fold,” as it were, to contact any HED member and to attend our events in order to share and develop ideas and put them into action.

I wish everyone a happy, safe and productive 2008. I look forward to seeing and visiting with each of you.

Robert Pendergraft, President Collegiate MENC

semesters. We have many ideas for how we as a leadership team can build on the previous year’s success, but we covet your input and ideas. We cannot truly operate as a statewide organization without the participation and input of the chapters around our state. My challenge to you this year is to go out of your way to attend the events we will host, submit an idea for making the state organization relevant to every chapter, and exchange ideas with members of other chapters as an effort to both challenge and reinforce our individual ideas, and do not pass up the opportunity that awaits at the MENC National Convention in Milwaukee. I anxiously anticipate a year filled with opportunity and look forward to hearing from each of you along the way.

Crimson Music Camps

ummer 2008

osa, Alabam

Suummer2008 8 Tuscaloo Tu osaAlabamma

Summer 2008 Tuscaloosa, Alabama

hoolSc

Music

a

School of Music Faculty

our P F

y She oints b

tel on Ho at er

Accommoda

Four Points by Sheraton Hotel Accommodations

UA Excellence

Jazz - Big Band & Combos

(June 12-15)

Band • Choir • Piano

(June 15-21)

Individual camps offer:

Smallg

Indiv groupsectionals&c

ps o idual cam coaching,specialized offer: fe dcourses,masterclaasses, Small g

oup sectionals & c ening soc v t, e t-shir

hing, ial & musical activit

er cla d courses, mast t. ies, final concer

Small group sectionals & coaching, specialized courses, master classes, t-shirt, evening social & musical activities, final concert.

Electiv hamb visation, c oprim

Elective courses include:

Jazz singin

isit V

y ng, theor

e courses inc er music, audition & roup position, g /com

lude: uformancetechniq per reeseers/deg piano, car

Jazz improvisation, chamber music, audition & performance techniques, sight singing, conducting, theory/composition, group piano, careers/degrees in music. Visit our website to view photos and more from last summer

tourwebsitetovi

ew pho

ewphotosandm

orefromlastsum

ww.music.ua.e w.

www.music.ua.edu

(205) 348-6741

es, sinmusic. mer o vi ww jw

348-6741

jweigel@music.ua.edu

edu u

Fromthe ABA

Hello All,

I hope you had a restful holidays and your second term is progressing well. It was great to be with so many of you this year at the AMEA Conference. We had a record overall attendance and more band directors attended than any other group. I would like to offer a special thanks to those that presented concerts and clinics. Thompson Middle School, Minor, Oak Grove, and Shades Valley bands all represented us very well and the clinics were all very informative and well received. We also greatly appreciate the hospitality of the University of Alabama and the wonderful concert by their Wind Ensemble. Thank you for your attendance and supporting these events. It was unfortunate that the weather prevented the performance by the Jacksonville Wind Ensemble but we hope they will reschedule for next year. We will also be looking for other ensembles to perform for next year so contact me if you are interested. You will find the process of preparing and presenting a program will greatly benefit the growth of your program.

As I reach this point in my career, I find myself more and more becoming an advocate and a mentor along with the everyday teaching responsibilities we all have. I am really enjoying those roles in my own area and I hope that I can be of assistance to any of you that need me. It is extremely important that we encourage and support each other in these difficult times. I think our students now need what we have to offer more than any other time in the past. It’s nice to now have scientific evidence of some of the advantages of studying music and being in band. We always suspected and knew that …didn’t we? But we must remember that along with the multitude of non-musical advantages to being in band, the real and most important reason for it lies in the music. Music belongs in all our schools primarily for its cultural, educational, and aesthetic purposes. Those reasons alone justify what we do.

As I work with you, I am also reminded of the tremendous obstacles that many of you

Harry McAfee, President

Alabama Bandmasters Association

have to overcome in order to help your students reach their full potential. Yes, I have been there and I do understand! But my years of experience has also taught me that if you work hard every day and persevere, if you make wise choices and seek help when you need it, and if you keep in mind who we serve, good things will eventually happen for you. For instance, let’s tackle the problem of inadequate instrumentation. This problem can severely limit your effectiveness. Working along with your administrators and band parents, you should be able to implement a long range plan that will help to ensure your success. Be prepared to make adjustments and do temporary fix-its but refer back to and stick with your long range plan. You will have to be the one that makes it happen! If you feel overwhelmed by the multitude of other problems we can face you will need to prioritize, choose your battles, and chip away at them one at a time. Just stand your ground and be encouraged that you will prevail. And here’s another idea…send your students out everyday with a melody in their heart. We all need that…don’t we?

Best Wishes, Harry

All-State Band Schedule

Auburn University, April 16-19, 2008

Note: Registration badges will be required for admission to all rehearsals, meetings, clinics, and exhibits.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

8:00 a.m. All-State Solo Festival - Goodwin Music Building, Recital Hall and Choir Room

7:30 p.m. All-State Solo Festival Finals Concert

Goodwin Music Building, Recital Hall (Open to the Public)

Thursday, April 17, 2008

12:30 p.m. Meeting of ALL Band Directors

Goodwin Music Building, Recital Hall

ABA Vice-President Becky Rodgers, presiding

1:00 p.m. Auditions for all band students according to schedule mailed to directors by ABA

1:00-4:00 p.m. Exhibits Open Auburn University Conference Center Ballroom A

5:30 p.m. Audition results posted at rehearsal sites

Unassigned personnel posted at all four sites

6:00-7:30 p.m. Exhibits Open -ConferenceCenter,BallroomA

6:30-9:30 p.m.Red Band Rehearsal

Conductor- Gary Garner

Student Activities Bldg. (closed rehearsal)

6:30-9:30 p.m.White Band Rehearsal

Conductor - Steve Bolstad

Goodwin Band Hall (closed rehearsal)

6:30-9:30 p.m.Blue Band Rehearsal

Conductor - Johnny Jacobs Location TBA (closed rehearsal)

6:30-9:30 p.m.Jr. High Band Rehearsal

Conductor - Carla Gallahan ConferenceCenter,BallroomB(closedrehearsal)

7:00-9:00 p.m. ABA Board Meeting

Conference Center, Meeting Room A

12:00 midnightCurfew for all participants. Directors are responsible for their students.

Friday, April 18, 2008

8:30-12:00 noonExhibits Open-BallroomA

8:30-11:30 a.m.Red Band Rehearsal - Student Activities Bldg.

8:30-11:30 a.m.White Band Rehearsal - Band Hall

8:30-11:30 a.m.Blue Band Rehearsal - Location TBA

8:30-11:30 a.m.Jr. High Band Rehearsal - Ballroom B

9:00-10:00 a.m.ABA General Business Meeting Conference Center, Auditorium

10:15-11:00 a.m. Trumpet Clinic

Dr. Ramon Vasquez Conference Center Auditorium

Friday, April 18 continued

12:00-1:15 p.m. Phi Beta Mu Luncheon Conference Center, Governors Room

1:30-5:00 p.m. Exhibits Open -Ballroom A

1:30-5:00 p.m.Red Band Rehearsal - Student Activities Bldg.

1:30-5:00 p.m.White Band Rehearsal - Band Hall

1:30-5:00 p.m.Blue Band Rehearsal - Location TBA

1:30-5:00 p.m.Jr. High Band Rehearsal - Ballroom B

2:00-3:00 p.m. Jacksonville State University Jazz Band Chip Crotts, Conductor Conference Center, Auditorium

3:30-4:30 p.m. IAJE Meeting

Sallie White, President Conference Center Auditorium

8:00 p.m.Host Night Concert Auburn University Symphonic Band Rick Good, Conductor Opelika Performing Arts Center

9:30-11:00 p.m.Informal reception for directors, clinicians, and exhibitors sponsored by the AU Bands at the Conference Center

12:00 midnightCurfew for all participants. Directors are responsible for their students.

Saturday , April 19, 2008

8:00-8:40a.m.Red Band Rehearsal - Student Activities Bldg.

8:15-9:00 a.m. ABA Board Meeting Conference Center Auditorium

8:30-12:00 a.m. Exhibits Open - Ballroom A

8:45-9:25 a.m.White Band Rehearsal - Student Act. Bldg.

9:00-9:45a.m. ABA General Business Meeting Conference Center, Auditorium

9:30-10:10 a.m.Blue Band Rehearsal -Student Act. Bldg.

10:15-11:00 a.m.Jr. High Band Rehearsal - Student Act. Bldg.

11:30 a.m. All-State Band Festival Concert I

Student Activities Building Jr. High Band Blue Band

2:00 p.m. All-State Band Festival Concert II Student Activities Building White Band Red Band

Both concerts are open to the public. There is no admission charge.

ABA All-State 2008 Clinicians

Red Band

Dr. Gary Garner retired in 2002 after 39 years as Director of Bands at West Texas State University. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech and a master of music and DMA from the University of Southern California. He began his teaching career in Lubbock at Hutchinson Jr. High School and at Monterey High School. From there he went to the University of Southern California as marching band director for four years before accepting a position at WTAMU. During his tenure at WTAMU, the Symphonic Band performed twice at Carnegie Hall, twice before the College Band Directors National Association, and a record ten times at the Texas Music Educators Association convention. Among the awards and honors he has received are; the WTAMU Faculty Excellence Award; the WTAMU Phoenix Club award for teaching excellence; the Minnie Piper Stevens Award; Texas Bandmaster of the Year; Bohumil Makovsky Award for outstanding service to college bands; and the Gene Hemmle Award as outstanding music alumnus from Texas Tech.

White Band

Stephen Bolstad

FSU

Ensembles:

Choral Ensemble

June 8-14, 2008

Senior High Band

June 22 - July 5, 2008

String Orchestra

June 22 - July 5, 2008

Marching Band Leadership

July 6 - July 11, 2008

Middle School Band

July 6 - 12, 2008

summer music camps ‘08

Workshops: Honors Camps:

Double Reed Wksp.

June 10-13, 2008

Double Bass Wksp.

June 18-21, 2008

Tuba & Euphonium Wksp.

June 18-21, 2008

Honors Piano

June 8 - 20, 2008

Honors Jazz Ensemble

June 15 - 21, 2008

Honors Chamber Winds

June 22 - July 5, 2008

For more information, please contact us at: 850-644-9934 (phone/fax)

is in his first year as Director of Bands and Professor of Wind Conducting at James Madison University. His duties include conducting both the Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band, while also teaching the Masters and Doctoral students in Wind Conducting, and courses in wind literature. From 1994-2007, Dr. Bolstad was the Director of Bands at The University of Montana. Under his direction the Symphonic Wind Ensemble was selected to perform at the College Band Directors National Association’s Northwest/Western Divisional Conference in 1996 and 2006, and the MENC Northwest Conference in 2001 (Spokane, WA) and 2005 (Bellevue, WA). In addition to his work with the bands, he also taught undergraduate and graduate conducting, the trumpet studio, and various music education courses. In 2004 Dr. Bolstad was named the University of Montana School of Fine Arts Distinguished Faculty Awardee. Prior to Montana, Dr. Bolstad held similar positions in Alabama at both The University of Montevallo and Livingston University, and he was the Director of Bands at St. Marys Area High School in St. Marys, Pennsylvania. Steve Bolstad holds the Doctor of Music Arts degree in conducting from The University of Texas at Austin, the Master of Music degree from Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York, and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. He has studied conducting with Jerry Junkin (Texas), Rodney Winther (Ithaca), and Stanley Michalski (Clarion), and he has studied trumpet with Raymond Crisara (Texas), Kim Dunnick (Ithaca) and Jack Hall (Clarion). Dr. Bolstad is very active as a guest conductor having conducted district, regional and all-state festivals throughout the United States and Canada. In addition, he has conducted bands at summer events such as MusiCamp Alberta and Red Lodge Music Festival. He also maintains a very active schedule as an adjudicator and clinician. Dr. Bolstad is a PastPresident of the Montana Bandmasters Association and was just beginning his presidency of the Northwest Division of CBDNA when he accepted the position at JMU. Dr. Bolstad is a member of VMEA, MENC, CBDNA and WASBE.

musiccamps@fsu.edu

www.music.fsu.edu/pr/summer-camps.htm

ABA All-State 2008 Clinicians

Blue Band

Johnny Jacobs

was employed by the Jefferson County School System as a music educator for thirty-six years, from September, 1964 through August, 2000. His notable appointments were Dixie Junior High School, Minor High School, Berry High School, and thirteen years as Supervisor of Bands. Dr. Jacobs received the Doctor of Education degree from the University of Alabama in 1985, The Advanced Certificate in Music Education from the University of Illinois in 1975, the Master of Arts degree from the University of Alabama in 1968, and the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Birmingham-Southern College in 1965. Dr. Jacobs served as president of the Alabama Bandmasters Association from 1977-1979 and as president of the Alabama Music Educators Association from 1984-1986. He was inducted into Phi Beta Mu Rho Chapter’s Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame in 1997. His bands were successful and respected, receiving numerous superior ratings and “best in class” awards during his twenty-three years in the classroom. As an outgrowth of his doctoral dissertation, Dr. Jacobs published “Supplementary Material for Beginning Band, Fifteen Settings for Beginning Band and Pre-recorded Electronic Synthesizer”. This work, named “The Johnny Book” by the students and directors who use it, is currently used with significant success in several Birmingham area middle schools. Concurrently with his work in public education, Dr. Jacobs remained an active performer and teacher of trumpet. He played several years as principal trumpet with the Alabama Pops Orchestra, the Birmingham Symphony Pops Orchestra and as second trumpet with the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, forerunner of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. He taught trumpet at Birmingham-Southern College for thirty years and at Samford University for eleven years. After retiring from the Jefferson County Schools, Dr. Jacobs taught music education and trumpet for two years at the University of Alabama Birmingham. During subsequent years to the present he has assisted daily in band programs in the Birmingham area and maintained a private studio at Art’s Music Shop. He is affiliated as a conductor with the Birmingham Community Concert Band and plays principal trumpet with Celebration Winds. Dr. Jacobs now lives in a rural area near Warrior, Alabama. He is a deacon at First Baptist Church Warrior and also serves as Director of Discipleship Training. He and his wife Carol have five children and three grandchildren.

Junior High Band

Carla Gallahan is Assistant Professor of Music Education at Troy University in Troy, Alabama. She received the Bachelor of Music Education Degree and the Master of Education in Music at Auburn University and is currently pursuing the Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education. As a member of the faculty at Troy University, her responsibilities include teaching music education courses, instructing the horn studio, supervising student interns, and serving as an Associate Conductor with the university bands. Ms. Gallahan is the Executive Director for the Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic and Honor Bands held at Troy University. Her teaching background includes eighteen years experience in the Alabama public schools. From 1989-2005, Ms. Gallahan served as band director in the Auburn City Schools in Auburn, Alabama. Under her direction, the bands at Auburn Junior High School and J.F. Drake Middle School consistently received superior ratings at contests and festivals. The band also performed as the clinic band for composer Frank Erickson, performed at the Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic, and performed at the Alabama Music Educators Association In-service Conference. Ms. Gallahan is the Recording Secretary for the Alabama Music Educators Association and former chairman of District VI of the Alabama Bandmasters Association. She was selected to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and Outstanding Young Women of America, has been chosen as Auburn Junior High School Teacher of the Year, Auburn City Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year, and has served as a clinician and adjudicator throughout the Southeast. Her professional affiliations include the Music Educators National Conference, Alabama Music Educators Association, Alabama Bandmasters Association, Phi Delta Kappa, and Phi Beta Mu.

Fromthe AVA

Didn’t we have a great Winter In-Service conference? I would like to thank all of you who helped in making it a success, especially our AMEA Executive Director Garry Taylor. Special kudos to those of you who presented, performed and presided. Weren’t our guest clinicians phenomenal? We were motivated and inspired by John Leavitt, and we were entertained and encouraged by John Jacobson. When I left, I was ready to lift high my boom-whacker and conquer the world, but realized, in my case, that I need to lift my umbrella. It seems that every event that I have been involved with as President of AVA has been deluged with inclement weather. One of our members gave me the idea of contracting out to some of our drought-stricken neighbors. You think north Georgia would want me to put together a choral festival?

That brings me to our next event which will be AllState, March 13-15 at Samford University in Birmingham. We will once again have all choirs, both middle and high schools, on the same campus. That seemed to work out really well last year. Each of you who will be participating will be getting an information packet from Damion Womack that will include all important information including rehearsal monitoring responsibilities. I always appreciate your willingness to assist in these areas.

Paul Edmondson, President

Alabama Vocal Association

State Festival will be held April 21-25. We will begin the week in Daphne and will end the week in Florence. I am going to try to reserve Wednesday for travel for the adjudicators. Just bear with us as we will be trying to schedule as many groups as possible with the requests to accommodate.

I would like to close by thanking each of you for furthering the cause of choral music education in our state, and also by thanking the AVA governing board as they each are extremely hard working and has your true interests at heart. I challenge each of you to continue to support your district chair and to let them know if you are willing to help out. We would really appreciate it! See you at All-State!!

2008 All-State Choral Festival Schedule

Samford University, March 12-15, 2008

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

12:00 NoonBoard Meeting, Wright Lobby

3:00-5:00OCS Competition - Male

Brock

5:00 OCS Group Picture (Foyer)

5:30-7:00OCS Competition - Female Brock

Thursday, March 13, 2008

8:00 -11:00Show Choir Rehearsal

8:30Breakfast Meeting (President, President-elect, Clinicians and Choir Coordinators) Drury Inn

10:00OA Auditions

Bolding Studio (BBS311)

10:30General Assembly (all students and directors) Wright Concert Hall

11:30-1:30All-State Rehearsals

HS SATB - Wright Concert Hall

HS SSA - Brock

HS TTBB - Bolding Studio

MS Mixed - Reid Chapel

MS Treble - Cassesse

1:30-3:00Lunch Break

3:00-5:30All-State Rehearsals (same locations)

5:30-7:30Dinner Break

7:30-9:30All-State Rehearsals (same locations)

11:00Curfew

Friday, March 14, 2008

8:30-11:00MS All-State Rehearsals

MS Mixed - Wright Concert Hall

MS Treble - Cassesse

Friday, March 14, 2008 (con’t)

8:30-11:30HS All-State Rehearsals

HS SATB - Reid Chapel

HS SSA - Brock Recital Hall

HS TTBB - Bolding Studio

9:00 - 10:15AVA General Meeting Harrison Theatre

11:00.-1:00Lunch Break(MS)

11:30-1:30Lunch Break (HS)

11:30-1:00AVA Board Luncheon Wright Mezzanine

1:00 -4:00MS All-State Rehearsals

MS Mixed - Cassesse

MS Treble - Wright Concert Hall

1:30-4:30HS All-State Rehearsals

HS SATB - Reid Chapel

HS SSA - Brock Recital Hall

HS TTBB - Bolding Studio

4:00-6:30Dinner Break(MS)

4:30-6:30Dinner Break (HS)

6:30Call Time for Concert (all performers in their seats)

7:00CONCERT

Saturday, March 15, 2008

8:00-9:00SATB Dress Rehearsal Wright Concert Hall

9:00-10:00SSA Dress Rehearsal Wright Concert Hall

10:00-11:00TTBB Dress Rehearsal Wright Concert Hall

1:30Call Time for Concert

(all performers in their seats)

2:00CONCERT

AVA All-State 2008 Clinicians

High School SATB

Kenneth Fulton is the Sanders Alumni Professor of Choral Studies and Chair of the Division of Ensembles and Conducting in the College of Music and Dramatic Arts at Louisiana State University where he conducts the LSU A Cappella Choir, teaches undergraduate and graduate choral conducting, literature, and methods and guides the graduate degrees in choral conducting. He has been named as one of LSU's Distinguished Professors and in January 2006, he was awarded an Alumni Professorship, the university's most prestigious endowed teaching professorship. He is also Chorusmaster for the Baton Rouge Symphony Chorus and Artistic Director/Conductor for the Linz International Choral Festival in Linz, Austria where he annually conducts performances with the Festival Orchestra and Chorus. He is editor for the Kenneth Fulton Choral Series published by Alliance Music Corporation. Fulton has conducted performances in some of the most prestigious performance venues in the world including Carnegie Hall in New York, Symphony Hall in Boston, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, the Mozarteum, and the Brucknerhaus in Austria. In addition, he has conducted the LSU A Cappella Choir in invitational performances in Notre Dame (Paris) and the Vatican (Rome), in six successful European tours of the Netherlands, France, Germany, England, Wales, Scotland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Switzerland. Prominent performances by his choirs include appearances for three national and six divisional ACDA Conventions, a national MENC convention as well as performances for national meetings of the College Music Society, the Sonneck Society, the American Musicological Society, and the American Society of University Composers. Fulton has conducted invitational clinics including all-state, and Honor Festival choruses, conducting master classes, and conductor/teacher workshops in forty different states and in Europe. He has published articles on the choral music of William Walton, Don Carlo Gesualdo, and William Byrd in the Choral Journal and the AGO Magazine and served for six years as an editor of the National Editorial Board for the Choral Journal. He has held a wide variety of professional offices and is a past President of the Southern Division of the American Choral Directors Association, the Texas Choral Directors Association and the Louisiana ACDA. Graduates of the graduate degrees in choral conducting at LSU now hold choral positions at all levels of choral music from secondary public schools to college/university positions in eighteen different states. Fulton holds advanced degrees from Texas Tech University (MME - Ph.D) and an undergraduate BME from the University of North Texas. He has held appointments at LSU in Baton Rouge, Texas State University (formerly Southwest Texas State University) in San Marcos, the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, Texas Tech University in Lubbock, and in public school choral music.

High School TTBB

Jeffrey Richard Carter, a native of the Kansas City, Missouri area, is Associate Professor of Music Performance at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, a doctoral institution numbering approximately 18,000 students. He is a versatile conductor and teacher whose performance experience and training ranges through nearly 1000 years of western musical tradition, and who has gained success with university ensembles, amateur choral groups, show choirs, volunteer church choirs, and festival choruses. His performing and educational endeavors have taken him to the continents of Asia, South America, and Europe, in addition to the continental United States. At Ball State, Dr. Carter leads University Singers, while concurrently serving as Associate Director of the School of Music. Ball State University Singers toured throughout the People's Republic of China in May 2005, garnering rave reviews and standing-room-only audiences at several venues in Beijing, Shijiazhuang, Deyang, and Shanghai. Dr. Carter is recognized nationally as a leading proponent of show choir as part of a comprehensive music curriculum. He leads the Missouri All-State Show Choir in July 2006, and the Alabama All-State Show Choir in January 2007. In 2005-2006 Dr. Carter assumed the national chairmanship of the Youth and Student Activities Repertoire and Standards Committee for the American Choral Directors Association . He traveled to Alaska to direct a district festival chorus, led University Singers in various concert performances in the Midwest, and returned to Shanghai on a short-term visiting professorship. In May 2006 he led sixteen Ball State students on a three-week East Asia Studies Program immersion experience to China, a trip he will repeat in 2007.

AVA All-State 2008 Clinicians

High School SSA

Earlene Rentz

received her Bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of Montevallo (Alabama) and both Master and Doctoral degrees in Music Education from Florida State University. A native of Georgia, she taught choral music for seven years in Georgia public schools at elementary, junior high, and high school levels. She has taught music education courses at California State University, Long Beach, The University of Texas at Austin, and Baylor University. In addition to her current work as a free-lance choral writer, she is a popular speaker and clinician in choral music education and choral arranging techniques. She frequently conducts choral ensembles in district, regional, and state events. She has presented papers at the International Society for Music Education, the National American Choral Directors Association convention, the Southeastern Music Education Symposium, the Texas Music Educators Association, and the Music Educators National Conference.

Middle School Mixed

Originally from the "Show-Me" state of Missouri, Greg Gilpin now resides in Indianapolis, IN. He is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Music Education, K-12. Greg is a well-known choral composer and arranger with hundreds of publications to his credit. He does numerous commissions throughout the year and special arranging projects for recorded works. He is also in demand as a conductor, working with choral festivals and events, all-district and all-state choirs. Greg attends many music educator conventions throughout the year presenting clinics on subjects ranging from movement and choreography to classical literature and sacred music. Greg is currently Creative Director of School Music Publications for Shawnee Press, Inc. At home in Indianapolis, Greg is busy as a studio musician and producer in the recording industry. These projects include commercial jingles, album projects, Broadway and Disney. He has performed or toured with several gospel and inspirational greats which include Ray Boltz, Bill and Gloria Gaither and Sandy Patty. Most recently, Greg can be heard on the new Johnny Mathis holiday CD release "The Christmas Album".

Middle School Treble

Beginning with 130 students eight years ago, Jeffery Redding now directs four choirs composed of more than 300 members. Racial and socioeconomic levels run the gamut, and the attitudes reflect the life lessons Redding imparts: respect, teamwork, a strong work ethic, and the belief that any goal is attainable regardless of one's situation. Gene Brooks, head of ACDA, recognized WOHS's choir as one of the finest high-school choirs in the United States, and he described Redding as one of the most respected talents in the country. In addition to his work at the high school, Redding has conducted a number of adult mixed choirs, including a once-in-alifetime opportunity to conduct the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The performance was nationally televised and radio-broadcast live. During the summer months, Redding conducts and teaches at the college level, and travels to various venues across the country to direct choirs. Redding attained a bachelor's degree in music education with an emphasis in voice from Florida A & M University; and then a master's in music education with an emphasis in choral conducting from Florida State University. Under the direction of Redding, WOHS's choirs have performed and garnered first-place awards and accolades at the district, state and national levels. Among some of the places the choirs have traveled are Chicago; Washington, D.C.; San Francisco; Atlanta; Virginia; North Carolina; and a special performance in New York City's Carnegie Hall.

DAVID L WALTERS

DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC STATE UNIVERSITY

Educating musicians today for leadership tomorrow.

Scholarship Audition dates:

Encore! Vocal Ensemble Renee Baptiste, Director

TheCh JSUWindsoffJ Wi hamber VocalEnsemble

F

The Ch Kennet iano ls P Fooothil

The Chamber Winds of JSU Kenneth Bodiford, Director

Foothills Piano Festival

2 y 7–9, uar Febr Maste tists, GuestAr

February 7–9, 2008

inds of f J Director re d, th Bodiforrd ivalest o F Fe 008

r Classes

Guest Artists, Master Classes Featuring

Manhattan Piano Trio

FromElem/Gen

This year’s In-Service Conference was a tremendous success. We had a great and varied slate of clinicians and, despite the weather, two groups from schools across the state performed for full audiences. Please think of applying for your group to perform at next year’s In-Service. We would love to have another fantastic showing!

I would like to thank AMEA Executive Director Garry Taylor for pulling together a wonderfully organized conference. Each crisis and question was handled with calmness and a quick response. Thanks should also go to Emily von Redlich and Regina Noland, as well as the elementary music teachers of Tuscaloosa City Schools, who once again supplied instruments for the In-Service.

At the In-Service, two Elementary Division members received honors. Dianne Johnson was inducted into the first class of the AMEA Hall of Fame and Rhonda Tucker was awarded with the Barbara Odom Service Award. Please congratulate these incredible music educators on their respective awards.

Watch for information regarding the 2008 Elementary Music Festival to be held on Friday, October 10 at the Wright Center at Samford University with clinician Susan Ramsay. You will find general information and a commitment form in this issue of the Ala Breve and more detailed information on the AMEA website – www.alabamamea.org. Detailed information will also be emailed to all members. The 2007 Elementary Music Festival almost doubled in participants from 2006 to over 300 students from 30 different schools. This is a great opportunity that allows your students to make beautiful music with quality literature in an outstanding facility with a world class clinician. It’s an experience that you and your students, as well as their families, will not forget.

The day after the Festival, Saturday, October 11, the Alabama Chapter of AOSA and AMEA will jointly offer a workshop featuring Susan Ramsay, who always presents innovative, fun, and educational ideas to spark the creative spirit in your students. Mark your calendar!

Please do not hesitate to e-mail me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns –sara@music.org.

Sara Womack, President

Elementary/General Division

Upcoming Dates

Alabama AOSA Spring Workshop with Alan Spurgeon at Edgewood Elementary School – Saturday, March 1

MENC Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin – April 9-13

AMEA Elementary Music Festival with Susan Ramsay at Samford University’s Wright Center – Friday, October 10

AMEA/AOSA Joint Workshop with Susan Ramsay – Saturday, October 11

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

Friday, October 10, 2008

Wright Center at Samford University with Clinician Susan Ramsay

Susan Ramsay is a music specialist at Franklin Elementary School in the Franklin Special Schools District and has been named “Teacher of the Year” for that system. Franklin Elementary has been recognized as an Arts Honors School by the Tennessee Arts Commission, and Susan has received the Award of Recognition for Outstanding Teaching in the Humanities from the Tennessee Humanities Council. She has received National Board Certification in Music and holds degrees from Peabody College and Middle Tennessee State University. Susan has obtained Orff certification from the University of Memphis and Kodaly Certification from Belmont University. Active in professional organizations, Susan is Past President of the Middle Tennessee Orff-Schulwerk Association, and the Middle Tennessee Elementary Music Educators Association. She has served as regional representative on the National Board of Trustees for AOSA.

Susan is an active presenter for music and classroom teachers, and has presented at Orff and Kodaly national conferences and for National MENC. She complements this with an active schedule of performances as a storyteller and as a musician.

The cost of the Festival is $20 per student. Each school may bring up to 10 students, who should be elected by their music teacher based on the following criteria:

1. Students must be in 4th or 5th grade.

2. Students should demonstrate a high level of interest and participation in the local music program.

3. Students must be able to sing on pitch and follow a conductor.

4. Students must be willing to practice and memorize music before the festival.

5. Students must exhibit self-discipline.

The performance pieces will include:

1. “I Don’t Care If the Rain Comes Down” arranged by Susan Ramsay – instruments and body percussion

2. “Nyangara the Python” arranged by Susan Ramsay – instruments

3. “Engine, Engine Number Nine” arranged by Susan Ramsey – instruments and movement

4. “Break Forth into Singing” by Eugene Butler – two-part (J.W. Pepper 1651611)

5. “This Pretty Planet” by John Forster and Tom Chapin – three-part round (Share the Music )

6. “The Little Birch Tree” arranged by Mary Goetze – unison (J.W. Pepper 1542778)

Further information can be found on the Elementary/General Division website at www.alabamamea.org. You can also contact Festival Director, Sara Womack, at sara@music.org.

AMEA Elementary Music Festival

COMMITMENT FORM

Due by Monday, April 7, 2008

School: System:

School Address:

School Phone: School Fax:

Music Director:

Home Address:

Home Phone: Home Fax:

E-mail Address: MENC Member Number:

How many students are you planning to bring to the festival?

Are you Orff-certified? (circle one) Yes No

If yes, level completed:

Would you be willing to teach dance or instrument parts to your students in addition to the music? Schools that are assigned instrument parts will be responsible for bringing their own instruments.

Dance: Yes No

Instrument Parts: Yes No

Return by mail, fax or e-mail to:

Sara Womack

1150 Alford Avenue Hoover, AL 35226

Home Phone: (205) 979-6449

Cell Phone: (205) 317-5010

Fax: (205) 439-3201

E-Mail: sara@music.org

FromAOA

IN ANTICIPATION

Hello everyone! At the time of the composition of this article, All State Orchestra Festival on February 7-10 is a short 3 weeks away! Things are shaping up nicely and we all await the wonderful music and educational experiences to come!

We had a great interest in the Festival this year and it shows in the number of auditions. There were a total of 406 auditions with 225 accepted into the three orchestras and with numbers like these, what better venue than University of Alabama with it’s wonderful concert hall in the Moody Music Building and accommodating faculty and students! The sound in the hall from the youngest string orchestra to the full symphonic Festival orchestra is phenomenal and has such a lasting, positive effect on the students. Thank you U of A once again for hosting Alabama All State Orchestra Festival this year!

Our guest conductor for the Festival Orchestra will be Jeffery Meyer from Ithaca NY. Mr. Meyer is the Director of orchestras at Ithaca College School of Music and founder and artistic Director of the St. Petersburg Chamber Philharmonic. The String Sinfonietta’s guest conductor is Dr. Mark Laycock. Dr. Laycock is the Associate Professor of Music at Wichita State and also serves as Director of orchestras and coordinator of Instrumental Conducting. Jacquelyn Dillon, also from Wichita, will be the Consort String Orchestra conductor. Ms. Dillon is the Director of string and orchestral studies, Professor of music education and string pedagogy and Associate chair of the School of Music at Wichita State University.

Our composition competition was, for the second year, an exciting success. We had 16 entries from all over the United States (and one from Italy) but in the final decision, the winning composer was Robert Bradshaw of Gloucester, Massachusetts. A brief biography of Mr. Bradshaw follows: The music of Robert J. Bradshaw (1970) has been described as “contemporary work that is accessible to a variety of audiences”, and is frequently heard around the world, from Lincoln Center to Singapore. Fulfilling commissions since 1989, he has created a substantial collection of compositions that are “well crafted, thoughtful, and emotional with his unique voice always heard”. Sought for a wide variety of commissions, Mr. Bradshaw strives to forge a unique connection between composer, musicians and audiences. Peter Stickel, Executive Director of the New England String Ensemble, writes of Mr. Bradshaw’s collaboration: “His in-

Penney Adair, President

Alabama Orchestra Association

sight…into the creative process of composition was stunning and transforming for each audience with whom he worked. He was an inspiration to students and professionals alike.” Mr. Bradshaw’s compositions and projects have received awards and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, American Music Center, American Composers Forum, Harvard Musical Association, Harpley Foundation, Argosy Foundation, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Mr. Bradshaw is a member of Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), Society of Composers Inc., National Association of Composers, American Music Center, the American Composers Forum and is listed by Meet the Composer. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he earned degrees in Composition (M.M.), Theory/Composition (B.M.) and a Performance Certificate in Trumpet, his works are available through Beauport Press Music Publications (www.beauportpress.com). Mr. Bradshaw resides in Gloucester, Massachusetts with his wife, Lori and their children, Reid and Sarah. Other pieces selected for the Festival Orchestra are the Brahms Academic Overture and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol. The String Sinfonietta will be performing Mozart’s Divertimento in F. Major, “Adieu” by Todd Coleman and a good time will be had by all with “Granny, Does Your Dog Bite” by Gary Gackstatter. The newly named Consort Orchestra will be performing “Entrance of the Queen of Sheba” by Handel, “Ashokan Farewell” by Custer/arr. by Unger, “Toccatina” by Hofeldt and “Declarations” by Jeff Bishop.

Onto other news, the AMEA conference was another success this year with enlightening information on grant writing by Michael Gagliardo, a very informative session on bow techniques with Dr. Peter Rovit and Dr. Anne Witt lending her expertise with playing and teaching rhythms on string instruments. Everyone attending Dr. Witt’s session received a copy of her publication “A Rhythm A Week for Strings”. Thanks to everyone who contributed with information sessions and also to the presiders! We’re already looking ahead to next year’s conference with some exciting ideas for performances and new session topics!

Let me end with a special thank you to all of the AOA Governing Board, District Chairs, judges, sectional leaders and volunteers who spent countless hours insuring the success of the Alabama Orchestra Association’s 2008 All State Festival! Everyone involved is essential and so appreciated! Great job!

Making music feeds the imagination and allows children to achieve their full potential.

The 9,000 Member companies of NAMM, the International Music Products Association, believe in music.

NAMM invites you to visit your local community music store and learn more about the proven benefits of making music.

Keep music education strong— go to SupportMusic.com

I n M e m o r i a m

Blanche Simmons

Ms. Blanche V. Simmons, 79, of Madison, Ala., died Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007, in a Huntsville, Ala., hospital. Ms. Simmons was born June 14, 1928, in Moss Point, Miss., to the late King and Maude Seaman Simmons; she had been a resident of Madison for the past five years. Ms. Simmons was raised in Moss Point, was a graduate of Moss Point High School, and went on to receive her Masters Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. She was the band director in Fairhope, Ala., for over 30 years and touched thousands of children's lives during that time. She was the first woman president of the Alabama Band Masters Association. She was a member of East Moss Point Baptist Church, and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Ms. Simmons was preceded in death by her only brother, Arnold Simmons. Among her survivors are one sister, Elizabeth Smith and her husband, Melvin of Laurel, Miss.; a very special lifelong friend and teacher Ms. Bessie Owen of Madison; seven nieces and nephews, Philip Smith, Belinda Ratcliff, Rachel Chaney, Arnold Simmons Jr., Janice Sanchez, Teresa Fulton, and Natalie Lynn.

Julian Stephens

Mr. Julian Stephens Jr., 79, of Anniston died Tuesday, November 20, 2007 in Birmingham. Mr. Stephens is survived by his wife, Helen Crowder Stephens; his sons, Julian Stephens III and Herbert Scott Stephens, their wives and grandchildren, Miller Wesley Stephens and Nockoles Shed Stephens, all of Anniston. A native of Anniston, Mr. Stephens graduated from Anniston High School in 1946. He graduated from Jacksonville State University and received his M.S. degree from the University of Alabama. He served in the U.S. Army and was the director of the

U.S. Army Band in Fort Lee, VA. Mr. Stephens went on to serve as Band Director at Valley High School, Heflin High School, Wellborn High School and Anniston High School. He later served as Assistant Band Director at Auburn University. He opened Gadsden Music Company in 1969 and retired in 1985. Mr. Stephens was a member of the Anniston Jaycees, the Alabama Jaycees and the U.S. Jaycees. He was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Alabama Band Masters Association, President of American School Band Directors, Auburn Knights Alumni Association, Alabama Cavaliers Alumni Association, Phi Beta Mu national band director's fraternity, YMCA, Anniston Quarterback Club and Parker Memorial Baptist Church.

Dexter Greenhaw

Dexter Greenhaw died Wednesday, March 14, 2007, at home. He was born Feb. 15, 1955, in Athens to Dub and Edna Greenhaw. He retired after 27 years as band director in the North Alabama area. He was the music director for 17 years at Friendship United Methodist Church. He played with the musical group Denim for 25 years. He is survived by his wife Cindy of Athens; two sons, Zach Greenhaw of Snellville, Ga., and Ian Greenhaw of Athens; his mother, Edna Greenhaw of Athens; one brother, John Greenhaw of Athens; and one granddaughter, Allie Grace Greenhaw. He was preceded in death by his father and three sisters, Jean Sharpe, Jane Patterson and Barbara Lipham. Hartselle High Principal Jerry Reeves called Greenhaw a "dear friend" who was an "outstanding band director." Greenhaw was at Hartselle from 1994 to 2004. He also served as band director at Clements High in Limestone County from 1978 to 1986. "He was the kind of teacher you wanted the kids around," Reeves said.

Regina King

Regina Barnes King died on Thursday, October 11, 2007 in Gadsden. She was born on May 30, 1957 in Phil Campbell. She is survived by her son Jake; sisters Melissa Tippett and Beth Harris; brother Kenneth Barnes (Pat); nieces and nephews Tabitha Latham, Drew Harris, Erica Barnes, A.J. Barnes; and many former students and friends. Regina earned her Bachelors and Masters Degrees from “T.U.N.A”., the University of North Alabama where she was a leading member of the band program. She began her teaching career at West End High School in Etowah County, and she also served as the band director at Boaz High School and Moody High School. In addition, Ms. King served as the Vice-Chairman and Chairman of District II of the Alabama Bandmasters Association. After her retirement from Alabama she continued to teach as the band director at Pepperell Middle School in Floyd County, Georgia. Ms. King served as an adjudicator, guest conductor, clinician, and mentor throughout her illustrious career. Her bands, as well as individual students, consistently earned superior ratings at all levels of performance with many graduates of her program earning music scholarships. Regina was a member of the ABA, AMEA, MENC, and Phi Beta Mu Honor Fraternity. She will be remembered as a director that served as a role model for all. “We all should teach with the passion that Regina exhibited every day of her life.” “No matter what the circumstance, Regina was there for family, friends, students, and fellow music educators.”

“I am quite sure that the Heavenly band is playing much better now that Regina has joined them to play her cornet, hear her fellow angels play-off lessons, and help run rehearsals.”

FromTri-M

Tri-M Advisors – Please Read!

Jed Smart, Chairman Tri-M

Hello, I hope this finds you refreshed from an enjoyable holiday break and a wonderful AMEA conference! It was great to see so many of you in Tuscaloosa and hear about the wonderful things you are doing with your chapters. I’m also pleased to announce that Alabama chartered 8 new chapters of the Tri-M International Music Honor Society for the 20072008 school year!

While I do receive contact information for each chapter in the state from MENC, it has become increasingly dated and a more effective source for communication is needed. I would like to ask all Tri-M advisors to please e-mail me your correct contact information so that we may establish a directory to use within the state. My e-mail address is smart.jed@lee.k12.al.us.

For those of you planning on attending the 2008 MENC Music Student Leadership Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, remember the deadline for pre-registration is February 12th!This is a wonderful opportunity for you and your students to have first-class interaction with other outstanding music students from across the United States and to hear wonderful speakers such as Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, Milt Allen and The Soprano’s own Steven Van Zandt!

If you would like information on chartering a Tri-M chapter in your school, please do not hesitate to contact me. There are a wealth of resources, both at the state and national level, to aide you in this worthy endeavor. Remember, there are incredibly talented students in each of our organizations that deserve recognition for their excellence both in the classroom and on the stage. So lets get out there, get those chapters activated, and lead the charge for excellence in music education!

Noteworthy

We achieved FAME!

The FAME: Future Alabama Music Educators project was once again a huge success. There were over 70 participants from various schools across the state. After being greeted by several AMEA officers,students heard from various speakers about the exciting path they have chosen as future music teachers.

Highlights of the program included applying to colleges, how to audition for scholarships, and how to successfully navigate the financial aid maze. Those in attendance were inspired by speakers that included Ron Bearden, Lloyd Jones, Randall Coleman, and John Jacobson. Another treat for the students were the many “goodies” provided by Troy State University, the University of Alabama, the University of Montevallo, and Samford University.

Students and parents were also treated to a luncheon sponsored by Roland Mouchette Enterprises and Double-Stop Percussion. Thank you for your sponsorship. Special thanks go the many exhibitors that provided over 30 door-prizes for the group. After lunch,the FAME members were given time to visit the exhibits before departing Tuscaloosa early due to the unstable weather.

The AMEA Board would like to thank all of those teachers that recommended this event to their students. We would also like to encourage members to nominate students for the 2009 FAME program. The applications should be mailed to John Baker as he will be the new FAME director. Please make every effort to get those in on time. Applications will be available on the web-site in the late summer. The future of music education in Alabama is in your hands. Encourage and help your best and brightest to achieve FAME!

University of Montevallo’s Jeremy McMillan’s composition will be showcased at the MENC National Conference in Milwaukee in April. Jeremy is a student of Gary Packwood

RESTON, VA (January 14, 2008) – MENC: The National Association for Music Education is showcasing 22 compositions by elementary-through university-level students from across the United States in its 2008 Student Composition Talent Search. Selected from four categories including piano, solo (instrumental or vocal), small ensemble (instrumental or vocal), and large ensemble (band, orchestra, or chorus), the musical masterpieces will be presented by these accomplished students during the Young Composer Concerts at MENC’s 61st National Biennial In-Service Conference in Milwaukee, WI, in April 2008. In addition, each composer will receive a prize package from Sibelius.

Established in 1990, MENC’s nationwide call for original student compositions exists to recognize talented young composers. These exceptional students and their musical creations will be showcased before professional music educators at special conference performances.

Every other year, MENC selects compositions that are the best representative works from its six divisions (Eastern, North Central, Northwest, Southern, Southwestern, and Western) in the elementary/middle school, high school, and undergraduate/graduate levels. Applicants submit original musical scores and accompanying audio recordings of the works, not to exceed five minutes, along with their résumés and written application forms for review by a national committee.

This year’s winning compositions will be presented to thousands of music educators at the MENC National Conference during special Young Composers Concerts. Performances featuring band and orchestral works will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, and those featuring choral and solo instrumental compositions will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11. Young Composers Concerts are open to the public. For more information, call Anne Wagener at 1-800-336-3768 ext. 334.

FromResearch...

Thanks to all who made the research sessions at AMEA 2008 both memorable and challenging for those in attendance. Kudos to Dr. Carl Hancock (University of Alabama) for his landmark research project that focuses on the attrition trends of music teachers. This is truly impressive work and we are fortunate to have someone in our state that is on the cutting edge of this important examination.

The 2008 Research Poster session was also a success. Listed below are the authors and their respective projects as presented. The Higher Education division would like to make the research poster session an annual event---so start

Diane Orlofsky, President Research Division

preparing those abstracts! Deadline for the Call for Abstracts for the 2009 AMEA In-Service Conference will be September 15, 2008. Please submit an abstract (500 words or less) electronically to dorlof@troy.edu along with current contact information. Graduate students are encouraged to submit as well.

Again, many thanks to those that took the time to present their research findings. It is an important part of our profession to learn from each other in a collegial atmosphere. See you in 2009!

Eakes, K. Prevalence of undergraduate online music courses in the United States. (eakeskw@auburn.edu)

Gilbreath, J. The self-perceived prevalence and epidemiology of voice disorders among teachers of the southeastern United States. (gilbrje@auburn.edu)

Hickok, S.C. Family background and personal attributes of high school choir and band students: A comparison of successful choral students and successful band students. (hickosc@auburn.edu)

Hearn, S. Factors affecting teacher longevity in band directors in the Southeast. (hearns@auburn.edu).

Jones, L.E. A status of instrumental jazz ensemble programs in Alabama’s public secondary schools, 2006-2007. (lejones@una.edu)

Kuehne, J.M. Sight-singing practices in middle and junior high schools in the United States. Dr. Kuehne is Assistant Professor of Music Education in the Department of Curriculum and Teaching at Auburn University (kuehnjm@auburn.edu)

Lee, T. A preliminary investigation of the rehearsal processes of high school performing arts ensembles. (vlee@troy.edu)

Lyda, R. L. The use of the trombone quartet in the liturgical practices of the Moravian church of North America. (lydarob@auburn.edu)

McGuire, K.M. The relationship between presentation (audio-visual, audio, live), participant involvement, and song identification among pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children. Dr. McGuire is Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of Alabama. (kmcguire@bama.ua.edu)

Walls, K.C. Professional development and program satisfaction of music teachers in a graduate distance learning program.

Dr. Walls is Professor of Music Education in the Department of Curriculum and Teaching at Auburn University (kim.walls@auburn.edu)

Barbara M. Odom

Distinguished Service Award

Awarded to a person “who has clearly given very special service to AMEA or to the goals and purposes of AMEA.” The recipient is “clearly recognizable statewide, and the service for which the award is given, represents a longrange commitment that, in every way, can be considered extraordinary and distinguished.” The person has given tirelessly and selfishly to the cause of music education in Alabama and this person’s service would be greatly missed. Forms must be received by July 15. The presentation of the awards is scheduled for the AMEA Conference in January 2009. Please remove or copy the form below, and mail completed form and papers to: Garry Taylor, AMEA Executive Director, 1600 Manor Drive NE, Cullman, Alabama 35055

NOMINEE FOR THE BARBARA M. ODOM DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Qualifications:

1. Nominee must have served the cause of music education in Alabama.

2. Nomination must be made by a current member of AMEA.

This nomination should be accompanied by the following:

1. A list of specific actions which have initiated, supported and/or enhanced music education in Alabama.

2. Four (4) letters of recommendation from school personnel, community leaders and/or parents.

DEADLINE: JULY 15, 2008

Name of Nominee

Address

Present Position

Nominated by

Address

Present Position

Nominations for Outstanding Music Educator and Outstanding Administrator for 2009

AMEA honors its members and administrators who have shown special interest and dedication to music education in Alabama. Various individuals have been honored with AMEA’s “Outstanding Music Educator” and “Outstanding Administrator” awards because members have taken the time and interest to nominate them. These awards provide our organization the opportunity to honor those who have set high standards for our profession, and who give all of us inspiration and direction. It is likely that every member knows of colleagues or former teachers who have influenced him or her greatly, and who should be honored with our recognition. Forms must be received by July 15. The presentation of the awards is scheduled for the AMEA In-Service Conference in January 2009. Please remove or copy the forms below, complete them, and mail your nominations to Garry Taylor before July 15, 2008.

NOMINEE FOR OUTSTANDING SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR

Mail completed form and supporting papers to: Garry Taylor, AMEA Executive Director, 1600 Manor Drive NE, Cullman, Alabama 35055

Name of Nominee

Address

Present Position

School System

Number of cumulative years served as an administratorNominated by

Qualifications:

1. Administrator must have served a minimum of ten (10) cumulative years in any school system(s) and/or collegiate institution(s) in Alabama.

2. Nomination must be made by a current member of AMEA.

This nomination should be accompanied by the following:

1. A list of specific actions which have initiated, supported and/or enhanced music programs in the system which the nominee administers.

2. Four (4) letters of recommendation from school personnel, community leaders and/or parents.

DEADLINE: JULY 15, 2008

NOMINEE FOR OUTSTANDING MUSIC EDUCATOR

Mail completed form and supporting papers to: Garry Taylor, AMEA Executive Director, 1600 Manor Drive NE, Cullman, Alabama 35055

Name of Nominee

Address

Present Position

School System

Number of cumulative years served as a music educatorNominated by

Qualifications:

1. Educator must have served a minimum of ten (10) cumulative years as a music educator in any school system(s) and/or collegiate institution(s) in Alabama.

2. Nomination must be made by an AMEA member or by a school administrator. AMEA Board members are ineligible for nomination during their terms of office.

This nomination should be accompanied by the following:

1. A list of specific actions which have initiated or enhanced music education at the local level and/or at state, regional or national levels.

2. Four (4) letters of recommendation: one from a fellow music teacher and three others from any appropriate source. (May include one from a former student, if available.)

DEADLINE: JULY 15, 2008

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: ❒ VISA ❒ MasterCard ❒ AmEx ❒ Discover

Name of Cardholder Card No.

Exp. Date Signature

*Includes $10 each for Music Educators Journal and Teaching Music

❒

❒

❒

❒

❒ College/University ❒ Guitar Theory/

Please return this form with payment to:MENC .1806 Robert Fulton Drive,Reston,VA 20191

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

Alabama Music Educators Association

Hall of Fame

Nomination Form

Name of Nominee________________________________________________________________________

Teaching Field___________________________________________________________________________

Name of School(s)________________________________________________________________________

Current StatusActive_____Retired_____Deceased_____

Number of years spent in teaching, administrating or supporting music education in the state of Alabama ___________Dates___________________________________________________________

Nominee's Address________________________________________________________________________ City______________________________________State_______________Zip________________________ Telephone__________________________Email________________________________________________

In your letter of recommendation please address the following qualifications:

1. Member of AMEA/MENC and/or supporter of music education and/or professional musician.

2. Excellence in teaching or administration

3. Contributions and improvements made in music education.

4. Betterment of our profession through exemplary service or acts.

5. Professional offices, publications, awards, performances.

6. Professional ideals and academic integrity.

7. Age 55 or older.

Please provide three letters of recommendation from any of the following: students, administrators, fellow teachers, community, state or national leaders.

Nominator______________________________________________________________________________ City______________________________________State_______________Zip________________________ Telephone_________________________Email_________________________________________________

Send this form along with your letters of recommendation by July 15, 2008 to:

Garry

Taylor,

Executive Director Alabama Music Educators Association

1600 Manor Drive NE Cullman, Alabama 35055

Meet the Candidates

for AMEA President...

Sara Womack is the music specialist at Greystone Elementary School in Hoover and has taught music in Mountain Brook, Jefferson County, and Talladega. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she also received her master’s degree. She will graduate from the University of Georgia in May 2008 with her doctorate in music education. In 2007, Sara was certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in the area of music in early and middle childhood. She completed Level I Orff-Schulwerk Teacher Training at the Eastman School of Music and Level II Training at the University of Memphis. Sara serves as President of the Elementary/General Music Division of AMEA and Secretary of the Alabama Chapter of the AmericanOrff Schulwerk Association. As President of the Elementary/General Division, she instituted the annual Elementary Music Festival and led an overhaul of the Division’s bylaws. She is a member of MENC: The National Association for Music Education, the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, and the College Music Society. Sara has presented sessions and research for the College Music Society, Georgia Music Educators Association, American Orff-Schulwerk Association, and American Educational Research Association and has works published in The Orff Echo and Music Education Research. She has received grants from the Hoover City Schools Foundation, American Orff-Schulwerk Association, Jefferson County Schools Foundation, and Pi Lambda Theta. Sara enjoys relaxing with her family at the lake and reading crime novels. She and her husband, Sean, co-founder of DoubleStop Percussion, an educational percussion company, have one son, Will, who is almost four-years old.

Steve McLendon is director of bands at Dothan High School in Dothan, Alabama, where he directs the marching band, jazz band, and three concert bands. He has been a band director for the last 31 years, is a past president of the Alabama Bandmasters Association and a former chair of districts three and eight. In 2006, he received the AMEA Barbara Odom Distinguished Service Award. In 2004, the Dothan High School Band was honored to perform at the AMEA In-Service Conference in Auburn, Alabama. McLendon has served on numerous committees for the ABA and AMEA. He received his bachelor of music education degree from Troy State University and his master of education degree from The University of North Alabama. McLendon has been the band director at Dothan High School for 20 years and the Minister of Music at Cloverdale United Methodist for 19 years. Prior to moving to Dothan, he taught at Fairview High School in Fairview, Alabama for 11 years. He is a member of the Phi Beta Mu Bandmasters Fraternity, MENC, AMEA, ABA, IAJE, AEA, and NEA. He has served as an adjudicator in Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida.

Meet the Candidates for AMEA Recording Secretary...

Ken Thomas is a native of Auburn, Alabama, and a graduate of Auburn University where he receivedhis bachelor and master degrees. He is in his 15th year of teaching with experience at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Currently, he is Director of Choral Music at Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City, Alabama, where he conducts the Concert Choir and Show Choir. Choirs under his leadership consistently receive superior ratings at district and state festivals and other competitions and festivals. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Ken also serves as Director of Music at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Auburn, Alabama, where he directs the Adult Choir, Children’s Choir, and Handbell Choir. Ken is frequently called upon to serve as an adjudicator and clinician. He is a featured teacher in the Alabama Education Association and National Education Association television commercials promoting America’s Public Schools. His professional organizations include the American Choral Directors Association, Music Educators National Conference, National Education Association and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Ken has served on the governing board of the Alabama Vocal Association in the capacity of District Chair and Secretary. He has also served on the governing board of the Alabama Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. In June 2004, Ken was appointed the first National Repertoire & Standards Chair for Show Choirs in the American Choral Directors Association. In this capacity, he oversees all show choir related activities at ACDA National Conventions as well as advises the ACDA National Board on trends of this choral genre. Ken has been very active in ACDA serving in many capacities at divisions and national convention including Site Chair at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles (2005) and Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in New York (2003), and Bob Carr Theatre in Orlando (2000). He also served in the capacity of Program Co-Chair for the 2002 Southern Division Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Carla Gallahan is Assistant Professor of Music Education at Troy University in Troy, Alabama. She received the Bachelor of Music Education Degree and the Master of Education in Music at Auburn University and is currently pursuing the Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education. As a member of the faculty at Troy University, her responsibilities include teaching music education courses, instructing the horn studio, supervising student interns, and serving as an Associate Conductor with the university bands. Ms. Gallahan is the Executive Director for the Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic and Honor Bands held at Troy University. Her teaching background includes eighteen years experience in the Alabama public schools. From 1989-2005, Ms. Gallahan served as band director in the Auburn City Schools in Auburn, Alabama. Under her direction, the bands at Auburn Junior High School and J.F. Drake Middle School consistently received superior ratings at contests and festivals. The band also performed as the clinic band for composer Frank Erickson, performed at the Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic, and performed at the Alabama Music Educators Association In-service Conference. Ms. Gallahan is the Recording Secretary for the Alabama Music Educators Association and former chairman of District VI of the Alabama Bandmasters Association. She was selected to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and Outstanding Young Women of America, has been chosen as Auburn Junior High School Teacher of the Year, Auburn City Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year, and has served as a clinician and adjudicator throughout the Southeast. Her professional affiliations include the Music Educators National Conference, Alabama Music Educators Association, Alabama Bandmasters Association, Phi Delta Kappa, and Phi Beta Mu.

Meet the Candidates

for AMEA Treasurer...

Cindy Pass attended Indiana University where she received a Bachelor of Choral Music Education in 1981 and a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. She served for 6 years on active duty as a U.S. Army Band Officer and was the assistant commander and executive officer of the U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus. She directed the Seventh Army Soldier’s Chorus and performed for U.S. and foreign dignitaries to include ambassadors entertaining soviet counterparts in efforts to end the Cold War. After her tour in Europe, Captain Pass served as the Public Affairs officer for reserve units in Virginia and Birmingham until 1991. Cindy returned to educationand received a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Jacksonville State University. She taught general music at Kittty Stone Elementary and directed elementary musicals. She was District 3 Teacher of the Year in 1996. She then moved to Crane Hill, Alabama, where she taught chorus, drama, and television production at Cullman High School. Cindy now teaches 3rd grade at East Elementary in Cullman and directs elementary musicals once again. She is an active advocate for music education in her school system. She wrote and recorded the song “What Did You Read Last Night?” which has become the theme song for the Cullman City Schools’ reading program. She received National Board Certification in 2007. Cindy is a long time member of MENC and has served the Alabama Music Educators Association since 2002 as treasurer. She creates the annual budget and manages assets and expenses to include tax preparation. Cindy strives to make registration at the annual conference efficient and problem-free. She is proud to serve the membership and is eager to continue as treasurer.

AMEA Governing Board Meeting

January 9, 2008

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The AMEA Governing Board met at the University of Alabama on January 9, 2008. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by AMEA President, John Baker. Present at the meeting: John Baker, Garry Taylor, Cindy Pass, Carla Gallahan, Penney Adair, Harry McAfee, Ginger Zingara, Paul Edmondson, Sharon August, Mark Walker, Sara Womack, Pat Stegall, and Becky Rogers.

The minutes from the August 11, 2007 Governing Board meeting were read and approved.

Treasurer Cindy Pass provided an overview of conference details and will provide the detailed Treasurer’s report at the January 12, 2008 meeting.

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

Old Business

The MENC Southern Division Convention will be having a “Fall Leadership Symposium” in Atlanta to include the leadership from each state. The symposium will be held September 14-15, 2008. AMEA leadership will attend, work with, and share ideas with the leaders of the other states regarding MENC and other music related issues.

Physical Education requirements – waivers are being granted by the State Department. Follow the guidelines when completing your waiver and contact an AMEA Board member if you have questions.

New Business

Discussion occurred about increasing the mileage rate for AMEA travel. Harry McAfee (Becky Rogers) motioned that the Board increase the mileage rate from .42 to .44 per mile. The motion passed.

The Board discussed the continued interest among some members of the organization in having the AMEA Conference at the Mobile Civic Center.

Discussion occurred on calendar alignment for the divisions of AMEA. Divisions will work together to avoid major conflicts as much as possible.

Nominees for AMEA Governing Board Officers include:

President – Sara Womack, Steve McLendon

Recording Secretary – Carla Gallahan, Ken Thomas

Treasurer – Cindy Pass

Discussion occurred on AMEA and MENC dues and the percentage that AMEA receives. Becky Rogers (Paul Edmondson) motioned that AMEA dues be tied to 30%, rounded up to the nearest dollar, of National MENC dues. Motion passed.

The next meeting of the AMEA Governing Board will be held Saturday, January, 12, 2008.

Harry McAfee (Becky Rogers) motioned to adjourn the meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 pm by President John Baker.

Respectfully submitted, Carla Gallahan, Recording Secretary

AMEA General Session

January 10, 2008

Moody Concert Hall, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The General Business meeting of the Alabama Music Educators Association was called to order at 10:30 am by President John Baker.

The organization voted to dispense with the reading of the minutes from the January 9, 2008 AMEA Governing Board Meeting.

The organization voted to dispense with the reading of the Treasurer’s Report.

President John Baker recognized the nominees for the upcoming AMEA officer elections:

President – Sara Womack, Steve McLendon

Recording Secretary – Carla Gallahan, Ken Thomas

Treasurer – Cindy Pass

The business meeting was adjourned and the General Session continued with Keynote Speaker John Jacobson and the Troy University Concert Chorale.

Respectfully submitted, Carla Gallahan, Recording Secretary

AMEA Governing Board Meeting

January 12, 2008

Bryant Conference Center, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The AMEA Governing Board met at the University of Alabama on January 12, 2008. The meeting was called to order at 1:00 pm by President John Baker. Present at the meeting: John Baker, Sara Womack, Pat Stegall, Paul Edmondson, Nathan Tucker, Cindy Pass, Garry Taylor, Becky Rogers, Mark Walker, Carla Gallahan, and Robert Pendergraft.

AMEA Treasurer Cindy Pass distributed a detailed profit/loss summary. The account balance as of January 12, 2008 is $53,071.81. There were 842 registered attendees at the 2008 Conference. Plans are to include more credit card terminals to assist with registration next year.

Each Division reported on the 2008 Conference and addressed new ideas and areas for improvement for the 2009 Conference:

AMEA Executive Director, Garry Taylor

Add an on-site exhibit coordinator

Include students from other universities to assist the host university students with set-up for stage crew

Alabama Bandmasters Association, Harry McAfee

Good report on all aspects of the band division events

Microphone concerns were discussed

Alabama Vocal Association, Paul Edmondson

There is a need for more assistance in the set-up/tear down for the Show Choir

Request for a letter from the AMEA encouraging all music educators to attend the conference – some members were not granted professional leave for this conference and additional correspondence may be needed

Move the Leadership Breakfast to Friday morning

Elementary/General Division, Sara Womack

Program should include scheduled times to view exhibits that do not interfere with concerts/clinics/workshops

Higher Education Division, Mark Walker

Good report on all HED events

All events must adhere to scheduled time allotment

Working to incorporate panel discussion for next year’s convention

CMENC, Nathan Tucker, Robert Pendergraft

Very good attendance at all CMENC events

Increase registration cost for CMENC members to assist with meal and refreshment expenses

FAME, Becky Rogers

Approximately 75 students attended AEA newsletter will have an article on FAME

The next meeting of the AMEA Governing Board will be Thursday, June 12, 2008 at the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Building in Birmingham.

Pat Stegall (Becky Rogers) motioned to adjourn the meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:10 pm by President John Baker.

Respectfully submitted, Carla Gallahan, Recording Secretary

Editor’s Note: Part I of this article appeared in the October 2007 issue of ala breve.

Part II

Infusing Electronic Media into Symphonic Ensembles

The approach to rehearsal and performance are critical in cultivating the development of student musicians. Technology dramatically impacts the means by which students learn to play, practice, rehearse and perform. Using electronic media in an otherwise non-electronic format accentuates the overall sonority as a natural pedagogical extension of traditional ensembles. The development of ensemble sonority imbued by electronic media necessitates this immersion as a vital component of 21st century musical groups.

The Troy University Symphony Band is one such ensemble committed to technology. Rich sonorities inherent to the symphony orchestra are established in the concert band setting via the infusion of the PAD Bass, which is analogous to the natural acoustic tendencies of the string basses in the symphony orchestra (see set-up in Figure 1). At Troy, this philosophical perspective of ensemble sonority began in the 1970s with Director of Bands, Dr. John Long. He was a visionary in employing electronics to enhance the quality of the marching band’s sound. As a student at Troy, Ralph Ford recalls the use of electronics under Dr. Long who stated, “The electric bass provided an extra octave beneath the sousaphones, and had a percussive feature in its attack.” Appointed Director of Bands at Troy in 2001, Ford continued to use electronic instruments within his ensembles. But, discovering the true value of these resources unfolded in subsequent years.

Ford initially experienced one of Melillo’s compositions in 1993. The orchestration of this composition greatly affected him. “This is band music?” he said. In 2002, Ford searched for something unique to undertake with the Symphony Band. He sought to embark upon a project that would “not be another recording of the same band pieces, but a MUSIC CD that people not associated with bands or the ‘bandworld’ would seek out and enjoy.” Recalling the performance he attended in 1993 of STORMWORKS (the 3-movement work), Ford contacted Melillo. As a result, collaboration with Melillo on a recording project became a goal for the Troy University Symphony Band. For two years, making use of frequent phone calls and eventually iSITE (Mac to Mac conferencing), Ford worked with his ensemble to attain a more focused, transparent, in tune and accurately intoned sound. He states, “I read articles, bought state of the art tuners, insisted on students completing tendency sheets, tuned chords, sang and played from ‘Treasury of Scales’. With tried and ‘proven’ methods, ensemble pitch improved but was inconsistent.”

The Stormworld of Stephen Melillo: Third Millennium Applications for Timeless Music

Elizabeth Sokolowski and Ralph Ford

It wasn’t until utilizing Melillo’s Function Chorales™ that the group made a significant, audible improvement. Ford’s students discovered the interrelatedness in horizontal and vertical sonority via an intuitive illustration of number functions applicable to all keys. Combined with the use of PAD Bass, this opened up the architecture of ALL sonics above the fundamental. The vertical structure and tendencies of pitch within the ensemble dramatically improved. Ford witnessed a transformation in his student musicians, now completely involved in the inner geometry of making MUSIC.

As Karl Geroldinger, Conductor of the professional SBO Ried in Austria states, “...once I began using the Pad Bass, there was no question that its contribution to my ensemble was enormous...”

PAD Bass originated as a function of Stephen Melillo’s teaching experience, and later became an integral component of his compositions for band. He writes, “The PAD Bass provides a previously missing, hence new fundamental for the Band of the 3rd Millennium. Missing was the acoustic foundation, a fundamental which exists in the complete Orchestral palette. As this fundamental is reintroduced to Band, horns begin to sound like horns again, the low brass are more resolute and play with a greater sense of harmonic awareness, woodwinds enjoy a richer mix of overtones in their spectrum and the low reeds have a new fundamental with which to merge in deeper, more color-enriched ways. The instrument’s function is to supply a warm stereo-enveloping bass, a fundamental sounding two octaves below the Tuba. While accomplishing the task of releasing new overtones into the ‘sonicscape’ of Band, the PAD Bass also provides an inviolable fundamental and tuning reference. Intonation and Tuning are immediately improved. PAD Bass provides for and reinforces the correct path of listening from the wind players, which is towards the bass or fundamental. Correctly implemented, the simple addition of this new instrumental color provides for a whole new world of acoustic possibilities in the winds and percussion idiom.”

Dr. William Johnson, Director of Bands at the California Polytechnic State University describes PAD Bass in this way, “The use of PAD Bass, as intended by Stephen Melillo, increases the resonance of sounds in relation to other sounds. It extends the normal low frequency of the ensemble by at least one octave. This increase in low frequencies causes the natural harmonics to be reinforced, which strengthens the upper harmonics and brings out the beauty of sound of the ensemble. To the performer and listener, the overall sound becomes full, rich, and resonate. The traditional sounds of the wind band are transformed from the often strident sounds caused by conflicting upper harmonics to a warm, smooth sound more associated with a fine symphony orchestra.”

At the high school level, Tom Davis, Director of Bands at Canandaigua City High School in New York states, “The PAD Bass allows students to tune without being burdened with verbal direction. They simply have a TARGET they aim for, thus passing by their own mental discussion about HOW to tune. Students move directly to experiencing and knowing.”

con’t on next page

Figure 1. Set-up of electronic media within a symphonic ensemble

Melillo and Johnson explain that there resides a practical use for ‘tuners’ as ‘calibrators’. In calibrating an instrument, less work is necessary when TUNING begins, a phenomenon not at all suited for ‘tuners’ but rather Music-making. For Beth Sokolowski, a middle school band director in the North Penn School District, “The use of PAD Bass in tuning, intoning and performing engages students in the thoughtful and cognitive process of making music. The PAD Bass provides these growing musicians with a foundation; a consistent fundamental from which the ensemble can learn, own and understand to tune horizontally and intone vertically. As students move from the application of recognizing fingering patterns in regard to notes on a piece of paper to the synthesis of producing sonorous beat-less sound in relation to the ensemble, the transformation and evolution of these student musicians is inspiring. Students immersed in ensembles employing PAD Bass are now performing some of the most beautiful, exciting and rewarding music of their instrumental journey.”

As a music education major at The Catholic University of America, Walter Avellaneda discusses his first experience in performing in an ensemble utilizing PAD Bass. “As a bass trombone player by blood, I have always leaned to the tubas to line up and intone chords as any bass trombone player would. But, in one giant sweep, in this one ensemble, the musicians were freed. The tuba player no longer played pseudo-string bass parts and was actually playing a part that utilized the skills he attained and honed in his private lessons; there were no more whole notes. Below him was the PAD bass, at the true fundamental octave. Having that stability, by the end of the concert we were tuning overtones... And a bass trombone player was unleashed!”

With the utilization of Function Chorales, PAD Bass, and new seating positions established as essential components of the Troy University Symphony Band, the collaboration to record with Melillo began. The first recording project so impacted the ensemble that the students requested making a STORMWORKS CD part of the curriculum at Troy. In the spring of 2007 Melillo returned to record STORMWORKS Chapter 13: Whispers on the Wind. Numerous adjustments and improvements were made as a result of the first recording session. Further enhanced changes in physical seating space (see Fig. 2), a carefully researched miking configuration with a Tri-Decca System typically utilized in the days of Stereophonic High Fidelity (see Fig. 3), enhancement of natural reverberation by the use of 2 additional rear-hall mikes, employment of direct box lines for each synthesizer, and the use of a new Roland synthesizer deriving one voice as a choir were some of the adaptations made. These factors, in conjunction with Melillo’s orchestration and the musical advancement of the Troy ensemble, converged to produce what Melillo envisions as “Music rendered by a Symphonic Band of the 3rd millennium.”

Technology for technology’s sake? Hardly. Consider this excerpt from the score notes to LAST WORLD STANDING, recently premiered by Karl Geroldinger in Austria’s Brucknerhaus. “Thirty years in the making, thirty

years in the composing and thirty years in the refinement of instrumental placing by means of recording experimentation in union with advances in technology have led to this culminating work entitled LAST WORLD STANDING. No longer are restraints a consideration in the Musical outpouring. A True Romanticism has been achieved by means of Science.”

For Ralph Ford, the impact of his experiences rehearsing and recording Melillo's Music, with the composer's almost obsessive call for proper instrument spacing and the logistics-simple infusion of electronic media into the symphonic band setting, have so transformed his methods of teaching and composing, that as an exclusive writer for the Belwin Division of Alfred Publications, he has now adopted that model into his own writing. “As the traditional wind band evolves, incorporation of electronic media is being recognized by editors who are able to see this hybrid future, for it is now the present.”

Ford’s editor, George Megaw, supports the use of electronics to enhance the timbral palette for orchestration purposes. Ford’s latest four-movement work for Symphonic Band, Suite: SEA TO SKY, is scored for synth-harp, synth-choir, and PAD Bass. (The standard STORMWORKS synthesized additions.) Employing new instruments into ensembles has been met with resistance throughout history, but as technology advances, innovative tools that support traditional ensembles will be seen as fundamental components of the total ensemble, enhancing the spectrum of color available to composers, ultimately benefiting teachers and student musicians.

If our focus as music educators is to provide our students with the opportunity to grow as learners and musicians, then it is incumbent upon us to search for innovation, new technologies that support our curricular and educational goals. We live in a technology-driven time with an abundance of resources available. It is our duty to bring to classrooms, ensembles, and students the true meaning of making beautiful music. This vision can become a reality in the 21st Century by utilizing third millennium applications for timeless Music.

Elizabeth Sokolowski is the Learning Coordinator for K-12 Music and Art Programs in the North Penn School District (Lansdale, PA). sokolwe@npenn.org

Ralph Ford is Director of Bands and Coordinator of Winds and Percussion at Troy University (Troy, AL). rford@troy.edu

Contributors:

Walter Avellaneda graduated from The Catholic University of America in May 2007 and has accepted a position as Director of Instrumental Music at John F. Kennedy High School (Bellmore, NY) wally@wfamusic.com

Tom Davis is K-12 Curriculum Area Lead Teacher for the Canandaigua City School District (Canandaigua, NY) www.tomdavismusic.com

Dr. William V. Johnson is Director of Bands at The California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo, CA) wjohnson@calpoly.edu and www.windorchestra.calpoly.edu

Stephen Melillo www.stormworld.com

Figure 2. Utilization of physical space in a symphonic ensemble setting

Figure 3. Tri-Decca Recording System

C ALL ALL FOR FOR S S ESSION ESSION P P ROPOSALS ROPOSALS

2009 In-Service Conference

January 22-24

University of Alabama Tuscaloosa

Name____________________________________________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________ City __________________ State ___________ Zip _____________

Phone (_____) ______________________________________Email __________________________________________

Proposed Session Title ______________________________________________________________________________

Session Description _________________________________________________________________________________

Division (please check all that apply):

_____ Alabama Vocal Association_____ Alabama Bandmasters Association_____ Higher Education

_____ Collegiate (CMENC)_____ Alabama Orchestra Association_____ Elementary/General

Conditions:

• Session proposals must be submitted by the individual who will be presenting the session as the primary clinician.

• All Alabama clinicians who are music educators must be members of MENC and must register for the conference in order to present a session.

• AMEA does not pay honoraria or expenses to its members.

• Individual requests for particular times cannot be granted. Submission of a proposal assumes acceptance of the scheduled times.

• If the session is accepted, the primary clinician will be responsible for informing all other participants of all the specifics relating to the session.

Please attach a black and white photograph and clinician biography (100 words or less)

Submit to:

Garry Taylor, Executive Director

1600 Manor Drive NE, Cullman, Alabama 35055 NO LATER THAN JUNE 1, 2008

P P ERFORMANCE ERFORMANCE A A PPLICATION PPLICATION

2009 In-Service Conference

January 22-24

University of Alabama Tuscaloosa

Name of Ensemble __________________________________________________________________________________

Current # of Members ________________________________________Age Level of Ensemble ____________________

School ____________________________________________________ Director _______________________________

Address ___________________________________________________ City ______________________Zip _________

Phone: School (_____) ______________________________________Home (_____)____________________________

Email ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Division (please check all that apply):

_____ Alabama Vocal Association_____ Alabama Bandmasters Association_____ Higher Education

_____ Collegiate (CMENC)_____ Alabama Orchestra Association_____ Elementary/General

Conditions:

• Submission must include completed performance application, high quality recording of the ensemble (no more than two years old), programs from recent concerts, biography of the conductor and performing group, picture of the performing group and two letters of recommendation. (A current photograph of the group and conductor will be requested should the ensemble be selected to perform.)

• Recordings must include two varied selections of high-quality literature.

• Consideration will be given to level of musical quality, variety, as well as overall conference schedule and planning.

• Directors will be notified of selection by July 15, 2008

Please attach a black and white photograph of the performing group, biography of the group and conductor (100 words or less each), recent concert programs, and two letters of recommendation.

Submit to:

Garry Taylor, Executive Director

1600 Manor Drive NE, Cullman, Alabama 35055 NO LATER THAN JUNE 1, 2008

AMEA Hall of Fame AMEA Hall of Fame

The following pages feature the twenty inductees of the inaugural class of AMEA’s Hall of Fame

Dr. L. Gene Black has been a life member of MENC /AMEA since 1960 and has frequently served as a choral festival adjudicator, guest conductor and choral clinician across the country. He has received numerous honors, awards and holds membership in several professional societies. He is respected throughout the country and abroad as a music educator, conductor of the renowned Samford University A Cappella Choir, and currently as conductor of the A Cappella Alumni Choir. Dr. Black is widely recognized for his work in the area of a cappella choral music and has brought worldwide recognition to Alabama through the lasting and positive impressions his choirs have made across Europe and Asia in 27 international tours. Dr. Black holds the Bachelor’s Degree in music education from Samford University, and the Master of Arts, Educational Specialist and the Ph.D. from the University of Alabama. His career began as a choral teacher in secondary education until his return to Samford in 1965 as associate conductor of the A Cappella Choir. He was conductor of the choir 1967-1999. During his 35 year teaching tenure at Samford he was Professor of Music/Music Education, Director of Choral Activities, Associate Dean of the School of Music and Dean of the School of Music.

Colonel Carleton Butler

was born February 2, 1907 in Edinberg, Ohio and died May 27, 1993 in Ashville, North Carolina. He attended high school in Warren, Ohio graduating in 1924. He attended Dana’s Musical Institute from 1924-28; Kent State University from 1928-32; and the University of Alabama in 1935. He was band director in the Elementary School in Birmingham, Alabama in 1929-30; Ramsay High School, Birmingham, Alabama 1930-34; and the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, Alabama from 1935 until his retirement in 1969. He was also band director at Tuscaloosa High School from 1935 until 1946. During his 34 years as band director at the University of Alabama, Colonel Butler was a driving influential force behind the band movement in the State of Alabama. In 1939 he called a meeting of Alabama band directors at the University of Alabama to form the Alabama Bandmasters Association of which he was elected the first President. Colonel Butler was loved by his band members and respected by his peers. He lifted the “Million Dollar Band” to National prominence through his insistence of high, quick stepping, elaborate maneuvers, and accuracy and style of musical performance. He conceived the fabled time, temperature, and score drill that baffled and delighted fans at home and at the many national appearances at the major bowls. Colonel Butler was appointed Honorary Colonel in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, University of Alabama in 1940 and appointed Honorary Colonel in the Great State of Alabama by Governor John Patterson in 1959. In 1968 he was presented a plaque by the University of Alabama Student Body, for 34 years of outstanding service to the University and the “Million Dollar Band” . Also in 1968 he was presented a Certificate of Appreciation for “Outstanding Service to Music Education in the State of Alabama” for serving as president of the Alabama Music Educators Association in 1956 and 1958. . He was awarded the “Outstanding Bandmasters Award” by Phi Beta Mu, national bandmasters honorary fraternity in 1969. In 1979 $10,000 was donated by former students and friends for the University of Alabama scholarships in the name of Colonel Butler and in 1980, to honor Colonel Butler, the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama the naming and dedication of the band practice field,”Butler Field”. Colonel Butler was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame in 1976.

Dr. Ed Cleino taught in public schools in Missouri before coming South and teaching at Vanderbilt University 1939 to 1942. He entered the Army Air Force in 1942, and was commissioned in 1943. He served at several airfields before being assigned to the 20th Air Force on Guam, where the mission was “round trips” to Japan. Following WW II, he and his young family moved to the The University of Alabama in 1949, as the College of Education opened its Music Education program. Cleino designed and opened Alabama’s first Master’s Program in Music Education in 1951, followed by doctoral programs in 1960. He has been a member of MENC for 60 years, and was President of the Southern Division 1969-1973. He edited Ala Breve for about ten years, and served as AMEA Membership Chairman for many years. With the opening of the state-wide “Educational Television Network,” Cleino taught TV music lessons designed for in-school use, beginning in 1956. The series, called “Music Time,” was used by 50,000 to 65,000 children each week, with the program continuing for 17 years. Though Cleino retired in 1978, he continues to serve as a mentor to undergraduate music students at UA. His greatest pride is in the success of his former students in their teaching of music in Alabama and in many other states.

A graduate of the Horner Institute of Fine Arts with a Bachelor of Music, William Levi Dawson later studied at the Chicago Musical College with professor Felix Borowski, and then at the American Conservatory of Music where he received his masters degree. Early in his career he served as a trombonist both with the Redpath Chautauqua and the Chicago Civic Symphony Orchestra. His teaching career began in the Kansas City public school system, which was later followed by a tenure with the Tuskegee Institute from 1931–1956. During this period, it was he who appointed a large number of faculty members that later became well known for their work in the field. Additionally, Dawson also developed the choir, the Tuskegee Institute Choir, into an internationally renowned ensemble; they were invited to sing at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall in 1932 for a week of six daily performances. As a composer, Dawson began at a young age, and it was early on in his compositional career that his Trio for Violin, Cello and Piano was performed by the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra. Besides chamber music, he is also known for his contributions to both orchestral and choral literature. His best known works are arrangements and variations on spirituals; his Negro Folk Symphony of 1934 garnered a great deal of attention at its’ world premier, under the direction of Leopold Stokowski with the Philadelphia Orchestra. The symphony was later revised in 1952 with greater African rhythms inspired by the composer’s trip to West Africa. The composition was - the composer conveyed - an attempt to convey the missing elements that were lost when Africans came into bondage outside of their homeland. In creating this work, Dawson was influenced by the nationalistic views of Dvorˇák. Widely performed, his most popular spirituals include Jesus Walked the Lonesome Valley, Talk about a Child That Do Love Jesus and King Jesus Is a-Listening.

Gene Gooch was born on November 17, 1932 on the U.S. Corps of Engineers Reservation at Florence, Alabama. He was educated in Florence City Schools and graduated from Coffee High School in 1950. He began music study on alto saxophone in 1944 and began the study of bassoon in 1947. He studied bassoon privately with Mr. Pasquale Bria, who was band director in Cullman. He also studied alto saxophone and sousaphone under Mr. Floyd C. McClure, the band director at Coffee High School. He attended Murray State College in Kentucky after high school, but due to the outbreak of the Korean War, joined the U.S. Air Force after the first semester. He was a member of the Air University’s 604th Air Force Band at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery Alabama and the 584th Air Force Band at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton, Florida. In the Air Force he played bassoon in the concert band and saxophone in the dance band, and acted as drum major in the marching band.During these years he was a member of the Montgomery Symphony and an original member of the Pensacola Symphony. Upon discharge from the Air Force in January of 1955, he enrolled at the University of Alabama. He received the Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education in August, 1957. He played bassoon in the Million Dollar Band, University Symphony and the University Woodwind Quintet and was drum major of the Million Dollar Band. He also played with the Birmingham Civic Opera orchestra. He was a member of The Capstoners Dance Band, playing alto saxophone. In August, 1960 he received the Master of Arts degree in Music Education from the University of Alabama. In 1957 he became Band Director at Sheffield High School. In 1962 he became Band Director at Colbert County High School. He was appointed Band Director at Appleby Middle School in Florence in 1966. He was appointed Band Director at Coffee High School in 1972. The bands at Coffee High School consistently received Superior ratings at State Band Competitions and at other competitions. Each year there were students selected to participate in the All-State Band Festival. He retired from Coffee High School in 1986 but taught woodwinds at The University of North Alabama as an adjunct faculty member until 2001. He served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Alabama Music Educators Association from 1972 through 1978. In 1979 he became Secretary-Treasurer of the Alabama Bandmasters Association and remained in that position until his retirement from teaching in 1986. In 1991 he was asked to return to service as Executive Secretary of the Alabama Bandmasters Association and still is in that position.He is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Phi Beta Mu, the International Bandmasters Fraternity. He is a past-president of Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu. He was the first undergraduate at the University of Alabama invited to become a member of Phi Delta Kappa, national education honorary. Other professional affiliations include Music Educators National Conference, Alabama Music Educators Association, National Education Association and Alabama Education Association. He is a member of the Phi Beta Mu Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame and the University of Alabama Million Dollar Band Association Hall of Fame. He has been married to Virginia Reed Gooch since 1953. They have two children. Gena Gooch Cape and daughters Lauren and Sarah Catherine live in Marietta, Georgia. Lauren is a student at The University of West Georgia and Sarah Catherine is a member of the Marietta High School Band. Gena is a member of the staff at Marietta High School and serves as president of the High School Band Parents Club. Michael Gooch and wife Angela reside in Boston, Massachusetts where Mike is employed by Saks Fifth Avenue and Angie is Head of the Voice Program at The Walnut Hill School for the Arts and performs with Opera Boston.

Dr. William R. Denison came to Troy University in the fall of 1967. A native of Michigan, he received Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the University of Michigan and completed the Ph.D at Florida State University in 1969. Since retiring in June 2005 from administrative duties as Director of the School of Music, he continues to teach piano and organ part time. From 1971-1998 he was director of the Collegiate Singers and conducted annual winter performances of major choral works for over 25 years. Dr. Denison also conducted many productions of the opera workshop and musical theatre at Troy University, ranging from grand operas such as Rigoletto and Faust to Broadway standards like Oklahoma and My Fair Lady. He remains active with Collegiate Singers as conductor emeritus and as organist and director of music at St. Marks Episcopal and First Presbyterian Churches in Troy. He acts as a liaison between Troy University and Troy Arts Council and has secured a number of grants to assist in the presentation of guest artists and major productions on campus. He is married to Jane Denison and has two sons, Joey and Rae, both TSU graduates, and five grandchildren.

Wilbur “Bodie” Hinton was director of bands at Auburn University from 1956 to 1969 and served as head of Auburn University Department of Music from 1969 to 1984. The band practice field at Auburn University was dedicated the Wilbur “Bodie” Hinton Field in the fall of 1986. Dr. Hinton is a member of Phi Beta MU, The American Bandmasters Association, the Alabama Music Educators Association, MENC, Phi Kappa Phi, and ODK. He is a past president of the Alabama Music Educators Association and the Alabama Bandmasters Association. Dr. Hinton was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame in 1976.

Johnny Jacobs was employed by the Jefferson County School System as a music educator for thirty-six years, from September, 1964 through August, 2000. His notable appointments were Dixie Junior High School, Minor High School, Berry High School, and thirteen years as Supervisor of Bands. Dr. Jacobs received the Doctor of Education degree from the University of Alabama in 1985, The Advanced Certificate in Music Education from the University of Illinois in 1975, the Master of Arts degree from the University of Alabama in 1968, and the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Birmingham-Southern College in 1965. Dr. Jacobs served as president of the Alabama Bandmasters Association from 1977-1979 and as president of the Alabama Music Educators Association from 1984-1986. He was inducted into Phi Beta Mu Rho Chapter’s Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame in 1997. His bands were successful and respected, receiving numerous superior ratings and “best in class” awards during his twenty-three years in the classroom. As an outgrowth of his doctoral dissertation, Dr. Jacobs published “Supplementary Material for Beginning Band, Fifteen Settings for Beginning Band and Pre-recorded Electronic Synthesizer”. This work,named “The Johnny Book” by the students and directors who use it,is currently used with significant success in several Birmingham area middle schools. Concurrently with his work in public education, Dr. Jacobs remained an active performer and teacher of trumpet. He played several years as principal trumpet with the Alabama Pops Orchestra, the Birmingham Symphony Pops Orchestra and as second trumpet with the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, forerunner of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. He taught trumpet at Birmingham-Southern College for thirty years and at Samford University for eleven years. After retiring from the Jefferson County Schools, Dr. Jacobs taught music education and trumpet for two years at the University of Alabama Birmingham. During subsequent years to the present he has assisted daily in band programs in the Birmingham area and maintained a private studio at Art’s Music Shop. He is affiliated as a conductor with the Birmingham Community Concert Band and plays principal trumpet with Celebration Winds. Dr. Jacobs now lives in a rural area near Warrior,Alabama. He is a deacon at First Baptist Church Warrior and also serves as Director of Discipleship Training. He and his wife Carol have five children and three grandchildren.

Dianne Johnson is the Director of the Department of Arts Education for the Jefferson County School System where she is responsible for overseeing the choral and elementary music, band, visual arts, theatre and debate programs of 52 schools. From 1996 – 2006 she served as the elementary and choral music supervisor and from 2000-2005 also served as the band supervisor overseeing the instrumental programs of 13 high schools and 11 middle schools. She has taught at all levels including elementary, middle, high school and college. She became a member of MENC, the National Association for Music Education, as a college student and has remained active at both the national and state level since that time. Dianne is a Southern Division MENC Past President and served as a member of the Benchmarks Committee for Content Standard Five. Other services to MENC include: Clinician at the 1994 National Conference, MENC National Certified Music Educator, 1991, participation in the Symposium for National Standards in the Arts and participation in the National Assembly and planning conferences of the Southern Division. She has also served as President of the Alabama Music Educators Association, president of the Elementary/General Division, and chair of the Society for General Music. Her articles have appeared in professional publications such as; Ala Breve, Collegiate Exchange, and Teaching Music. She has been honored as guest conductor and keynote speaker for numerous local, state, and national conferences. In 1989-90, the Alabama Music Educators honored her with its Outstanding Music Educator of the Year Award. Dianne holds Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees from the University of Montevallo and a master’s level Orff Certificate from the University of Memphis.

Floyd C. McClure was born August 28, 1914 in Oakley, Illinois. He graduated from Decatur High School in Decatur, Illinois in 1933. He received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Murray State College, Murray, Kentucky in 1937 and attended the University of Alabama from 1938 to 1941. He was band director at Thomasville High School in Thomasville, Alabama from 1937 until 1940; Coffee High School in Florence, Alabama from 1940 until 1972 where he taught band, glee club, biology, American government and economics. In 1972 he organized the new Weeden Junior High School Band and was their director until his retirement in 1976. During Mr. McClure’s tenure at Coffee High School the band was consistently awarded Superior and Excellent ratings at State Competition. They performed frequently in Mardi Gras parades in Mobile and New Orleans; performed at the Lion’s International Convention in Miami, Florida and the Orange Bowl Parade on two occasions. He was a charter member of the Alabama Bandmasters Association in 1939 and was among those who were responsible for organizing the first All-State Bands (there were two bands then). He later served as Vice-President and then as President from 1947. He pushed through legislation to authorize an ABA State Band Contest and organized the first one in 1947. It was held at the University of Alabama with 17 bands participating. He also organized the first All-State Band and Choral Festival held at the University of Alabama in 1947. He was a charter member, President and Vice-President of the Alabama Music Educators Association. He is a past member of AEA, NEA, MENC, AMEA, and Phi Beta Mu and was a charter member of Gamma Delta Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha. Mac, as he was known to his friends, played with the Huntsville Symphony, the Florence Civic Orchestra and the Florence Big Band. He had a large number of students who became band directors. Mr. McClure was Choir Director at the First Methodist Church in Florence and for 20 years was Choir Director at Trinity Episcopal Church. He organized and directed the Tri-Cities Oratorio Association which presented “Messiah”, Brahms’ “Requiem” and “Elijah”. He was President of the Florence Teachers Association and was Treasurer for 10 years. Mr. McClure was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu Bandmasters Hall of Fame in 1984. He died on December 3, 2005 leaving two daughters, Marilyn Camp of San Antonio, Texas and Jackie Williams of Prattville, Alabama; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Dr. John M. Long

is Dean of the School of Fine Arts, Director of Bands and Distinguished Professor of Music Emeritus at Troy University. He is Past President of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and is active as a guest conductor, speaker, clinician and adjudicator throughout the United States, Europe, Canada and Mexico. Dr. Long has received many National and State Awards, including election to the NBA Hall of Fame of Distinguished Conductors, the AWAPA Award from the NBA, the Distinguished Service to Music Medal from Kappa Kappa Psi, the Gold Medal from the Sousa Foundation, the Governor’s Award from the Alabama Council of the Arts, the Outstanding Music Educator of the Year Award from the AMEA, the Barbara Odom Award from the AMEA, the Al Wright Award from the WBDNA and was elected to the Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame by the Phi Beta Mu. Dr. Long has served 24 years on the Alabama Historic Commission, Past President of the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. Troy University has two buildings named for him and in 1998 the Board of Trustees renamed the school of music the John M. Long School of Music in his honor.

A music educator since 1962, Dr. Frances Moss has taught band and choir in public schools, grades 1-12 and has taught at Calhoun Community College since 1966. At Calhoun, Dr. Moss has taught voice, piano, music theory, conducting and vocal ensembles, served as chairperson of the music department and initiated the Church Music Program. She founded the internationally known Chorale, Madrigal Singers and Alumni Musica. These ensembles were invited to perform nationally and internationally for professional events, took annual concert tours, performed for local, state, regional, Church and school groups, presented an annual Madrigal Dinner and performed for governors and presidents. The Alabama Honor Choir Festival, founded by Dr. Moss, was held at Calhoun Community College for 23 years. The AVA instituted their first auditioned All-State Chorus, implemented required sight reading at both district and state choral festivals, gave the first medals to members of the All-State Chorus and established provision of certificates for choirs participating in Stat Competition Festivals. Dr. Moss edited the first AVA Handbook, wrote the Handbook for District Chairmen and the Handbook for Choral Adjudication. During her tenure as president of AMEA the first state convention was inaugurated bringing together all of the divisions for an in-service event. AMEA met at the Jefferson Davis Hotel in Montgomery. The event was staffed by music students from Calhoun Community College. The AMEA Handbook was developed, an official “logo” was designed for AMEA and the Ala Breve, the Former Music Educators Division and College Division were established and the Outstanding Music Educator Award was instituted. Dr. Moss also served as interim editor of the Ala Breve. She served on the board of the Southern Division and served on several national committees including a task force to develop goals and objectives for the improvement of music education in the United States. She served on numerous committees of the Alabama Association of College Music Administrators, served as chairperson for music for the Alabama Community College Association and wrote that group’s position paper to the State Board of Education in regard to Revised Standards for Teacher Education in Alabama. Dr. Moss served as General Chairman for the Curriculum Guide Committee for Vocal/Choral/General Music for the State Department of Education. Degrees held include a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University, masters and doctorate from the University of Alabama and a doctorate from Covington Theological Seminary. Professional memberships include Pi Kappa Lambda, Kappa Delta Pi, Delta Omicron and MENC. Dr. Moss has been frequently honored and received many awards in recognition of her accomplishments as a music educator. Awards from Calhoun Community College include Outstanding Faculty Member Award, External Service to the Community Award and the Carlton Kelley Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Jack Platt endowed a music scholarship and Austinville United Methodist Church annually presents a music scholarship in her honor. AVA presented The Outstanding Service Award at the conclusion of her terms as president. Dr. Moss was awarded the inaugural Frances P. Moss Outstanding Choral Director Award by AVA. AMEA presented two Awards for Outstanding Service and has named her as an Outstanding Music Educator. Huntsville Choral Directors Association has presented her an Outstanding Service to Choral Music in Alabama Award. Dr. Moss received the national NISOD Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of Texas in Austin. She received several awards and recognitions from Governor George Wallace for her work with the Alabama Honor Choir and her music achievements. Dr. Moss is a composer, author, pianist, conductor, clinician, piano/vocal/choral adjudicator and speaker. She has served as adjudicator for Delta Omicron International Triennial Composition Competition and for Alabama Federation of Music Clubs Chamber Music Composition Competition. In December, 1999, Dr. Moss retired from full-time teaching to serve as Minister of Music and Laity at Austinville United Methodist Church, Decatur, Alabama. She continues to teach as an adjunct faculty member at Calhoun Community College.

Eleanor Nation received the B.S. and M.A. degrees in music from Middle Tennessee State and did summer studies at Bowling Green University (Ohio) and the University of Michigan. She retired after 22 years as choral director at Johnson High School in Huntsville, AL. She had previously taught at Davis Hills Jr. High School and was a part-time instructor at the University of Alabama, Huntsville. Ms. Nations’s choirs distinguished themselves by receiving superior ratings at district, state, regional, and national levels. Under her direction, Johnson Chorale earned nine regional and national Grand Championships. She has often been acknowledged for her expertise in the interpretation and performance of Renaissance and Romantic period music. Mrs. Nation has served Alabama Vocal Association as district chairman, secretary, president-elect, and president. While president, she wrote several articles about the life of a choral director that were re-printed in other state music journals. Ms. Nation has also served as Alabama president of American Choral Directors Association and in several capacities in Huntsville Choral Directors Association. While at Johnson High School, Ms. Nations’s choirs performed on numerous occasions for the Alabama Vocal Association workshops and Alabama Music Educators conventions. In addition, her choirs performed at three regional division conventions of American Choral Directors Association. Ms. Nation has conducted clinics on choral literature and guest conducted Honor Choirs in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. She is a frequent adjudicator throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Arkansas. Two of Ms. Nation’s proudest and most humbling moments were being invited to conduct the Huntsville All-City Chorus SATB Choir and the Alabama All-State Men’s Chorus.

Lacey Powell is retired Professor of Music at the University of South Alabama and Executive Director for the Alabama Music Educators Association. He served as president of Alabama Music Educators Association for two terms, Alabama Bandmasters Association, and the Rho chapter (Alabama) of the Phi Beta Mu, national honorary bandmasters fraternity. In addition, he was state chairman of the College Band Directors Association and the American School Band Directors Association. He also served as a member of the Alabama Alliance for Arts Education Board and was recently named Director Emeritus. Powell has been honored with induction in the Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame (1995); Distinguished Alumnus of the Year (1993), Outstanding Music Educator (1992), Troy University; AMEA Outstanding Music Educator (1993); and Outstanding Educator of America (1971). Dr. Powell, a former chairman of the editorial board of ala breve, official publication of the Alabama Music Educators Association, has published articles in the ala breve, The Instrumentalist, Music Educators Journal, and School Musician-Director. Professor Powell received his bachelor’s degree from Troy State University, master’s from VanderCook College of Music, and a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama, with additional study at Northwestern University. As an active clinician, Dr. Powell has conducted all-state and regional honor bands in numerous states and has appeared as adjudicator, consultant, clinician and speaker. He was a member of the 43rd Division Army Band during the Korean Conflict, the Mobile Symphony for seven seasons and a charter member of the Mobile Symphonic Pops Band. He served on the board of directors for the Symphony Concerts of Mobile. During his career at Georgiana High School, Andalusia High School and Davidson High School, his bands at state contest were awarded only superior ratings. He was appointed the first director of bands at the University of South Alabama in 1965. Prior to joining the University faculty, he was supervisor of music for the Mobile County Public School. As part of the bicentennial celebration, Dr. Powell was director of the “Marching 200,” the official Alabama bicentennial marching band, which performed on three national telecasts. Memberships include Music Educators National Conference, Alabama Music Educators Association, Alabama Bandmasters Association, National Band Association, Alabama Alliance for Arts Education, Phi Beta Mu and Phi Mu Alpha.

Dr. James Simpson, a native of Montgomery, Alabama, received his Doctor of Arts and Master of Music Degrees from the University of Mississippi and his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. Earlier in his teaching career, Simpson served as Band Director in Union, Mississippi and Canton, Mississippi. During his tenure, the Canton High School Band received outstanding ratings at the Mississippi State Band Festival and won the first annual Six Flags Over Georgia Concert Competition (AAA Division) in 1969. While in Mississippi, Simpson performed in the Hattiesburg, Tupelo, Meridian, and Jackson Symphony Orchestras. He was a featured soloist with the Tupelo Symphony Orchestra and the University of Mississippi Concert Band. For two years, he served as Concert Director of the Mississippi Lions All State Band. Since joining the music faculty at UNA in 1973 as Assistant Band Director and Woodwind Instructor, Simpson has performed as featured soloist with the UNA Concert and Jazz Bands, the UNA Invitational Honor Band, and several regional high school bands. He is a charter member of the Shoals Area “Big Band” and has played lead alto saxophone and clarinet with the band for twenty-eight years. Under his leadership, the University Of North Alabama Department of Music became an accredited member of the prestigious National Association of Schools of Music in 1986. From 1994 to 1996, Simpson served as President of the Alabama Music Educators Association. He has also served as State President of Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, and President of the Association of Alabama College Music Administrators. Simpson was listed in Who’s Who Among American Teachers (2004), Outstanding Young Men of America (1977), International Who’s Who in Music and Musician’s Directory (1975) and Outstanding Educators of America (1975). He received the Shoals Area Band Director’s Association Service Award (2003) and a UNA Education Leadership Award (2000). Dr. Simpson is a member of the Music Educators National Conference (MENC), Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Beta Mu (International Bandmasters Fraternity), Phi Kappa Phi, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Simpson retired in August of 2007 after thirty-four years of service to the University of North Alabama. He served as Chair of the Department of Music for the past thirty-three years. Recently, he was honored in being selected as clarinet soloist to perform as part of the Distinguished Events Series at the University of North Alabama in January 2008.

Dr. Thomas R. Smith, Professor Emeritus of Music at Auburn University, retired as Chair of the Department of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Auburn University in 2006. After receiving the Bachelor of Music from Samford University, the Master of Arts in Music Theory from the University of Iowa, and the Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting and Literature from the University of Colorado; Dr. Smith came to Auburn University in 1972, where he taught choral music-related courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Dr. Smith also founded and conducted the Auburn University Singers and conducted the Concert Choir. He conducted two concerts in Carnegie Hall in New York City and has conducted eight European concert tours with the Auburn University Concert Choir and University Singers. Under his direction, the Auburn University Singers

and Concert Choir have performed at four Southern Division Conventions of the American Choral Directors Association. In 2005, the Auburn University Singers performed for the National Convention of the American Choral Directors Association in Los Angeles. Before coming to Auburn, Dr. Smith was Choral Director at Fairfield High School and Vocal Music Supervisor for the Fairfield City Schools, Fairfield, Alabama. In 1998, Dr. Smith received the Frances P. Moss Choral Directors Award from the Alabama Vocal Association and was recently presented the Paul Steward Service Award in recognition of his work in the Music Ministry. As an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, Dr. Smith served as Southern Division president and has served as Program Chair for two divisional and four national conventions for the organization. Dr. Smith continues to serve as Minister of Music at Providence Baptist Church in Opelika, a position that he has held for the past 33 years. He also is conductor of the Alabama Singing Men.

Hugh Thomas, who died in 2002 at age 90, was a choral music legend at Birmingham-Southern College for more than a half-century. Thomas began his long association with the college in 1936 and retired from the faculty in 1982. He became dean of the Conservatory of Music in 1947, was chairman of the Department of Music from 1964-72, and directed the Concert Choir from 1964-93. Dr. Neal R. Berte, former longtime BSC president, said Thomas’legacy and influence stretched literally around the world.“Hugh Thomas graced the campus of Birmingham-Southern College for many years,and from there his work extended around the world,”said Berte, a friend and colleague of Thomas for nearly 30 years. “Hugh’s enthusiasm for teaching, as well as his consummate artistry, was the catalyst that brought out the best in everyone who performed under his direction or learned from him in a piano studio. It is overwhelming to think of the tremendous legacy and continuing influence Hugh Thomas’life will have for all who knew him.” Dr. Lester Seigel, Birmingham-Southern’s Joseph Hugh Thomas Professor of Music, said that Thomas, known to friends and colleagues as “H.T.,”will be remembered not only as a musician and composer, but also for his relationship with his students.“Hugh Thomas was the consummate artist-teacher,” said Seigel, a 1979 Birmingham-Southern graduate who studied under Thomas. “Students at Birmingham-Southern were not only inspired by his passion and insight, but by his tremendous industry in rehearsing the BSC Concert Choir, and in working with piano students and young conductors. He taught them that excellence comes not only from knowledge and talent, but from developing one’s technique through hours of practice and study. Yet his teaching was much more than this; he taught by example, as a role model and mentor to his students. “His sense of humor was legendary. He also could be tough, but it was almost always with a gleam in his eye, underscored by real caring. His concept of learning embodied not only music, but philosophy, literature, art, and drama. H.T. knew that true wisdom came from embracing a wide range of disciplines, and making the connections--the true goal of a well-educated human being.” Thomas received his bachelor’s degree from Birmingham-Southern in 1933 and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Birmingham Conservatory of Music. He studied piano with Dorsey Whittington and conducting with Robert Shaw. He also studied analysis with Julius Hereford at the Berkshire Music Center in Lenox, Mass. In 1951, he made his professional debut as a conductor of the Hugh Thomas Chorus at Town Hall in New York. He also was a piano soloist with Andre Kostelanetz.An administrator at the BSC Conservatory of Music from 1947-72, he returned to full-time teaching in 1972 and retired from the faculty in 1982. He continued to direct the college’s concert choir until 1993. Birmingham-Southern choirs directed by Thomas performed at Carnegie Hall and toured Europe. His BSC Concert Choir was selected in 1978 to perform at the meeting of American Choral Directors Association, an organization that honored him for his lifetime contribution to choral music. In 1988, he was named Outstanding Music Educator in Alabama. In 1993, he was awarded a lifetime achievement award from the Alabama State Council on the Arts. National Public Radio profiled Thomas in 1995. Thomas received an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Birmingham-Southern in 1981 and the college’s Medal of Service in 1992. In addition to his tenure at Birmingham-Southern, Thomas directed the First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir for 20 years, along with the Canterbury United Methodist Church choir, the Birmingham Civic Chorus, the Birmingham Symphony Chorus, the Hugh Thomas Chorus, and the Indian Springs School Choir. He also served as music critic for the Birmingham Post-Herald. The Barbara and Hugh Thomas Scholarship was created at BSC in 1998 to honor Professor Emeritus of Music Thomas and his wife, Barbara Dorough Thomas, a 1937 BSC graduate and prominent Birmingham musician and teacher, who died in 2001 at age 84.

Orland Thomas earned his B.S (1955) and his M.A. (1958) from the University of Alabama and took advanced graduate work at the University of Southern Mississippi. He is a 1950 graduate of Holt High School in Tuscaloosa County. He taught at Holt High School for nine years before moving to Mobile for a five-year stint at Davidson High School. He next assumed the position of Music Supervisor for the Mobile County Public School System, a job he held for the following 21 years. In this position, he was responsible for 32 school music programs. During this supervisory period Thomas also taught part-time at the University of South Alabama (14 years), Mobile College (7 years), and conducted the Mobile Student Symphony (15 years). He was chair of the Alabama Bandmasters Association (1967-68), was on the Mobile Arts Council Board of Directors, served on the board and was chair-

man (1987-88) of the University of Alabama Society for the Fine Arts, played trombone in the Mobile Symphony, the Mobile Opera Orchestra, and the City of Mobile Symphonic/Pops Band, was a mobile Jazz Festival Board member, and was Choir Director at St. Marks and Springhill Avenue United Methodist Churches. In 1983, Thomas was honored as the University of Alabama Music Department’s first Alumni Achievement Award recipient. He retains affiliation with the Music Educators National Conference (50 years), the National Band Association, and the American School Band Directors Association. He continues to serve as a district band festival adjudicator, honor band festival conductor and solo and ensemble judge. Thomas is now retired and resides in Mobile, where he continues to participate in various church and community music activities.

Johnnie Vinson

is Director of Bands and Professor of Music Emeritus at Auburn University. He received the Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees in Music Education from Auburn, and the Doctor of Arts degree in Music Theory from the University of Mississippi. Dr. Vinson retired from Auburn University in June, 2007, after a 36year career with the Auburn Bands. Prior to joining the Auburn faculty, he taught in the public schools of Columbus, Georgia, and worked as a Graduate Assistant with the bands at the University of Texas and University of Mississippi. At Auburn, he supervised the overall band program, conducted the Symphonic Band, and taught conducting and band arranging. He was also faculty sponsor to Auburn’s Theta Lambda Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma. With over 360 published works, Dr. Vinson is a widely recognized arranger/composer of music for band, writing primarily for the Hal Leonard Corporation. He has served as an adjudicator and clinician throughout the United States. Dr. Vinson is active professionally as a member and officer in a number of organizations. He is a Past President of the Alabama Music Educators Association, former National Vice President for Professional Relations for Tau Beta Sigma, and has served as Alabama State Chair of the College Band Directors National Association. He is also a former member of the Board of Directors of the National Band Association and is a Past President of Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. In addition, he is a member of Music Educators National Conference, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Kappa Psi, and ASCAP. Dr. Vinson was elected to membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association in 1994, and has twice served as a member of its Board of Directors. He has been presented the Distinguished Service to Music Medal by Kappa Kappa Psi and the Citation of Excellence by the National Band Association. In January, 1998, he was elected to the Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame.

G. Truman Welch has served as Vice-President and President of the Alabama Bandmasters Association, President and Vice-President of the Alabama Music Educators Association, and served one term on the governing board of the National Band Association. He has served as President of the Alabama chapter of Phi Beta Mu. Mr. Welch has taught woodwinds at Auburn and Alabama music camps, and at Auburn University and Huntington College. He has played professionally for years in both symphonies and dance bands and was a member of the board of directors of the Montgomery Symphony for several years. Mr. Welch was presented the Birmingham News Post Herald Award for 25 years of outstanding service to the youth of Alabama in 1967. He also was awarded the order of the “Silver Horn” in 1970 by the First Chair of America for outstanding achievement in the field of school music. The “Silver Horn” is awarded only to those whose accomplishments in the field of music are of the highest national standards. During World War II, Welch was director of the 13th Air Force Show Band. He is a member of Phi Beta Mu, National Band Association, American School Band Directors Association, Music Educators National Conference, College Band Directors National Association, and the Alabama Music Educators Association. Mr. Welch organized the Elmore County High School Band of Wetumpka and Eclectic, Alabama. He directed this band for 26 years. During this time, the Elmore County Band was a consistent winner at state contests and first place winner of the Virginia Beach Festival. The band was also selected to play at the Midwest National Clinic in Chicago in 1965, the All-South Clinic at Jekyl Island, Georgia, in 1969, the Lion’s International in New York in 1959, in Chicago in 1960, and the Southern Division of MENC in Mobile in 1969. Mr. Welch and Edd Jones originated and organized the Studio Lab Band movement. He also organized the first annual Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic, which was held at Troy State University in January of 1974. He served as Executive Secretary of this organization. Mr. Welch is presently the flute clinician for Yamaha Musical Instrument Company throughout the Southeast, and is in great demand as guest conductor and clinician throughout the country. He served as Woodwind Instructor at Troy State University, and was the Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the School of Fine Arts and Coordinator of Instrumental Music. He was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu Bandmasters Hall of Fame in 1978. He was elected mayor of Wetumpka in July 1980. Mr. Welch was the originator of the very popular Flute-A-Rama series. At present, Mr. Welch has his own clinician service, woodwind studio, and is Retired Director of the 68 piece Montgomery Civic Band. He is in great demand as a guest conductor, adjudicator, piccolo, flute, and saxophone clinician.

AMEADivision2007Events -

Alabama Orchestra Association

AMEA In-Service Conference/All-State Jazz Band

January 10-12, University of Alabama

State Band Competition Festival

March 10-12, 2008 - University of Alabama

March 13-14, 15, 2008 - Baker High School

March 13-14, 2008 - Gadsden City High School

March 17-19, 2007 - University of North Alabama

2008

All-State Solo Festival

April 16, Auburn University

All-State Band Festival

April 17-19, Auburn University

Summer In-Service Conference

58 ALA BREVE

Alabama Vocal Association

Fall Workshop - September 7-8 - Dawson Baptist Church

All-State Show Choir Auditions - October 19-20 - Bluff Park Methodist Church, Birmingham

All-State - March 12-15 - Samford University

Elementary/General Division

CollegeConnections

The John M. Long School of Music Troy University

Providing the best possible music education for all students in Alabama is a responsibility shared by all music educators in our state. We are grateful to AMEA for providing a forum for keeping our colleagues informed about music education opportunities on college campuses across the state. The following is an update on music “happenings” at TROY University.

Southeastern United States (SEUS) Honor Bands and Choir Festivals

The 8th Annual Middle School Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic and Honor Band Festival was held December 6-8th, 2007. Conductors for the Honor Bands included Tom Brown, Amanda Ford, and Malcolm Kemp. Composer Larry Clark served as composer in residence for the clinic. Middle school students selected by audition participated in rehearsals with the guest conductors/composer, attended a special prism style “Sounds of the Season” concert featuring the TROY University Symphony Band, and attended guest performances presented by the J.C. Booth Middle School Band (Peachtree City, GA) and the Simpson Middle School Band (Marietta, GA). All 3 festival Honor Bands presented a final concert on Saturday, December 8th. Please contact Dr. Mark Walker for 2008 festival information.

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

GA), Rocky Bayou Christian School Symphonic Band (Niceville, FL) and the Savannah Arts Academy Silver Winds (Savannah, GA). A special concert given by all 3 high school Honor Bands brought the Honor Band Festival weekend to a close. Please contact Professor Carla Gallahan for 2009 festival information.

Special AMEA Performances:

The TROY University Concert Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Diane Orlofsky and graduate assistant Tori Lee, was the featured keynote performance group at the 2008 AMEA In-Service Conference.

Dr. Catherine Allard, Dr. Michael Hix, Dr. Margaret Jackson, Dr. Tim Phillips, and Dr. Hui-Ting Yang were featured performers at the 2008 AMEA In-Service Conference.

New Recording Label:

Music Industry students, working with Robert W. Smith, Dr. John Jinright, and Ralph Ford, formed Ilium Records, a studentrun recording label within the School of Music. Ilium Records released its first CD, Trojan Jams, this past fall.

Upcoming School of Music Events:

The 1st Annual Southeastern United States Honor Choir Festival for high school students was held on Friday January 18 and Saturday January 19th, 2008. Conductor for the Honor Choir was Dr. Tom Wine, Director of Choirs at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. High school students selected by audition rehearsed as part of an 80 voice honor choir, participated in sectionals/master classes with School of Music faculty, attended a special Friday night host showcase concert, and presented a closing Honor Choir concert on Saturday afternoon. Please contact Dr. Michael Hix for 2009 festival information.

The 35th Annual Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic and Honor Bands Festival was held January 31February 2, 2008. Conductors for the Honor Bands were Fred Allen, Stephen F. Austin University, Sean O’Loughlin who also served as composer in residence for the clinic, and Dr. Larry Blocher, TROY University. High school students selected by application/nomination rehearsed with the guest conductors and attended a Thursday night opening clinic concert presented by the TROY University Jazz Ensemble I and Jazz Chamber Ensemble and a special Friday night concert presented by the TROY University Symphony Band. Additionally, Honor Band students attended concerts presented by the Auburn High School Honors Band (Auburn, AL), Cairo High School Symphony Band (Cairo,

The National Band Association will induct Edward Lisk and Donald McGinnis into the N.B.A. Hall of Fame of Distinguished Conductors on the TROY University campus on February 2.

The TROY Brass Symposium, featuring the Blue Lake Brass Quintet, will be held on the TROY University campus February 22-23rd. Please contact Dr. James Zingara for additional information.

The 1st Annual Clarinet Day will be held on campus on April 5th. Please contact Dr. Tim Phillips for additional information.

The 1st Annual Southeastern United States Music Industry Showcase, featuring Nashville recording artist Kristen Cothron, will be held on campus April 11-12. Please contact Robert W. Smith for additional information.

Scholarship Information, Audition Dates, and Concert Dates are posted on our website. We invite you to “visit” us at music.troy.edu or in person soon.