February/March 2021 Ala Breve

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ala breve The Official Publication of the Alabama Music Educators Association

www.myamea.org

February/March 2021

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ala breve the official publication of the Alabama Music Educators Association

February/March 2021

Features...

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AMEA Governing Board Directory

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All-State Jazz Band

11 AVA All-State Clinicians/Schedule 18 Industry/Institutional Members 19 In Memoriam 21 ABA All-State Clinicians 22 Utilizing iReal Pro by Dr. Matt Leder 23 Choral Music Reviews by Dr. William Powell 24 General Music Reviews by Deanna Bell Departments...

Advertisers...

7 .....................President

Arts Music Shop, Inc ..................back cover

8 .....................Registrar

Belmont University ..................................18

8 ............................Jazz 9 ............................HED

John M. Long School of Music (Troy).......4 UA Bands ...................................................2

9 ............Past Presidents

UAB Music...............................................25

10 .............................AVA

UNA Department of Music ......................26

12...........................AOA

University of South Alabama Bands ........13

17 .....................cNAfME 20 ...........................ABA ala breve

Huntingdon College Bands.......................27

University of South Alabama Music ........16 William Carey University.........................17 Yamaha.......................................................3 5

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AMEA Governing Board 2020-2021 President David Raney Sparkman High School 2616 Jeff Road Harvest, AL 35749 (256) 837-0331 draney@madison.k12.al.us Immediate Past President Greg Gumina Shades Valley High School 6100 Old Leeds Road Irondale, AL 35210 (205) 956-4638 ggumina85@gmail.com President, AOA Dr. Daniel Stevens University of North Alabama One Harrison Plaza Florence, AL 35631 (256) 765-4708 dstevens1@una.edu President, AMEA Collegiate Emma Tosney (205) 306-8365 ejtosney@crimson.ua.edu Industry Representative Becky Lightfoot Arts Music Shop 3030 East Blvd.

Montgomery, AL 36116 (334) 271-2787 beckyl@artsmusicshop.com Executive Director Editor, Ala Breve Garry Taylor 1600 Manor Dr. NE Cullman, AL 35055 (256) 636-2754 executive_director@myamea.org

Garry Taylor, Editor & Advertising Manager 1600 Manor Dr. NE Cullman, AL 35055 (256) 636-2754 executive_director@bellsouth.net

President-Elect Dr. Rob Lyda Cary Woods Elementary School 715 Sanders Street Auburn, AL 36830 (334) 663-0898 lydarob@me.com

Recording Secretary Dr. Carla Gallahan 113 Long Hall Troy University Troy, AL 36082 (334) 670-3502 recording_secretary@myamea.org

President, AVA Randall Fields Bob Jones High School 650 Hughes Road Madison, AL 35758 (256) 772-2547 randall.fields.ava@gmail.com

AMEA Collegiate Advisor Dr. Meghan Merciers University of North Alabama UNA Box 5040 142 Music Building Florence, AL 35632-0001 (256) 765.4518 mmerciers@una.edu

Assistant Executive Director Dr. Russell Logan 2020 Janabrooke Lane Auburn, AL 36830 (334) 663-1702 rlogan9853@gmail.com

Treasurer/Registrar Pat Stegall AMEA Registration PO Box 3385 Muscle Shoals, AL 35661 treasurer_registrar@myamea.org

President, ABA Terry Ownby Florence High School 1201 Bradshaw Drive Florence, AL 35630 (256) 768-2200 tsownby@florencek12.org

President, ELEM/GEN Betty Wilson Deer Valley Elementary 4990 Ross Bridge Parkway Hoover, AL 35226 (205) 296-3311 bettyboop122372@att.net President, HED Division Dr. Michael Zelenak Alabama State University 915 S. Jackson St. Tullibody Music Hall Room 208 Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 604-9187 mzelenak@alasu.edu

Alabama Department of Education Arts Education Specialist Andy Meadows 50 North Ripley Street Montgomery, Alabama 36104 (334) 694-4768 ameadows@ALSDE.edu

ADVERTISING & COPY DEADLINES Fall - August/September (Back to School) issue: July 15 Winter - October/November (Conference) issue: September 15 Spring - May/June (All-State) issue: January 15 Summer - May/June (Digital Only) issue: April 15

Unless otherwise indicated, permission is granted to NAfME 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 NAfME: 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 NAfME/AMEA membership is open to all persons engaged in music teaching or other music education work.

Ala Breve is published four times a year (August, October, February & May) by the Alabama Music Educators Association and printed by Hardwick and Son Printing in Dothan, Alabama.

Subscription for members is $4.00 per year as part of annual NAfME/AMEA dues. Subscriptions for non-members is $15.00 per year. Bulk rate postage paid at Dothan, Alabama.

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David Raney, AMEA President

Serving Lemonade With Infinite Hope I will always remember 2020 as the year that provided us a new twist to an old saying, when COVID gives you lemons, make lemonade. That is exactly what our executive staff did with this year’s AMEA Conference.

I thoroughly enjoyed working with the outstanding AMEA Executive Board in order to provide an online professional development experience. From the moment we decided to have our conference virtually, everyone jumped on board and started working together to make the event the best possible. I believe our mission was accomplished.

Executive Director and Assistant, Garry Taylor and Rusty Logan, did an outstanding job preparing the schedule and providing the software that guided us through the week. Their expertise and organizational skills transferred perfectly to the online medium and gave us easy access to all the sessions.

Our Media Specialist, Dr. Carl Hancock, once again worked his magic with social media distribution and constructed an amazing staff that hosted all of our sessions. We owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the University of Alabama for the role they played in providing the facilities and staffing that became the backbone of our conference.

Dr. Rob Lyda, our AMEA President-Elect, served as our virtual expert. He has participated with more online events than all of us combined, which was instrumental in making us aware of the “dos” and “don’ts” in the world of zoom and online presentations.

Past-President, Greg Gumina, came through for the FAME program and provided our future music educators a rich experience with outstanding clinicians that was certain to solidify their desire to enter this great profession. ala breve

The AMEA Registrar, Pat Stegall, collected and processed the registrations while assisting with the NAfME memberships.

message for why music education has been recognized as such an important part of a person’s educational growth.

The Divisions did a great job finding sessions and inspirational performances that would facilitate an online experience.

These opportunities demonstrated what can be achieved even in challenging times.

Most importantly, the greatest contributor to this event was you. The conference would have been nothing if not for the participants. I want to thank everyone that took part in and believed in the value of the 2021 Virtual Conference. The attendance exceeded our expectations and the level of energy everyone brought to the chat rooms and social hours was extremely comforting to us all. Although we all would have preferred to see each other in person, you continue to make the very best out of the situation.

We cannot say enough good things about our sponsors and vendors that participated in our conference. This year has taken a toll on all of us and we must thank those businesses that support music education in our state. Please take a moment and identify those that provided support for our conference and, if possible, patronize their businesses in the same manner they invested in our profession.

Our first keynote speaker provided the most viewed live event of the week. Dr. Judy Bowers provided a message that contained a passionate vision of how we can think out of the box to be an inspiration to others. Her presentation sparked a lot of conversation in the chat room and created a wonderful start for our conference.

I’m especially proud of our awards presentation on Friday night, which will continue to be available on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/yPFO7p6rM5Q We plan to continue posting videos to recognize and honor our membership, so please consider subscribing to our channel.

Go to YouTube and search for “my AMEA” and click “subscribe”.

After our awards presentation we enjoyed our second keynote speaker, Bob Morrison, from Quadrant Research. He provided us with up-to-date mitigation practices and clearly articulated a powerful

Moving forward, we plan to continue recognizing AMEA’s 75th Anniversary throughout the entire year by exploring the rich history of AMEA through online media and we will celebrate the grand finale at our 2022 Conference, IN PERSON!!!!! Don’t miss it!

As we look forward to the remainder of this year and beyond, I would like to encourage you to continue your fight for music education in your school. You must continue to remind yourself how important your influence is in the lives of your students despite any setbacks you may have experienced.

One person that truly understood setbacks and struggles was Martin Luther King, Jr., which was quoted saying, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

I encourage you to continue looking at music education as a source of infinite hope and possibilities.

All the best, - David Raney

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Pat Stegall - AMEA Registrar

From the Registrar Thanks to our members for following the online registration process. It is great to see so many of you taking advantage of this easy way to register for our conference! I am sure you join me in congratulating the AMEA leadership and AMEA Executive Board for

providing us with such a rich virtual conference. Their commitment to providing your divisions with appropriate and timely sessions was awesome! I enjoyed having clinicians from throughout the country presenting our clinics, as well as our own members.

AMEA continues to be the supportive, positive force in developing our State’s Music Teachers and I congratulate you for being part of the event! Bravo!!!!

Pat Stegall AMEA Registrar/Treasurer

Craig Cagle, ABA Jazz Chair

All-State Jazz Band Updates Greetings from the ABA Jazz Division! I hope that you were able to participate in our recent AMEA Virtual Conference, and that your experience during the conference left you rejuvenated and excited to return to your students with fresh ideas. Although AMEA was different for us in the Jazz Division because of the postponement of our All State Jazz ensembles concert, we are looking forward to holding the event at a new location and date later this spring!

Originally scheduled to take place during the AMEA Conference, the All State

Jazz Bands event will be held on April 30 and May 1. Our new location is Lakeside Baptist Church in Birmingham.

We are grateful to the church for opening its doors to us so that our students can experience the weekend in person.

We have a stellar panel of clinicians to work with our students this year, including Kelvin Benion from ClayChalkville High School, Dr. Tracey Heavner from the University of South Alabama, Dr. Matt Leder from Gadsden State Community College, and Dr.

David Phy from Birmingham Southern College.

I sincerely wish the best for you during the spring semester. No matter what your teaching situation is at this time, remember that your students need you, and they need the creative outlet that music provides them. Continue to nourish their musical journey, and know that you are making a difference in their lives.

Craig Cagle jcagle@jefcoed.com

All-State Jazz Band Clinicians

David Phy

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Tracey Heavner

Matt Leder

Kelvin Benion

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Michael Zelenak - President, Higher Education Division

Music Education in Alabama – Alive and Well!

Colleagues, we have faced many challenges this year. I can proudly announce, however, that we are surviving and thriving. The recent 2021 AMEA Conference provides evidence that music education is not only taking place in Alabama, but that music educators are more determined than ever to continue our strong traditions. The number of participants in this conference strongly suggests that we are resilient and have the enthusiasm and dedication needed to overcome any obstacle. Bring on the future!

minute limit kept the session moving quickly. Be assured, you will see more sessions using this format in future conferences. In addition, the quality of our individual sessions was remarkable. We have world-class educators working in our field and sharing their ideas at our conference. Finally, I would like to send a “shout-out” to Russell Greene who managed the technical side of the HED sessions. His attention to detail allowed our sessions to unfold flawlessly. Thank you, everyone!

In the Higher Education Division, there were several conference highlights that are worthy of acknowledgement. This was the first time that the HED hosted two recitals, one held on Thursday and the other on Friday. The performers presented a wide variety of repertoire with an emphasis on underrepresented composers and new music. Next, the “lightning roundtable” session on Saturday was a fast-paced introduction to several important topics.

Although each presenter could have easily filled their own 50-minute time slot, the 10-

New ideas are appearing on the horizon.

One benefit of having open discussion with colleagues is the generation of new ideas. One idea that has risen to the top is a proposed collaboration between the Higher Education and Collegiate divisions in developing a lesson plan competition.

The goal of this competition would be to inspire and motivate pre-service teachers to present their lesson plans in an adjudicated forum similar to All-State.

After all, teaching is also a performancebased activity. Participants would receive

feedback from experts and discuss their plans with peers. Another idea is the development of a mentoring program that would connect novice and veteran educators. Teacher attrition is a major problem in our field and we can work toward changing these trends by supporting new teachers through mentoring programs. I believe both programs have the potential to positively impact our field.

Please encourage other faculty members to join AMEA. Through this organization, all higher education faculty can make connections with Pk-12 educators and attract new students to their programs.

These opportunities exist not only for studio instructors and ensemble directors, but also for composition, theory, and history professors. Let’s build the bridges that allow young people to transition from high school into college and onto rewarding professional careers.

Participating in this professional organization is an important first step.

AMEA Presidents - Past to Present 1946 1948 1950 1952 1954 1956 1958 1960 1962 1964 1966 1968 1970 ala breve

Yale H. Ellis Walter A. Mason Vernon Skoog John J. Hoover Lamar Triplett Carleton K. Butler Mort Glosser Wilbur Hinton Lacey Powell, Jr. G. Truman Welch Jerry Countryman Floyd C. McClure Jerry Bobo

1972 1974 1975 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994

Frances P. Moss George Hammett Frances P. Moss S. J. Allen W. Frank McArthur Paul Hall Lacey Powell, Jr. Johnny Jacobs Merilyn Jones Ronald D. Hooten Ken Williams Dianne Johnson James K. Simpson

1996 Johnnie Vinson 1998 Michael Meeks 2000 John McAphee, Jr. 2002 Tony Pike 2004 Becky Rodgers 2006 John Baker 2008 Pat Stegall 2010 Steve McLendon 2012 Sara Womack 2014 Carl Hancock 2016 Susan Smith 2018 Greg Gumina 2020 David Raney 9

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Randall Fields - President, Alabama Vocal Association

AVA Updates Colleagues, It was great to see and visit with many of you virtually at the AMEA Winter Conference in January. Congratulations to choruses from Hewitt-Trussville Middle School, directed by Ben Cook, and Spain Park High School, directed by Jim Schaeffer for presenting inspiring performances during the conference.

Your AVA Board has approved modifications to our events for spring semester. I appreciate all the work the board has done to make sure students and teachers across the state have the best possible choral experiences in these uncertain times. I also appreciate the emails, messages, and calls from several AVA members offering help, locating venues, and finding creative ways to move forward. I am truly humbled to serve a community of such caring professionals.

All-State We looked at several venues and dates, and determined that the best option is April 26 and 27 at Von Braun Center in Huntsville. I know this is the same week, but not the same dates as All-State Show Choir, and I apologize for scheduling these events so close together.

Our clinicians are Dr. Brady Allred, High School SATB; Dr. Jami Rhodes, High School SSAA; Victor Johnson, Middle School Mixed; and Dr. P. Phillip Shoultz, III, Middle School Treble.

Rehearsal time will be limited with this schedule, but hopefully, even those who are traveling the longest distances will be able to travel without incurring the expense of a hotel. For this year only, there will be no penalty to students who were selected for AllState but do not register. The concert will be live-streamed and we may need to limit the number of people in the audience because of physical distancing requirements. When we get guidelines from the venue, we will send an update to directors.

Students who were selected for TTBB chorus and who want to perform with the SATB chorus will need to submit recordings through Google Classroom. Directors will need to include these students in their SATB registrations. Refund of registration fees will 10

be issued to the school for any TTBB student who registers but does not pass the proficiency. Meg Jones will set up the screening and will send the invitations.

The deadline to register students for All-State was January 27. If you have registered, but have not received conformation/invoice, please reach out to our Webmaster, Jim Schaeffer. Payment is due by March 15 for the exact number of students registered.

There will be a virtual general membership meeting during All-State week.

All-State Show Choir This event will be April 28-30 at Enterprise High School. The final concert will be livestreamed at 8 PM April 30. Thanks to Cameron Weiler for serving as the All-State Show Choir Coordinator. Our clinicians are Mark Myers and Shane Coe. OCS/OA/ME OCS auditions and interviews are usually held the day before All-State and are adjudicated

by District Chairs. This year, student resumes and recorded performances are due by March 3. Students will submit these items through Google Classroom. A schedule for virtual interviews will be sent to the students and their directors.

OA auditions and interviews are also usually held the day before All-State and are adjudicated by members of the Executive Board. This year, student resumes and recorded performances are due by March 3.

Students will submit these items through Google Classroom. A schedule for virtual interviews will be sent to the students and their directors.

ME interviews are usually held the evening before AMEA conference in January. This year, these interviews will be later in the year.

Student resumes are due by March 3. Students will submit these items through Google Classroom. A schedule for virtual interviews will be sent to the students and their directors.

SCPA SCPA will be virtual this year. Directors may record two selections and submit them through Google Classroom. There will be no sight-reading component this year. Because many schools have restrictions on who may

enter their facilities while students are present, recorded accompaniments may be used this year only. Once directors complete registration—with payment, they will be invited to submit their recordings through Google Classroom. Important dates to know for SCPA 2021: • February 1 Online registration opens • March 4 Deadline for registration with payment • April 15 Deadline for directors to submit recordings for adjudication Solo and Ensemble Solo and Ensemble will also be virtual this year. The submission process for this event will be similar to All-State auditions. Recorded accompaniments may be used this year only.

Directors will complete registrations for each soloist or ensemble. Once registration (including payment) is complete, students will be invited to submit their recordings through Google Classroom. To help simplify the calendar, due dates for Solo and Ensemble follow those of SCPA: • February 1 Online registration opens • March 4 Deadline for registration with payment • April 15 Deadline to submit recordings AVA Executive Board Positions Open Carl Davis has resigned from his position as Executive Secretary. We will certainly miss Carl, but his responsibilities in his new career in the medical field are demanding his time and energies. He has assured us that he will help with the transition of his replacement.

Because the responsibilities of this position are so vital to the operation of our organization, and because Meg Jones is already familiar with most of those responsibilities, I have asked her to serve as interim Executive Secretary. Of course, that will leave our Vice President position vacant.

I am working on filling that position now. We will post the Executive Secretary and the Webmaster jobs this spring; we need those positions officially filled well in advance of our summer board meeting so both people can attend the meeting.

As always, your board and I welcome your feedback. Please reach out to your district chair or me whenever we can help you meet the needs of your students.

Warm regards, Randall

February/March 2021

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2021 All-State Choir Clinicians Dr. Brady Allred, High School SATB Artistic Director and Conductor of the Salt Lake Choral Artists in Salt Lake City, Utah, Dr. Brady R. Allred has developed “an international reputation for excellence.” Under his direction the Salt Lake Choral Artists, a non-profit arts organization of seven choirs and over 300 singers, has achieved critical acclaim for their innovative concerts, Summer Choral Institute program, international tours, iTunes and YouTube presence. Dr. Allred was honored by The Salt Lake Tribune and named as one of Utah’s Top 25 Cultural Power Brokers. Known around the world for “exquisite choral singing,” Dr. Allred’s ensembles have been invited to participate in major festivals and competitions around the world. Dr. Allred earned his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting degrees from the Eastman School of Music, and his undergraduate degree in Theory/Composition and Flute Performance from Brigham Young University. He and his wife, soprano Carol Ann Allred, have traveled and performed extensively as Artistic Ambassadors for the United States Information Agency.

Dr. Jami Rhodes, High School SSAA A native of North Carolina, mezzosoprano Jami Rhodes is currently Associate Professor of Voice at

East Carolina University where she teaches applied voice, conducts the ECU Concert Choir (ECU’s treble ensemble), and serves as coordinator of vocal pedagogy. She holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in vocal performance and pedagogy from Louisiana State University, a Master of Music in vocal performance from the University of South Carolina, and a Bachelor of Music in music education from East Carolina University. Dr Rhodes also maintains a private voice studio and serves on the faculty of the New York State Summer School for the Arts (NYSSSA). She is an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and serves as faculty advisor for ECU’s student NATS chapter. She is an active presenter, adjudicator, and masterclass clinician in solo vocal and choral capacities across the country and, in addition to her involvement with NATS, is also a member of NAfME and ACDA. Victor Johnson, Middle School Mixed Victor Johnson is a native of Dallas, Texas, and is currently in his 12th year of teaching at the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts.

He is also in his twelfth year as director of the Children’s Choir of Texas. Victor attended the University of Texas at Arlington where he majored in music education with a concentration in organ.

While attending UTA, he served as student conductor of the university’s choral ensembles and opera workshop accompanist. He was also honored with

All State Schedule: Sunday, April 25: Board Meeting, Site walk-through/set-up Monday, April 26: High School All-State Festival 8:30 AM Rehearsal Coordinator meeting 9:30 AM-1:00 PM Rehearsal 1:00 PM-2:00 PM Lunch (AVA to provide box lunches for students) 2:00 PM-5:00 PM Rehearsal 5:30 PM Concert 6:30 PM Board reset rooms for Middle School Tuesday, April 27: Middle School All-State Festival 9:30 AM-1:00 PM Rehearsal 1:00 PM-2:00 PM Lunch (AVA to provide box lunches for students) 2:00 PM-5:00 PM Rehearsal 5:30 PM Concert 6:30 PM Board final walk-through of the facility ala breve

the awards of “Outstanding Music Freshman” in 1997 and also “Outstanding Musician” in 2001. Victor has led reading sessions and choral workshops in numerous states and has conducted All-State and Regional Honor choirs in Texas, California, Oklahoma, Kansas and Kentucky. His own choir was selected to perform at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention in 2011. His professional affiliations include: American Choral Directors Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, ASCAP, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Inc. G. Phillip Shoultz, III, Middle School Treble Known for his innovative pedagogy and ability to inspire singers of all ages, G. Phillip Shoultz, III enjoys a multifaceted career as conductor, educator, singer, and speaker. Phillip is the Associate Conductor of VocalEssence where he shares the podium with founding artistic director, and mentor, Philip Brunelle and serves as the artistic leader for education programs including WITNESS, ¡Cantaré! and the Carnegie Hall Lullaby Project. In addition to his work with VocalEssence, he serves as Director of Music, Worship, and the Arts for Good Samaritan United Methodist Church and frequently appears as throughout the U.S. as a guest clinician, adjudicator and consultant. The winner of the 2015 American Choral Directors Association Graduate Student Conducting Competition, Phillip appeared as a Conducting Fellow with the Oregon Bach Festival, Chorus America, Choral Music Experience Institute and several other summer programs. Phillip enjoys biking, boxing, and all things related to sports and food. A proud member of the VoiceCare Network, Phillip believes every person can experience great joy through singing and passionately encourages exploration of body, mind, and voice through corporate singing experiences. Phillip lives in St. Louis Park, Minnesota with his wife, Michelle, and their son, Malachi and daughter, Lydia.

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Daniel Stevens- President, Alabama Orchestra Association

Strength in Numbers When I research the greatest K-12 institutions in our nation, they are firmly grounded in arts education.

Complementary disciplines ensures that every child, each with unique character-traits, is able to explore and strengthen core academic proficiency, transferring arts experiences in human behavior, critical-thinking, creative problem-solving, and human empathy and compassion. In addition, the arts provides an emotional outlet for a discerning number of mental health issues in education, partially driven by a pandemic that is isolating for many students.

Unfortunately, the pandemic has shown that music educators in Alabama may also feel isolated, serving as the only voice for arts education in their school district. The music education field often faces tight annual budgets and course scheduling that effects personnel in otherwise incredible school districts.

It only takes a quick look to our neighbors near Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta, or Pensacola, to see that the bright spots in these communities are seen through complementary music disciplines, with thriving choral, band, orchestra, and general music classes in many of their K-12 schools.

I agree that it is difficult to imagine a budget that is stretched thin, allows for the employment of multiple educators, class periods, and instruments. However, the momentum and result of rising student grades, engaged parent boosters, pride of school superintendents, and a K-12 arts program that places your community on the map, causes a cyclical effect that promotes growth and a ROI (return-on-investment) for families moving to your area.

Although the pandemic has caused us all to 12

step back, maybe now is the time to look at our strength in numbers, to promote growth in our music programs, and to explore complementary disciplines that will make everyone advocate for growth for your program.

I am by no means an expert, and every school district has its unique challenges, but I am humbled that in my prior state we kicked off multiple new string programs that led to fulltime jobs for graduating music educators (as a beginning string instructor and assistant band director). Don’t let money alone discourage you – grant programs, string educators shared amongst school districts, and self-funded programs are all possible. With hundreds of string students participating in seven youth orchestras in Alabama, there is the desire of

parents and students to see their disciplines represented and valued in our schools.

Please know that my door is always open, if you would like to dive into an exploration of a string program in your district. Please feel free to contact me at dstevens1@una.edu.

Thank you for your tireless and relentless work on behalf of our students. We all entered the profession to make a difference in the lives of these beautiful souls, and I am inspired by your commitment to engaging communities with the value of music.

Blessings, Daniel Stevens

Important AOA Updates for 2020­2021 NOTE: The AOA Orchestra Music Performance Assessment will be a virtual­only event, accepting video recordings of all full­orchestra, string­orchestra, guitar, and harp ensembles. Details can be found at alabamaorchestraassociation.org after March 1, 2021.

Orchestra Music Performance Assessment Video Deadline……………….………..May 1, 2021 February/March 2021

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AMEA Awards and Recognition

AMEA Young Composers Competition Finalists

Eleanor Nation FAME Scholarship

Evan DuBose, 11th Grade Oak Mountain High School

Laney Smith White Plains High School & Auburn University

David Houston, 10th Grade Briarwood High School

Isabel Fisher, 11th Grade Homewood High School

John Robert Hinton, 60 years

AMEA Honor Roll Ronnie Lett, 55 years

Micheal Holmes, 40 years

Carla Gallahan 30 years

Thomas Smith, 55 years

Tommy Brannan, 50 years

Karen Morgan, 30 years

Susan McCall, 40 years

David Pryor, 30 years

Bryan Kreps, 35 years

Arthur Means, 50 years

Milton Welch, 50 years

Theo Vernon, 35 years

Jon Remley, 30 years Kim Bain, 30 years

Frank Blanton, 45 years Dennis Carroll, 45 years

Paul Tallent, 30 years John Bradley, 30 years Renee Thomas, 30 years

Jim Duren, 45 years (Posthumously)

Paul Edmondson, 40 years

Beth Davis, 30 years Reggie Tolbert, 30 years Mark Foster, 30 years

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Lacey Powell Outstanding Music Educator Award

AMEA Hall of Fame Class of 2021

Ken Williams

Ken Berg Dr. Anna “Becky” Halliday Yale Ellis

Edward H. Cleino Outstanding Young Music Educator Award

AMEA Outstanding Administrator Award

AMEA Awards and Recognition

National Board Certified Teachers in Music

Sadie Wall

Dr. Dee Dee Jones Hartselle City Schools

Class of 2020

Marsha Asquith Courtney Keenum Alicia Luttrell

AMEA Honor Roll

Lesley Vinzant

Hilen Wilson

(continued)

Jeff Fondren, 25 years Lori Ardovino, 25 years

Horace Carney, 25 years

Randall Fields, 25 years

Theresa McKibben, 25 years

Carol Jacobs 25 years

Daniel Knox, 25 years

Amy Mixon Moore 25 years

Jason Smith, 25 years Not pictured: Stewart Hampton, 55 years Freddie Meadows, 50 years

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Emma Tosney - President, cNAfME Alabama

Collegiate Division Updates The collegiate division of AMEA has had a successful school year. Despite the effects of COVID-19, we were still able to successfully carry out the Collegiate Summit and AMEA Conference.

The 2020 Alabama Collegiate Summit was virtually held in October. The Summit focused on innovation in the music classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hosted various guest speakers, including Andy Meadows, Dr. Pat Stegall, Randy Fields, Dr. Rob Lyda, and a panel of new teachers. We had thirty-five attendees and four faculty advisors from eight different universities across the state, including Samford, Alabama, Troy, North Alabama, Alabama State, Jacksonville State, and Alabama at Birmingham. The event served as a great encouragement in the middle of such a challenging school semester as many students transitioned to online classes.

The 2021 AMEA Conference, held in January, proved tremendously successful for the collegiate division, despite it occur-

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ring virtually for the first time. We hosted various sessions in conjunction with other divisions, covering everything from score study to sight-reading to building relationships in the classroom. The collegiate social events – coffee hour and game night – provided a space for students to build long-lasting connections with one another. As the weekend came to a close, elections were held, and the 2021-2022 Collegiate Executive Board is as follows: President: Emma Tosney, University of Alabama Vice President/President Elect: Mariah Martin, University of Alabama Secretary: Hannah Creel, Samford University Treasurer: John Niiler, University of Alabama We will continue to update cNAfME chapters with our monthly collegiate newsletter and on our Instagram (@ua_cnafme) page. We are looking forward to another great year!

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AMEA Industry/Institutional Membership 2020-21 AMEA would like to express appreciation to the following partners who have joined AMEA in our efforts to promote music education in Alabama. Please support these industry/institutional members who support you as music educators!

Arts Music Shop, 3030 East Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36116 AWB Apparel, 206 Potomac Ct., Woodstock, GA 30188 JW Pepper, 9053 Riverside Pkwy, Lithia Springs, GA 30122 Kaleidoscope Adventures, 603 South Main Street, Winter Garden, Florida 34787 Madison Band Supply, 1604-B Hughes Road, Madison, AL 35758 Marchmaster Inc, P.O. Box 73379, Newnan, GA 30271 Troy University School of Music, 109 Long Hall, University Ave, Troy, AL 36082 Southern Performances, P.O. Box 6852, Gulf Shores, AL 36547 University of Alabama at Birmingham, 950 13th Street S., Birmingham, AL 35294 University of North Alabama, 1600 Tune Ave., Florence, AL 35630 University of South Alabama, LPAC 1072, 5751 USA Drive South, Mobile, AL 36688

2021

BELMONT

SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS PIANO PREPARATORY CAMP

SUMMER WINDS BAND CAMP

STRING CROSSINGS CAMP

Attend Classes in Performance, Music Theory and Group Instruction

For Woodwinds, Brass and Percussion

For Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass

Attend Recitals, Concerts and Masterclasses

Ensemble Opportunities Include Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and Chamber Music

June 7–11 | Ages 6–12

June 13–19 | Grades 9–12

Study Classical and Jazz Styles

PIANO INVITATIONAL June 6–11 | Grades 9–12

Study Classical or Jazz Piano Classes in Music Theory, Sight-Reading, Technique and Improvisation Faculty Recitals and Student Performances

GUITAR CAMP

July 19–23 | Grades 9–12 Group Lessons and Masterclasses Ensemble and Classroom Activities in Improvisation, Music Theory and Technique Faculty and Student Concerts

For more information, cost and registration, visit:

June 20–25 | Grades 9–12

Study Multiple Styles Including Classical, Swing, Celtic, Rock, Jazz and Bluegrass String Orchestra and Small Group Opportunities Available

VOCAL ARTS INTENSIVE

June 27–July 3 | Grades 9–12 Solo, Ensemble and Choral Singing Masterclasses in Classical, Jazz, Musical Theater and Contemporary Styles Elective Classes in Conducting, Music Technology, Audition Tips, Scat Singing and More

BELMONT.EDU/MUSIC

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In Memoriam Jim Duren

James Harvey Duren, Jr., known as Jim or JD to friends and family, passed away after a brief illness on November 5, 2020.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sharon Duren, his son, Jason Duren (Bashan), and beloved granddaughter Ellee Kate Duren.

Jim was born on October 2, 1950 in Gordo, Alabama. He was the Director of Bands at Oak Mountain High School from its opening in the fall of 1999 through the end of the 2011-2012 school year. Prior to Oak Mountain, Mr. Duren was Director of Bands at Mountain Brook Jr. High (19731978), Mountain Brook High School (1978-1987) and Pelham High School (1987 – 1999). During his 39 year career, Mr. Duren’s bands performed throughout the southeastern and midwestern United States, The Bahamas, Toronto and two performances at Carnegie Hall in New York.

Mr. Duren was a graduate of Gordo High School in Pickens County. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama. While at the University, he was a member and student conductor of the “Million Dollar Band,” Principal Trombonist in the Symphonic Band, Bass Trombonist with the Brass Ensemble, Trombone Choir, University Symphony Orchestra, and the Jazz Ensemble. Mr. Duren is a member of the Alabama Music Educators Hall of Fame, the Alabama Bandmasters Association, the National Association for Music Education, the National Band Association, and Phi Beta Mu. In 1996, he was awarded the “John Philip Sousa Legion of Honor Award.” In 1999, he was named “Honorary Conductor” of the University of Alabama Wind Ensemble. In 2011 was awarded the “Outstanding Band Director or the Year” award for the State of Alabama by the Rho ala breve

Gene Gooch

chapter of Phi Beta Mu Band Director’s fraternity as well as being named “Outstanding Alumni” at the University of Alabama in 2011.

Gene Thomas Gooch, 88 of Florence, passed away on Sunday, December 13, 2020.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Virginia Reed Gooch, two children, Michael (Angela), Gena Gooch Cape and beloved granddaughters Lauren and Sarah Catherine.

Gene was born on November 17, 1932 on the U.S. Corps of Engineers Reservation at Florence, Alabama. He was educated in Florence City Schools and graduated from Coffee High School in 1950. He began music study on alto saxophone in 1944 and began the study of bassoon in 1947. He studied bassoon privately with Mr. Pasquale Bria, who was band director in Cullman. He also studied alto saxophone and sousaphone under Mr. Floyd C. McClure, the band director at Coffee High School.

After his first semester at Murray State College in Kentucky, during the Korean War, he joined the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of the Air University’s 604th Air Force Band at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery Alabama and the 584th Air Force Band at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton, Florida. In the Air Force he played bassoon in the concert band and saxophone in the dance band, and acted as drum major in the marching band. During these years he was a member of the Montgomery Symphony and an original member of the Pensacola Symphony. Upon discharge from the Air Force in January of 1955, he enrolled at the University of Alabama. He received the Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education in August, 1957. He played bassoon in the Million Dollar Band,

University Symphony and the University Woodwind Quintet and was drum major of the Million Dollar Band. He also played with the Birmingham Civic Opera orchestra. He was a member of The Capstoners Dance Band, playing alto saxophone. In August, 1960 he received the Master of Arts degree in Music Education from the University of Alabama. In 1957 he became Band Director at Sheffield High School. In 1962 he became Band Director at Colbert County High School. He was appointed Band Director at Appleby Middle School in Florence in 1966. He was appointed Band Director at Coffee High School in 1972. The bands at Coffee High School consistently received Superior ratings at State Band Competitions and at other competitions. Each year there were students selected to participate in the AllState Band Festival. He retired from Coffee High School in 1986 but taught woodwinds at The University of North Alabama as an adjunct faculty member until 2001. He served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Alabama Music Educators Association from 1972 through 1978. In 1979 he became Secretary-Treasurer of the Alabama Bandmasters Association and remained in that position until his retirement from teaching in 1986. In 1991 he was asked to return to service as Executive Secretary of the Alabama Bandmasters Association and remained in that position until 2006. He was a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Phi Beta Mu, the International Bandmasters Fraternity. He was a pastpresident of Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu. He was the first undergraduate at the University of Alabama invited to become a member of Phi Delta Kappa, national education honorary. He is a member of the Phi Beta Mu Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame and the University of Alabama Million Dollar Band Association Hall of Fame.

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Terry Ownby- President, Alabama Bandmasters Association Alabama Bandmasters Association

As we continue to move forward as ABA, the most important thing to remember is to keep YOUR students and their well-being in mind in every decision you make about your band program. The ABA board has worked tirelessly over the past few months to do everything in their power to aid you during this time and for our events. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if there is anything we can do to help you or your program, or if you have any questions. We are here to serve you.

AMEA Conference Wrap-up Thank you to everyone who presented outstanding clinics and to the Hartselle High School Symphonic Band - Randall Key, conductor, and the Enterprise High School Wind Ensemble - Sean Weiler, conductor, for their outstanding performances.

Virtual MPA We have moved the deadline for submissions for approval of a list piece to Joel Henson to March 1. The registration deadline for Virtual MPA is March 12 to Executive Secretary. The submission deadline for materials is April 9.

ABA Updates All-State Festival Our plan at this moment is to have the AllState event as a live event. If this can’t happen, we will move it to a virtual platform for the students to have an all-state experience for 2021.

We will have an All-State event and seat bands for 2021 and students will receive medals for the 2021 event. The board is gathering information for both the in-person event and the virtual event and will make the determination about the event by March 1.

Congratulations to the newly elected ABA officers. They will take office on June 1. They are President-elect – Lori Hart, Recording Secretary – William Mixon, Jazz ChairmanElect – Nick McDonald.

Together we will get through this and we will be stronger, but it will take ALL of us moving forward together. Stay Strong! This is your association. Let us all strive to make it better so that we can serve our students and the bands in our state better. We are ABA and together we CAN do great things!!!!!!

UPCOMING ABA DATES SUMMER CONFERENCE (JUNE 15-17, 2021) HAMPTON INN, ORANGE BEACH, ALABAMA ALL-STATE BAND (APRIL 14-17, 2021) ARTHUR R. OUTLAW MOBILE CONVENTION CENTER, MOBILE, AL ALL-STATE BAND (APRIL 6-10, 2022) ARTHUR R. OUTLAW MOBILE CONVENTION CENTER, MOBILE, AL ALL-STATE BAND (APRIL 27-29 2023) VON BRAUN CENTER-HUNTSVILLE, AL ALL-STATE BAND (APRIL 25-27, 2024) VON BRAUN CENTER-HUNTSVILLE, AL

ABA Legislation: 2021-1 Students Performing in Multiple Bands REMOVE Article XVI. Alabama Bandmasters Music Performance Assessment Section 2. Classifications of Bands i. NO STUDENT MAY PARTICIPATE IN MULTIPLE BANDS. If a director has a special need for a student playing in a second band, that director shall then appear before the Board of Directors at the AMEA In-Service meeting. The director shall present the facts and circumstances prompting the request to the Board at that time. The Board will decide whether to grant the request. The Board shall notify the director immediately after the meeting if possible, but if the situation warrants further study, the director shall be notified within seven (7) days. For any student to qualify to play in a second band, he or she must perform on a second instrument.

ADD Article XVI. Alabama Bandmasters Music Performance Assessment Section 2. Classifications of Bands i No student may perform in multiple bands. i An exception may be requested if the student(s) performing in multiple bands are officially enrolled in each of the band classes corresponding to the bands with which they are to perform. Directors may request an exception by submitting official school rosters with an administrator’s signature to the Vice-President for approval no later than the third Friday in January. If approved, this request is valid for one year only and must be requested again for any exceptions during subsequent years. ii If a director has a special need for student(s) to perform in multiple bands and the student(s) are not enrolled in each band class, that director shall then appear before the Board of Directors at the AMEA In-Service meeting. The director shall present the facts and circumstances prompting the request to the Board at that time. The Board will decide whether to grant the request. The Board shall notify the director immediately after the meeting if possible, but if the situation warrants further study, the director shall be notified within seven (7) days.

Rationale: The purpose of the Alabama Bandmasters Music Performance Assessment is to give bands the opportunity to be evaluated and critiqued by a panel of qualified adjudicators. A band is comprised of all the students enrolled in the band. Students enrolled in multiple bands should receive the opportunity to be evaluated and critiqued by a panel of qualified adjudicators.

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2021 All-State Band Clinicians Red Band Colonel Thomas Palmatier culminated a distinguished military career spanning more than 37 years as the Leader and Commander of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” the largest military music unit in the United States and was the senior musician in the U.S. Armed Forces. He is now able to dedicate his efforts to music education and to maximizing the success of arts organizations as a clinician, guest conductor, and consultant.

Previously he commanded the Musical Ambassadors of the Army, The U.S. Army Field Band, being the first Officer to command the Army’s two top premier bands. Colonel Palmatier is an active clinician, guest conductor, and consultant on organizational structures and leadership around the world. Colonel Palmatier has received numerous awards and recognitions. Military awards include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, three awards of the Legion of Merit, and seven Meritorious Service Medals. He was the first Army Music Officer to earn both Parachutist and Air Assault badges and earned the right to wear a Combat Service Identification Badge for service in El Salvador and Iraq. He is a member of the American Bandmasters Association and a Director of the John Phillip Sousa Foundation, as well as an Honorary Life Member and Past President of the North American Brass Band Association. He has been inducted into several “Halls of Fame” for his achievements.

White Band Brian Balmages is an award-winning composer and conductor whose music has been performed throughout the world with commissions ranging from elementary schools to professional orchestras.

World premieres have included prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. His music was also performed as part of the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service, which was attended by both President Obama and Vice President Biden. He is a recipient of the prestigious A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association and in 2016 was awarded the James Madison University Distinguished Alumni Award from the School of Visual and Performing Arts (the first year the award was given). In the same year, he was commissioned by his other alma mater, the University of Miami, to compose music for the inauguration of the institution’s 6th president, Dr. Julio Frenk. Currently, he is Director of Instrumental Publications for The FJH Music Company and Assistant Director of Bands and Orchestras at Towson University.

Blue Band Corey Spurlin serves as Marching Band Director and Associate Professor at Auburn University. In addition to his work with the Sudler-winning Auburn Marching Band, Dr. Spurlin conducts the Concert Band and teaches courses in music history and marching band techniques. Under his direction, the Auburn University Marching Band, with 380 students, has the largest membership in university history and has performed twice at the Southeastern Conference Championship and BCS National Championship Games, as well as the Sugar Bowl, Chick-fil-a Bowl, Outback Bowl, Birmingham Bowl, and overseas at the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland. In addition to his work at Auburn, Dr. Spurlin serves as the Southern Division Chair for the National Band Association, and he is active throughout the U.S. as a conducting and marching band clinician and adjudicator. ala breve

He has conducted collegiate honor bands at the University of Georgia (JanFest), West Virginia University, and Southern Illinois University, and he recently served as a marching band adjudicator for the University of Missouri and for UIL Texas State Finals in the Alamo Dome in San Antonio. He is published in four volumes of Teaching Music Through Performance in Band, in the National Band Association Journal, and he is a contributing author for the marching band textbook The System by Gary Smith. In addition, he serves as the head drill design clinician and lecturer at the Smith Walbridge Camps at Eastern Illinois University.

Middle School Band Randall Standridge (b.1976) received his Bachelor’s of Music Education from Arkansas State University.

In 2001, he began his tenure as Director of Bands at Harrisburg High School in Harrisburg, Arkansas.

He left this post in 2013 to pursue a career as a fulltime composer and marching band editor for Grand Mesa Music Publishers. Mr. Standridge is currently published by Grand Mesa Music, Alfred Music, FJH Music, Wingert-Jones Music, Band Works Publications, Twin Towers Music, and Northeastern Music Publications. Mr. Standridge’s music is performed internationally. He has had numerous works selected to the J.W. Pepper’s editor’s choice. His composition Snake Charmer, published by Grand Mesa Music, was included in Teaching Music through Performance in Band Vol. 8, and his work Gently Blows the Summer Wind is included in Teaching Music Through Performance in Middle School Band. His works Steel, Gadget, Snake Charmer, The Rowan Tree, Still Still Still, That Old Hound Dog Rag, Danse Bohémien, Aggressivo, When the Spring Rain Begins to Fall, Danse Carnivale, Ruckus, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Angelic Celebrations, Extremis, Darklands Legends, DarkHeart, Companion of My Voice, Kinetic Dances, Brave Spirit, Frogs, Under the Cherry Blossoms, Dark Ride, Four: On a Remix of Beethoven, Imaginarium, and In the Court of the King have been performed at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. He lives in Jonesboro, Arkansas with his family.

Middle School Band Arris Golden is the Assistant Director of Bands and Associate Director of the Spartan Marching Band at Michigan State University. In this capacity, Dr. Golden teaches courses in conducting, marching band techniques, conducts Spartan Brass, conducts the Spartan Youth Wind Symphony, and is coordinator of the MSU Performing Arts Camps. Before joining the faculty at Michigan State University, Golden was a member of the conducting faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she served as the Assistant Director of University Bands. Prior to her collegiate appointments, Dr. Golden had a distinguished 18-year teaching career in the public schools of North Carolina. In her last public school assignment, Dr. Golden served eight years as the director of bands at Gravelly Hill Middle School in Efland, North Carolina. During her tenure, she conducted a nationally recognized middle school concert band that participated in featured performances at the North Carolina Music Educators Association annual conference, in Winston Salem, North Carolina (2010) and at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, in Chicago, Illinois (2012). Dr. Golden holds degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She recently completed the doctor of musical arts in wind conducting from Michigan State University as a 2014 recipient of a Michigan State University Distinguished Fellowship.

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Utilizing iReal Pro

by Dr. Matt Leder

These are strange times! Motivation and productivity fall upon the individual even more so than ever before. Educators have had to think “outside of the box” to keep music programs moving forward. During this time of social distancing, educators have had to depend on technology more than ever. Creativity is crucial in keeping our students engaged. Let’s face it. Many of us are not able to perform and others are not able to meet as a full ensemble due to current restrictions. No worries, there are creative solutions. Everyone carries a cell phone these days and we probably spend too much time on them. However, there are some ways we can use our phones to be productive. iReal Pro is a $13.99 App that is available on iOs, Android, and Mac. It has been around for several years, but there may be some that are either not aware of the App or not sure how to utilize it for students. This App is a collection of chordal charts with an autoaccompaniment application, similar to Band in the Box. The user can select a chart and press Play and iReal Pro plays a threeinstrument backing track – bass, drums, and piano (or guitar). The user can then play or sing along with the virtual band. Once purchased, the user can download numerous tunes in the jazz, Brazilian, Latin, blues, pop and country categories through online forums for free. The gigging musician may have seen rhythm section players using this App as a guide for playing changes on a gig.

I’m not sure I would use this App to play a solo gig, but it is a great practice tool.

There are several ways educators and students can use this App beyond using it as a Karaoke machine to run through various tunes. Users can change styles, tempos, or meters of existing preset tunes. A user could alter the accompaniment to include only drums. This is done by muting the bass and 22

piano (or guitar). Have students run scales, patterns, tunes, or charts using the drummer as a metronome. Running scale drills with a swing, Latin, or funk groove may inspire or challenge a student. A user doesn’t have to use the iReal Pro app just for commercial music!

There is a function on the App to visually show piano voicings or guitar tabs to presented tunes. The user can also mute the drums or bass so that they are “sitting in” without the piano or guitar performing.

Muting the chordal and drums creates a track with just the bass. This has a nice sound and would be beneficial for a number of students. Muting the drums allows your student drummers to have an accompanying track. Remember, you can use this on a number of tunes and styles (not just jazz).

There is a function that suggests scales to perform over each chord for the developing improviser. However, keep in mind that while scales are beneficial to understanding some of the harmony, it is not a substitution for developing melodic content. If there is a section of the tune that needs to be looped for melodic or improvisational practice, it can be done. Would you like even more of a challenge? There are functions that change the key after each time through the form.

There are ways to change the meter of a tune. There are many ways to make practicing productive and fun. Hal Crook has a great book, “Ready Aim Improvise”, and in it he states that musicians should ‘limit” themselves or put parameters around their particular practice session to tackle specific concepts. Develop your own exercises for yourselves or your students.

If students are working on a tune that is not included in the library of tunes in the data base, the user can input chord changes. The user can also program introductions and

email the finished chordal chart to others.

The user can also create a play along in the style, tempo, meter, and key they desire. This play-along can be sent to other users.

Imagine the possibilities! You have purchased a new chart, or a student has composed an original. You would like them to shed their parts at home, so you email the chords and the play along in a mp3 or .wav file. Perhaps you send reference YouTube performance examples from the masters for examples of style. This is great, but your vocalist can’t sing the tune well in the proposed key. Change the key and send it to everyone. Have the students create free YouTube accounts and send you links to “unsolicited” videos of their recording assignment that they recorded on their phones.

There are several YouTube instructional videos on how to use each of these iReal Pro functions. It is a very user-friendly App. This is but one example of how we can use our phones to stay productive. YouTube, tuners, online private instruction, or even the very basic idea of videotaping yourself performing in practice sessions helps keep us “on track”. Checks and balances are important in the path of success.

Remember, education never ends for anyone. Education is not a race. It is a marathon…enjoy the journey! Stay productive, stay positive, stay curious, keep shedding, and keep swingin’! I can’t wait to see everyone on the other side of better!

In the spirit of swing, Dr. Matt Leder February/March 2021

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Choral Music Reviews

by Dr. William Powell

The Sound of Pipe and Drum (Je Ne Fus Jamais Si Aise) Pierre Certon (ca. 1510-1572) Edited and arranged by Linda Spevacek for TB Chorus (also available for SATB, SSA, and Two-part) with optional original French text, optional consort of recorders, continuo, and small percussion Text by Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) Heritage Music Press / Lorenz Corporation Duration: Approximately 1:00 Without a doubt, this moderately easy song makes a delightful opener. Although it can be sung without accompaniment, it works quite well with the optional instruments, especially the percussion. The editor provides the original French text which appears in the score with the English text. As with most choral translations, the English is “not meant to be an exact literal translation of the French.” It does, however, convey the general idea of the original meaning.

Choral teachers will find several musical concepts to reinforce or introduce to their students such as polyphonic texture, the melodic minor scale, metric pulse in 2, etc. The notes move mostly in stepwise motion with occasional skips to accommodate cadences. The rhythms are easy to read in 4 meter, and translate well when reading in 2 meter. The editor provides a foundation for discussion of the historical nature of the song and how chansons (and madrigals) functioned.

The suggested consort consists of two recorders, continuo (cello or synthesizer), and small percussion (hand drum, tambourine, and finger cymbals). As is common practice in music of the Renaissance, the melodic instruments double the voice parts. Therefore, if the recorders are not available, one would do well with just the percussion instruments.

FRENCH TEXT

Paraphrased English Translation

Je ne fus jamais si aise que j’ai été depuis trois jours, j’ai dansé tout à mon aise, au son des fifres et tambours.

Ah! Mon ami, et la la la, que j’étais aise, que j’étais aise, et la la la, et la la, que j’étais aise, de danser ainsi tous ces jours, au son des fifres et tambours!

Come, my merry lads and lasses, Sing to the tune, fee-fi-fo-fum.

Dance to the rhythm of the season, Move to the sound of pipe and drum.

Come, all my friends, fa la la la.

Let music move you, uplift and move you.

Fa la la la la la la la, let music move you, Uplift and move you, Dance to the sound of pipe and drum

Oculi omnium (Grace) Alexander L’Estrange (b. 1974) for SATB divisi chorus alexanderlestrangeshop.com Duration: Approximately 2:50 It is helpful to know initially that this music is currently only available through digital download from the site given above. Regardless, the composer provides a stunning musical setting for the Latin text, yielding a composition that probably sounds slightly more difficult than how it appears in print. There is some divisi which occurs in the latter half of the composition, and primarily in the treble voices. The major tonality is consistent throughout, but with lush harmonic layers in select moments.

Despite the changing meter and mixed tuplets, the rhythms are straight forward for each voice part. Expressive tempo changes seem to be one of the primary compositional devices, and the composer provides clear indications for each of the tempo changes (there are nine over the span of 40 measures). The choral conductor should, therefore, assume that a strict tempo from beginning to end is in direct opposition to the composer’s intent.

FRENCH TEXT

Paraphrased English Translation

Oculi omnium in te respiciunt, Domine.

Tu das escam illis tempore opportuno.

Aperis manum tuam, et imples omne animal benediction tua.

Benedicas nobis, Deus, omnibus donis quae de tua beneficentia accepturi simus.

Per Jesum Christum dominum nostrum, Amen.

The eyes of the world look up to Thee, O Lord. Thou givest them food in due season. Thou openest Thy hand and fillest every creature with Thy blessing.

Bless us, O God, with all the gifts which by Thy good works we are about to receive.

Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Amen.

ala breve

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General Music Reviews

by Deanna Bell

“I’ve Got the Rhythm” Connie Schofield- Morrison Illustrated by Frank Morrison

By Deanna Bell, Music Teacher at Vestavia Hills Elementary East, Adjunct Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

https://www.westmusic.com/children-s-literature/846574 Item No. 846574 “I Got the Rhythm”

By Schofield-Morrison, Connie “I Got the Rhythm” explores the different sounds of a neighborhood. It takes us on a journey of sound, rhythm, and dance. This is a lively story about a mother and daughter walking through a park. We learn on their walk that music and rhythm are everywhere.

One could easily create an ostinato and add rhythm instruments to play along with the sounds in the story. Students can move with the beat and read along with the sounds. They can create their own chants and rhythms to add to the story based on sounds from their neighborhoods. This will be a great addition to any rhythm study or performance.

I hope this book will bring joy to your classroom and you will “boom box, beam bop,” all the way to summer!

Love, Deanna Bell

Orff News:

Kodály News:

AL AOSA Spring Workshop March 6, 2021, 9-11 and 12-2, Virtual Manju Durairaj Free for all local members.

SHAKE “Kodály Goes Virtual” April 10, 2021, 9:30-11:00 Members Meeting and Share Session Free for everyone

Register Here: https://sites.google.com/view/alabamaaosa/home/springworkshop?authuser=0

Visit our Website: https://sites.google.com/view/alabamakodaly/home

Visit Our Website:

SHAKE Fall Workshop TBA, Lea Hoppe

Orff Levels I and III: Samford University, June 2021 Contact: msoja@samford.edu

Kodály Levels I, II, and III: University of Montevallo, July 2021 Contact: ahalliday@montevallo.edu

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DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC MUSIC THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR WORLD

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B

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Marching Scarlet & Grey

Huntingdon Winds & Jazz

HUNTINGDON BANDS

BallHawks Pep Band

Huntingdon College Bands @huntingdonbands

Honor Bands: huntingdon.edu/bands Email: hcbands@hawks.huntingdon.edu

Huntingdon College is committed to a policy against legally impermissible, arbitrary, or unreasonable discriminatory practices.

Huntingdon College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and the Associate of Arts. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Huntingdon College.

The Huntingdon College music program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

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Serving the South’s Bands & Orchestras since 1905

Montgomery 3030 East Blvd 334.271.2787

800-341-2787

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Birmingham

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4647-O Hwy 280S 205.995.8376

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