May/June 2011 Ala Breve

ala breve the official publication of the Alabama Music Educators Association

Inside ...

ABA, AOA, AVA All-State Photos The “Glee” Effect Recruiting Tips from Phi Beta Mu Advocacy: Use it or Lose it Campus Connections Much, Much More! www.alabamamea.org

S u m mer 2011

AMEA Governing Board 2010-11

nt Preside n cLendo M Steve hool c S High n a th o D t.

Oates S 1236 S. 301 , AL 36 Dothan aol.com rband@ dhstige School 94-0146 (334) 7

Preside nt, ABA Chuck E ady Pleasan t Grove High Sc 100 Spa hool rtan Driv e Pleasan t Grove , AL 35 (205) 3 127 79-5250 School (205) 8 07-4311 Cell chuckea dy@aol. com

nt, AVA Preside well Jane Po School Middle e c n e r Flo Street Cherry 648 N. 5633 e, AL 3 Florenc Office 68-2460 (256) 7 Fax 68-3105 (256) 7 rg o lavocal. jane@a

Past Pr esident Pat Steg all Muscle Shoals High Sc 1900 Av hool alon Av enue Muscle Shoals, AL 356 pstegall 61 t @mscs nt-Elec .k 12.al.us (256) 3 Preside 89-2682 mack School chool Sara Wo entary S m le E e n Greysto eet lage Str 47 il V 300 5242-64 m, AL 3 a h g in Birm 39-3200 (205) 4 .net ack@att m o w a r a s

nt, AOA Preside ilson Marcy W x 11121 1 P.O. Bo N 3740 ooga, T Chattan ll e C 37-6500 n.com (423) 6 onwilso y n e k @ n mwilso

Preside nt, Elem /Gen Sharon McCan n A ugust Liberty Park Ele mentary 17051 L School iberty P arkway Birming ham, A L 35242 (205) 4 02-5400 School (205) 9 87-5867 H ome (205) 9 36-3620 C ell sharona ug.@gm ail.com

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

Execut ive Dir ector Editor, Ala Bre ve Garry T aylor 1600 M anor Dr. NE Cullma n, AL 3 5 0 tary 55 (256) 6 g Secre 36-2754 ecordin R amea@ allahan bellsou Carla G th.net , ith Hall 212 Sm y it s niver Troy U L 36082 Troy, A School 0-3502 7 6 ) 4 3 (3 y.edu an@tro cgallah

Treasu rer Karen H ickok Northsid e Interm ediate S 601 No chool rth 5th Street Opelika , AL 36 801 (334) 7 45-9731 hickokk aren@b ellsouth .net

ucation her Ed ig H , t n Preside ps y Philli th o Tim y niversit Troy U ll a ith H 227 Sm L 36082 Troy, A 70-3190 (334) 6 troy.edu 6791@ 1 s p li il tph

ENC nt, CM Preside rks pa Taylor S samford.edu @ s k atspar

Collegia te MEN C Advis Moya N or ordlund Samfor d Unive rsity School of the A r ts/ Divisio n of Mu s ic 800 Lak eshore D rive Birming ham, A L 3 5229 (205) 7 26-2651 minord lu@sam ford.edu

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

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 four times a year (August, October, February & May) 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.

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ala breve Official Publication of the Alabama Music Educators Association

Summer 2011

News/Features 3 8-9 11 13 14 16 20 22 26 31 33 34

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13 ect f f E e le The G 16

...............................................................AMEA Governing Board Directory .........................................................................................Calendar of Events .....................................................................................AOA All-State Photos .....................................................................................AVA All-State Photos ...............................................................................AVA All-State Clinicians ............................Glee: Making A Difference for America’s Music Students? ..............................................................................................Take the Wheel ......................................................................Phi Beta Mu “Tips That Click” ...........................................................................Advocacy: Use It or Lose It ....................................................................................ABA All-State Photos ..................................................Noteworthy: Foley Band “Lights Up” Texas .....................................................................................Campus Connections

Departments

6 ...............................................................................................................President 10 ...................................................................................................................AOA 12 ....................................................................................................................AVA 19.............................................................................................Elementary/General 24 ...............................................................................................................................HED 30....................................................................................................................ABA

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Forms

Advocacy 26 31 33 ala breve

14 .....................................................................2012 Call for Clinic Sessions Form 15 ...................................................................2012 Performance Application Form 36 ...................................................Outstanding Music Educator Nomination Form 39 ......................................................Outstanding Administrator Nomination Form 40..............................................................Barbara Odom Award Nomination Form 41 ...............................................................AMEA Hall of Fame Nomination Form

Advertisers American College of Musicians.. ..........19 Arts Music Shop.......................back cover Auburn University Music ........................2 Auburn University Summer Camps.........6 AWB Apparel/Wayne Broom ................32 Fruhauf Uniforms...................................18 Gadsden Music.......................................38 Huntingdon College...............................25

Jefferson CVB..................................29 John M. Long School of Music........35 Macie Publishing Company..............37 Superscope..........................................3 UNA Music.......................................17 USA Department of Music.................4 Yamaha...............................................7

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Steve McLendon AMEA President

...let’s remind each other that our work does matter. Our sacrifices do count for something, and our children are better for it.

personal time again?” As colleagues, let’s remind each other that our work does matter. Our sacrifices do count for something, and our children are better for it.

Spring is, indeed, one of my favorite times of year. Mother Nature is affording mild temperatures and colorful blooms outside, while inside my students are teasing me by behaving as if they’ve actually heard some of what I’ve been saying all year. I can see and hear their improvement since the fall, and perhaps more importantly, I sense that they can too.

It was very rewarding to see so many of Alabama’s student musicians involved at each division’s All-State event. I know that for most of us, “All-State” translates into: “Will I ever have any

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Thank you for taking the time to peruse this digital version of Ala Breve.

You’ll want to note that AMEA Session Proposal forms and AMEA Performance applications are in this issue. The deadline of June 1st is fast approaching.

Our professional conference is successful each year because you choose to participate. I encourage you to submit your ideas for sessions. Chances are that, in the past year, you heard a performance from an Alabama school ensemble that was exceptional. Take a moment to contact their director and encourage them to apply for a performance slot.

I hope the end of this school year leaves you with fond memories and unbridled optimism for your future plans. Enjoy the summer!

Membership Questions Address Changes Add an Email Address Contact MENC 1-800-828-0229 mbrserv@menc.org

May/June 2011

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AMEA Division Events

2010 - 2011

Alabama Bandmasters Association AMEA In-Service Conference/All-State Jazz Band January 20-22, 2011 - Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center All-State Solo Festival April 13, 2011 - Mobile

District I

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

All-State Band Festival April 14-16, 2011 - Mobile Summer In-Service Conference June 22-23, Hampton Inn and Suites, Orange Beach

January 29...........................................Brewer High School February 18-19...............................Bob Jones High School February 24-25..............................................Huntsville HS March 24-25......................................................Decatur HS April 2..............................................Hartselle High School April 30...........................................Liberty Middle School

District II

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

January 15..................................Jacksonville High School February 23-25.........................Gadsden City High School March 25-26..........................Albertville Fine Arts CenterApril 30........................................................................TBA

District III

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

January 29...............................Muscle Shoals High School February 18-19.................................Florence High School March 9-11.......................................Florence High School May 7.........................Muscle Shoals Middle School

District IV

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

District V

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

January 15...........................................Hoover High School January 28-29...............................Homewood High School February 22-24.............................Homewood High School March 8-10..................................................................TBA December 14.........................Clay-Chalkville High School May 7.........................................Thompson Middle School January 29........................................Prattville High School February 18-19.......................University of West Alabama February 23-24...................Moody, University of Alabama March 8............................................Prattville High School April 26.........................................Hillcrest Middle School

District VI

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

January 29..........................................Opelika High School February 25-26...................................Auburn High School March 5................................... Auburn Junior High School March 8-10.........................................Opelika High School April 2......................................................St. James School

District VII

All-State Band Auditions State MPA Solo & Ensemble Festival

January 15.......................................Davidson High School March 23-25......................................Daphne High School April 30......................................Alma Bryant High School May 7...........................................Robertsdale High School

District VIII

All-State Band Auditions State MPA District Honor Band

January 29....................................................................TBA February 22-24...............................Enterprise High School February 25-26............................................................TBA May 7.............................................Andalusia High School May 14............................................Rehobeth High School

Solo & Ensemble Festival

Alabama Orchestra Association AMEA Conference January 20-22, 2011 Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center

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All-State Orchestra Festival University of Alabama February 10-13, 2011

May/June 2011

Alabama Vocal Association Fall Workshop - September 10-11, 2009 - Dawson Baptist Church, Homewood All-State Show Choir Auditions - October 7-9, 2010 - Hueytown First United Methodist Church AMEA/Show Choir - January 20-22, 2010 - Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center FAME - January 21, 2011 - Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center All-State - March 24-26, 2011 - Samford University, Birmingham OCS/OA at All-State - March 23-26, 2011 - Samford University ASSC at All-State - March 24, 2011 - Samford University All-State Auditions - November 11 - Florence High School/Florence Middle School November 12-13 - Mayfair Church of Christ, Huntsville November 15 - Spring Hill Baptist Church, Mobile November 16 - Montgomery, TBA November 17 - Hueytown United Methodist Church November 18 - Gadsden City High School November 19 - Hueytown United Methodist Church

District I

Music Ed Scholarship OA & OCS State Choral Performance Assessment Spring S&E

Decatur High School.....................................November 4 Decatur High School.......................................January 13 First Baptist, Decatur.....................................February 10 Highland Baptist, Florence............................February 11 Highland Baptist, Florence..................................April 26

District II

Music Ed Scholarship, OA & OCS Spring S&E State Choral Performance Assessment

Tuscaloosa County High School...................November 30 Tuscaloosa County High School.............................April 5 TBA............................................................................TBA

District III

Music Ed Scholarship, OA & OCS Spring S&E State Choral Performance Assessment

Liberty Park MS ...............................................January 11 Mortimer Jordan High School.............................March 29 Mt. Vernon Methodist, Gardendale..................April 11-13

District IV

Fall S&E Music Ed Scholarship, OA & OCS State Choral Performance Assessment Spring S&E

Gadsden City HS..............................................October 28 Oxford High School..........................................January 11 Gadsden City High School...............................March 9-10 Gadsden City High School....................................April 21

District V

Music Ed Scholarship, OA & OCS State Choral Performance Assessment Spring S&E

Madison Academy.............................................January 10 Columbia High School...............................February 14-15 Willowbrook Baptist Church...........................April 25-26

District VI

Music Ed Scholarship, OA & OCS Spring S&E State Choral Performance Assessment

Tallassee High School.........................................January 5 First Baptist Church, Tallassee................................April 5 First Baptist Church, Tallassee................................April 5

District VII

Music Ed Scholarship, OA & OCS Fall S&E Spring S&E State Choral Performance Assessment

UMS Wright....................................................December 2 Spring Hill Baptist..........................................November 2 Spring Hill Baptist...........................................February 18 Spring Hill Baptist...........................................April 14-15

Elementary/General Division March 5-AOSA Workshop with BethAnn Hepburn at Minor Community School – 9:00-3:00.

May 6-7-ACDA Young Voices at Auburn University.

June 6-17-Orff Schulwerk Level II Certification at Samford University.

June 20-24-AL AOSA Music Camp at Trinity United Methodist Church.

October 7-AMEA Elementary Music Festival with Dena Byers at the Wright Center, Samford University.

October 8-AMEA/AOSA Joint Workshop with Dena Byers at Samford University.

November 9-12-AOSA 2011 Professional Development Conference in Pittsburg, PA. ala breve

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Alabama Orchestra Association Marcy Wilson, President

...welcome our new executive board for the 2011-2013 term, President Clay McKinney, Secretary Felicia Sarubin, Treasurer Daniel Jamieson, and Executive Director Julie Hornstein.

As the end of the school year approaches, I am reminded that it is time to renew membership for MENC. In order to sponsor a student for the 2012 AllState Festival, you must be a MENC member in good standing.

Session proposals and performance applications are due June 1 st for the 2012 AMEA conference. AOA sponsored several great sessions last year, and I know we will continue that great tradition this year.

deadlines. We are also on Facebook! Please become a fan of AOA and automatically receive updates and reminders about deadlines.

Audition excerpts will be posted August 1 st , and we will also be unveiling our new on-line registration the same day. Registering for auditions on-line will allow teachers and parents to receive audition times faster.

The option to register by mail will still be available.

Information about auditions is located on our website at www.alabamaorchestraassociation.org. Please visit the website often to receive updates and reminders about

It has been my distinct honor to serve as President of AOA for the past two years and to serve on the governing board for the past four years. It has truly been a humbling experience, and I know that AOA will continue to promote the best in music education.

Thank you to all AOA members and the AOA executive board for all your support and encouragement during my term as president.

The general membership would like to welcome our new executive board for the 2011-2013 term, President Clay McKinney, Secretary, Felicia Sarubin, Treasurer, Daniel Jamieson, and Executive Director Julie Hornstein.

AMEA Presidents - Past to Present 1946 1948 1950 1952 1954 1956 1958 1960 1962 1964 1966 1968 1970 1972 1974 1975 1976 10

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 Frances P. Moss George Hammett Frances P. Moss S. J. Allen

1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010

W. Frank McArthur, Jr. Paul Hall Lacey Powell, Jr. Johnny Jacobs Merilyn Jones Ronald D. Hooten Ken Williams Dianne Johnson James K. Simpson Johnnie Vinson Michael Meeks John McAphee, Jr. Tony Pike Becky Rodgers John Baker Pat Stegall Steve McLendon May/June 2011

AOA All-State 2011

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Alabama Vocal Association Jane Powell, President As I write this article I am still very much reflecting on the recent All-State Choir Festival.

What an incredible experience for all of the AVA membership and students. The students were so privileged to work with these gifted clinicians. We are all encouraged to be better teachers for having had this opportunity to learn from them and experience the passion that they each bring to this art. Thank you seems like two very small words to fully express the gratitude we feel in Alabama for these fine musicians and the time they spent with us.

It has been an honor this school year to have worked closely with teachers who are veterans in the field of music education as well as the new teachers just beginning their careers in this wonderful profession. I commend the teachers who have shared their passion for music unselfishly for many years and the bright young stars who will also share their individual unique styles for years to come.

These teachers are offering many students the opportunity to excel in various forms of choral music. Each teacher brings to the classroom their own unique style and emphasis. One thing that I know is that these educators, through music, are profoundly impacting their students, their schools and their communities. It is this knowledge that leaves me very troubled by the bills that are before our legislators at this time. We simply must stand up for ourselves and our programs and make every effort to protect ourselves and the students we teach. If you have not taken time to contact a senator or house member please do not hesitate any longer to let your voice be heard.

AVA is moving forward with an advocacy campaign that will be unveiled very soon.

We are committed to providing each choral director with the necessary information that can be shared with

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administrators, parents, community leaders, and legislators. Even though we are in the early stages of the campaign we do have a slogan……Don’t Silence Their Voices! We are committed to LEADING the fight to save our choral programs that are such a vital part of the daily education process!!

Call For Sessions: For those of you interested in bringing your choral group to perform at the 2012 AMEA conference or presenting a session it is important that you be aware of the deadlines. The deadline for submitting session proposals and performance applications for the 2012 AMEA conference is June 1! I encourage as many as will to apply.

Also, the deadline for submitting award nominations is July 15. These awards include, Outstanding Administrator, Outstanding Music Educator, and the Distinguished Service Award.

You can find the necessary forms and instructions in this issue of the ala breve.

Don’t forget to renew your MENC membership so that you can participate in all AVA activities for the upcoming year.

Your membership will expire on June 30 and forms have already gone out electronically so it would be a good idea to take care of this now!

The AMEA Board would like to encourage as many music educators as possible to attend MENC Week in Washington, DC the week of June 24 – 28.

You can find all the necessary information on the MENC website. All AVA members could benefit greatly from such a trip and one of the highlights of the trip is a visit to Capitol Hill and an opportunity to let our Alabama voices be heard.

addresses and make sure the correct area/s of interest are checked.

2)Update your AVA profile by logging in to alavocal.org. and clicking “up-date” on the homepage. If you have forgotten your user name and password you can obtain a reminder from the webmaster by email, cathy@alavocal.org. Many AVA members have never entered information into this database and we need you to do this. To do so, click “sign-up” on the homepage and follow the instructions.

June 5 – 8 are the dates for the Summer Board Meeting of the AVA Governing Board. The board will be evaluating the first year of the State Choral Performance Assessment at this meeting. We will also be putting the final touches on the new adjudication forms that will be used during the 2011-12 school year. There are samples of the forms on the website.

Please take the time to study these forms.

If you have comments or suggestions concerning the assessment, the new forms, or any other AVA concerns, please contact your district chair so that he/she can bring those before the board. If there is anything that you would like to put on the board meeting agenda please send an electronic request to jane@alavocal.org no later than June 1.

I wish for you fun filled days with your students as we close out the remainder of this school year. I hope your concerts are memorable for all of the right reasons! I thank you for your participation in all AVA events this year and look forward to seeing you and working with you and your students again during the 2011-12 school year.

Jane Powell, AVA President

Two profile areas that need your attention: 1) Update your MENC profile by logging in to the MENC website and clicking “member services.”

It’s especially important to update email and mailing

May/June 2011

AVA All-State 2011

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C ALL F OR S ESSION P ROPOSALS 2012 In-Service Conference January 19 -21 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

_____ Alabama Bandmasters Association

_____ Higher Education

_____ Collegiate (CMENC)

_____ Alabama Orchestra Association

_____ Elementary/General

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

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

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

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

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

Please attach a black and white photograph and clinician biography (100 words or less) Submit to: Garry Taylor, Executive Director 1600 Manor Drive, Cullman, AL 35055 NO LATER THAN JUNE 1, 2011 14

May/June 2011

P ERFORMANCE A PPLICATION 2012 In-Service Conference January 19-21 Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center Name of Ensemble __________________________________________________________________________________ Current # of Members ________________________________________Age Level of Ensemble ___________________ School ____________________________________________________ Director _______________________________ Address ___________________________________________________ City ______________________Zip _________ Phone: School (_____) _______________________________________ Cell (_____)____________________________ Email ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Applying for:_____ Stage Performance

_____ Lobby Performance (chamber groups, etc. - no percussion ensembles or jazz bands.

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

_____ Alabama Bandmasters Association

_____ Higher Education

_____ Collegiate (CMENC)

_____ Alabama Orchestra Association

_____ Elementary/General

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

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

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

• Directors of performing groups must be members of MENC/AMEA and must register for the conference.

• Directors must agree to adhere to performance stage time limits, as set forth in the conference schedule.

• Directors will be notified of selection by July 30, 2011.

I have read the above conditions, and if selected, agree to abide by them.

Director’s Signature_________________________________________________________________________ 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:

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Garry Taylor, Executive Director Alabama Music Educators Association 600 Manor Drive NE Cullman, AL 35055 DEADLINE: JUNE 1, 2011 15

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MENC: The National Association for Music Education Explores “The Glee Effect” on Nation’s School Music Ensembles RESTON, VA (February 4, 2011) — MENC: The National Association for Music Education announced a nationwide poll of music educators on “The Glee Effect” to explore how the program may influence student involvement in school music programs.

The poll was launched in response to numerous inquiries from the press and to a multitude of online conversations about the television program and others like it. As the poll was launched, MENC President Scott C. Shuler discussed what the existence of Glee may mean to music programs.

“MENC applauds Glee and its creators for showing millions of people each week how music benefits kids,” said Shuler. “Through the show’s portrayal of a high school show choir, Glee demonstrates how music education lifts and inspires students, in many cases providing the main reason they are excited about school. Music also provides these students with skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and in life – learning to sing or play an instrument helps young people develop creativity, critical thinking, literacy, and teamwork skills.

“No wonder schools that have strong music programs report higher graduation rates and fewer dropouts than those that don’t,” continued Shuler, Arts Consultant for the Connecticut State Department of Education Bureau of Accountability and Improvement.

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s? t n e d sic Stu

Mu s s ’ a c i Amer

“Learning music is even associated with higher education and income levels later in life. For today’s students to succeed tomorrow, they need a comprehensive education that includes music taught by exemplary music educators. We would be delighted if the success of Glee results in citizens around the country contacting their local school boards in support of their school music programs.”

When asked about some of the aspects of Glee that have been considered controversial in some quarters, Shuler commented, “The show deserves credit for featuring a wide variety of music performed with exceptional skill and expressiveness. As in real school ensembles, Glee’s students draw on the camaraderie and support of their teacher and fellow musicians to overcome personal challenges, find a place within their school where they fit in, and achieve excellence. The behavior of fictional characters, like that of real students, sometimes falls short of the ideal, but viewers understand that Glee is a television show, not reality. In real life, music students work incredibly hard to make sure they each perform their part in school ensembles to the best of their ability. That kind of sustained, detail-oriented practice is difficult to portray on a fast-paced television show.

Real school musicians are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. And of course, in the real world, the choir would be a course that meets during the school day, not an after-school club, and the director would be a highly-trained, certified music educator, not a mysteriously gifted Spanish teacher!

teachers continue to provide inspiring ensembles like this all across our country, in spite of budget cuts that sometimes undermine the quality of music programs. We’re grateful to the teachers and supportive parents who strive to overcome difficult situations to make sure kids get to experience the benefits of learning music.”

MENC: The National Association for Music Education, among the world's largest arts education organizations, marked its centennial in 2007 as the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. Through membership of more than 75,000 active, retired, and pre-service music teachers, and with 60,000 honor students and supporters, MENC serves millions of students nationwide through activities at all teaching levels, from preschool to graduate school. MENC's mission is to advance music education by encouraging the study and making of music by all.

Since 1907, MENC has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and highquality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. MENC's activities and resources have been largely responsible for the establishment of music education as a profession, for the promotion and guidance of music study as an integral part of the school curriculum, and for the development of the National Standards for Arts Education. MENC is located in Reston, VA.

“Fortunately for students, music May/June 2011

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>ITH <DII6 7: I=: EAJB:

There’s something about a band in Fruhauf uniforms - stealing the show and owning the field. At Fruhauf, we put 100 years of craftsmanship into every design. From the plumed shakos to the shine of the shoes, Fruhauf turns every band member into a superstar.

800.858.8050 | www.fruhauf.com Manufactured in the U.S.A.

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May/June 2011

Elementary/General Division Sharon August, President I am pleased to recognize the 2011-13 slate of officers elected by the membership at the Elementary/General Business meeting.

Joining President Beth Davis are President-Elect Karla Hodges, Secretary Heather Atkins, Treasurer Lea Hoppe, and Hospitality Katie Hoppe-McQueen As my tenure as President comes to a close, I would like to say a special thank you for the outstanding service of our outgoing governing board. The hard work and excellent dedication of Beth Davis, Dr. Sara Womack, Lea Hoppe, Dan Norris, and Heather Atkins, along with our division chairs, have helped make the last two years very successful for our division. It has been a privilege and an honor serving on the AMEA Governing Board as President of the AMEA Elementary/General Division and I look forward to continuing as Vice President.

Please remember to renew your AMEA membership early. The membership calendar year runs from July 1-June 30.

Keep in mind also that MENC Week in Washington will be held June 24-28, and information can be found on MENC’s website. As you explore the website, check on your MENC profile to be sure it is up to date. Log in to the MENC website and click “member services.” It’s especially important to update email and mailing addresses and make sure the correct area/s of interest are checked.

The 2012 AMEA Conference session and performance proposal deadlines are June 1, and award nominations for deserving music educators are July 1.

Hodges, Secretary Heather Atkins, Treasurer Lea Hoppe, and Hospitality Katie Hoppe-McQueen.

This is my last article for the Ala Breve as President of the Elementary/General Division, and I want to express my appreciation to you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you.

Thank you to all Elementary/General Division members and to the Elementary/General executive board for all your support and encouragement during my term as president.

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

Upcoming Dates

• May 6-7-ACDA Young Voices at Auburn University.

• June 6-17-Orff Schulwerk Level II Certification at Samford University.

• June 20-24-AL AOSA Music Camp at Trinity United Methodist Church.

• June 24-28-MENC Washington

Week

in

• August 1-AOSA Chapter Share -9:0012:00-Location TBA • October 7-AMEA Elementary Music Festival with Dena Byers at the Wright Center, Samford University.

• October 8-AMEA/AOSA Joint Workshop with Dena Byers at Samford University.

• November 9-12-AOSA 2011 Professional Development Conference in Pittsburg, PA.

I am pleased to recognize the 2011-13 slate of officers elected by the membership at the Elementary/General Business meeting. Joining President Beth Davis are President-Elect Karla ala breve

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Take the Wheel!

Navigate through Your Member Benefits with this Road Map Welcome! Here are just a few of the benefits you receive as a member of MENC: The National Association for Music Education: Orientation: MENC’s Web Site (www.menc.org) Find your way with the help of the resources on MENC’s Web site. Discover frequently updated information on membership, events, programs, and publications, plus links to state music educators associations, MENC affiliated organizations, and many others. A wealth of information is accessible, including new articles weekly, online journals, and special resources such as the “Make Your Case” advocacy database. You’ll also find career and copyright centers, a section devoted to the National Music Education Standards, and an MENC staff list with e-mail links.

Express Lane: The members’ only section of the Web site gives you access to the Career Center and online journals, and the ability to post on the member forums and comment on articles.

PLUS: Access your membership record to update personal information, view membership status, renew membership, and more.

For Your Cruising Pleasure: Online Journals The following online journals are available at www.menc.org to all members free of charge.

t Music Educators Journal (MEJ) t General Music Today (GMT) t Journal of Music Teacher Education (JMTE) t UPDATE: Applications of Research in Music Education In addition, the Journal of Research in Music Education (JRME) is now available online to subscribers.

STOP: You will also receive four issues of Music Educators Journal and six issues of Teaching Music via postal mail.

Fasten Your Seatbelt and visit My Music Class—MENC’s online teaching resource exclusively for our members. My Music Class is an idea center and lesson plan library filled with standards-aligned teaching ideas and resources for you to put to use in your classroom or rehearsal room. Visit My Music Class at www.menc.org to search for resources by teaching level, teaching area, national standard, and user rating. Some lessons even include audio and visual support. All resources are available free to MENC members. My Music Class is also a place where you can share your own expertise with your fellow members. Add your lesson plan or rehearsal techniques via the user-friendly submission process.

Point of Interest: MENC E-Newsletters Free e-newsletters for MENC Collegiate members, Tri-M Music Honor Society members, and various special research interest groups are available.

Save Along The Way: Member Discounts All members receive a 25% discount on all MENC specialty items including CDs, DVDs and videos as well as monthly specials offering discounts of 50% or more. Members also qualify for a 25% member discount on all MENC books, available through Rowman and Littlefield Education. Visit www.rowmaneducation.com and use code “MENC25”.

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May/June 2011

Need Roadside Assistance? Ask the Music Education Mentors Expert mentors in music education offer online professional development ideas to MENC members by contributing to MENC’s online networks during the school year. MENC members who post questions at the band, orchestra, chorus, general music, and jazz forums are able to get expert advice.

Weekly Traffic Report: MENC Member News Updates All members can elect to receive important and time-sensitive music education news and action items by e-mail. Subscribe by e-mailing mbrserv@menc2.org.

Fuel Up Your Job Search: MENC Online Job Center The Online Job Center provides current listings of open positions for all specialties and levels in music education. All MENC members seeking jobs can also list personal information and qualifications at no charge. This service is offered year round.

Safe and Sound: Group Insurance Plan Through an agreement with Forrest T. Jones & Company, Inc., MENC offers a variety of group insurance coverages for you and your family, for low monthly costs and full protection. Free term life is available to new members during the first year of membership. For more information, call Forrest T. Jones & Co., Inc., at 1-800-265-9366.

Keep Your Vehicle Running Strong: MENC Health Benefits Program The MENC Health Benefits Program™ has been designed to provide our members with comprehensive health insurance benefits at a price they can afford. The program is administered by leading providers of national association benefits programs, Forrest T. Jones and Company. For specific features of this program call 1-888-715-6584, or visit http://www.assurantaffinity.com/ menc/index1.php?cmpid=153.

Earn on Your Journey: Bank of America WorldPoints® Card A credit card rewards program with no annual fee, issued by Bank of America. Each dollar spent earns one point toward rewards for the cardholder such as tickets on major U.S. airlines, car rentals, hotel stays and more. Every purchase earns a contribution to MENC at no additional cost.

Learn more by calling 1-800-833-6262.

Performance Insurance from ASCAP and BMI Through an agreement with ASCAP and BMI, MENC-, or State MEA-, sponsored groups led by active MENC members are granted performance rights of music managed by these organizations. (This covers only performances sponsored by MENC or state affiliates of MENC.) However, if members wish to record their students’ performance of any work, permission must be obtained through Harry Fox Agency. For more information, visit the www.harryfox.com.

Don’t Forget the Lights as you showcase music through video in your classroom.

As an MENC member, you are designated a SchoolTube moderator and can post videos highlighting your music program in a safe, non-commercial online environment—SchoolTube. com. Use SchoolTube for best practices, music appreciation, community outreach, and other components that will engage your students, parents, and community supporters.

YIELD! FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS, CALL MEMBER SERVICES AT 800-828-0229 OR VISIT www.menc.org.

Information is current as of January 2010 and is subject to change.

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Phi Beta Mu

Ti p s T h a t C l i c k

Recruiting and Retention (Part One) “You can’t teach an empty chair” is a piece of advice I have heard many times in my career. Several attribute the quote to Lassiter High School director Alfred Watkins, and if you know Alfred, you are well aware that he has never suffered for a lack of chairs AND eager students to fill them! The focus of the next two installments of Tips That Click will be recruiting and retention. Several experienced directors have volunteered information that should help us all in our efforts to build successful programs.

Terry Ownby is the Director at Muscle Shoals Middle School, (as well as serving ABA as Recording Secretary) and has long had one of the largest and most viable programs in the state. His recruiting approach is a team effort of all the directors in the program and LOTS of parental involvement. “I think that we have to constantly “sell” our band programs in the community where we teach. I am always looking for ways to get our band program out of the band room and into the community. We perform at home middle school ballgames, and a couple of basketball games in the Fall along with 2 concerts. When we recruit our fifth graders, we bring them 3 classes at a time to the band room, and use the King Music Assessment test and perform all the examples live with our directors.

Once that is complete, we follow up with a parent meeting with all fifth grade parents and a full fifth grade class meeting with the counselor and Principal. We try to go over within a week of those meetings and have the Symphonic Band and Middle School Jazz Bands perform for the entire elementary school student body. The concert is fun, fast paced, and engages the students. About a week after this concert, the forms are turned in to preregister for the next school year. We normally get 22

“You can’t teach an empty chair” about 30-35% of the grade enrollment in band the next year.” As for keeping them involved in future years, Terry elaborates: We stay involved with the kids throughout the school year and work to keep them engaged in what’s going on. When we get enrollment figured for the next year I spend time one on one with kids who aren’t signed up. Also spend time talking with parents about benefits of band and keep them involved in the activity. We normally lose 15-20 kids a year to normal attrition but gain 10-15 new 7th and 8th grade beginners each year.”

Larry Cornelius served the Auburn City Schools as a junior high director for over 10 years, teaching primarily at Auburn Junior High School. The success of this program is legendary and goes back to a foundation laid many years ago. Larry described some of the keys that have long made the recruiting for this program so effective. “There are two things in particular that immediately come to mind. When it was almost time for the students to sign up for electives for the next year, we would always do a recruiting concert for the upcoming class that would

May/June 2011

potentially be in beginner band. We would schedule an assembly for the entire grade level, and I would have the top band play a variety of music, including typical band music as well as some popular music, movie themes, or fight songs. Sometimes I would use the jazz band. I would always talk to the kids in between pieces and emphasize how it was possible to do any other activity at the school (sports, cheerleading, academic teams, etc.) and still be in the band and would make a point of having the band kids raise their hands if they were involved in these activities in addition to being in the band. When the prospective beginners would see this, it would help them to see how it was “cool” to be in the band since we had all kinds of students in the program. I would tell them how to sign up for band, and then ideally the counselors would then pass out the registration forms for classes for the students to take home at the end of the assembly. It was fresh on their minds when they went home that night, and they would excitedly tell their parents to sign

them up! We would typically end of with 50% of the class population in the beginner band.” As to the subject of retention, he adds: “The biggest incentive I had to help with recruitment as well as retention was an annual spring trip to either Orlando or Williamsburg. So much was linked to this trip. Students had to pass off music to be able to perform with us in any concert, including the trip. Their behavior and grades (in band as well as in other classes) also had to be good for them to be able to participate. Our school system did not permit us to give grades for attendance at after school practices and concerts, so our policy was that students must come to practice to be able to perform, and if they missed a performance, they were not permitted to travel with us on the spring trip. As a result, achievement and attendance were rarely a problem. Students would do anything it took to be able to go on the spring trip. It was such an established tradition that time and time again students would tell me it was the highlight of their junior high years. I know that many times

students would join the band just to be able to go on the spring trip, but most of the time once they were “hooked” they realized that they loved band for other reasons and continued it throughout high school. It didn’t matter to me why they joined band as long as they joined because over the years I found that many great band students that stayed in band long term originally may have started band for just for the spring trip.”

Stay tuned for part two of some outstanding recruiting and retention insights in the August issue!

Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmaster Fraternity is committed to improving instruction and advancement of bands in this state. Please email pemin@mac.com with any comments on this column or suggestions for future columns.

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From Higher Ed...

Timothy Phillips, President, Higher Education Division

Greetings fellow collegiate educators of Alabama, As I write this HED update, I can almost see the finish line of this academic year. I hope your year has been rewarding and that you will soon get some vacation time to recharge your batteries over the summer months.

In the coming months, I would like to encourage applied music professors from our state to consider submitting an article for publication in Ala Breve. The “Call for Submissions” at the end of this update is really directed toward any of you who would be interested in publishing in a peer reviewed format.

Simply put, this just means that your article will be selected by a review committee prior to publication. It is an excellent opportunity for you to share your vast knowledge of your particular area of expertise with our readers.

Conference, please know that the deadline for submission is June 1, 2011.

You will find application forms in this issue of Ala Breve. I encourage all collegiate music educators to consider presenting at AMEA. This is an excellent opportunity to share your research, experience, etc. and to interact with other great educators in our state.

Also, if you are interested in nominating a fellow music educator for an award through AMEA, please submit application forms (also included in this issue) by July 15, 2011.

Also, I would like to remind you that AMEA’s membership year runs from July 1 through June 30. Please consider renewing your membership early as we embark on this new year.

As always, if you have any suggestions as to how we can improve the HED area of AMEA, please don’t hesitate to contact me. The AMEA Board will meet this summer to discuss next year’s activities and I am happy to bring any issues to the table for you. I appreciate your continued support.

-Timothy Phillips

In the closing meeting of the AMEA Board of Directors at this year’s conference, we discussed some ideas for unifying the HED schedule within next year’s conference. We are still in the “idea” stages of this slight restructuring; but, the hope is that we can organize our events so that our members can easily attend everything from the HED business meeting, to the presentations, to the recitals, to the mixer. Also, there was a mention of incorporating student and faculty chamber groups into next year’s AMEA Conference. As this idea evolves, I will share details with you.

If you or any of your colleagues are interested in presenting sessions or performances at the 2012 AMEA 24

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 May 1, 2011. 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 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, doublespaced manuscripts, which normally should not exceed 20 pages, along with an abstract of approximately 150 words. Authors should also submit 4 to 6 keywords relating to their article’s content. Type 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 reveal 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. Carl Hancock, University of Alabama School of Music, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.

May/June 2011

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marching ma ar rch ching h g band ban ban nd n d $10,,00 $10,000 $10,00 00 0 Scarlet Sccar caarrlleett & Gr rey ey Gran G rant Grey Grant Instru Instrument, strum ument, ent, un uniforms, nifor form rms, accessories aand nd ac ccceessor sorie ies provided prro ovviideed d Everyone E vveryo er yo on ne travels trravel avels to to sselected eelleccte ted away away ay games gaam meess

Eddy Williams, Director of Bands 1500 East Fairview Avenue Montgomery, AL 36106 ewilliams@huntingdon.edu Office: 334-833-4506 Apply online at www.huntingdon.edu

Advocacy: Use it or William W. Gourley It seems the band or orchestra educator’s job is never done. Keeping up with budget, festival and association deadlines, preparing programs, booster meetings, repairs, moving chairs and stands, testing, grading and keeping the office and rehearsal rooms presentable fill the days.

Where does one find time to promote the value of music?

In spite of the many successes a program enjoys, we cannot escape the importance of advocacy as an integral pillar of a successful music program. The music industry has realized its importance for over two decades. The Gemeinhardt Report of the late 1970’s emphasized the importance of keeping the community aware of the benefits of music participation. Instrument manufacturers have watched as music programs have come under attack throughout the country during the past 25 years and have sought to bring the advocacy message to the music education community.

The pressures on music programs across the country are varied. Increased core curriculum testing by states, a demand for higher academic achievement, our continual perceived diminished academic standing worldwide, a demand for more instructional time for core subjects, block scheduling, budget shortages; all affect music programs across the country as they do in Michigan.

Schools have had to make some difficult decisions that negatively impact music programs. In November I received a phone call from a middle school director in one of Michigan’s historically strong band programs. The district made the decision to have middle school band cut back to every other day to accommodate more instructional time in the core areas.

The faculty and administration valued the music program but felt it was the only choice they could make to create more time for core classes hoping to improve their standardized test scores.

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Students with coursework/experience in music performance scored 52 points higher on the verbal portion of the SAT and 39 points higher on the math portion than students with no coursework or experience in the arts.

-Profiles of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, The College Board, 1998.

Studying music strengthens students’ academic performance. Studies have indicated that sequential, skill-building instruction in art and music integrated with the rest of the curriculum can greatly improve children’s performance in reading and math.

-Martin Gradner, Alan Fox, Faith Knowles and Donna Jeffrey, “Learning Improved by Arts Training,” Nature, May 23, 1996

When researchers analyzed the NELS-88 database of the U.S. Department of Education, which tracked 25,000 students over a ten year period, they discovered that students who were involved in music scored higher on standardized tests and reading tests than students not taking music courses. This finding was consistent for students of all socioeconomic backgrounds.

-Dr. James Catterall, UCLA, 1997

Educated in the art of music making and teaching, we as music educators are unaware or reluctant to get involved in the business aspects of music education. We rely too heavily on music selling itself based upon its inherent artistic value. We understand it, so should the general public.

Kids are happy, the band or orchestra sounds good, and the students do well at festivals year after year. We have a strong program, the community and administration support music so we feel we can let inertia continue its course.

Marketing music is the modus operandi of the P. T. Barnums and Harold Hills of the world where the promotion is bigger than the product. We, as artists, are above that.

We are about the art. So, we continue to produce fine programs feeling all is well.

Inertia.

Remember what you learned in physics class about Newton’s first law of motion, inertia. Objects at rest tend to stay at rest, objects in motion stay in motion at the same speed and same direction, unless they are acted upon by another force.

We need to look to industry to help us in the continued success for music programs.

Coca-Cola, McDonalds, General Motors, Disney, all enjoy the largest market share in their respective markets. They have inertia. Still, they market their products as if every day was the first day on the market for their product..

They constantly advocate (market) their product to varied audiences. Disney markets to children to introduce them to the product and to parents to remind them how much fun they had as children so they will take their children. They also market to older adults to remind them of the joys they had as children going to Disneyland, how, as parents, they enjoyed taking their children, and how great it would be to go on their own, without parents or children.

GM doesn’t assume you know the benefits of their product over Ford or Chrysler.

Coca-Cola and McDonalds continually market an image and the value of their products over the competitions’.

These companies all did well for the longest time until that acted upon by another force thing. GM’s inertia changer was the Japanese imports. Coke’s other force was Pepsi (remember that New Coke fiasco?). Mickey Ds’ is fighting off Wendy’s, Burger King, et al. The smart companies realize the importance of, not only product, but keeping their message out front. They were able to minimize damage because they marketed their product through good times to stay ahead rather than waiting until that Another Force thing came along to create rough times Successful businesses understand the importance of developing and maintaining their message to the consumer. They know that attitudes are changed slowly, through May/June 2011

r Lose it constant information, reinforcing the benefits of the product and realizing the audience is constantly evolving. They continually add force to their inertia so when they encounter that another force it will have less impact than had they not added power to the message. Advocacy may not eliminate the impact but it can definitely minimize the damage (change in direction) it could have on our music programs.

In a 1995 study in Hamilton, Ohio, string students who participated in pullout lessons averaged higher scores than the non-pullout students in all areas of the Ohio Proficiency Test. Sixty-eight (68) percent of the string students achieved satisfactory ratings on all sections of the test compared to fifty-eight (58) percent of the non-pullout students.

-Michael D. Wallick, “A Comparison Study of the Ohio Proficiency Test Results Between Fourth-Grade String Pullout Students and Those of Matched Ability,” Journal of Research in Music Education, 1998

Those of us that have been involved in music education for more than ten years have seen at least one music program negatively impacted by other forces.

Block scheduling gradually undermines the finesse of ensembles or curtails enrollment. The pressure to improve MEAP scores results in less instructional time for beginning and intermediate band/orchestra classes. Team teaching creates oddly configured instrumental music classes that challenge effective instruction. Music programs carry a greater share of the budget burden when state funding is reduced so the core classes can maintain their financial stability. The popularity of soccer, hockey, equestrian

Reprinted with permission clubs, etc. creates demands on students’ time and parents’ resources. Another force.

The average scores achieved by music students on the 1999 SAT increased for every year of musical study. This same trend was found in SAT scores of previous years.

-Steven M. Demorest and Steven J. Morrison, “Does Music Make You Smarter?,” Music Educators Journal, September, 2000.

College students majoring in music achieve higher than students of all majors on college reading exams.

-Carl Hartman, “Arts May Improve Students’ Grades,” The Associated Press, October. 1999.

There is a very high correlation between positive self-perception, high cognitive competence scores, healthy self-esteem,

Keep Your MENC Profile up to date!

It’s as easy as 1-2-3 1. Visit the MENC website, www.MENC.org 2. Sign in with your email address and MENC membership # 3. Click “Member Services” AMEA uses contact info from the MENC database to send the Ala Breve and E-Newsletters.

Don’t miss out! ala breve

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Advocacy: Use it or Lose it (Con’t) total interest, school involvement, and the study of music.

-O. F. Lillemyr, “Achievement Motivation as a Factor in Self-Perception,” Norwegian Research Council for Science and the Humanities.

Nations whose students consistently outperform the United States in tests assessing science achievement are the countries where music is a primary focus of the curriculum.

-James R. Ponter, “Comparing School Music Programs and Science Test Scores Worldwide,” NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals) Bulletin, February, 1999

Fortunately, for music educators there has been an advocacy inertia created by industry and the education community.

This information is at our fingertips waiting for us to take action. The excerpts in this article are from the CD-ROM, “Essential Music Advocacy,” available from David Madera at Focus On Excellence 800-332-2637. This is a collection of indexed articles and lists ready to be printed and distributed: to parents, administrators, school newsletters, newspapers, music booster newsletters and e-mail, at parent teacher conferences, open houses, concerts, wherever school information is exchanged. You don’t need to spend valuable time searching the Internet, it is all there for you to add energy to your inertia.

Music manufacturers have packets that include posters, pamphlets, videos and scripted power point presentations designed for presentation to businesses, school boards, administration and parent groups. These can be presented by a parent, student or yourself. NAMM (National Association of Music Manufacturers), has created a complete advocacy campaign entitled, The Einstein Kit, that can be easily instituted by any support organization. Contact Sharon McLaughlin 800-767-6266 ext. 129 or www.namm.com. Another useful advocacy site is musicachievementcouncil.org Great concerts, of great music, variety, lots of kids, festival ratings, great teaching and, yes, trips, parties and awards all contribute to a successful program. These build tradition and an inertia that can 28

nurture and grow a program. But, none of these addresses the academic benefits of music participation and the integral part it plays in student achievement, attitude, self-worth, enhanced creativity and problem solving skills gained through the study of music. They don’t reflect what is happening to the brain. So when another force (block scheduling, expanded core instruction, budget constraints, high school, academic load or the junior year) comes along, it becomes easy to dismiss band or orchestra as an expendable frill.

Ongoing advocacy is an essential element in any successful program. It brings students to the program, can help keep them in the program, create a demand for a vital and supported program, encourage parents to select music for their children and to keep them there year after year, establish a positive attitude among fellow educators regarding the impact on student learning music has and more. But, these attitudes do not change with a flood of action after that another force hits. The course is too altered by then and it takes years to create your own force to redirect the impact.

I am not suggesting music education will vanish from our schools without an active advocacy program. I am concerned with the diminished effectiveness such programs will have on students both cognitively and affectively. Will music programs be able to offer rewarding performances of quality literature, involving a significant portion of the student body? Or, will they have to settle for adequate performances of acceptable literature, by a small fraction of the student body? Will overall student creativity and problem solving skills be enhanced by music study or limited in the pursuit of higher MEAP scores?

As music educators and artists we understand the benefits gained through music performance. And, an engineer understands the benefits of the car he or she designs. But, the marketing guys sell that car, not engineers. Music educators need to step off the podium and onto Wall Street. Before students can realize the magic (art) and benefits of music making, we need to get them in the seats by educating them, their parents, the administrators, school board and core

subject teachers regarding the enhanced academic, creative and societal skills achieved through music making.

We are the only ones who can create the advocacy inertia. We cannot expect people to make an informed decision regarding music participation if we do not inform them. We must be that another force that changes the inertia of perception that music is a wonderful and rewarding frill into the inertia of recognition that music is a vital cross-curricular academic discipline that enhances all learning. And, it is wonderful, enriching and fulfilling. .....................................................................

William W. Gourley is the Vice President/General and Educational Consultant for the Marshall Music Company of Lansing, Michigan where his responsibilities include the oversight of sales and marketing, editing and writing Marshall’s educational newsletter, mentoring music teachers throughout the state, lecturing at universities, presenting workshops and coordinating educational programs and seminars for music educators. His articles have been published nationally and most notably in the Keynotes Magazine. Mr. Gourley is the conductor of the Dexter Community Band and the Ann Arbor Civic Band. During his twenty-five years as a music educator he taught in the Dundee and Chelsea school systems, served on the conducting staff of the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and founded and conducted the Southeastern Michigan Honors Band, a high school student ensemble that toured throughout Europe. Mr. Gourley serves as a faculty member of the Conn-Selmer Institute and is in demand as a clinician, adjudicator, guest conductor, and lecturer for student and adult ensembles in the state and nationally. Mr. Gourley received a Bachelors and Masters of Music Education from Michigan State University. He has served as a district and state Executive Board member and Committee Chairman for the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) and is a threetime recipient of the MSBOA District XII Outstanding Band Director Award. Mr. Gourley is a past chairman of the Michigan Chapter of the American School Band Directors’ Association and was awarded the Stanbury Award as Michigan’s Outstanding Young Band Director of the Year. Bands and orchestras under his direction have performed at prestigious festivals, music conferences, and concert venues throughout the United States, Canada and Europe and have gained a national and international reputation of excellence for their musical proficiency and artistry.

May/June 2011

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Alabama Bandmasters Association - Chuck Eady, President

Greetings!

Another milestone for ABA was this year’s All-State Festival! The new site and venues were awesome. There were many hands working to make this event such a success. Thank you Tony Pike (site coordinator), and the Mobile band directors (Chester Bean, Tim Beattie, Sid Dedeaux, Will Duncan, Mark Foster, Cody Knerr) for providing and moving percussion equipment for each band.

The All-State Solo Festival was once again a mountain top musical experience. Each year I am amazed at the level of talent and musicianship these students exhibit.

Congratulations to Julia Adams of Mountain Brook High School. She was awarded the Alabama Bandmasters/Photography by Suzanne Scholarship and the Phi Beta Mu Lamar Triplett Scholarship.

Cooper - President, Rusty Courson – Vice-President/President elect, Terry Ownby – Recording Secretary, and Randall Key – Alabama Jazz Educators Representative. Harry McAfee has completed the transition to Executive Secretary and is doing an outstanding job.

annual MPA Adjudicator Clinic on the afternoon of June 22. This is a great ‘family oriented’ conference and I encourage you to attend. There is a link on the ABA web site you can use to reserve your rooms, http://www. alabamamea.org/bandmasters/index.htm.

Our group code is ABM.

We are grateful to our outgoing District Chairmen: Joel Mason – District I, John Bradley – District III, Virginia Price – District V, and Trey Whitman – District VII, and our IAJE Representative Sid Dedeaux. They have all served ABA well.

The 2012 AMEA Conference will again be held in Montgomery January 19-21 at the Renaissance Hotel. For more information, go to the AMEA web site (http://www.alabamamea.org/index.ht m).

I hope you are planning on attending our summer conference June 22-23, 2011 at the Hampton Inn and Suites, Orange Beach. Please notice this is a different location from years past. Preregistration for the conference will be $50.00, after May 20 the registration fee will be $70.00. The Board and Music Selection Committee will be meeting on June 21, our meeting and clinics will be June 22 & 23 with our

All-State 2012 will be back in Mobile April 12-14 at the Mobile Renaissance Riverside, The Mobile Convention Center, and the Mobile Civic Center.

Make plans to attend!

These are exciting times for the ABA. It has been an honor to serve as your President. I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for us. I hope you have a successful end of the year and a restful summer.

We were fortunate to have such an outstanding panel of All-State clinicians: Myra Rhoden for the Middle School Band, Sue Samuels for the Blue Band, Elva Kaye Lance with the White Band, and Col. John Bourgeois conducting the Red Band.

As with any new adventure, we are aware of a few areas where we can improve. In order to help the Board of Directors in planning for next year, we will be asking those who attended this event to complete an online survey and provide us with comments and suggestions. Watch your email for this information.

If you were not in attendance, our new ABA Executive Officers are: John 30

ABA President Chuck Eady (L) and ABA President-Elect John Cooper (R) with All-State Red Band Conductor Colonel John Bourgeois May/June 2011

All-State Band 2011

All-State

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ABA Solo Festival Finalists Helen Caldwell, Oak Mtn. HS; Ben Carrasguillo, Bob Jones HS; David Allen, Bob Jones HS; Bryan Mortimer, Bob Jones HS; Abby Shelton, Sparkman HS; G. Hunter, Bob Jones HS; Tripp Gwaltney, Oak Mtn. HS

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May/June 2011

Noteworthy...

Foley Band “Lights Up” Texas The Foley High School Band participated in the Fiesta Flambeau Parade in San Antonio, Texas. The parade is a 3.5 mile long night parade which is the culmination of the Fiesta Celebration in San Antonio. “All bands and floats in the parade have lights and glowing objects plastered all over everything, stated Carl Major.” This year, there were 47 bands from Texas and surrounding states. The 210 member Foley High School Band won 1st Place Band in the Out of State division. The drum majors for Foley High School are Sydney Reim, Virginia Latimore, and Emily Brock. The director of bands is Carl Major and assistant director is Jimmy O’Cain.

RESTON, VA (April 22, 2011) — MENC: The National Association for Music Education announced the conductors for the 2012 MENC All-National Honor Ensembles, which will perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC on Sunday, June 24, 2012.

Outstanding high school student musicians from throughout the country will be featured in Band, Mixed Choir, Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble. The conductors are: •Daniel Bukvich, M.M., Lionel Hampton School of Music, University of Idaho -All-National Honor Band •David Becker, Director of Orchestral Studies and Conductor of the Symphony and Opera Orchestras, Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in Wisconsin -- All-National Honor Orchestra •Sandra Snow, Michigan State University College of Music, Conductor of the Michigan State University Women’s Chamber Ensemble -- All-National Honor Mixed Choir

Honor Ensembles to Perform at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in June 2012 Director of Jazz Studies, and Chair of Instrumental Studies, Temple University - All-National Honor Jazz Ensemble “MENC is pleased to offer this unique performance opportunity to a very select group of our nation's finest high school musicians,” said John Kuhner, MENC Eastern Division president and chair of the National Honor Ensembles Task Force.

“The students selected will rehearse with our inspiring conductors over four days, leading up to their performance at one of our country's most iconic performance venues, the Kennedy Center. The 2012 MENC All-National Honor Ensembles will surely be a once-in-a-lifetime musical experience for some terrific high school musicians next year!”

The application process for the 2012 MENC All-National Honor Ensembles opens May 31, 2011. For more information on this MENC program, visit www.mencevents.org.

MENC: The National Association for Music Education, among the world's largest arts education organizations, marked its centennial in 2007 as the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. Through membership of more than 75,000 active, retired, and preservice music teachers, and with 60,000 honor students and supporters, MENC serves millions of students nationwide through activities at all teaching levels, from preschool to graduate school.

MENC's mission is to advance music education by encouraging the study and making of music by all. Since 1907, MENC has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. MENC's activities and resources have been largely responsible for the establishment of music education as a profession, for the promotion and guidance of music study as an integral part of the school curriculum, and for the development of the National Standards for Arts Education. MENC is located in Reston, VA.

•Terrell Stafford, Professor of Jazz, ala breve

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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

University of South Alabama...

The Arts in Education program at USA has been awarded $185,000 to continue the program begun in 2004. This brings the total in grants for the program, developed by Dr. Jeannette Fresne, to more than $1.4 million. The Arts in Education program provides professional development to increase learning in the classroom by using dance, music, theatre and visual arts to teach English-language arts, math, science and social studies.

Approximately 18 instructors teach and mentor in the program, allowing exceptionally qualified people to present their area of expertise. For more information on the Arts in Education program, e-mail artsined@usouthal.edu.

University of South Alabama ensembles were wellrepresented in performances for statewide audiences this past semester. The University Chorale (Laura Moore, cond.) performed for the AMEA In-Service Conference in January 2011, the Wind Ensemble (Greg Gruner and Ward Miller, cond.) performed on April 15 for the All-State opening concert, and the USA Percussion Ensemble (Mike Sammons, cond.) performed at the AL Day of Percussion. The USA Concert Choir (Laura Moore, cond.) performed Beethoven Symphony 9 with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, and have been invited to perform Carmina Burana with the MSO in April 2012.

The USA Music Department is proud to announce the establishment of the Dr. John J. Papastefan Endowed Scholarship in Percussion. Dr. Papastefan was the director of percussion studies at USA until his retirement in 2008.

Nick Brownlee, a rising senior in the voice studio of Dr. Thomas Rowell, won the Gulf Coast Regional Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in New Orleans, and competed in the National Semi-finals on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera in March. Alumnus Andre Chiang, also a student of Dr. Rowell, won the Arkansas District auditions

We invite you to visit the University of South Alabama Music Department website, where you can find a wealth of information – audition and scholarship information; degree 34

programs; faculty biographies; vocal and instrumental ensembles; concert dates; recent programs of student and faculty performances.

Please contact us at http://www.southalabama.edu/music/ or by phone at 251-4606136.

Questions about your MENC membership?

Call 1-800-828-0229

or e-mail mbrserv@menc.org May/June 2011

AMEA Outstanding Music Educator Award AMEA honors its members who have shown a special dedication to music education in Alabama. Various individuals have been honored with AMEA’s “Outstanding Music Educator” award because members have taken the time and interest to nominate them. This award provides 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 2012. Please complete this form and mail to the address below before July 15, 2011.

Garry Taylor, AMEA Executive Director 1600 Manor Drive NE Cullman, Alabama 35055 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.)

AMEA Outstanding Music Educator Award Name of Nominee____________________________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________________________ Present Position_____________________________________________________________________________ School System______________________________________________________________________________ Number of cumulative years served as a music educator_______________ Nominated by_______________________________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________________________ Present Position_____________________________________________________________________________ DEADLINE: JULY 15, 2011

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May/June 2011

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• Student Method Book is gently paced to ensure student success • Imaginative, colorful illustrations enhance student enjoyment • Music theory pages reinforce concepts and serve as an assessment tool

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G adsden M u s i c C o m p a n y 607 Broad St Gadsden AL 35901 (256) 546-9381 (800) 264-7228 www.gadsdenmusic.com

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May/June 2011

AMEA Outstanding Administrator Award AMEA honors outsanding administrators who have shown a special interest and dedication to music education in Alabama. Various individuals have been honored with AMEA’s “Outstanding Administrator” award because members have taken the time and interest to nominate them. This award provides our organization the opportunity to honor those administrators who have shown outstanding support of music education and who give all of us inspiration and direction. It is likely that every member knows of an administrator who is deserving of our recognition.

Forms must be received by July 15. The presentation of the awards is scheduled for the AMEA In-Service Conference in January 2012. Please complete this form and mail to the address below before July 15, 2011.

Garry Taylor, AMEA Executive Director 1600 Manor Drive NE Cullman, Alabama 35055 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, 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.

AMEA Outstanding Administrator Award Name of Nominee____________________________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________________________ Present Position_____________________________________________________________________________ School System______________________________________________________________________________ Number of cumulative years served as an adminstrator_______________ Nominated by_______________________________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________________________ Present Position_____________________________________________________________________________ DEADLINE: JULY 15, 2011

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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 complete this form and mail to the address below by July 15, 2011.

Garry Taylor, AMEA Executive Director 1600 Manor Drive NE Cullman, Alabama 35055

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.

Barbara M. Odom Distinguished Service Award Name of Nominee___________________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________ Present Position_____________________________________________________________________________ Nominated by_______________________________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________________________ Present Position_____________________________________________________________________________

DEADLINE: JULY 15, 2011

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May/June 2011

Alabama Music Educators Association Hall of Fame 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, 2011, to: Garry Taylor, Executive Director Alabama Music Educators Association 1600 Manor Drive NE Cullman, Alabama 35055

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