February/March 2010 Ala Breve

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F EBRUARY 2010

the official publication of the Alabama Music Educators Association

Inside

ABA All-State Schedule and Clinicians AVA All-State Schedule and Clinicians

CMENC Winning Essay (Interview) Conference Photos and Awards Meet the Candidates

Alabama Ambassadors of Music

Much, Much More!

www.alabamamea.org

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PROFESSIONALISM

. QUALITY . SUPPORT . VALUE

EDUCATORS DEPEND ON YAMAHA. The only choice — Yamaha. Why? We have world-class designers, state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques and are committed to producing the industry’s most consistent, superior-sounding instruments available. These are just three of the many reasons that educators depend on Yamaha. Learn about these instruments and more at yamaha.com/band ©2009 Yamaha Corporation of America. All rights reserved.

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Official Publication of the Alabama Music Educators Association Garry Taylor, Editor 1600 Manor Dr. NE Cullman, AL 35055 (256) 636-2754 amea@bellsouth.net

ADVERTISING & COPY DEADLINES August issue: July 1 October issue: September 1 February issue: January 1 Send Ad Materials to: Garry Taylor, Advertising Manager 1600 Manor Dr. NE Cullman, AL 35055 (256) 636-2754

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subscriptions for non-members is $15.00 per year. Bulk rate postage paid at Dothan, AL. Send address changes to:

mbrserv@menc.org or call

1-800-828-0229

4

News/Features

February 2010

5 ..................................................................................................AMEA Directory 11 .......................................................................AMEA Governing Board Minutes 15.......................................................................................AVA All-State Schedule 16 .....................................................................................AVA All-State Clinicians 18...........................................................................................Campus Connections 20 ............................................................................................Meet the Candidates 22 ..................................................................................HED Call for Submissions 25 ....................................................Alabama Ambassadors Take Europe By Storm 26......................................................................................2010 Conference Photos 29 ......................................................................................ABA All-State Schedule 30 ....................................................................................ABA All-State Clinicians 37 .....................................................................................................We’re Moving 39 ......................................................................................................In Memoriam 40 ...........................................................................................AMEA Hall of Fame 41 ....................................................................................................AMEA Awards 43....................................................................CMENC Winning Essay (Interview) 48 ......................................................AMEA State and District Calendar of Events

Departments

6 ...............................................................................................................President 9 ......................................................................................................President-Elect 12.............................................................................................Elementary/General 14 ....................................................................................................................AVA 14 ...................................................................................................................AOA 22............................................................................................................Higher Ed 28 ...............................................................................................................................ABA 42 ..............................................................................................................CMENC

Forms

23 .............Nomination Form for Editorial Board of Ala Breve Peer Research Issue 31 .........................................................................2011 Call for Submissions Form 32 ...................................................................2011 Performance Application Form 34..............................................................Barbara Odom Award Nomination Form 35 ......................................................Outstanding Administrator Nomination Form 35 ...................................................Outstanding Music Educator Nomination Form 36 ...............................................................AMEA Hall of Fame Nomination Form

Advertisers

American College of Musicians.. ..........14 Arts Music Shop.......................back cover Auburn University Music ......................51 Auburn University Summer Camps.........9 AWB Apparel/Wayne Broom ................42 B Creative Photography.........................18 FSU Summer Music Camps ....................6 Gadsden Music Company........................2 JSU Music..............................................38

John M. Long School of Music ...............8 Lee University........................................24 Macie Publishing Company...................45 Montevallo Music ..................................10 Montevallo Young Musicians Camp......19 Musicale Music Festivals.......................50 UAB Music ..............................................7 UNA Music ............................................13 Yamaha ....................................................3 February 2010

President Pat Stegall Muscle Shoals High School 1900 Avalon Avenue Muscle Shoals, AL 35661 pstegall@mscs.k12.al.us (256) 389-2682 School (256) 389-2689 Fax (256) 627-4661 Cell

AMEA Governing Board...

Recording Secretary Carla Gallahan 212 Smith Hall, Troy University Troy, AL 36082 (334) 670-3502 School cgallahan@troy.edu

President, ABA Chuck Eady Pleasant Grove High School 805 7th Ave. Pleasant Grove, AL 35127 (205) 379-5273 School (205) 807-4311 Cell chuckeady@aol.com

President, CMENC Lindsey Folsom (256) 347-0891 lfolsom@gmail.com lfolsom@forum.montevallo.edu

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Collegiate MENC Advisor Carl Hancock University of Alabama School of Music Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 (205) 348-6335 chancock@bama.ua.edu

2009-2010 Directory

President-Elect Steve McLendon Dothan High School 1236 S. Oates St. Dothan, AL 36301 dhstigerband@aol.com (334) 794-0146 School

Interim Treasurer Mary Jo Lakin 1612 2nd Avenue SW #181 Cullman, AL 35055 (256) 590-2276 Cell mlakin@alabamamea.org

President, AOA Marcy Wilson P.O. Box 11121 Chattanooga, TN 37401 (423) 637-6500 Cell mwilson@kenyonwilson.com

President, Elem/Gen Sharon McCann August Liberty Park Elementary School 17051 Liberty Parkway Birmingham, AL 35242 (205) 402-5400 School (205) 987-5867 Home (205) 936-3620 Cell sharonaug.@gmail.com

Past President John Baker Enterprise High School 500 Watts Avenue Enterprise, AL 36330 jbaker@enterpriseschools.net (334) 347-2640 School (334) 347-3144 Fax

Executive Director Editor, Ala Breve Garry Taylor 1600 Manor Dr. NE Cullman, AL 35055 (256) 636-2754 amea@bellsouth.net

President, AVA Damion Womack The Montgomery Academy 3240 Vaughn Rd. Montgomery, AL 36106 (334) 272-8210 ext. 261 School Womack.D@montgomery academy.org

President, Higher Education Dr. Mark Walker Troy University Long Hall Troy, AL 36082 (334) 670-3281 mjwalker@troy.edu 5

From the President...

Pat Stegall, AMEA President

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, not just for this year’s conference, but for all the previous years as well.

Our conference attendance was up this year in spite of the economy. 761 people were registered for the conference which is 50 more than last year!

As you are aware, the AMEA Conference will be in Montgomery next year. The Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center is wonderful. Everything is under one

Movin’ On

roof and spacious so we should be able to make some needed adjustments in scheduling concerts and clinics. We should all look forward to this change of venue.

The AMEA Governing Board is planning to meet in Montgomery on June 10 to begin planning the conference and to hold our first leadership training session. One of my goals as AMEA President was to put into place a way to transition officers and a way to be more consistent in each division.

Hopefully, this session will be the start of something we have needed for a long time.

In late June, some of us will be attending the MENC Music Education Week in Washington D.C. where we will meet with senators and congressmen and

Unparelleled Music Instruction for Middle School & High School Students For W Winds, inds, Strings, V Vocal, ocal, Piano & Guitar

Several members of the AMEA Governing Board are finishing their terms this summer and I wanted to offer my thanks to them and the rest of the board for their work as your leaders. Those completing their terms: for AVA-Damion Womack; Higher ED-Mark Walker; CMENC Advisor-Carl Hancock; and CMENC-Lindsey Folsom. Also, Recording Secretary Carla Gallahan and Treasurer Mary Jo Lakin end their terms but are both nominees for re-election. It has been an honor and pleasure to serve with this great group of educators.

Good luck to you all as you prepare for spring concerts, competitions, programs and other musical events.

As always, I am here to serve you so feel free to contact me with your ideas, questions and input.

The Florida State University

Membership Questions Address Changes Add an Email Address

122 N. Copeland Street, PO Box 3061180,T 3061180,Tallahassee, allahassee, FL 32306-1180 phone: 850.644.9934 / email: musiccamps@fsu.edu / web: music.fsu.edu

Contact MENC 1-800-828-0229 mbrserv@menc.org

Summer Music Camps 6

discuss the importance of keeping music in the curriculum in the Elementary Secondary Education Act that is in the works to replace “No Child Left Behind”. This critical bill will determine the direction for all of us for the foreseeable future. You may want to write your congressman and senators and ask them to make sure that music and the arts remain a vital part of the curriculum.

February 2010

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February 2010

From the President-Elect...

Steve McLendon, AMEA President-Elect

time to thank your division presidents and board members for a job well done.

“Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music.”

Sergei Rachmaninov was passionate about music his entire life. I hope that our annual conference helps rekindle some of that passion for our chosen profession. The daily grind of music education can easily take its toll. That’s just one of many reasons to be involved with your professional association.

Thanks to the leadership of Pat Stegall, Garry Taylor, and your division presidents, the annual in-service conference offers abundant opportunities to network, learn, and inspire each other. I hope you take the

Have you ever received an extraordinary gift? You probably could not wait to tell someone about it. For me, and I hope for you, music is a gift that I love to share with my students and others. Don’t get me wrong; I still have days when it doesn’t pay to get out of bed, but I always find peace in knowing that I’ve found my calling.

After all, music education is a personal calling. The best music teachers are not in the profession for personal recognition or prestige. They, instead, revel in the success of their students.

I have had the privilege of observing many of you in your classrooms. Our

state is blessed with many, many music teachers who love what they do and empower their students through music.

I would encourage you to remain committed to our professional organization. This is a commitment that will benefit you for years to come. Just interacting with your colleagues who often face the same challenges that you do can be revitalizing. I encourage you to remain active and take advantage of the opportunities that a new venue for next year’s conference will provide.

We’ve been blessed with dedicated, hard-working leaders who have made this happen. My hat is off to them and to those of you who selflessly share the gift of music every day.

Auburn University Bands presents the 2010 AU Summer Band Camps.

Marching Percussion June 13 - 16, 2010 Drum Major & Leadership June 13 - 16, 2010

Marching Auxiliary

(majorette, dance, & flag)

June 13 - 16, 2010

High School Music (Symphonic & Concert Bands)

June 16 – 19, 2010 High School Music

(Symphonic & Concert Bands)

Junior High/Middle School June 20 – 23, 2010

For more information, please contact Taylor Keeton, Camp Director, at tek0004@auburn.edu.

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UNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO an All-Steinway an All-Steinway SSchool chool offering Bachelor of Music degrees in: P Performance erformance P Pedagogy edagogy 0XVLF 0XVLF (GXFDWLRQ (GXFDWLRQ

and Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Inspired by the past, dedicated to the futur e. future.

University of Montevallo

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cholarship, March 6, 2010 SScholarship, band only March 27, 2010

)HVWLYDOV DQG :RUNVKRSV )HVWLYDOV DQG :RUNVKRSV Oct. 3

All-State Choir W Workshop orkshop

Nov.. 5-7 Nov Nov.. 13-14 Nov

Choral Festival Woodwind Woodwind Workshop Workshop

Nov.. 21 Nov

Piano Piano Day

Dec. 5

All-State T Trumpet rumpet Clinic

March 5-7 June 27-J 27-July uly 2

Honor Band Y Young oung Musicians Musicians’’ Camp

Community School of Music: Music lessons for students of all ages

www.montevallo.edu/music www .montevallo.edu/music To T o schedule a visit visit or for for more more information information contact: music@montevallo.edu 205-665-6670, music@montevallo.edu 10

February 2010

January 20, 2010 Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The AMEA Governing Board met at the University of Alabama, Conference Center on January 20, 2010. The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m.

by AMEA President, Pat Stegall. Present at the meeting: Pat Stegall, Garry Taylor, Carla Gallahan, Steve McLendon, Damion Womack, Chuck Eady, Marcy Wilson, Mary Jo Lakin, Carl Hancock, John Baker, Sharon August, and Lindsey Folsom.

The minutes of the August 15, 2009 meeting of the AMEA Governing Board were read by Recording Secretary, Carla Gallahan. John Baker (Marcy Wilson) moved to accept the minutes as read.

Passed.

The AMEA financial report was presented and discussed by Mary Jo Lakin and Garry Taylor. Steve McLendon (Carl Hancock) moved to accept the financial report as presented. Passed.

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

Old Business John Baker reported that approximately 50 students were scheduled to attend FAME. This year we will have students from each division (band, orchestra, and choir) in atendance.

AMEA was represented by several Board members at the MENC Southern Division Leadership Board Meeting. Pat Stegall, Garry Taylor, Steve McLendon, and Lindsey Folsom were in attendance.

Discussion continued regarding orientation sessions for new Division and AMEA Officers. There will be a continued focus in this area to improve the efficiency and consistency of office transitions.

Discussion continued on the feasibility of conducting an Intercollegiate Band and Choir at future AMEA conferences. Preliminary interest and ideas will be presented at the Saturday, January 23, 2010 meeting of the AMEA Governing Board.

New business The MENC National Meeting will be held in Anaheim, CA. AMEA will be represented.

The slate of officers for the upcoming AMEA Officer Elections was presented to the Board and will be presented to the membership at the Friday, January 22 meeting.

Music Education Week will be held in Washington D.C. June 25-29, 2010. President Stegall is encouraging AMEA members to attend this week of activities in support of music education in the schools.

Carla Gallahan, as a member of the board of directors for the Alabama Alliance for Arts Education, will attend individual division meetings and sessions at the 2010 AMEA Conference to discuss the mission of the organization and the opportunities the organization provides for the music educators and students of Alabama.

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AMEA Governing Board Minutes

Gary Taylor discussed the move of the AMEA Conference in 2011. He encouraged the Governing Board to discuss the move within each division.

The next meeting of the AMEA Governing Board will be January 23, 2010 at 1:00 pm at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL.

Pat Stegall (John Baker) adjourned the meeting at 7:58 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Carla Gallahan, Recording Secretary January 23, 2010 Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The AMEA Governing Board met at the University of Alabama, Conference Center on January 23, 2010. The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m.

by AMEA President, Pat Stegall. Present at the meeting: Pat Stegall, Garry Taylor, Carla Gallahan, Steve McLendon, Jane Powell, Chuck Eady, Marcy Wilson, Mary Jo Lakin, Carl Hancock, Sharon August, Taylor Sparks, Mark Walker, and Lindsey Folsom.

The minutes of the January 20, 2010 meeting of the AMEA Governing Board were read by Recording Secretary, Carla Gallahan. Mark Walker (Carl Hancock) moved to accept the minutes as read.

Passed.

The AMEA financial report will be updated and distributed electronically to the Governing Board for review to allow details of the 2010 AMEA Conference to be included. 761 people attended the 2010 AMEA Conference.

Officer, Representative and Division Reports and comments on the 2010 Conference: Executive Director - Garry Taylor reported a very smooth conference. He commended the work of Carl Hancock with the stage crew and the Division Presidents for the session and performance selections.

President - Pat Stegall was very impressed with the conference overall including the clinics, keynote speaker, and performances. He recognized the Board for the recommendation of the keynote speaker. 50 students attended FAME and all sessions went well.

Reported that the All-State Jazz Band was incredible.

Ala Breve – Garry Taylor reminded the Board that the deadline for submissions is January 27, 2010. He encouraged more article submissions and reminded the AVA and ABA Presidents of the need for the AllState schedules for inclusion in the Ala Breve.

Alabama Orchestra Association – Marcy Wilson was very positive about all aspects of the orchestra events at the conference. She commented that a scheduling conflict with performance groups from the same town caused some concern and should be addressed in the future.

Elementary/General – Sharon August reported great sessions for the division. She spoke very highly of the keynote speaker and the dance. Comments from

members of this division reflected the desire for additional exhibitors.

Alabama Vocal Association – Jane Powell commented that some of the members expressed interest in scheduling the Honor Choir performance earlier.

Alabama Bandmasters Association – Chuck Eady reported super clinics at the conference. Concerns included the need for additional space in some of the clinics. Due to the move next year, this will not be a concern. On behalf of the ABA, Mr. Eady commended the performance of the Alabama Honor Choir.

Higher Education – Mark Walker reported that the conference went very well. Higher Education attendance at events was down slightly and attendance was encouraged. New officers for this division include: President - Tim Phillips, Vice President – Gary Packwood, Research Chair – Carl Hancock, Treasurer – Lori Ardovino

CMENC – Lindsey Folsom reported wonderful attendance (representation from across the state) and well prepared sessions for the CMENC events. New officers include: Taylor Sparks, Heather Haynes, and Dakota Bromley. Ty: Parker won the Interview Competition and will be participating in the Music Education Week activities in Washington, D.C. this summer. He interviewed Theo Vernon. Moya Norland is the new CMENC Advisor. Members of CMENC went to Capstone Village to perform as a community service project. This activity was very well received. CMENC members expressed an interest in being involved in AMEA and the move next year to Montgomery. Lindsey thanked the Board for their support and encouragement.

CMENC Advisor Carl Hancock suggested that a professional photographer be hired to better document the AMEA events. Surveys will be sent out to identify how the Board can better serve the membership at the conference.

Old Business In discussion on the AMEA Conference registration, it was noted that no one had registered as a nonMENC member.

Dates for the Summer Planning Meeting of the AMEA Governing Bard were discussed. The meeting will take place in Montgomery at the Renaissance Hotel on June 10, 2010.

Pat Stegall distributed information regarding the Officer Training Proposal.

Purpose: To train incoming officers in their roles as leaders in their respective divisions and offices To develop a more consistent way of conducting the business of each division To continue developing manuals and guidelines for the leadership of all aspects of AMEA To find the best practices of each division and adapt them where possible to meet the needs of the other divisions To create a smoother transition from one officer to the next The Board discussed possible ideas for implementing the program and providing time for

Continued 0n page 122

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The 2010 AMEA In-Service Conference was an amazing success, thanks to the leadership of our Executive Director, Garry Taylor, excellent presenters, enthusiastic participants, and outstanding performances! John Feierabend’s brilliant and informative sessions, as well as his Keynote speech, were especially enlightening. Peter and Alice Amidon led us in singing and dancing, and Vestavia Hills Elementary Central and Jacksonville Opera Theatre performed for full audiences. Thank you to all who attended and helped to make this a conference to remember.

I am especially appreciative of those who filled out the conference evaluation forms. I have read all of your comments, and will use your suggestions to improve next year’s conference. There were several common threads. One was the request for more exhibitors. The move to Montgomery will allow more space for exhibitors, and this should make a difference next year. Other suggestions for scheduling and presenters will be most helpful as the planning begins for 2011.

Minutes (continued)

each division to collaborate. Division Presidents spoke individually regarding the transition process currently in use and the need for an improved transition process within administrations. Garry Taylor commented regarding board dynamics, participation, and length of term feeling that an improved transition would improve the overall effectiveness of the Board. President Stegall is seeking suggestions for ways to continue the development of this proposal. Chuck Eady (Marcy Wilson) motioned to have each Division President and the President Elect for their division as well as the CMENC past and present Advisor and the past and current President attend the training program at the Summer Meeting with AMEA paying travel expenses.

The process to have Peer Reviewed article submission for the Ala Breve was discussed. The Higher Education Division is working on developing an Editorial Board to implement this.

Garry Taylor will contact the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery to tentatively schedule the AMEA Conferences for 2013 and 2014. The final decision will not be made until after the 2011 Conference.

The Alabama Orchestra Association requested that AMEA provide financial assistance for a representative of that organization to attend the

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From Elem/Gen...

Sharon August, President, Elementary/General Division

On the AMEA website, please note the announcement and commitment form for the 2010 AMEA Elementary Music Festival, which will take place on Friday, October 1, at Samford University Wright Center with clinician Cristy Cari Miller.

The AMEA Elementary Division has commissioned a composition by Ms. Miller to be premiered at the Festival.

Please consider bringing students to the festival. This is a great opportunity that allows your students to make beautiful music with quality literature in an outstanding facility with a nationally recognized clinician.

The day after the festival, Saturday, October 2, the Alabama Chapter of AOSA and the Elementary Division of AMEA will jointly offer a workshop featuring Cristy Cari Miller. Samford University has generously offered to host the workshop. You won’t want to miss this workshop, so mark your calendars!

Please do not hesitate to e-mail me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns – sharonaug@gmail.com

Music Education Week in Washington, D.C. The cost of this trip was discussed and it was decided that financial assistance for this meeting would have to be funded through the divisions if funds were available. Chuck Eady encouraged the Board to contact their individual school boards as possible methods of financial assistance.

Carla Gallahan reported that some initial interest and contacts have been made in regards to the Intercollegiate Honor Band and Honor Choir. An email will be sent to all collegiate directors regarding this topic to determine interest and establish an organizational meeting if necessary.

There will be a meeting at the 2010 Alabama AllState Band Clinic regarding the Intercollegiate Band.

The Governing Board discussed exhibitor badges and the policy regarding conference event attendance.

The AOA requested two performance slots for future conferences.

A “Call for Sessions” form is available on our website. Clinicians should complete this form and return it by the established deadline to be considered for the 2011 AMEA Conference.

Sharon August commented on recognizing the

Upcoming Dates

1. AOSA Workshop with Laurie Zentz at Green Valley Elementary School – February 20, 9:00-3:00.

2. ACDA Young Voices – May 7-8, 2010 – Auburn University.

3. LEVEL I-Orff Schulwerk-June 7-18 – Samford University.

4. AL AOSA Music Camp June 21-25 – Trinity United Methodist Church.

5. AMEA Elementary Music Festival with Cristy Cary Miller at the Wright Center, Samford University – Oct 1.

6. AMEA/AOSA Joint Workshop with Cristy Cary Miller - Oct. 2.

7. AOSA 2010 Professional Development Conference in Spokane, WA-November 3-6.

Nationally Certified Teachers in the AMEA Program and proposed recognizing them personally. A suggestion was made to have a clinic on the preparation of this certification and recognize those already certified at that time.

New Business President Stegall asked the Board to continue to encourage new members to join our organization.

President Stegall asked the Board to be mindful of music jobs being cut and let him know if any jobs are lost.

The following AMEA Governing Board members have completed their terms: Damion Womack, Mark Walker, Lindsey Folsom, Carl Hancock, Mary Jo Lakin, and Carla Gallahan. President Stegall expressed his gratitude for their service to our organization.

The next meting of the AMEA Governing Board will be held on June 10, 2010 at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery.

Chuck Eady (Marcy Wilson) motioned to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 2:52 p.m. by President Stegall.

Respectfully submitted, Carla Gallahan Recording Secretary

February 2010

TO MAKE MUSIC HISTORY, you’ll need more than a DEGREE. You’ll need experience. That’s why, at the University of North Alabama, we don’t stop with our majors in commercial music, music education, and instrumental and vocal performance. How about writing and recording your own music?

Or performing with one of our many groups: bands, choirs, ensembles large and small, even a symphony orchestra?

The opportunities are endless.

So stretch your vocal cords, buzz your lips or wet your reed.

IT’S TIME TO MAKE HISTORY.

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From the AOA...

Marcy J. Wilson, President, Alabama Orchestra Association

The Alabama All-State Orchestra Festival scheduled for February 11-14, 2010 at the University Of Alabama School Of Music, is just two short weeks away and is looking to be an exciting weekend. This event would not be possible without the tremendous support and help from the AOA board and members. Thank you to all who have volunteered your time and efforts to make this year’s All-State festival a success. Registration for the festival will begin at noon for the members of the Festival Orchestra. I strongly encourage all students, especially violins, to register by 1 pm, so seating auditions can run smoothly and conclude on time. Registration for Sinfonietta Strings and the Consort Strings will begin at 2:30. We will have three tables during registration labeled by

instrument. Please find the appropriate table and sign in to receive your seating audition time and location. Students will receive a packet of information, including a finalized schedule, a certificate of attendance and other important information. Please carefully read all the information in the packet.

The AOA composition contest winner this year is Daniel Simpson’s Tuscaloosa Tango.

Mr. Simpson will be the composer in residence during the entire festival. He will be speaking at the “Meet the Composer” lecture on Friday evening at 6pm. We will have our annual pizza party, hosted by the University of Alabama School of Music at 5pm, so please plan on staying on campus for dinner Friday evening. On Saturday, AOA members are invited to a meeting in room 258 at 1:30. I hope to see all AOA members at this meeting.

During the AMEA conference in January, AOA members and board were able to

From the AVA...

Damion Womack, President, Alabama Vocal Association

I enjoyed visiting with so many of you at AMEA. I hope you had an enjoyable experience and found new and exciting ways to teach your students. Our clinicians had a wonderful experience working with our students. As you know All-State will be here before you know it, I looking forward to another great weekend of choral music.

to mold young lives. For me, this is not work, this is what I love to do everyday. I am sure you feel the same as I do. I look forward to hearing your choirs at State

meet and many last minute details were finalized. AOA also welcomed our new Vice-President/President Elect, Clay McKinney. Clay is the strings magnet director at Booker T. Washington Arts High School in Montgomery, and is a strong advocate for string education in Alabama.

I am confident that this All-State festival will be a great educational experience for all in attendance. Also during the AMEA conference, we hosted great sessions presented by Anne Witt and Dan Hornstein. On Thursday afternoon, the Florence High School String Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Jamieson, presented a fantastic concert in the Moody Concert Hall. The students performed beautifully and should be very proud of their accomplishment. Congratulations!

I look forward to seeing everyone at the 2010 All-State Orchestra Festival in a few weeks!

Assessment, March 24-26, 2010 at Canterbury United Methodist church in Birmingham, and at All-State April 15-17, 2010 at Samford University.

As I look back on my two years serving as your President, I have had an enjoyable experience. I have had the opportunity to work with talented students in our State.

I have been able to grow as a person, educator, and leader. I have most enjoyed getting to know many of you. We have the best job in the world, an opportunity 14

February 2010

2010 AVA All-State Rehearsal Schedule 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday

Board Meeting Wright Lobby

3:30-5:00 p.m. OCS Competition – Male Brock Recital Hall

3:30-4:30 p.m. OAAuditions Bolding Studio (BBS311) 5:00 p.m.

OCS Group Photo Foyer

5:30-7:00 p.m. OCS Competition – Female Brock Recital Hall 10:30 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

Thursday

Breakfast Meeting Drury Inn (President, President-elect, Clinicians & Coordinators)

General Assembly (Director and Students) Wright Concert Hall

2:00-5:30 p.m. All-State Rehearsals HS SATB Wright Concert Hall HS SSA Brock Recital Hall HS TTBB Bolding Studio MS Mixed Reid Chapel MS Treble Cassesse Rehearsal Hall 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dinner Break

7:30-9:30 p.m. All-State Rehearsals HS SATB Wright Concert Hall HS SSA Brock Recital Hall HS TTBB Bolding Studio MS Mixed Reid Chapel MS Treble Cassesse Rehearsal Hall

11:00 p.m. Curfew

Friday

8:30-11:30 a.m. High SchoolAll-StateRehearsals HS SATB Reid Chapel HS SSA Brock Recital Hall HS TTBB Bolding Studio ala breve

Friday (Con’t)

8:30-11:00 a.m. Middle SchoolAll-StateRehearsals MS Mixed Wright Concert Hall MS Treble Cassesse Rehearsal Hall

9:00-10:15 a.m. AVA General Meeting Harrison Theatre

11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Lunch Break: Middle School

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch Break: High School

11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. AVA Board Luncheon Wright Mezzanine

1:00-4:00 p.m. Middle School All-State MS Mixed Cassesse Rehearsal Hall MS Treble Wright Concert Hall 1:30-4:30 p.m. High School All-State HS SATB Reid Chapel HS SSA Brock Recital Hall HS TTBB Bolding Studio

4:00-6:30 p.m. Dinner Break: Middle School

4:40-6:30 p.m. Dinner Break: High School

6:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Call Time for Concert (Performers seated)

Middle SchoolAll-State Concert

Saturday

8:00-9:00 a.m. SATB Dress Rehearsal Wright Concert Hall

9:00-10:00 a.m. SSA Dress Rehearsal Wright Concert Hall

10:00-11:00 a.m. TTBB Dress Rehearsal Wright Concert Hall

12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

Call Time for Concert (Performers in their seats)

Concert

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AVA All-State 2010 Clinicians

"Way Over in Beulah Lan'..

Understanding and Performing the Negro Spiritual" has quickly become a major source in this area of study. He is a past president of the Florida ACDA, and the past president of the Southern Division of ACDA.

students and directors.

His guest conducting appearances include, the Andre J. Thomas, the Owen Westminster Chamber Choir, Florence, F. Sellers Professor of Music, is Italy; Southfield Madrigal Chorale, Director of Choral Activities Southfield, Michigan; the Interscholastic and Professor of Choral Music Association of Southeast Asia High Education at Florida State Schools Biennial Music Festival, Singapore; the Oklahoma State University University. A previous faculty Choral Festival, Stillwater, Oklahoma; the member at the University of Salem, Oregon All-City Honor Choir; the Dr. Eugene Rogers is the Texas, Austin, Dr. Thomas Andre J. Thomas Virginia Music Educators Association Director of Choral Activities at received his degrees from High School SATB District X SATB High School Festival Macalester College in St. Paul, Friends University (B.A.), Chorus; the Illinois ACDA Summer Minnesota, where he conducts the Northwestern University (M. M.), and the Conference; and the American Choral Macalester Concert Choir, the Singing University of Illinois (D.M.A). He is in Directors Association North Scotsmen of Macalester, the demand as a choral adjudicator, clinician, Central Division Middle School Hildegard Singers (Women’s and director of Honor/All-State Choirs Honor Choir.

As a singer, Ensemble) and Festival Chorale. throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, Rogers has performed with the Dr. Rogers received his Doctor of New Zealand, and Australia. Dr. Thomas World Youth Choir, the Portland Musical Arts and Master of has conducted choirs at the state, division, Symphonic Choir, the Saint Paul and national conventions of the Music Music degrees from the Chamber Orchestra Chorale and University of Michigan in Ann Educators National Conference (MENC) the May Festival Chorus in Arbor, and his Bachelor of and American Choral Directors Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition to Science in Music Education Association (ACDA). His international degree from the University of Eugene Rogers his duties as a conductor and conducting credits are extensive. They Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Middle School Mixed teacher, Dr. Rogers serves on the include conductor/clinician for the board of the American Dr. Rogers is a passionate International Federation of Choral conductor and teacher whose spirited Composers Forum, and is the Artistic Musicians, summer residency of the World performances frequently include a wide Director for the Tempest MusicWinter Youth Choir in the Republic of China and variety of musical styles and genres. He Choral Festival at Disneyland, Hong Kong. the Philippines, winter residency of the has extensive experience working with World Youth Choir in Europe, and a choirs of all ages and levels of ability. premier performance by an American choir Some of his past appointments include the Dr. Lori Hetzel is the Associate (Florida State University Singers) in Boys Choir of Harlem, the University of Director of Choral Activities and professor Vietnam. He has been the guest conductor Michigan, Waubonsie Valley High School of Choral Music Education at the of such distinguished orchestras and choirs in Aurora, Illinois, and Anima Young University of Kentucky where she as the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in Singers of Greater conducts the Women’s Choir and the a England, guest Conductor for the Berlin Chicago (formerly the cappella group “Paws and Listen.” She Radio Choir in Germany, the Netherlands Glen Ellyn Children’s also teaches graduate and undergraduate Radio Choir, the Charlotte Symphony, Choir). As a result of his secondary methods courses and Tallahassee Symphony, and the China’s teaching and groundundergraduate conducting.

In People’s Liberation Orchestra. Since 1988 breaking achievements conjunction with the undergraduate he has also served as Artistic Director of as founder and director choral methods courses, she has the Tallahassee Community Chorus. of Waubonsie Valley pioneered a unique partnership program Thomas has also distinguished himself as High School’s first multiwith a local high school. As a result of Lori Hetzel a composer/arranger. Hinshaw Music cultural ensemble, the this program the choral music education Company, Mark Foster Music Company, Unity Chorus, Dr. Rogers High School SSA students at the University of Kentucky was named “Most Influential Educator” in Fitzsimmon Music Company, Lawson are receiving “hands on” experience and 2000 and 2001.

Professor Rogers has Gould, Earthsongs, and Heritage Music immediate feedback early in their Company publish his compositions and appeared as guest conductor, adjudicator curriculum.

Among her many and lecturer in over ten states as well as arrangements. Dr. Thomas has produced accomplishments, she was the recipient of Singapore, Portugal and Italy.

Recently, he two instructional videos "What They See the University of Kentucky award “Great Is What You Get" on choral conducting, was one of three featured conductors and Teacher of the Year” in 2000 and has lecturers for Singapore’s Ministry Branch with Rodney Eichenberger, and "Body, of Education Inaugural World Youth Choir published articles in College Music Mind, Spirit, Voice" on adolescent voices, Festival for Secondary and Junior College Symposium and Southeastern Music with Anton Armstrong. His recent book

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February 2010

Education Journal. The UK Women’s Choir has been invited to perform at both MENC and ACDA Southern Division Conventions and in 2003 were featured at the ACDA National Convention in New York City. Additionally the choir has toured internationally including performances at Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris and St. Stephens Cathedral, Vienna.

In 2008 the choir was featured at both the ACDA Southern Division Convention, Louisville and the MENC National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In June 2009 the choir took their second international tour with performances at St. Peters Basilica, Rome and St. Marks Cathedral, Venice. A native of Wisconsin, Dr. Hetzel received her B.A. degree in Music Education, Summa cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay. She received her M.M. degree from the University of Missouri - Kansas City Conservatory, where she studied conducting with Eph Ehly. Her D.M.A. degree is in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University with Charles K. Smith. An active clinician and guest conductor, Dr.Hetzel has most recently conducted All-State and Honor choirs in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Wisconsin, Tennessee and South Carolina.

for elementary, junior high and high school of the Palm Beaches, a community based honor choruses throughout the United youth choir with 230 members in 5 choirs States, and is often invited to provide ranging in ages from 10 to 18. Choirs workshops for music educators. Most under her direction are regularly invited to recently, he has conducted all-state perform at ACDA State, Division and choruses in Oklahoma, Virginia, Indiana, National Conventions including the 2002 Maine, and Florida. and presented and 2004 Southern Division Conventions workshops at the Indiana Choral Directors and 2003 and 2007 National Conventions.

Association and the Alabama Music Ms. Drosakis served the Florida ACDA Educators Association. An active member Chapter for six years as Membership Chair of the American Choral Directors and assisted for many years as the CoAssociation, he has served as Southwestern Coordinator of the Boys Honor Choir at the Division chair for Ethnic & Multicultural State Conference. In November of 2008, Perspectives, College/University Choruses, Ms Drosakis received the Wayne Research Chair, and has served as Hugoboom Distinguished Service Award President of the Missouri Choral from the Florida Chapter of the Directors Association.

American Choral Director’s Robinson's music research has Association for dedicated focused on choral performance service, leadership and constant evaluation, music preference, and examples of excellence in choral conducting.

He has Choral Music in Florida. Ms. presented and published research Drosakis is an active adjudicator at the state, regional and national and clinician for district and levels of the Music Educators state evaluation festivals and National Conference and the Connie Drosakis county honor choirs throughout Middle School Treble American Music Therapy Florida, Georgia and Alabama.

Association. Robinson is a past editor of Most recently, Ms. Drosakis conducted the the Missouri Journal of Research in Music North Carolina All-State Middle School Education and currently serves on its Girls Chorus. Connie has served as the editorial review board. Dr. Middle School Chair and Treasurer for Robinson is a member of Pi Kappa District 14 of the Florida Vocal Association Lambda National Music Honor and as the FVA State Middle School Chair, Society, and has twice been the assuming primary responsibility for the recipient of the prestigious Muriel organization of many All-State Choirs. In McBrien Kauffman Excellence in September, Ms. Drosakis was voted Teaching Award (1991 & 1999) and President-elect of the Florida Chapter of Charles Robinson is Meritorious Service Award (2006) the American Choral Director’s Professor of Choral Music for the UMKC Conservatory of Association and will assume the Education at the University of Charles Robinson Music and Dance. The Missouri Presidency in July of 2011. Choirs under Missouri Kansas City where High School TTBB Choral Directors Association her leadership have been invited to perform his teaching opportunities presented Robinson with the 2000 with the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra include the Conservatory Concert Choir, Luther T. Spayde Award of Excellence for under the direction of James Judd, and in choral pedagogy and methods, graduate significant contributions to choral music in festival choruses under the direction of courses in music education and graduate Missouri.

Doreen Rao and Henry Leck. Under her research supervision. Robinson has served directorship, all four Choral Groups have as Chair of the Faculty for the Connie Drosakis, a product of received straight superior ratings for nine Conservatory of Music and Dance, and the Palm Beach County Schools, received consecutive years at the Florida Vocal currently serves on the Conservatory the Bachelor and Master of Music Association’s Music Performance executive advisory committee. Robinson Education/Choral Conducting degrees Assessments. In addition, Chorale has earned bachelor's and doctoral degrees in from Florida State University. At FSU, received high praise and several awards at choral music education from Florida State Connie was the recipient of the Irvin middle and high school festivals and University and the master's degree from Cooper Memorial Scholarship in Choral competitions both nationally and California State University, Long Beach. Music Education. Ms. Drosakis taught for internationally.

Choruses under her He taught choral and general music in fourteen year at Christa McAuliffe Middle direction have also performed at Avery middle schools and high schools in Florida, School and is now in her ninth year as Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in New York and has worked with singers of all ages choral director at Bak Middle School of the City. from children through senior citizens. Dr. Arts. Since 2002, Ms. Drosakis has served Robinson is an active conductor/clinician as Assistant Conductor for Young Singers

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Campus Connections...

News and Happenings from Alabama’s Colleges and Universities

Colleges and universities are encouraged to submit newsworthy material and announcements for publication in Ala Breve

From Auburn University...

The Music Department at Auburn University is proud to recognize Dr. William Powell and the Auburn University Chamber Choir for their selection to perform at the 2010 AMEA Conference. The choral area offers a wide variety of opportunities for students at Auburn, including, the Chamber choir, Concert Choir, Men’s and Women’s Choruses, Gospel Choir, Opera Workshop, Conductor’s Chorus and AU Singers.

Additionally, in the instrumental area we offer Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Campus Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Band, and many chamber music opportunities for interested musicians. Students from all majors across campus are welcome in any of the ensembles by audition. Auditions for each ensemble are usually held at the beginning of each semester and during the Camp War Eagle orientation sessions during the summer.

Auburn University offers the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree and with the College of Education, the Bachelor of Music Education degree in vocal and instrumental areas, as well as master’s and doctoral degrees in music education. Please note our upcoming audition dates on February 6 and March 6 for all instruments and voice. An additional date of Feb. 11 is provided for participants in the Auburn University Symphonic Honor Band Festival February 11-14, 2010. In the Auburn Department of Music, we are proud to offer an intimate and nurturing atmosphere that provides opportunities for individual attention and regular performance for students. I invite you to read about our distinguished faculty, major performing ensembles, programs of study, and available scholarships, and assistantships on our website at: www.auburn.edu/music. Contact the Department of Music at 334-844-4165 if you have questions about our degree programs or offerings.

We appreciate the opportunity offered here by AMEA to share information with you.

War Eagle!

From The John M. Long School of Music, Troy University...

We are grateful to AMEA for providing this opportunity to share information about our School of Music with colleagues across our state.

The School of Music The John M. Long School of Music is “home” to more than 250 undergraduate and graduate music majors and minors.

Thirty-three music faculty members are part of a diverse community of educators, composers, conductors, performers, and researchers committed to the personal and professional growth of all students.

New Facilities The School of Music completed the first phase of a multimillion dollar renovation in the summer 2009. New choir, expanded band, and new library facilities are scheduled for construction beginning in the summer of 2010.

Graduate Assistantships Graduate assistantships are available in vocal/choral music education, music industry, and with the university bands.

Stipends range from $7000-$8000 plus in- or out-of-state tuition waivers covering full time tuition each semester.

Spring Artist in Residence Series Tom Brown, Director of Bands – Jefferson Davis High School (GA)Robert Buckley, arranger, composer, producer Vancouver Bob Bullock, music producer and engineer - Nashville David Etheridge, Professor of Clarinet – University of Oklahoma Daniel Kelly, Professor of Trumpet – University of Southern Mississippi Doug MaCaulay, composer, conductor - Vancouver Michael Nakasone, conductor – Hawaii John Parks, Professor of Percussion – Florida State University Proha Clarinet Quartet – University of Illinois Gene Ramsbottom, Professor of Clarinet – University of British Columbia Charles Robinson, Professor of Choral Music Education University of Missouri-Kansas City.

The Rose Ensemble The Dallas Brass National Band Association Hall of Fame Induction Ray Cramer William Moody Frank Wickes Music Study Abroad Program July 2010 with Dr. Margaret Jackson and Dr. Michael Hix Dresden, Germany We invite you to visit us at music.troy.edu or in person soon.

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February 2010

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Meet the candidates...

for AMEA President-elect...

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 OrffSchulwerk 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 American-Orff 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 OrffSchulwerk 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.

Damion Womack currently serves as Director of Choral Music at The Montgomery Academy in Montgomery, Alabama. Prior to this position he served as Choral Director at Minor Jr. High School of The Jefferson County School System.

Mr. Womack also is Director of Music Ministries at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Montgomery.

Choirs under Mr. Womack’s direction have been invited to perform at The Alabama Music Educator’s Association Convention in 2005 and 2006 and The Orff- Schulwerk Association National Convention in 2006. His choir has toured nationally in South Carolina, Louisiana, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, New York, California and Florida. In 2009 his choir attended the Heritage National Choral Invitational of Gold in New York, scoring 4th among 20 choirs across the country. His choir has also been invited to be the featured guest honor choir at The University of Alabama (2008), and at The University of Southern Mississippi Southern Invitational Choral Conference.( 2009) His choirs consistently receive “Superior Ratings” at District, State, and National Performance Evaluations. Mr. Womack is the recipient of the 2005 Award for Excellence in Teaching at The Montgomery Academy. As a choral clinician and adjudicator, Mr. Womack has adjudicated and conducted honor choirs in Alabama, Chicago, and Mississippi. He is currently listed in “Who’s Who Among American Teachers 2004-2008 .” Mr. Womack is a member of The Voice Care Network. He currently holds the position as President of The Alabama Vocal Association and also serves as R&S Chair for Children’s Choir for The Alabama Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). Mr. Womack holds a B.S in Music Education from Alabama A&M University and a M.M.E.D. in Music Education from Alabama State University. Mr. Womack is currently a Doctoral Candidate at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC pursuing a DMA in Choral Conducting.

for AMEA Treasurer...

Mary Jo Peinhardt Lakin graduated from Hanceville High School and received her B.S. and Master’s Degrees in Music Education from Auburn University. She served as a middle school and high school band director in Duluth, Georgia and a middle school band director/music teacher in Haleyville, Alabama. She has taught elementary music at Hanceville Elementary School in Cullman County for the past 9 years. For several years, she helped at the registration desk at the annual AMEA In-service Conference and served as registrar at this year’s conference. Mary Jo is currently serving as Interim Treasurer of AMEA. 20

February 2010

Meet the candidates...

for AMEA Recording Secretary...

Cherith Parrish is the choral director at Homewood Middle School where her teaching responsibilities include general music, music technology, concert choir, show choir and musical theater. She has spent the last ten years teaching in the Homewood and Jefferson County School systems as a middle and high school choral director and drama teacher. Her choirs have earned superior ratings at district evaluations and have participated in many local and national choral festivals.

Mrs. Parrish’s choirs have a strong commitment to using their talents in community service, in spring 2007 earning the Share the Hope award, recognition for outstanding student volunteer service. Mrs. Parrish is the children’s musical theater director at South City Theatre in Alabaster, AL where she directs the children’s musical and teaches summer music camp. She received her Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Montevallo and is an active member of the Alabama Music Educators Association and the American Choral Directors Association. She lives in Birmingham with her husband Andy and their six year old son Matthew.

Exercise your right to vote!

Watch the mail in the coming weeks for your ballet.

It will come to your primary address listed with MENC.

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. 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 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. She currently serves as Executive Director for the High School Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic and Honor Bands. Her professional affiliations include the Music Educators National Conference, Alabama Music Educators Association, Alabama Bandmasters Association, National Band Association, Phi Delta Kappa, and Phi Beta Mu.

Karen Hickok is an elementary music teacher in Opelika, Alabama. She has taught at Northside Intermediate School since 1997 where she has developed a vibrant and integrated music program. Her music program includes keyboard classes, guitar instruction, recorder instruction, an Orff Ensemble, a chorus of 100+ students and an exploratory violin unit in which all 3rd grade students participate for nine weeks. She was the 2000-01 and 2008-09 Northside Teacher of the Year and the 2008-09 Opelika City Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year. She sponsors the yearbook, spelling bee and student council at her school. Mrs. Hickok is a private piano teacher and is active as a member of MTNA. She has been the past president and is the current treasurer of the local MTNA chapter. She is also the organist and bell choir director for First Presbyterian Church in Auburn. Mrs. Hickok has a Masters of Music Education degree from Auburn University. She is married (30 years) to Dr. Stephen Hickok and they have two children Melissa and William. All of the Hickok’s are (or are training to be!) music educators.

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From Higher Ed...

Mark Walker, President, Higher Education Division

I hope that this article finds all of my Higher Education Division colleagues off to a great year. I write this article only a couple of days after the conclusion of yet another highly successful AMEA Conference. Once again, the Conference was terrific, and we in the Higher Ed Division had the opportunity to socialize, share research, enjoy fine performances by our applied colleagues from throughout the state, and reap the benefits of a profession populated by consummate educators and wonderful people.

This is my last article as HED President. At our recent business meeting at the AMEA Conference, the division members present elected the following new officers: Dr. Tim Phillips (Troy University) – President; Dr. Gary

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

The Ala Breve is seeking submissions of research articles for the Summer 2011 “Special Research” Edition to be published during the summer, 2011. Submissions may consist of quantitative, qualitative, descriptive, historical, philosophical, or any other kind of accepted research conducted by university faculty and/or active practitioners. The deadline for the submission is November 1, 2010.

Submission Guidelines (adapted from the Submission Guidelines of Update: Applications of Research in Music Education) 1. Manuscripts must be research-based.

2. Manuscripts may present a single research study or a review of the literature.

3. Articles should be unique and not

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Packwood (University of Montevallo) – Vice President; Dr. Lori Ardovino (University of Montevallo) – Secretary/Treasurer; Dr. Carl Hancock (University of Alabama) – Research Chair. I know that each of these individuals will provide excellent leadership and visionary direction for the division. I would like to thank Dr. Jeannette Fresne (University of South Alabama) who served as Secretary/Treasurer and Dr. Kim Walls (Auburn University) who proceeded me as president, both of whom have been terrific and have provided much needed advice and direction.

Looking forward, I think everyone, to a person, is excited about AMEA’s move to Montgomery and the Marriott Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center. While the University of Alabama has provided excellent facilities and service for years, this move is a positive step in the

published elsewhere. In accordance with the Code of Ethics, submitting a manuscript indicates that it has not been published previously and is not currently submitted for publication elsewhere, either in its entirety or in part.

4. Authors should comply with APA ethical standards (www.apa.org/ethics/code2002.html) and institutional and federal regulations in the treatment of human subjects.

5. Quantitative manuscripts must conform to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed., 2001).

Nonquantitative and historical studies may conform to APA style or to The Chicago Manual of Style (15th ed., 2003). Authors may not mix styles within a manuscript.

8. Authors should submit four copies of typed, double-spaced manuscripts, which normally should not exceed 20 pages, along with an abstract of approximately

furtherance of AMEA throughout the state.

I invite each of you to encourage your colleagues at your institution, particularly applied and performance colleagues, to find out more about AMEA, what it has to offer, and to participate more fully in our professional activities and conferences.

There is no downside to increased participation, and the ultimate beneficiaries of our efforts – our students – will find fruit in their successes.

I hope that my efforts as president of the Higher Education Division have produced some positive results. I sincerely thank everyone who has assisted me, and the division, and I wish all my colleagues every future success.

150 words. Authors should also submit 4 to 6 keywords relating to their article's content. Ty:pe size should be no smaller than 12 points (double-spacing should include 28 points total for a line of text and the following line). Figures and drawings should be camera-ready.

9. To preserve the author's anonymity in the review process, the manuscript should not reserve the author’s identity or institutional affiliation. The author's name, address (including e-mail, if available), and institutional affiliation should appear only on a separate cover sheet.

Manuscripts not conforming to this stipulation will be returned.

10. Manuscripts should be addressed to: Dr. Diane Orlofsky John M. Long School of Music Troy University Troy, AL 36082 February 2010

NOMINATION FORM FOR EDITORIAL BOARD OF ALA BREVE PEER RESEARCH ISSUE

Please fill out all information completely and legibly. You may nominate yourself or someone else. All practicing Alabama music educators, K-University, who are members in good standing of AMEA are eligible to serve on this board. The term of service is two years. The deadline for the nomination form is March 1, 2010.

Nominee Name____________________________________________________________________ Work Address_____________________________________________________________________

Home Address_____________________________________________________________________

Phone number______________________email___________________________________________ Employer_________________________________________________________________________ Position__________________________________________________________________________ Highest earned degree______________________________________________________________ Check area(s) of specialty: _____K – 6

______Middle School

_____General Music

______Instrumental (band)

_____High School

_____Instrumental (strings) _____Qualitative research

______College/University ______Vocal/choral

______Quantitative research

_____Music Education Methods (list_________________________________________)

Please explain why this person should be included on the AMEA Editorial Board _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Submit this form by March 1, 2010 to:

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Dr. Diane Orlofsky John M. Long School of Music Troy University Troy, AL 36082

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February 2010

Feature Article Alabama Ambassadors of Music Take Europe by Storm

Last summer, 70+ band and choir students from high schools and universities all over Alabama experienced seven European countries over the course of sixteen days. Led by Alabama music educators experienced in international touring, these students comprised the Alabama Ambassadors of Music, and the opportunity they enjoyed was the trip of a lifetime. Dr. Peter Wood, associate professor of music at the University of South Alabama, served as tour coordinator. The AAM band was conducted by Dr. Greg Gruner, director of bands and music department chair at USA, with the assistance

England. During the three-day stay in London, the Alabama Ambassadors saw a West End musical and toured virtually all of London, including such memorable stops as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Royal Albert Hall, to name a few. On the second day, the choir sang its first concert in Wesley’s Chapel (where John Wesley founded Methodism); and the band performed a rousing concert at the Victoria Embankment Gardens on the River Thames for a very enthusiastic and appreciative lunchtime audience.

In the morning on day four, the group bade farewell to London and boarded

of Harry McAfee, director of bands at Hoover High School. Dr. Laura Moore, USA director of choral activities, directed the choir, assisted by Laura Doss from the Alabama School of Fine Arts and Sarah Walley from Rockwell Elementary School in Spanish Fort. Among the other instructional staff who participated were Rusty Logan from Auburn High School, Amy McAfee from Hoover, Gene Anne Gifford from Florence, and Amy Spears from Mary G. Montgomery High School. In all, there were 23 high schools and universities represented on the trip.

After an intensive three-day rehearsal camp on the University of South Alabama campus in Mobile, the AAM European tour began with a flight from Atlanta to London. Immediately after landing, the group went to Windsor Castle, where most were able to see the Queen of

chartered coaches for Paris, arriving about four hours later, via ferry over the English Channel that provided a magnificent view of the White Cliffs of Dover. Paris was a fantastically busy city! Over the next three days, the participants took a cruise on the River Seine and toured the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre museum, the Basilica of the Sacré Coeur, the Arc de Triomph, the Eiffel Tower, and many other historic places.

The choir enjoyed singing in the magnificent acoustics of the ancient Church of SaintSéverin; and the band played an afternoon concert in the extraordinarily beautiful Luxembourg Gardens. Both concerts had full audiences who were sincerely enthusiastic about the Alabama performances.

After three full days in bustling Paris, the Alabama Ambassadors of Music traveled through the southern French

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Amy Spears

countryside into the sublimely beautiful Alps of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria. There they stayed in 5-star ski lodges in small villages, where the students and staff had a great deal of freedom and were able to interact with the locals. They also enjoyed a more relaxed pace, a welcome change from the necessarily structured schedules of London and Paris.

The ensembles played joint band/choir concerts in the town centers, where locals and vacationers alike showed up waving American and Swiss flags and cheering wildly, especially for the band’s rendition of Stars and Stripes Forever. The Swiss people threw a traditional fondue party in honor of the Alabama Ambassadors. The students and staff then took an action-packed day trip to Venice, Italy, where they explored the city on foot, seeing the home church of Antonio Vivaldi and witnessing firsthand the origins of Giovanni Gabrieli’s antiphonal music in St. Mark’s Cathedral.

The final stop on the journey was Germany, where the musicians had a sobering tour of the Dachau concentration camp and spent two days exploring Rothenburg, the famous Medieval walled city, with its twelfth-century castle still standing. The band played its final performance of the trip to an enthusiastic crowd in the town square; and the choir performed in the Holy Ghost Church. The next morning, they awoke early for the predawn trip to Frankfurt and the long flight back to the United States.

This 16-day, seven-country musical and historical journey was an experience of a lifetime, one that was enjoyed by all and one that will certainly be remembered for a very long time. The band and choir each performed five very successful concerts, about every third day, allowing much time for recreation, sightseeing, and learning. The students were wonderful ambassadors, not only for Alabama, but also for the United States of America. This staff member is extremely proud to have been associated with this fine group and anxiously awaits the next edition of the Alabama Ambassadors of Music in June of 2011. Nominations of top Alabama music students for that tour will be sought this spring (2010), and it is hoped that all Alabama music educators will nominate their best and brightest to help represent our great state.

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2 0 1 0 C o n fe r e n c e P h o t o s

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February 2010

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From the ABA...

Chuck Eady, President, Alabama Bandmasters Association

for Red Band. Please read their bios and note the clinic schedule in this issue of the Ala Breve.

What a great AMEA Conference!

Thanks to everyone who attended. If you did not attend, I hope you will try to be in Montgomery for the 2011 conference.

This year, there were many outstanding clinics and concerts. I would like to thank the performing ensembles for their hard work and impressive performances.

Please consider applying for your group to perform at the 2011 conference. The application can be found online. All requested material must be turned in to Garry Taylor by June 1. I would also like to thank those ABA members who presented sessions at this year’s conference. I am impressed by the wealth of knowledge we have among our membership. As always, if you have a suggestion for a future session, let one of the ABA Board members know.

This year, our Music Performance Assessment will be by district. The ABA Board of Directors has made every effort to ensure that the event runs smoothly and will be a great musical experience for all participating bands.

The All-State Solo Festival will be held on Wednesday, April 14 with the finals event planned for 7:30 pm. If you can, I would encourage you to come early and try to attend this event as it showcases some of the finest high school musicians in our state. As many of you are aware, this is our final All-State Clinic at Auburn University. Please take the time to thank Dr. Vinson, Dr. Good, Dr. Spurlin, and their staff for all they have done for the ABA through the years.

The ABA Summer Conference will be held June 23-24, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Orange Beach. The Board and music selection committee will meet on June 22. Reservations must be made by June 1 to receive the conference rate. Contact the Hilton Garden Inn at 877-782-9444. Our group code is ABA. We will offer several clinics as well as our inaugural Music

Performance Assessment Adjudicator Certification class at this conference.

More details will be given at the All-State meeting.

I am excited to inform you that we have contracted with the city of Mobile to host the All-State Clinic April 14-16, 2011, and April 12-14, 2012. We will be using the Renaissance Riverside Hotel, The Mobile Convention Center, and The Mobile Civic Center. Mark your calendars for this exciting event.

Finally, congratulations to Andy Pettus and the Hillcrest High School Wind Ensemble for an awesome performance at the 2009 MidWest clinic. Thanks also to the many directors from our state that attended and supported this fine group.

As always, if I can be of assistance, please let me know. May you and your students be musically blessed as we finish the school year.

Registration for All-State will be online this year.

Please FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS given at the AMEA conference and found online. If you have questions contact Doug Farrris.

The 2010 All-State Clinic will be held April 15-17 at Auburn University. Our conductors are Sean O’Loughlin for Middle School; Dr, Greg Grunner for Blue Band; Dr. David Holsinger for White Band; and Dr. Thomas Fraschillo 28

Alabama directors in attendance at the 2009 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago February 2010

ABA All-State Schedule 2010 8:00 a.m.

7:30 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

1:00-4:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

6:00-7:30 p.m.

6:30-9:30 p.m.

6:30-9:30 p.m.

6:30-9:30 p.m.

6:30-9:30 p.m.

7:00-9:00 p.m.

12:00 midnight

Wednesday, April 14, 2010 All-State Solo Festival - Goodwin Music Building, Recital Hall and Choir Room

All-State Solo Festival Finals Concert Goodwin Music Building, Recital Hall (Open to the Public)

Thursday, April 15, 2010 Meeting of ALL Band Directors Goodwin Music Building, Recital Hall ABA Vice-President John Cooper, presiding

Auditions for all band students according to schedule mailed to directors by ABA

Exhibits Open Auburn University Conference Center Ballroom A

Audition results posted at rehearsal sites Unassigned personnel posted at all four sites

Exhibits Open-Conference Center,BallroomA

Red Band Rehearsal Conductor - Tom Fraschillo Student Activities Bldg. (closed rehearsal) White Band Rehearsal Conductor - David Holsinger Goodwin Band Hall (closed rehearsal) Blue Band Rehearsal Conductor - Greg Gruner Auxiliary Gym (closed rehearsal) Jr. High Band Rehearsal Conductor - Sean O’Loughlin ConferenceCenter,BallroomB(closed rehearsal) ABA Board Meeting Conference Center, Meeting Room A

Curfew for all participants. Directors are responsible for their students.

Friday, April 16, 2010 8:30-12:00 noon Exhibits Open -BallroomA

8:30-11:30 a.m.

8:30-11:30 a.m.

8:30-11:30 a.m.

8:30-11:30 a.m.

Red Band Rehearsal - Student Activities Bldg.

White Band Rehearsal - Band Hall Blue Band Rehearsal - Location TBA 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. ABA Clinic Session Conference Center Auditorium

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Friday, April 16 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

2:00-3:00 p.m.

Jacksonville State University Jazz Band Chip Crotts, Conductor Conference Center, Auditorium

1:30-5:00 p.m.

1:30-5:00 p.m.

1:30-5:00 p.m.

1:30-5:00 p.m.

3:30-4:30 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

Red Band Rehearsal - Student Activities Bldg.

White Band Rehearsal - Band Hall Blue Band Rehearsal - Auxiliary Gym Jr. High Band Rehearsal - Ballroom B

AJEA Meeting Sid Dedeaux, President Conference Center Auditorium

Host Night Concert Auburn University Symphonic Band Rick Good, Conductor Lakeview Baptist Church

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

12:00 midnight

Curfew for all participants. Directors are responsible for their students.

8:00-8:40 a.m.

Saturday , April 17, 2010 Red Band Rehearsal - Student Activities Bldg.

8:45-9:25 a.m.

White Band Rehearsal - Student Act. Bldg.

8:15-9:00 a.m.

9:00-9:45a.m.

ABA Board Meeting Conference Center Auditorium

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.

2:00 p.m.

All-State Band Festival Concert I Student Activities Building Jr. High Band Blue Band 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.

29

ABA All-State 2010 Clinicians

featured such international artists as Gian American Bandmasters Association and of Carlo Menotti, the renowned composer the world’s largest organization for band Red Band who organized and began the event, the directors, the National Band Association.

Thomas V. Fraschillo Orchestra and Giuseppe Verdi Chorus of has served as catalyst and Milan with Ricardo Chailly White Band mentor for the teaching conducting, and the famous Italian profession for 43 years. actress, Claudia Cardinale whose His high standards of work was being displayed in a In 1999, award winning performance have had a film retrospective. Finally, in Italy composer and conductor sustained influence on Dr. Fraschillo often serves as a Thomas Fraschillo David R. Holsinger joined ensembles at every level, member of the giuria (judging the faculty of Lee University, and his performances panel) for many international Cleveland, Tennessee. He is serve as models in both the professional or festivals, most notably the Concorso the inaugural conductor of the academic arena. Through his recordings, Internazionale di Composizione “R. David Holsinger Lee Wind Ensemble and The Music of Luigi Zaninelli and The Marenco” di Novi Ligure, and the teaches composition, University of Southern Mississippi Wind Concorso Internazionale di orchestration, and conducting.

He holds Ensemble LIVE IN ITALY (recorded in Italy Composizione Originale per Banda di degrees from Central Methodist University, with the USM Wind Ensemble), and his Corciano.

University of Central Missouri, and the publishing, conducting, and lecturing in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia, Aside from Dr. Fraschillo’s work in Italy, he University of Kansas. he is considered an international is often engaged throughout the continents Dr. Holsinger’s compositions have won four musician/scholar. His publications, a of Asia and Australia. The Melbourne, national competitions, including a two time translation from the original Italian of Australia, Summer Youth Music Program ABA Ostwald Award. His works have also Alessandro Vessella’s Studi di has invited Dr. Fraschillo to be guest been finalists in the NBA and Sudler strumentazione (Instrumentation Studies) conductor for their week long summer composition competitions. In the summer published by BMG Ricordi, Milan, and La session for four years. In addition the of 1998, Holsinger was featured as the Tecnica dell’orchestra contemporanea (The Australian Band and Orchestra Directors HERITAGE VI composer during the Texas Technique of Contemporary Orchestration), Association (ABODA) has invited him to Bandmasters Association convention in San

by Alessandro Casella and Vittorio Mortari, lecture and to adjudicate at their large Antonio. This prestigious series celebrating published by BMG Ricordi have put his ensemble festivals. Dr. Fraschillo’s other American wind composers was founded in name in music libraries of the entire English work in the Pacific Rim includes having 1992 and had previously honored Morton speaking world. The translation of the recently served as clinician and guest Gould, Ron Nelson, Robert Jager, W. Casella/Mortari makes available an English conductor of the Central Armed Forces Francis McBeth, and Roger Nixon. An version of the most significant music Band in Singapore and conductor of the elected member of the American publication on writing for instruments after Singapore All-College Band sponsored by Bandmasters Association, Holsinger’s the Second World War. Dr. Fraschillo serves the Wind Band Association of Singapore. recent honors include the Distinguished as a frequent conductor and lecturer in Italy Prior to his Singapore engagement, Dr. Music Alumni Award from Central Missouri as an American scholar. His most recent Fraschillo served as Artistic Director for the State University, CIDA’S 1999 Director of appearances in Italy have been with La weeklong Winter Band Festival at Disney, the Year Citation, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia’s Banda dell’esercito/The Italian Army Band Hong Kong.

Orpheus Award, the 2003 Distinguished in Rome. One of his most significant Alumni Award from Central Methodist engagements with them occurred in the Dr. Fraschillo has devoted a significant College, and the 2003 Excellence in summer of 2002 and signaled a very amount of his career to the education of Scholarship Citation from Lee University. important milestone for the Italian Army in young people in Mississippi. For example Surrounding the premiere of the composer’s that Dr. Fraschillo was the first American his ten-year tenure at Meridian High School EASTER SYMPHONY, Holsinger was born conductor to have been invited to was highlighted by an invitation to perform honored by Gustavus Adolphus College appear in a public performance by what is at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, the with the awarding of an honorary Doctor of considered Italy’s most prestigious military nation’s oldest and most prestigious music Humane Letters for lifetime achievement in concert band. The concert with Dr. event for wind and string educators. The composition and presented the Gustavus Fraschillo conducting was the opening invitation was only the second to have been Fine Arts Medallion, the division’s highest concert of the International Festival in given to a band from Mississippi. award.

Spoleto, “The Festival of Two Worlds, Festival dei due mondi.” His appearance Dr. Fraschillo has attained a significant level Holsinger was one of eleven composers was enormously significant for conductors in international leadership in that he serves contributing a chapter in the GIA project of bands in that the opening performance as a past president of the prestigious entitled COMPOSERS ON COMPOSING 30

February 2010

FOR BAND. This projected 4 volume book venture is edited by Mark Camphouse and Volume I, which includes chapters from such notable composers as David Gillingham, Karel Husa, and W. Francis McBeth, among others, was released in December, 2002. A chapter concerning the music of David Holsinger is included in A COMPOSER’S INSIGHT: THOUGHTS, ANALYSIS AND COMMENTARY ON CONTEMPORARY MASTERPIECES FOR WIND BAND, VOL III, edited by Timothy Saltzman and published by Meredith Publications in 2006.

In addition, Holsinger was the subject of a special article in the German music magazine, “Musik zum Lesen” in celebration of his 60th birthday in December, 2005. He has previously been featured in “Bl’sermusik” magazine, also a German publication.

Biographical and commentary on Holsinger’s works can be found in both ‘The Heritage Encyclopedia of Band Music’, Vol. I and III, and in Norman Smith’s ‘Program Notes for Band’.

Bands at Ball State University where he directed the 365 Middle School Band member “Pride of MidSean O’Loughlin (b.1972) is a America” marching band, the fresh voice and a rising name in Symphony Band, and taught the music world. His music is instrumental conducting and characterized by vibrant rhythms, music education courses. His passionate melodies, and colorful junior high, high school, and scoring. Commissions from the collegiate ensembles have been recognized consistently for their Boston Pops Orchestra, the Los excellence in performance at Sean O’loughlin Angeles Philharmonic and the the regional and national levels.

Hollywood Bowl Orchestra Currently, Dr. Gruner conducts the University highlight and showcase his diverse of South Alabama Wind Ensemble, teaches musical abilities. As a conductor, he has instrumental conducting, applied low brass, led performances with the Boston Pops and has served as the Chair of the Department Orchestra, the Hollywood Bowl of Music since 2002. The Department of Orchestra, the Vancouver Symphony, the Music has experienced tremendous growth in Atlanta Symphony, the Baltimore all its undergraduate programs, the most Symphony, the Houston Symphony, and recent being the addition of a marching band the Seattle Symphony amongst others. program, during his administrative tenure. He was the assistant conductor and arranger for a production of Sgt. Pepper Dr. Gruner is a member of the Music Live at the Las Vegas Hilton featuring Educators National Conference, College the band Cheap Trick.

Band Directors National Association, the In the past twelve years, Holsinger has served National Band Association, and formerly the As an arranger and orchestrator, he has as Visiting Distinguished Composer in International Association of Jazz Educators. worked with such artists as Natalie Residence at eleven American colleges or He is a member of the Phi Beta Mu National Merchant, Chris Isaak, Feist, Blue Man universities, including the Acuff Chair of Bandmaster Fraternity, the Golden Key Group, Pink Martini, Brandi Carlile, Excellence in the Creative Arts at Austin Peay National Honor Society, the Phi Kappa Phi Belle and Sebastian, The Decemberists, State University, Clarksville, Tennessee.

National Honor Society, and is an honorary Josh Ritter, Gloria Gaynor and others. member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa The Los Angeles Times calls his In addition to his university duties, Holsinger Kappa Psi, and Pi Kappa Lambda music orchestrations “...colorful” while adding spends much of his energies as a guest fraternities. “...even more dimension...” to the composer and conductor with All State compositions. Daily Variety heralds organizations, professional bands, and Dr. Gruner is a Past-President of the Mobile Sean’s writing as “most impressive ...” university ensembles throughout the United Jazz Festival and currently serves as the with a “wide range of coloring in the States. When not composing or conducting, Conductor and Artistic Director of the Mobile orchestra...” that “...adds heft and rolling he models HO scale trains.

Pops, a semi-professional band that performs energy.” a ten concert series annually Blue Band Through his growing number of throughout the Gulf Coast region. In commissions and published works, Sean addition, he served as an advisor to the is excited to continue contributing to the Dr. Greg Gruner, Professor Mayor’s Task Force for the Culture rich history of orchestral and wind band of Music, serves as the and Arts in Mobile and works closely literature. An annual ASCAP Special Director of Bands and Chair of with a number of arts organizations in Awards winner, Sean was a composition the Department of Music at the Mobile and Baldwin counties. fellow at the Henry Mancini Institute in University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL. He received Los Angeles, and holds composition Dr. Gruner has studied conducting with his Bachelor of Music degrees from New England Marianna Gabbi, Phillip Posey, Education Degree from New Conservatory and Syracuse University.

Greg Gruner Frederick Ebbs, Joseph Scagnoli, Mexico State University, a Douglas Ammon, Leonard Atherton, He is represented by IMG Artists and his Master of Music Education degree from the Stanley DeRusha, and Ray Cramer; and music is published by Carl Fischer and Indiana University School of Music, and a trombone/euphonium with Ronald Thielman, Hal Leonard. Sean, his wife Dena and Doctor of Arts in Music degree from the Ball daughter Kate reside in Los Angeles.

Dee Stewart, and Lewis van Haney.

State University School of Music.

Prior to his appointment at USA in 1993, Dr. Gruner taught in the public schools of Missouri and Kentucky for nine years. In 1990, he was appointed Assistant Director of ala breve

Dr. Gruner remains a popular guest conductor, trombonist, adjudicator, clinician, consultant, and composer/arranger for concert, marching, and jazz ensembles throughout the United States.

31

Call For Session Proposals

2011 In-Service Conference January 20-22 Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center

Name____________________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________ City __________________ State ___________ Zip _____________

Phone (_____) ______________________________________Email __________________________________________

Proposed Session Title ______________________________________________________________________________

Session Description _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________ Division (please check all that apply): _____ Alabama Vocal Association

_____ Collegiate (CMENC)

Conditions:

_____ Alabama Bandmasters Association

_____ Alabama Orchestra Association

_____ Higher Education

_____ Elementary/General

• 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.

32

Please attach a black and white photograph and clinician biography (100 words or less) Submit to: Garry Taylor, Executive Director 1600 Manor Drive, Cullman, AL 35055 NO LATER THAN JUNE 1, 2010

February 2010

Performance Application

2011 In-Service Conference January 20-22 Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center

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

_____ Collegiate (CMENC)

_____ Alabama Bandmasters Association _____ Alabama Orchestra Association

_____ Higher Education

_____ 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 30, 2010.

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, Cullman, AL 35055 NO LATER THAN JUNE 1, 2010

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33

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 long range commitment that, in every way, can be considered extraordinary and distinguished.” The person has given tirelessly and selflessly 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 award is scheduled for the AMEA Conference in January 2011. 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, 2010

Barbara M. Odom Distinguished Service Award Name of Nominee Address Present Position Nominated by Address Present Position 34

February 2010

Nominations for Outstanding Music Educator and Outstanding Administrator for 2011

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 2011. Please remove or copy the forms below, complete them, and mail your nominations to Garry Taylor before July 15, 2010.

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 administrator

Nominated 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, 2010

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 educator

Nominated 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, 2010

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35

Alabama Music Educators Association Hall of Fame Nomination Form

Name of Nominee________________________________________________________________________

Teaching Field___________________________________________________________________________

Name of School(s)________________________________________________________________________

Current Status

Active_____

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, 2010 to: Garry Taylor, Executive Director Alabama Music Educators Association 1600 Manor Drive NE Cullman, Alabama 35055

36

February 2010

We’re Moving!

The AMEA In-Service Conference in 2011 and 2012 will be held at the new Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Spa at the Convention Center, which is owned by the Teachers Retirement System. The AMEA Governing Board, after careful consideration, decided to make the move based on the factors below.

Hotel rooms - The Hotel Capstone in Tuscaloosa has 150 rooms and about 1/3 of those are not available to us because, since our conference takes place during recruiting season, they are reserved for UA athletics. The Renaissance in Montgomery has 342 rooms and suites and should be able to accommodate almost all of our attendees, as well as exhibitors.

As you can see in the table below, the room rates are about the same in 2011 and better for us in Montgomery in 2012.

Tuscaloosa

Montgomery

2011

2012

$119

$119

$118

$132

Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Spa at the Convention Center

Exhibit space - We consistently sell out of exhibit space in Tuscaloosa. As of this printing, we could have sold 9 more booths (income of $2700) this year if we’d had them. The Sellers exhibit hall in Tuscaloosa is 10,044 square feet. The Montgomery Convention Center has a 72,520 square foot exhibit hall. Of course, we won’t use all of that space!

Parking - Since so many of our attendees, exhibitors, and performers stay off site in Tuscaloosa, finding a parking space is sometimes difficult. The Montgomery property includes a parking deck that can accommodate virtually everyone at the conference. There is a charge for parking but they have agreed to give us a 50% discount which makes it $5.00 per day. The Renaissance is located in the newly revitalized river section of Montgomery, where there are restaurants, shops and nightlife within walking distance of the hotel. It may be possible to park your car Wednesday night and not crank it up again until Saturday!

Meeting Space - The Montgomery Renaissance and Convention Center provides an abundance of meeting space all under one roof. The hotel is connected to the Convention Center which will allow attendees the freedom to move throughout the hotel and meeting areas with ease. Meeting space expenses, even considering using the Moody Music Building for free, are about the same in Montgomery and Tuscaloosa.

Performance Venue - AMEA’s contract in Montgomery includes the use, for all three days of the conference, the beautiful Montgomery Hotel Lobby Performing Arts Center, a state of the art 1800 seat auditorium. Also included in the contract are the services of the stage technician and sound technician. The Moody Music Building Concert Hall in Tuscaloosa is an outstanding performance venue and it was important to the Board to continue to have a great place for our groups to perform as we move to Montgomery.

The University of Alabama Music Department has been a true friend to AMEA for years. Dr. Snead, Dr. Ozzello and so many others there have gone above and beyond in their efforts to accommodate us. Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone at Bama who have helped host our conference through the years. ala breve

Montgomery Performing Arts Center

37

David L. Walters

Department of Music

Numerous performance opportunities Variety of large and small ensemble groups Highly active teaching and performing faculty Excellent academic program Scholarships available in all areas Lovely mountainside campus setting

WHERE YOU’RE GOING. 6ISIT US

38

WWW MUSIC JSU EDU s #ALL US

February 2010

Ted Allen Galloway, born December 12, 1936, passed away December 20, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Welch Galloway; daughter, Denise Galloway Nolen (David L. Nolen); grandchildren, Andy Nolen and Daniel Nolen; nieces and nephews, Bob Butler, Debbie Butler Williams, Dana

Ted Galloway, 1936 - 2009

Galloway and Donnie Galloway; and sister-in-law, Jeri Edmonds Galloway. He was preceded in death by parents, Lee Roy and Ruby Galloway; sister, Linda Galloway; sister, Janett Galloway Butler; and brother, Don Galloway.

Ted was an avid Bama fan, earning his BS, MA, AA certification, and Ed.D. in Music Education from The University of Alabama. While at UA, he was a member of the Million Dollar Band (1955-1959) and the University's Jazz Band, The Cavaliers. While in school, he formed his own dance band, playing for private functions as well as a weekly radio broadcast. During his professional career as a high school band director at McAdory High School (1959-1962), Berry High School (1962-1970), and Vestavia Hills High School (1970-1990), he influenced many who became professional musicians. Bands under his direction consistently received ala breve

high ratings and awards at band contests around the state and nation.

Due to his influence as a high school band director, jazz educator, and member of numerous professional music educator organizations, Dr. Galloway received many honors throughout his career. Among them were induction into the Phi Beta Mu Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame, named "Outstanding Music Educator" by the Alabama Music Educators Association, induction into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, named "Outstanding Jazz Educator" and received a Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association.

During the 1960's, 70's, and '80's, The Ted Galloway Orchestra was prominent in the Birmingham area, playing for private functions and with visiting celebrity performers, the Miss Alabama Pageants, and the yearly Cerebral Palsy Telethon.

Ted was a member of the Vestavia Hills Lions Club and Christ Church United Methodist.

Michael T. Nix, 57, died battling cancer at his home in Lexington, Alabama, on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009.

"Mr. Nix," as he was known to many, spent 32 years as an elementary school music teacher in the Lauderdale County school system.

Mr. Nix was appreciated by his students, parents and colleagues alike for his fun-loving nature and his unique approach in sharing his love of music and laughter with thousands of students throughout his teaching career.

In Memoriam...

Michael was an accomplished pianist and obtained both undergraduate and graduate degrees in music from the University of North Alabama. In appreciation of Mr. Nix's career and impact on music education, he was recently recognized by the Alabama Music Educators Association with the Outstanding Music Educator Award (2009-10). Mr. Nix shared his musical and educational talents outside the classroom as well. He was an active member of Lexington Church of Christ, where he led singing and taught Sunday school classes. He also was a volunteer coach for the Lexington High School tennis team.

Michael is the son of the late Raleigh Nix Jr., of Lexington, and is survived by his mother, Mary Wylodean Nix; brother, Philip Nix and his wife,

Michael Nix, 1953 - 2009

Barbara; sister, Gayla Nix Holley and her husband, Joe; nieces and nephews, Cavan Holley, Carleigh Holley, Daniel Nix and wife, Amber, Scott Nix and wife, Kristi: greatnieces and nephews, Brandon, Ryan, Sarah, Jordan and John Paul Nix; special friend, Dale Bailey; as well as other friends and loved ones.

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AMEA Hall of Fame

The Alabama Music Educators Association inducted the 2010 class of its Hall of Fame on Friday, January 22, 2010 at the AMEA Conference. Joe Riemer joins the ranks of these outstanding music educators, who, in one way or another, have all left an indelible mark on music education in Alabama.

Joe Riemer, a native of New Orleans , Louisiana, received his Bachelor and Masters degrees in music education at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana.

He began his teaching career Joseph C. Riemer, Jr. - Class of 2010 in 1962 serving as band director at Shaw High School Roland Lister - Class of 2009 and Davidson High School in Mobile. Subsequently he has Pat Morrow - Class of 2009 been the band director at David Walters - Class of 2009 Faulkner State Community College, Bay Minette Middle Gerald Welker - Class of 2009 School, and Baldwin County Gene Black - Inaugural Class of 2008 High School.

Mr. Riemer was on the Board of the Mobile Jazz Festival and was the conductor of its High School Allstar Jazz Band, with numerous performances on the Mobile Jazz Festival concert programs. He also holds membership in MENC, the Alabama Bandmasters Association, and the music fraternities Phi Mu Alpha and Phi Beta Mu. He continues to serve as adjudicator, clinician and guest conductor.

Joe is one of the founders of the Mobile Pops and served as one of its co-directors for 10 years. He is also one of the founders of the Baldwin Pops, a community band in Baldwin County, and has served as its music director since its inception in 1997.

Named in 2001 by the Mobile Bay Monthly as one of 25 most influential “Masters of the Arts” for Mobile and Baldwin County, he was also presented, in 2007, with the Fairhope First “Quality of Life” award for his contribution to the enhancement of the quality of life in the Fairhope area. That same year he received the “Arts Volunteer of the Year” award presented by the Mobile Arts Council. In 2008 he was inducted into the Mobile County Band Director’s Hall of Fame.

He and his wife Mary Lou are both retired educators and reside in Fairhope. They have two children and four grandchildren.

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Colonel Carleton Butler - Inaugural Class of 2008 Ed Cleino - Inaugural Class of 2008

William Dawson - Inaugural Class of 2008

William Denison - Inaugural Class of 2008 Gene Gooch - Inaugural Class of 2008

Wilbur (Bodie) Hinton - Inaugural Class of 2008 Johnny Jacobs - Inaugural Class of 2008

Dianne Johnson - Inaugural Class of 2008 John M. Long - Inaugural Class of 2008

Floyd McClure - Inaugural Class of 2008 Frances Moss - Inaugural Class of 2008

Eleanor Nation - Inaugural Class of 2008 Lacey Powell - Inaugural Class of 2008

James Simpson - Inaugural Class of 2008 Thomas Smith - Inaugural Class of 2008 Hugh Thomas - Inaugural Class of 2008

Orland Thomas - Inaugural Class of 2008 Johnnie Vinson - Inaugural Class of 2008 Truman Welch - Inaugural Class of 2008

February 2010

AMEA AWARDS

Outstanding Music Educator Michael T. Nix Barbara Odom Distinguished Service Award Tony Pike

Outstanding Administrator Michael Reed

AMEA Honor Roll ala breve

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From CMENC...

Lindsey Folsom, President, CMENC

Greetings, fellow music educators! I hope you’re having a productive start to the New Year.

Let me start off by saying how proud I was to be a part of CMENC at this year’s AMEA conference! We had over 100 students register for the conference and 90 attend both Thursday and Friday’s luncheons, something that hasn’t happened in quite some time.

Your attendance and participation have shown that even as college students, you take your future profession seriously.

Thank you to AMEA President Pat Stegall for spending time with CMENC at the Thursday luncheon and imparting his wisdom to us, as well as for reminding us the importance of storytelling!

The winner of our first annual “Learning From the Past” essay contest was Ty:

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Parker from the University of Alabama, whose winning interview will be published in this issue of the Alabreve.

Ty: will receive free airfare and hotel accommodations to attend MENC’s Music Education Week in Washington this summer. CMENC would like to thank Ty: for his contribution to our organization and wish him the best of luck at this summer’s conference!

A big thanks to all who participated in the first annual CMENC Community Service Project at Capstone Village on Saturday, January 23! This event was a good reminder that while MENC’s aim is to promote music advocacy, it is also to share our musical gifts with people in our communities state-, nation-, and worldwide.

At Friday’s luncheon, CMENC elected a brand new state board, which I’m very excited about! Our new president will be Taylor Sparks of Samford; our vicepresident will be Dakota Bromley of University of Montevallo; and our secretary will be Heather Haynes of

University of Alabama. Thank you to these new officers for all they’ve contributed already and for their commitment to make CMENC more present statewide!

I had a wonderful time meeting so many CMENC students from different chapters across the state, including those from campuses we didn’t realize had a chapter! Thank you for your hard work, time, and energy to this organization.

The state board and I are thankful for the continuing efforts of CMENC members across Alabama because without your dedication, the success of AMEA would not be possible every year.

Lastly, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you as president for the past year. I have learned so much not only about this professional organization, but also about myself as a student, as a teacher, and as a human being affected by music. I have learned how truly blessed I am to be a future music educator surrounded by amazing professionals throughout the state who have influenced me to be the person I am today. Thank you to every music teacher I’ve ever had from elementary school to now, because without your commitment and devotion to music education, I could’ve been tossed to the wayside, ignored in the back of a classroom somewhere. And thank you, CMENC, for inspiring me to be the best music educator I can be.

February 2010

Ty Parker - CMENC Interview Competition

Text from interview with Theo Vernon, Associate Director of Bands at Grissom High School January 21, 2010

Ty: This is Ty Parker and I’m a senior majoring in music education at the University of Alabama and I’m here with Theo Vernon, the associate band director at Grissom High School. Mr. Vernon, I want to first and foremost thank you for your time this afternoon. I’ve always had the utmost respect for your program at Grissom High School and I really look forward to learning more about you and your life as a music educator. For this interview I will be following a list of 25 assigned questions and 10 questions of my own.

The first question happens to be everyone’s favorite, Mr. Vernon! How old are you?

Theo: Great! I am 47 years old. Just turned 47 in October.

Ty: And when did you begin teaching?

Theo: I started teaching here at Grissom in the fall of 1985.

Ty: So, not that long ago!

Theo: No, not at all!

Ty: How did you find out about the opening at Grissom High School?

Theo: I actually student taught here during the spring of 1985 and the assistant position came open that summer. I interviewed, applied, and got the position!

I’ve been here ever since.

Ty: I understand you have your master’s degree. What is your master’s degree in?

Theo: My master’s degree is in Music Education and I received it from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago.

Ty: Well, tell me Mr. Vernon, why did you pursue a music education degree?

Theo: Well, I knew in high school that I wanted to do something in music. I really wasn’t totally sure that I wanted to do music education. I started the University as a music performance major and actually have a degree…a bachelor’s in performance and music education…and… after performing in college at Disney and seeing a lot of the top notch musicians in the country, I figured…I’m not going to be able to compete with all of these guys and so…I went back to school and said… “I’m pretty much close to an Ed. degree anyway,” so I just went ahead and finished and got my music ed. degree.

Ty: That sounds really cool! How well did this degree apply to your work in the classroom?

Theo: Actually, there were a lot of things. The Masters degree really applied a lot more than my bachelor’s degree. The classes I took were very close to what I was doing everyday. I could apply things I learned during the classes at VanderCook to my everyday practice that I’m doing…um…so, in the Music ed. degree, I learned a lot about education and how to teach different types of students but the practicality…I really learned in my master’s degree.

Ty: You answered this question a little earlier. Why did you choose to teach in this field? Is it because the stuff you mentioned about Disney or is there another reason you decided to teach in the field of music?

Theo: Um…you know, I knew music was a passion for me…and…I loved it and I wanted to do something with it…and… my first few years teaching , and I’m sure this is like any new teacher, you kind of doubt yourself…um…and I doubted myself, thinking “what am I doing?” But then I realized that I can hopefully instill some love for music to some younger students and they will continue whether they play or go out to teach…but having an appreciation for it and that’s what has kept me in the field of education.

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Ty: This is a question that I really can’t wait to hear the answer to…

Theo: Uh oh!

Ty: …because my first year of teaching is soon approaching. What was your first year of teaching like?

Theo: Well, it was very interesting because coming to a program like this that already had a big tradition…um… and they just lost one of their directors the year before…um…that had been here for many years. I would say the biggest challenge was just finding my own style of teaching and because this was really the first time I had had an ensemble in front of me to teach and learn from them too…um… and then learning from the other director that was here…and things I had seen in college and you know, directors there…so I kind of had to develop my own style and that took more than just one year. I was very close to the high school seniors. I was 22, I guess…when I started…um… and they were 18. It was kind of hard…because I had student taught here and a lot of those kids already knew me and they thought of me as a student teacher instead of a teacher. That was a little difficult to deal with…um…

I tried not to be their friend and tried to be their teacher but then again, you have to be both. I am now.

I’m there friend too! The first year was challenging in that sense…but I did learn a lot!

Ty: You actually conveniently answered the next question which was what did you find the most challenging your first year teaching?... and like you said, it would be separating yourself from the students and that you are their teacher and not a fellow student and I know that’s probably harder for most first year teachers in anything.

Theo: Sure.

Ty: Did you feel that your years in college prepared you enough to do everything in the classroom?

Theo: No! Not at all! (laughing) I mean…you know, I would like to say yes and I felt like a lot of things that I got…um… at the University of Alabama were terrific. Some of the things that were offered then are not offered now. For instance, we had to take a whole semester of flute and we had to take a whole semester of double reeds and since I played saxophone and clarinet, I just took private lessons on those. I took a whole semester of trumpet…took a whole semester of trombone…took a whole semester of French horn…took three semesters of percussion…and so in that aspect, I feel like I was a little more prepared with the different instruments…whereas now, I think ya’ll have a class brass, class percussion.

Ty: Correct, two semesters of percussion Theo: Right, so I feel like in that aspect I was prepared…you know, as far as that goes…but as far as pedagogically….if that’s a word…

Ty: Sure!

Theo: You know, kind of like I said before, I had to develop my style and kind of learn…the hardest thing, and you’ll find when you’re student teaching, is if you have a piece of music you are working on or whatever you have to do that day and it is very difficult to, you know, be conducting something…and you hear something that’s going wrong and you want to stop and immediately fix that…you can but the time you use to fix that…you kind of have to make these decisions…how much am I going to spend on this? Is the rest of the class going to sit there and not do anything?…so the amount of time you spend on certain aspects during an “any-given-day” rehearsal is really where…is kind of a short coming for new teachers…you know, we will discuss that in the spring and I’m sure you’ll feel those pressures.

Ty: What did you feel that you were the least prepared for your first year?

Theo: I would say classroom management!

Ty: Oh, the big issue.

Theo: Yeah! I had never been in charge of 65-70 kids in one class and I had to know what was going on all the time…and that, you know, comes with time. It’s one of those things that’s second nature now. You kind of get to where you can focus on what’s going on and I’m a person that…a rehearsal has to be…there’s no talking. Kids have to be on task as much as possible…but just getting that classroom management…and it was very different here because it was a change of directors…I was brand new and I think that would be the same for any new teacher.

That would be the biggest thing.

Ty: I think you mentioned, earlier, the next question.

What do you feel that you were most prepared for?

The lengthy methods classes you had for each instrument?

Theo: I felt comfortable with being able to know fingering…know pitch tendencies…know how to produce sounds on the instruments…and, you know…so from that aspect I was prepared.

Ty: What one thing has changed the most since you’ve been here at this school?

Theo: The generation of students…and…you know, there are so many distractions for kids now. With the cell phones and the computers…I feel like sometimes…some of the kids, and not all of them, are waiting for that next vibration in their pocket…(laughing)…to know “oh, somebody’s texting me from their English class and they’re not supposed to be doing that!” So there are a lot of distractions…so many different things for kids to do nowadays… with computers and cell phones and everything is in the palm of their hands. It’s really hard to get them motivated…self motivation is obviously the only type of motivation…to get them motivated to practice a little more…and so, we do our after school rehearsals…kind of practicing for them.

A lot of them just don’t practice as much as they used to…there’s not as many kids taking private lessons…um…and that is partly because they are interested in more fun things…video games. They would rather play video games than go take a half hour private lesson. So, those are some things. The generation of kids has changed since I started.

Ty: And, to me that really is a scary issue when you’re faced with students who don’t want to practice…who want to be involved with the “electronic scene” Theo: Right.

Ty: And too, that’s an issue of concern that I fear before I even get in the field is that motivation and the lack of for my students.

Theo: And part of that is going to be…if you are offering them good music and they enjoy being in the class and they enjoy good music and have a good time…then, your standards can be as high as you want. As long as you’re giving them something good and challenging. Kids still want a challenge, especially band kids because they don’t have to be here. Some of there parents made them their freshman year but 90% or more of the kids want to be in the band program.

Ty: And that actually leads right into our next question Theo: Were doing good!

Ty: Which is: how do you approach choosing musical repertoire?

Theo: I have probably repeated a piece…maybe 3 or 4 times in my career with my group…and I’m always wanting to find something that’s going help me learn as well as be something to be a good teaching tool for the students. I also want to find something that…um…that’s going to involve a lot of percussion…to keep them busy. I think that’s

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important. I always try to do something that’s very lyrical and very beautiful…and try to find something different also. I look at the kids after we do our auditions and see where some of the strengths and weaknesses are and that plays a little into it. The other thing is what I think will be enjoyable for them and something new for me.

Ty: That’s really cool! What kind of grading system do you use and how does that work?

Theo: Our grading system is pretty simple. The kids come to class and they’re prepared. Of course band is a participation class. We have the after school rehearsals…that’s part of their grade. That’s in the Huntsville City School’s curriculum and in the handbook. If they’re not at rehearsals their grade is lowered for that. If they miss a rehearsal that’s unexcused…if they’re sick or if there is a death in their family, that’s obviously excused…but if they miss a rehearsal because they forget or for work, then they’re not allowed to make it up. If they miss a rehearsal because they are sick then they can make it up…they can come after school and make up the time and work that out with us. Being prepared in class: having their instrument, having their music, having everything that they need…um…being there on time…that’s pretty much our grading system. We don’t really do…we do audition twice a year and that’s part of their final exam grade for each semester.

We listen to each kid individually.

Ty: And I know that using a grading system that’s in the “black and white”…it’s either you did it or you didn’t. Right or wrong. I know that’s usually convenient for you, I’m sure…um…not having to waste your time explaining to the students why they got their grade. They really understand their grade based on their performance.

Theo: Sure!

Ty: Speaking of grading during auditions…what kind of teaching methods do you use…like methods books for class?

Theo: Um…there’s a couple of books that I use…chorale studies, Chidester’s Bach Chorales and its’ actually out of print…um…I use that, not everyday but just about every other day to work on tone quality, intonation, balance, and blend and all of that. Then, we will do something different everyday as far as different warm ups. We do a lot of ear training where we will play something on a key board and they will play it back to us. Different articulations on scale passages. I’ve also used the tips book for band…some of the rhythm studies in there which are really good…um…but we really don’t have a method book that we use. We kind of make up stuff on our own so that it’s a variety for the kids…so that it’s not like “o.k. let’s play this warm up” or “o.k. let’s do this…” so it’s something that’s new for them which is good.

Ty: How is your relationship…moving from the student side of the classroom…now we’re going to talk about some of the administration. How is your current relationship with your administration?

Theo: It’s good. It’s very good. They are very supportive. They leave us alone…pretty much…which, we don’t cause them any problems and they don’t cause us any problems…but they are supportive. We do audition twice a semester and we have kids that will change there schedules (as a result of auditions) and they (the administration) understand that it’s for the betterment of the program…so it’s a good relationship.

Ty: And with you being here for the amount of time that you’ve been here…um…I’m sure you’ve seen some administration changes and that’s actually the next question! How has your relationship with the administration changed in any way since you began

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teaching?

Theo: Um…it’s been pretty much the same…um…I’ve only had two principals since I’ve been teaching. There have been some assistant principals that have kind of moved here and there but like I said, we’re doing our thing and we don’t cause them any problems. Everything is fine. So there hasn’t really been that big of a change in the administration…which is great!

Ty: That’s a very good situation, especially with just two principals.

Theo: Yes! Ty: With a program this large, I’m sure you have some specific ways you recruit and I would love to hear how you go about recruiting for your program!

Theo: We will…a big thing with technology and email and all that…we will start in January. In fact, we have…um… we will have access to all of the middle school parent’s email addresses through the middle school programs. We will start sending them a news letter and we will include stuff in January about that…about all of the different things coming up in the spring and their auditions in the summer schedule. So we try to get that out to them as early as possible…and we do, as best we can, try to get over to the middle school to see the kids and so that they can see us…um…so they have an idea of what we look like and maybe, the first time they see us isn’t scary. We do listen to every middle school kid, every eighth grader that’s feeding into Grissom. We listen to each one of those kids, individually in an audition, so that we can place them in the proper class for the fall…and a lot of times, even though we don’t get a chance to sit down with them individually other than that time, there will be some kids that will be “riding the fence” on whether they want to be in band or not, and after we do that audition and talk to them a little bit…they will come along and do it. And then there’s some that absolutely won’t…but we do stay in constant contact with the directors in the middle schools. We’re all good friends and we’ve known each other for a while and we will go and go out to eat or something every once in a while…and just emailing and saying “hey, how are things going? Is there anything we can do for you?...so we always stay in constant contact with them which I think is very important.

Ty: Why do you guys choose to recruit in this manner? Have you always recruited like this or have you kind of refined the process a little?

Theo: Um…when I first came here, the only time the eighth graders ever saw the directors from here was in an audition here at the high school. The kids would come to the high school and do the audition. The way we do ours is we go to the middle schools during their band classes in the spring and do an audition…um… and so, and the guys in the middle school are talking about when you get to Grissom…when you get to the Grissom band, this is what you do…when you get up there, this is the set up… instead of …if you are going to be in the band at Grissom...or something like that…so they help us out in that sense…in fact, two of our feeder schools are our former students and so they know what we’re all about and they encourage them too!

Ty: That seems like a really good…um…laid back way of recruiting…not really laid back, but as far as the students coming here. I’m sure they were scared to death to come to the high school and have an audition…where like you said, you go out into the school system!

Theo: Exactly! Make it convenient for them…

Ty: Wow! The next question is very big! What is your daily schedule like?

Theo: Daily schedule…as far as each period of the

day and what I do on a daily basis?

Ty: What you do on a daily basis.

Theo: O.k. our first period is color guard class and so after marching season it’s very laid back…and so if we have some stuff for them to help us do in the library or copying stuff, they’re great helping with that. That’s a nice way to start the morning…kind of get all of our brains together…um…and then I have homeroom which I think is the biggest waste of time in the day…it’s 17 minutes out of the day. Well, 5 minutes to get there, 5 minutes to leave, and 7 minutes in homeroom and all you do is take role…it’s ridiculous…but don’t get me started on that!

Um…and then 2nd period is symphonic band 2, which is the big ensemble that I rehearse on a daily basis and perform with. 3rd period is symphonic band 1 which is a group that Bill rehearses with…um…and that’s 3rd period. 4th period is our lunch and then I have the second jazz band…the B jazz band. 5th period is an instrumental ensemble class…um…and I’m supposed to have a duty in the front office…sometimes I go and sometimes I don’t…um…but that’s a class where there’s about 20 kids and they practice individually and if they need some help on something, we’re here to work on that individually. 6th period is concert band, which Bill does and 7th period is the A jazz band. Then, during concert season, we will have after school rehearsals…um…Monday through Thursday afternoons…3:30 until 5:30 and that’s with different groups. Monday is Sym 2, Tuesday is Sym 1, Wednesday is Concert Band, and Thursday is Sym 1 and then Thursday night I have an evening rehearsal with sym 2. So the top two bands get two after school rehearsals a week…um… and that goes from 6:30 to 8:30 on Thursdays. So that’s pretty much the daily schedule.

Ty: Very interesting...um…who do you consider to be a role model for your teaching style?

Theo: Hmmm…that’s hard to say. You know, I think I’ve taken a lot of things from a lot of different people…um…people from the University of Alabama…Kathryn Scott, and um…Jim Ferguson…I learned some from them. I also learned from my first year here from Ron Rich who was actually the band director at Hanceville High School…um…back when he first started.

Ty: Not far from where I’m from.

Theo: Yeah…and so I learned a lot of teaching techniques from him…um…I don’t know if there’s one person that really stands out…Bill…you know Bill, I’ve learned a lot from him. When he got here, he had 9-10 years experience on me…so, um…and then going to Mid-west, especially during my younger years and going to a lot of those conducting clinics…um…learning from them…and I’m still learning. We do a symphonic band camp and we bring in guest conductors to work with our kids…so we get to sit back and listen to what’s going on and listen to some of their teaching techniques. So, I’m still learning.

Ty: Why should, which I don’t have any children, but why should my child be involved in music?

Theo: There are all of the studies about being involved in music… kids make better grades and all that… but I see all of these “sports” people that play pro-football and pro-basketball…they can’t do that until they are 95…but I’ve seen musicians and conductors in their 80’s and 90’s. It’s something that I think you can have the rest of your life and enjoy…whether it’s playing in a professional ensemble or playing in an orchestra at church or a community band. I think it’s a very special, personal thing that people can have with them… if they have music with them. A lot of people, and as you and I

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know… it’s easy for us to say that it’s important… but it does help. It does help the kids manage their time better…they have to do so many things when they are playing in an ensemble… with their brains.

So many things have to happen. Naturally it’s going to make them a little more intelligent.

Ty: In your opinion, where is the world of music education going in the next 10 years?

Theo: Hmmm…that’s a difficult one! It was very interesting when I was at the UT vs. Alabama game and I was talking to the University of Tennessee’s director, Dr. Sousa, and this was inside the stadium inside Tuscaloosa and it had all of the videos and music going really loud. We had to talk pretty loud to each other and he said “you know, before long...in 5 to 10 years, colleges aren’t going to need marching bands and it’s because of all of this sound production.” I don’t necessarily believe that … I mean, music has been around for hundreds and hundreds of years and without music education…you think “what is a commercial going to be like without music?...what is a movie soundtrack going to be like without music?" I feel like there’s always going to be a need for music to make a big impact on movie scores or at a football game or a basketball game or concerts or big events like the 4th of July. So I think music education will always be needed and I hope we have people that make the laws and understand that.

Ty: And hopefully, too, with the marching band situation you mentioned…hopefully the fact that the atmosphere…the band adds so much to the atmosphere…hopefully that will help keep marching bands involved with college football. I know the cheerleaders…I mean really, can you hear them? But they add so much to the atmosphere…the college football cheerleaders. So hopefully… and for other reasons you mentioned too…I hope music education is safe for several years to come!

Ty: If you could give one piece of advice to future music educators, like me, what would it be?

Theo: At most universities you don’t get an opportunity to be in front of an ensemble and I would say try to go and observe as many good music educator’s as you can. See what they are doing in a daily rehearsal. Take from that and try to incorporate the good and the bad. That would be my biggest advice. Try to see as many people and get as many people to talk to you and help you when you have questions! A lot of people don’t do that and I think it’s very important! That’s the only way you can learn and get better!

Ty: I agree! I understand that you were the first band director in the state of Alabama to receive National Board Certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. What exactly did you do to achieve this honorable recognition?

Theo: Spent lots of time with my lap-top computer in front of me! It was the most time consuming thing I’ve ever done in my life. It was difficult in that everything I was writing was about me! Making yourself look good is hard…it’s hard for me…it may not be hard for some people! It was very time consuming. In fact, when we were on the road to state contest, I had my lap-top computer. When we took the band to the Bands of America Concert festival in Indianapolis that year, I took my lap-top computer.

When they were off doing activities, I was in my room working on my National Boards! So, it was extremely time consuming. More for me because I’m not the best writer in the world. I would re-write and get people to read it and make suggestions. Did it make me become a better teacher? Probably not…(laugh)! The big incentive was the pay raise. I looked at getting a PHD and how much money it would cost to do that as opposed to doing the National

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Boards which is one year and you do your own time frame…um… I opted to do that for sure.

Ty: And you were the first!

Theo: Yes, I was!

Ty: You wouldn’t have been the first to get a PHD but you were the first to receive National Board Certification!

Ty: Moving back to your college days! While you were in college you were hired by Walt Disney World to perform with the All American College Marching Band. This had to have been an unbelievable experience and I’m wondering...what was it like working for Disney?

Theo: If I was not teaching, I would probably be working for Disney somehow! It made that big of an impact on my life! The way I even knew about the program there...to audition for it… they opened the Epcot Center my first or second year in college. They came to all of the college bands in the country and wanted to get three to four representatives to come down there and help with the grand opening. There were 450 college band members that did this big “Grand Opening” ceremony in October for the Epcot Center. During part of that they talked about their college program and so that next spring I went and auditioned for the college band and got a position…which I was very shocked and very excited…and spent the summer at Disney…playing with some of the finest college musicians in the country! In fact, Beth Gottlieb and I played in the same group together which is awesome! They treated us like royalty. It was very professional. We were paid pretty well and they “put us up” in Snow White’s village…a trailer park type thing (laughs).

Ty: Snow White’s Village?

Theo: Snow White’s Village, yes!

Ty: Peaceful times, right?

Theo: Oh yes! Very peaceful and very quiet!

Theo: So it was a tremendous experience that I wouldn’t take anything for! The next summer, at the Epcot Center, they were starting an All-American College Orchestra. They needed a teaching assistant and I applied for that position and got it. That was very eye-opening because I was dealing with string players and I had not dealt with string players before…besides playing in an orchestra.

Ty: Did you have a strings methods class?

Theo: NO! Ty: Wow! In our strings class we played Mary Had a Little Lamb with Dr. Witt! She would play the piano and say “Mary lost her sheep!” Then we would play Mary Had a Little Lamb in a minor key!

Theo: So, yes, dealing with college pre-Madonna string players was very interesting! It was very cool because they would bring in guests. In the college band, the summer before, they would bring guest performers every week…and so we got a chance to work with the top “folks” in the jazz business, orchestra people, conductors, and studio musicians form New York. The experience and making connections with folks was just incredible!

Ty: I would love to try that out and work for Disney.

I know Beth talks a lot about it and how much fun she had! She’s actually playing at Epcot right now! I think it’s really cool!

Ty: At the age of 23, you co-conducted Grissom’s Symphonic Band 1 at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic! I know, for me too, this is a dream for every high school band director! What was it like to conduct there?

Theo: That was my first year at Grissom and I’m still learning. It was very frightening because I was 23… and you’re sitting there and you’re conducting in front of people who understand what’s going on… peers and music educators from all over the place and from

all over the world! It was very nerve racking but it was a tremendous experience. The band played very well! I think I conducted a Grundman piece and I met him in Chicago the year before, which was very cool!

I conducted two pieces but I can’t remember what the other one was. The process of doing that was pretty mind boggling because that was my first year teaching and we were cramming this music to the kids during marching season! It was amazing!

Ty: You also have conducting experience with the pit orchestra for Grissom’s annual music productions!

Some band directors aren’t given the responsibility of conducting a pit orchestra! What is it like to conduct in this environment?...doing the background music for a play!

Theo: It’s very cool! I’m a woodwind “doubler” so I play a lot of shows that come through town! I did that for 12 years, I’m not doing that anymore because it got to be another thing I had to do on Sunday afternoons in the spring. The choir director here took over as the conductor and she wanted to do that. It’s very cool because the kids get that experience…I didn’t have that experience in high school…I didn’t play in an orchestra until college and so it’s an experience…it’s going to make them better musicians because they are playing in so many different keys than they would normally have too! It’s a lot of fun for the kids! For me, and I don’t want to say that it was more of a burden than fun…but it was taking up a lot of time. The kids enjoyed it but I wasn’t enjoying it as much and I didn’t want that to feed off onto them! They’re still doing it here and having a great time!

Ty: I understand that you are also a member of the newly formed Huntsville Jazz Orchestra. What is some of the History behind this ensemble? I take it that you play saxophone in this group!

Theo: Yes! We actually haven’t played much this year but it’s a group of about 9 musicians. 3 saxophones, 3 brass, and 3 rhythm section players. In the jazz world, if you get a gig…it’s probably going to be a “Big Band” job where you “read” for some party or something. We wanted to form a group that would challenge us… instead of going to play easy stuff for two hours. And so, Don Bowyer (Jazz Director at UAH) formed the group and he’s written a lot of arrangements for that instrumentation…and we found some really cool arrangements from some other composers and stuff! We really wanted a challenge for us!...and so we would rehearse once a week and we played a few concerts and did some fundraising.

We were hoping to make it a big deal…try to bring in a guest and do a scholarship thing for UAH and that just never happened. If there’s a group that wants us to come and play we will play for them.

Ty: That’s neat!

Ty: And too, speaking of Jazz band. I understand that, under your direction, the Jazz bands here at Grissom have received an outstanding number of honors and awards not to mention National recognition! What awards were the most memorable for you?

Theo: Probably when we were accepted to the Ellington Jazz Festival in New York! In 1999 that was an amazing experience for the kids and for me.

Wynton Marsalis is the big dude at the Jazz Lincoln Center and they do a festival every year. They send free music and you send in a recording. They’ll have anywhere from 100 to 150 bands that send in music and they select 15. So we were very fortunate to be selected that year! We also were selected to play at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Hague, Holland. We played there in the summer of 2002. It was right after September 11 and we weren’t even sure if we would get to go after all of that. So…yes, we went and that was an incredible experience to play over there and to

February 2010

hear amazing jazz musicians that you just hear on CD’s. You get to hear them LIVE and to perform over seas was really an incredible experience!

Ty: For a complete change of topic, fundraising is usually the love or hate relationship for band directors. It seems as if some band directors have a gift when it comes to raising money! I’m wondering, what kind of fundraising do you do here?

Theo: Our biggest fundraising activity is our fruit sales. A lot of people have 1 fruit sale every year whereas we have 6! (laughing) We do the week before Thanksgiving…and two weekends in December! We also do one in January, February, and March. The truck comes here and then we have a sale all day on Friday and Saturday. Parents and kids can work the fruit sale and we have a set-up time…so they get a certain percentage. They get about 5 dollars if they go and work. That’s a HUGE fundraiser for us!

Ty: So you sell from the truck?

Theo: We do sell from the truck. We also have another location. They also do a satellite sale on the school grounds on Saturday. People can pre-order online and they can just go and pick their fruit up or they can just pick it up on the day of the fruit sale. So that’s our biggest fundraiser. We also work at some of the Havocs games…the Hockey Team. We do concessions and things like that. As far as selling things door to door…we don’t do that. And the reason we don’t is the kids aren’t going to do it! It’s always going to end up at the parent’s work place and “hopefully” someone will buy it…and all of the middle school bands do door to door stuff. By the time they get to high school they’re done!

Ty: And too, door to door is scary! I mean, you’re dealing with crazy people that might kill you trying to sell fruit!

Theo: I mean “Yeah!” (Mr. Vernon imitating a crazy person and band student) “Who is that?” “I’m trying to sell this candy bar!” “Get out of my face, kid!” We just don’t ask the kids to do that. We do have fees that come out of our pockets because we get ZERO funding from the school system and the state! So there are fees coming out of the kid’s pocket. They can work at these different events (the Havocs or the fruit sale) to work off these fees.

Ty: Did you say ZERO funding?

Theo: ZERO funding!! We get NOTHING from the school system. Not one penny!

Ty: That is incredible! I know some people…and of course no offense to the Grissom program…it’s an unbelievable program…but people are like “Oh, well it’s their funding…they have a lot of resources because they are in Huntsville!” I find that so amazing!

Theo: We get nothing. The only thing the school system gives to Grissom is the salary of the two directors and the band room. All of the music stands, chairs, music, percussion equipment, Tubas, Uniforms…everything is bought by band parents!

Ty: Wow! That is incredible.

Theo: It comes out of pockets or they’re doing fundraising.

Ty: So see, anyone can fundraise and have an incredible program like you guys!

Theo: Well, sure!

Ty: That’s really cool!

Ty: Competition in band can be viewed as good or bad. The level of musicianship in this program is, I’m sure, top notch! How do you deal with the issue of competition in the classroom?

Theo: We do the auditions twice a year and that’s to evaluate each student…to see how they are doing.

There is a little competition! We’ll have some kids that will move from the third band up to the top band

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in one semester. Or we’ll have some kids move from the top band to the third band. We use it as a life learning experience for them. It’s kind of like a job.

Ty: Exactly!

Theo: You go into an audition and you get that one shot. If you’re prepared, you don’t need to worry about it. If you’re unprepared, then you aren’t going to get the job. It’s just like going to a job interview.

We also will have some kids do a “challenge”. This next semester we will have students choose to challenge each other…trying to move up in their section. They can’t, however, move to another band after the initial audition…but they can challenge to move up. We haven’t had a lot of that lately…over the past 5 years. I have a feeling that we’ll have a few challenges this next semester! We try to make that a friendly atmosphere! I mean back 10-15 years ago, we had some flute players that were in here every week challenging and it got to be a little “ugly” so we had to say “O.K. ya’ll aren’t challenging anymore!” (laughing) Ty: Oh, flute players!

Theo: Yeah, you know how they are…but as far as our views on competition with individual students…we don’t really say…and our philosophy is not win win win! We never say “We’re going to go out and win!” It’s to go out and prepare to be the best we can and to be satisfied and happy with what you did!

Ty: Sounds like you guys have a hand on the competition issue for sure! Personal question, somewhat…There’s usually one instrument that gives band directors a head ache during methods class in college! If any, what is your least favorite instrument and why? I’m sure you love all of the instruments but I’m talking about during methods class!

Theo: Snare drum because I’m not ambidextrous at all! To me, and this is nothing against percussionist, but a lot of kids just want to play snare and that’s just playing rhythms. I’ve heard snare players play with some good musicality to do some nice things but for the most part it’s just plain rhythms. You’ve got to have good time! That was not really enjoyable.

French horn was difficult because trying to hear the pitches can be difficult. It’s different from the trumpet…all of the overtones and when you get higher anything can come out! I had a whole semester on all of them!

Ty: That is really neat! I had some difficulties with clarinet and French horn for the reasons you said. I think I told you earlier but I played the French horn some in the Tuscaloosa Winds just trying to get a better feel for the brass instruments!

Ty: And our last question is …I know it can be difficult to decide on a career during college and we’ve discussed why you chose band directing. While in college, did you have to think between this “mystery career” I’m asking you about or band directing? Did you have one of those or not (mystery career option)?

Theo: I wanted to be a studio musician. I wanted to play for movie scores and that’s what I thought going in as a performance major. I knew it was going to be something in music. In high school, at one time I thought I wanted to be an Orthodontist…looking at sail boats that I might buy. I thought “I’ll be rich and famous if I’m an orthodontist!” but then I decided that I didn’t want to stick my hands in people’s mouths! I think music is something that is a part of you…you just know that you are going to do something in music. Whether it’s performing, conducting, or whatever. There really wasn’t anything else I dreamed about doing!

Ty: Well Mr. Vernon, I want to thank you very much for your time and this interview! I really have enjoyed

learning about your different conducting experiences!

I’m just amazed at the conducting opportunities you’ve had during your music education career and those are definitely goals to set for me and I’m sure for younger music educators as well. Once again, thank you so much for your time!

Theo: No problem, thank you!

Ty Parker is a senior pursuing a BS degree in music education at the University of Alabama. While attending the University of Alabama Ty has held several leadership positions. On the field, he served the Million Dollar Band as Alto Saxophone section leader during his sophomore year and as Drum Major during his junior and senior years. Ty was also selected to represent the Million Dollar Band and the University Band department at University Student Government meetings and at functions such as the Alabama All State Band Festival, the Bands of America Regional Championship competition in Atlanta, and the Midwest Band and Orchestra clinic in Chicago.

Among his peers, Ty served as President of the University of Alabama’s CMENC chapter during his junior and senior years. On the stage, Ty was pianist for the Alabama Symphonic band and played several secondary instruments in the Tuscaloosa Winds community ensemble. He also conducted the Tuscaloosa Winds during his junior year as winner of the undergraduate conducting competition.

Theo Vernon attended The University of Alabama 19801985, receiving a BM degree in saxophone performance and a BS degree in music education. He received his Masters of Music Education degree in 1991 from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois. In 2003, he became the first Band Director in the state of Alabama to receive National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Mr. Vernon was appointed Associate Director of Bands at Grissom High School in August 1985. Presently, Vernon works with the marching band, conducts the Symphonic Band II and directs the two Jazz Bands. Under his direction the Symphonic Band II has never received less than an overall superior rating in any adjudication. Under Vernon’s direction, the Jazz Bands have gained notoriety throughout the southeastern United States as well as abroad. The Jazz Bands represented the state of Alabama for a twoweek Austrian tour celebrating Austria's millennium in June 1996. In 1999, the “A” Jazz Band was selected as one of 20 bands to compete in the prestigious "Essentially Ellington Jazz Band Festival and Competition" held at Lincoln Center in New York. In 2002 the “A” Jazz Band was selected as one of four U.S. high school jazz bands to perform at The International North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague, Holland. Mr. Vernon is a member of many state and national organizations including: ABA, MENC, NEA, NBA, Phi Mu Alpha, and the Alabama chapter of Phi Beta Mu; the national band directors’ fraternity.

Vernon has served as a District Chairman and IAJE president for the state of Alabama.

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AMEA Division Events

2009 - 2010

Alabama Orchestra Association AMEA Conference University of Alabama January 21-23, 2010

All-State Orchestra Festival University of Alabama February 11-14, 2010

Alabama Bandmasters Association AMEA In-Service Conference/All-State Jazz Band January 21-23, 2010 - University of Alabama All-State Solo Festival April 14, 2010 - Auburn University

District I

District II District III District IV

All-State Band Auditions District Honor Band State MPA

Solo & Ensemble Festival

All-State Band Auditions District Honor Band State MPA Solo & Ensemble Festival All-State Band Auditions District Honor Band State MPA

Solo & Ensemble Festival

All-State Band Auditions District Honor Band State MPA

Solo & Ensemble Festival

District V District VI District VII District VIII 48

All-State Band Auditions District Honor Band State MPA Solo & Ensemble Festival All-State Band Auditions District Honor Band State MPA Solo & Ensemble Festival All-State Band Auditions State MPA Solo & Ensemble Festival All-State Band Auditions District Honor Band State MPA Solo & Ensemble Festivall

All-State Band Festival April 15-17, 2010 - Auburn University Summer In-Service Conference June 23-24, Hilton Garden Inn, Orange Beach

January 29-30.....................................Brewer High School February 19-20...............................Bob Jones High School February 24-26..............................................Huntsville HS March 24-26......................................................Decatur HS April 10..........................................Liberty Middle School April 24............................................Hartselle High School January 16..................................Jacksonville High School March 26-27.................................................Gadsden State February 24-26.........................Gadsden City High School April 3 .........................................................................TBA May 8..........................................Jacksonville High School January 30...............................Muscle Shoals High School February 19-20.................................Cullman High School March 9-10.......................................Cullman High School February 11-12.................................Florence High School April 24. .. ... .... .. .. ..... . ...University of North Alabama

January 16....................................................................TBA January 29-30...............................Homewood High School February 23-25............................................................TBA March 9-11..................................................................TBA December 1..................................................................TBA April 3..........................................................................TBA May 8...........................................................................TBA January 30........................................Echols Middle School February 19-20.......................University of West Alabama February 24-25...................Moody, University of Alabama March 27..........................................Prattville High School April 27.........................................Hillcrest Middle School

January 30..........................................Opelika High School February 26-27..............Central High School, Phenix City February 10-12...................................Opelika High School March 6.................................. Auburn Junior High School April 10................................................Trinity Presbyterian January 16.......................................Davidson High School March 16-19......................................Daphne High School April 24......................................Alma Bryant High School May 1...........................................................................TBA

January 30....................................................................TBA TBA February 24-25............................................................TBA May 1...........................................................................TBA

February 2010

Alabama Vocal Association Fall Workshop - September 11-12, 2009 - Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Birmingham All-State Show Choir Auditions - October 1-3, 2009 - Birmingham Honor Choir Screening - November 2-13, 2009 AMEA/Honor Choir/Show Choir - January 21-23, 2010 - UA Tuscaloosa All-State Auditions - January 29- February 5, 2010 State Performance Assessment -March 22-24, 2010 - Birmingham All-State - April 15-17, 2010 - Samford University, Birmingham

District I

District II District III District IV District V District VI

District VII

Music Ed Scholarship Honor Choir Screening OA & OCS All-State Auditions Spring DPA Spring S&E

Decatur High School..............................November 5 Decatur High School............................November 12 Decatur High School.................................January 14 Southside Baptist, Decatur.....................February 4-5 1st Baptist, Decatur.................................February 25 Highland Baptist, Florence.....................February 26 Highland Baptist, Florence.....................February 26

Fall DPA Music Ed Scholarship OA & OCS Honor Choir Screening All-State Auditions Spring DPA Spring S&E

Bluff Park UMC.......................................October 27 Liberty Park MS ......................................October 29 Liberty Park MS ......................................October 29 Liberty Park MS...................................November 10 Bluff Park UMC....................................February 1-3 Bluff Park UMC..................................February 8-10 Liberty Park MS..........................................March 30

Fall S&E Music Ed Scholarship OA & OCS All-State Auditions Spring DPA Spring S&E

Fall S&E Honor Choir Screening Music Ed Scholarship, OA & OCS Spring DPA Spring S&E

Honor Choir Screening Fall S&E Music Ed Scholarship, OA & OCS Spring DPA

Honor Choir Screening Music Ed Scholarship, OA & OCS Spring DPA & Spring S&E

Music Ed Scholarship& Fall DPA Fall S&E Honor Choir Screening All-State Auditions OA & OCS Spring DPA

TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

Gadsden City HS......................................October 27 Oxford High School...............................Novembr 12 Oxford High School..............................November 17 Gadsden City HS...............................February 22-23 First Baptist, Oxford...................................March 18 Huntsville HS.........................................November 2 Willowbrook Baptist.......................November 16-17 Huntsville High School...........................December 1 TBA...................................................February 15-16

TBA........................................................November 6 Tallassee High School..........................November 18 First Baptist, Tallassee............................February 25

Eastern Shore Baptist.............................November 3 Eastern Shore Baptist.............................November 7 Spanish Fort High School.....................November 10 Eastern Shore Baptist...........................January 29-30 Spanish Fort High School.......................February 11 Eastern Shore Baptist.........................February 25-26

Elementary/General Division

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October 2 – AMEA Elementary Music Festival, Wright Center at Samford University October 3 – AMEA/AL AOSA Fall Workshop with Sue Meuller, Greystone Elementary 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. November 12-15 – AOSA National Conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin January 21-23 – AMEA In-Service Conference, Tuscaloosa February 20 - AOSA Spring Workshop with Laurie Zentz 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.

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February 2010

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