October/November 2007 Ala Breve

ala breve ala breve

ala ala b brreevve e

October 2007

Garry Taylor, Editor

1046 Chinook Street

Auburn, Alabama 36830 amea@charter.net (256) 636-2754

ADVERTISING & COPY DEADLINES

August issue: July 1

October issue: September 1

February issue: January 1

Send Ad Materials to:

Garry Taylor, Advertising Manager

1046 Chinook Street Auburn, Alabama 36830 (256) 636-2754

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

312008

32-432008

48-49Recipe

Departments

21AMEA

President

John Baker

Enterprise High School

500 Watts Avenue

Enterprise, AL 36330

(334) 347-2640 School

(334) 347-3144 Fax

jbaker@ehs.enterpriseschools.net

602 Henderson Street

Enterprise, AL 36330

(334) 393-1376 Home

Past President

Becky Rodgers

Fort Payne High School

201 45th Street, N

Fort Payne, AL 35967

(256) 845-4051 School

brodgers@ftpayk12.org

2501 Briarwood Avenue #22

Ft. Payne, AL 35967

(256) 845-4613 Home

(256) 996-3252 Cell

REBECCARODGERS@aol.com

President-Elect

Pat Stegall

Muscle Shoals High School

1900 Avalon Avenue

Muscle Shoals, AL 35661

(256) 389-2682 School

(256) 389-2689 Fax

pstegall@mscs.k12.al.us

170 Kenwood Drive

Muscle Shoals, AL 35661

(256) 446-8396 Home

(256) 627-4661 Cell

Recording Secretary

Carla Gallahan

212 Smith Hall, Troy University

Troy, AL 36082

(334) 670-3502 School

cgallahan@troy.edu

Treasurer

Cindy Pass

1612 2nd Avenue SW #181

Cullman, AL 35055

(256) 747-8838 Home

(256) 338-4404 Cell

cpass@cullmancats.net

AMEA Governing Board

Directory 2007-2008

President, Higher Education

Dr. Mark Walker

Troy University

Long Hall

Troy, AL 36082

(334) 670-3281

mjwalker@troy.edu

President, ABA

Harry McAfee

Hoover High School

1000 Buccaneer Dr.

Birmingham, AL 35244

(205) 439-1228 School

HMcAfee@hoover.k12.al.us

President, AOA

Penney Adair

1418 Longbrook Dr. NE

Cullman, AL 35055

(256) 775-6597 Home

(256) 339-9780 Cell

johnpenney@bellsouth.net

President, AVA

Paul Edmondson

Gadsden City High School

1917 Black Creek Parkway

Gadsden, AL 35904

(256) 543-4225 School

256-492-8123 - Home

256-490-8622 - Cell

pedmonds@.gcs.k12.al.us

paul.Edmondson@worldnet.att.net

President, Elementary/General

Sara Womack

Greystone Elementary School

300 Village Street

Hoover, AL 35242

(205) 439-3200

(205) 439-3201 - fax

sara@music.org

swomack@hoover.k12.al.us

President, CMENC

Nathan Tucker

301 Helen Keller Blvd. #111

Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

(256) 506-4314

nathan.l.tucker@ua.edu

Collegiate MENC Advisor

Virginia Zingara

Troy University

206 Smith Hall

Troy, AL 36082

334-670-3985 School

vzingara@troy.edu

State Department of Education

Sara B. Wright

Arts Education Specialist

State Department of Education

P.O. Box 30201

Montgomery, AL 36130-2101

(334) 242-8059 Work

1-800-846-0948 Work

(334) 242-0482 Fax

swright@alsde.edu

Alabama Alliance for Arts

Education

Melissa Kimbrough

Community Relations Rep.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of AL

450 Riverchase Parkway

Birmingham, AL 35244

(205) 220-4122 Work

(205) 515-4376 Cell

(205) 220-2576 Fax

mkimbrough@bcbsal.org

Executive Director

Editor, Ala Breve

Garry Taylor

1046 Chinook St.

Auburn, AL 36830

(256) 636-2754

amea@charter.net

AnunwaveringcommitmenttoQUALITYhas helpedYamahabecometheworldleaderin musicalinstrumentmanufacturing,design, educationandservice.Thisdedication,which hascharacterizedYamahaforoveracentury,has

ledtothecreationoftheperfectinstrumentsfor studentsandartists.IthasalsoenabledYamaha toofferanextensive5-Yearwarrantyforitsfull lineofwindinstruments.Longafterothershave comeandgone,Yamahastandsthetestoftime.

©2007YamahaCorporationofAmerica.Allrightsreserved.www.yamaha.com/band

The Board of Directors is pleased to recognize these schools and directors from the State of Alabama, for their exceptional achievement and continuous contribution to instrumental music education.

Bob Jones High School Band

Madison, Alabama

Doyle D. Thornton, Keith Anderson, Directors

Huntsville High School

Huntsville, Alabama

David Spencer, Director

Huntsville Middle School

Huntsville, Alabama

Don Adams, Director

Shades Valley HS Band

Birmingham, Alabama David Allinder, Gregory Gumina, Directors

Oak Mountain HS Band

Birmingham, Alabama

James Duren, Kevin Ownby, Directors

Spain Park High School Band

Hoover, Alabama

Michael Aycock, Andrew Kruspe, Directors

Virgil I. Grissom HS Band

Huntsville, Alabama William Connell, Theo Vernon, Directors

Recipient of the 2007 High School GRANDNAI Honor Award

2008 FESTIVAL LOCATIONS

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

CHARLOTTE, NC

CHATTANOOGA, TN

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

WASHINGTON, DC

WILLIAMSBURG, VA

From the President...

Who Are We?

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

We are music educators! The Alabama Music Educators Association is a dynamic, effective group of individuals pulling together to maintain and improve the quality of music teaching and learning, and to increase support for music education in our schools and communities. Our mission is to advance music education by encouraging the making of music for all. We strive to make sure students are making music in the present but also are dedicated to working to ensure students can make music in the future. We want to create life long learners. We have an awesome task that we can’t complete alone. We are stronger and more effective when we work together as an organization. This past summer we celebrated the 100th birthday of MENC. Through the years MENC became an organization that spoke for music educators and provided opportunities and support for music teachers and their students. Today MENC and AMEA do together what none of us can do separately. WE ARE THE NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND STATE VOICE FOR MUSIC EDUCATION. It takes all of us working together to get the job done. Let’s continue to work together to better the lives of our students.

John Baker, President

Alabama Music Educators Association

We have a great opportunity to come together as an organization at our Alabama Music Educators Association Conference January 10th-12th at the University of Alabama. Some of the highlights will include the FAME

Conference (Future Alabama Music Educators), Keynote speaker John Jacobson, wonderful ensembles, clinics and workshops as well as the induction of the first class of the AMEA Hall of Fame. Please make plans now to attend.

We are the national, regional and state voice for music education. It takes all of us working together to get the job done.

...John Baker, AMEA President

From the President-elect...

AMEA Conference…Be There!

The AMEA conference will be here and gone before we know it. I look forward to the conference because I get to hear some wonderful music, attend clinics, visit with friends and meet new people. There are many members of AMEA with lots of knowledge and I love hearing their ideas about how to be better

Pat Stegall, President-elect

Alabama Music Educators Association

music teachers. I hope you will attend the conference and bring someone who hasnever been before. Maybe there is a music teacher in your school system who has not attended in a while…or a new teacher who has never been. Invite them to come and experience what the AMEA conference has to offer. There is something there for everyone, so be an encourager and “bring someone into the fold.” See you in January!

Plan now to attend the 2008 AMEA In-Service Conference

January 10-12, 2008

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

FromtheAOA...

Getting in shape for 2008!

Things are shaping up nicely for our 2008 All State Festival. The music has been chosen, the dates are set and the excerpts are ready to print from the Alabama Orchestra Association’s website, www.alabamaorchestraassociation.org. All that’s left to do is practice, practice, practice! (And fill out the necessary audition forms of course).

With the subject of forms, there have been a few changes in the audition procedures. As of this year, you must plan to audition for each orchestra for which you wish to be considered. In other words, if you would like to audition for the Festival Orchestra but also be considered for String Sinfonietta, you must have two separate auditions and fill out two separate audition forms. Your District Chair can assist you in scheduling these separate audition times. With any added audition, there will be an additional $5 audition fee to go along with the original $15 audition fee.

Also, please note the deadline for acceptance! This is an important date as any student that declines their position once they have turned in their acceptance form, will not be allowed to audition the following year with the exception of any medical emergencies!

This year’s Festival repertoire will certainly be inspiring with RimskyKorsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol and Brahms’s Academic Festival Overture. Of course we’re very excited about the yet to be determined Composition Competition Winner’s piece as well. These pieces provide brass and woodwind students a great musical diversion and we hope you will take a minute to take a look on our website at the excerpts! The String Sinfonietta’s repertoire provides a Mozart Divertimento

Penney

Adair, President Alabama Orchestra Association

and other selections of varying contrasts. The newly named Consort Strings Orchestra will also provide many selections challenging and playable to all students participating in this orchestra.

With regards to the upcoming AMEA conference in January, AOA has a great lineup with Dr. Peter Rovit again offering his insight to bow technique and teaching methods with this subject. Dr. Anne Witt has once again agreed to contribute her expertise on the subject of string students and rhythm. Also, our own Executive Director, Mike Gagliardo, will conduct a session that will appeal to all: Success with Writing and Obtaining Grant Money Please take note of the time for the AOA General Meeting as well.

In conclusion, please check the website for All State information and do feel free to email me anytime if I can be of assistance. pltviolin@earthlink.net

AOA All-State 2008

Quick Info Guide

Alabama All State Orchestra Festival 2008 Feb. 7-10, 2008 University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

Videotaped District Auditions for All Levels DeadlineNovember 10, 2007

Consult the info guide for your district on the web for specific dates!

Videotape District Mailing DeadlineNovember 12, 2007

All State Financial Aid DeadlineJanuary 1, 2007

All State Results PostedDecember 4, 2007

All State Orchestra Acceptance DeadlineDecember 11, 2007

Begin To Contact AlternatesDecember 12, 2007

Registration fee is $50.

Audition fee is $15 for first audition, $5 extra for each subsequent audition Please make checks according to the instructions of your District Chair

Notice: We will begin contacting alternates immediately so be sure to abide by the deadline of December 11th to accept your position in your All State Orchestra.

New Policies:

1. Those wishing to be considered for more than one orchestra will need to audition for BOTH orchestras separately. You will fill out separate audition forms and mail them together to your district chair. If you audition for only one orchestra and are not chosen, you will not be placed in any other orchestra.

2. If you decline the invitation to come to All State AFTER mailing your acceptance letter, you will not be allowed an audition the following year. ( With the exception of medical emergencies )

Reminders:

1. All Festival events will take place in the UA Moody Music Building.

2. Check in will be from 12:00-2:00 pm on February 7, with string seating auditions upon arrival.

3. Check in will be Feb. 7 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. for string orchestras with string seating auditions upon arrival.

4. Festival will have their first rehearsal Thursday afternoon from 4:30-6:00, followed by a concert presented by the University of Alabama Huxford Symphony Orchestra at 7:30.

5. Pictures and warm-ups for all orchestras will take place from 9-1. The Festival Concert will begin at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday February 10 in Moody Concert Hall.

Festival Conductors: Mr. Jeffery Meyer, director of orchestras at the Ithaca College School of Music will conduct the Festival Orchestra. Dr. Mark Laycock, Associate Professor of Music at Wichita State University will conduct the String Sinfonietta Orchestra and Ms. Jacquelyn Dillon, Director of Strings and Orchestral Studies, Professor of Music Education and Pedagogy and Associate Chair of the School of Music at Wichita State University will be conducting the Consort Strings Orchestra.

Festival Hotel: Four Points Sheraton. (205) 752-3200 fax (205) 759-9214

AOA All-State 2008 Clinicians

Born in Chicago, Jeffery Meyer began his musical studies as a pianist, and shortly thereafter continued on to study composition and conducting. He is the Director of Orchestras at the Ithaca College School of Music, as well asthe founder and Artistic Director of the St. Petersburg Chamber Philharmonic in St. Petersburg, Russia. Jeff is also the Orchestra Director at LSM Academy and Festival, a summer festival for talented high school musicians. He has appeared with orchestras in the United States and abroad, including ensembles such as the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. In recent concert seasons, he has been seen conducting, performing as piano soloist and chamber musician, as well as conducting from the keyboard in the United States, Canada, Russia, and Germany. An active participant in the music of our time, he has collaborated with many composers, and commissioned and premiered many new works. Recently he made his Glinka Hall conducting debut in the final concert of the 43rd St. Petersburg “Musical Spring” International Festival, featuring works by three of St. Petersburg’s most prominent composers. He has been featured numerous times as both a conductor and pianist as part of the “Sound Ways” International New Music Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia. As a pianist, Jeff has been in residence at the Banff Centre for the Arts, and in residence at the Aspen Festival as part of the Furious Band, a New York-based group dedicated to contemporary music. He performs frequently with percussionist Paul Vaillancourt as part of the piano and percussion duo Strike He has been broadcast on CBC, has recorded and performed with the Philadelphia Virtuosi (Naxos), and has been heard as a soloist at the Aspen Festival. He was recently selected to be included in the 60th Anniversary Edition of Who’s Who in America. In addition to performing in masterclasses for such artists as Richard Goode, John Perry, György Sebök, Robert McDonald, and Leon Fleischer, he has studied chamber music with Julius Levine, Charles Neidich, and Timothy Eddy. He has worked with conductors such as Gustav Meier, Bridget Reischl, and Robert Spano. Jeff holds degrees in piano as well as composition and completed his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Piano Performance with Gilbert Kalish at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Jeff is an active adjudicator, guest clinician, and masterclass teacher. He has adjudicated throughout the United States, including Alaska, as well as at the Hong Kong Schools Music Festival. He has served on the faculties of the Dorian Keyboard Festival, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Marrowstone Music Festival, and Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival.

Dr. Mark Laycock is an Associate Professor of Music at Wichita State University, where he holds the Ann Walenta Faculty of Distinction Endowed Professorship. In 2007, he was recognized with the Excellence in Teaching Award by the College of Fine Arts. In addition to serving as Director of Orchestras, he is Coordinator of Instrumental Conducting. Under his direction, the WSU Symphony Orchestra has been invited to perform at the 2008 International Festival of Youth Orchestras in Zaragoza, Spain, and at the 2008 Kansas Music Educators Association In-Service Workshop. An active guest conductor, Dr. Laycock recently led all-state orchestras in Nebraska, Washington, and Iowa, as well as the Slovak State Philharmonic in Kosice, the Clemson University Symphony Orchestra, the Omaha All-City Orchestra Festival, and the Northwest Iowa Honor Orchestra. He was also Principal Conductor of the Irvine (CA) Chamber Players, leading the youth orchestra on a two-week concert tour to Italy in June 2006. Upcoming engagements include the Alabama All-State Orchestra and the South Central Kansas District Honor Orchestra. His work as clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor spans 15 states and includes students ranging from beginning to advanced. In 2007, Dr. Laycock will present clinic sessions for the Kansas Chapter of the American String Teachers Association, the Oklahoma Music Educators Association, and the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. He has also presented pre-concert talks for Iowa State Center appearances of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic, National Philharmonic, and Russian National orchestras, as well as the Greeley (CO) Philharmonic Orchestra. Dr. Laycock served on the boards of directors of the Iowa String Teachers Association, Ames International Orchestra Festival Association and Ames Community Arts Council, and he has appeared as guest speaker for such organizations as the Kiwanis Club, Ames International Orchestra Festival Association, and the Ames and Des Moines chapters of the Des Moines Metro Opera Guild.

Jacquelyn Dillon

is currently director of string and orchestral studies, professor of music education and string pedagogy, and associate chair of the School of Music at Wichita State University. Dillon also is conductor of the Wichita Youth Symphony Chamber Players, a group she co-founded ten years ago in partnership with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. Dillon has been involved in the development of school orchestra programs for nearly 35 years and, in that role, has made 2,000 professional appearances as a conductor, clinician, and consultant throughout the United States, China, Germany, and England. She has appeared as guest clinician at music educator conferences in 48 states, at 5 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic conferences, and 10 national conferences of the American String Teachers with National School Orchestra conferences. She also has presented at 3 International Society of Music Education conferences. Early in Ms. Dillon’s career, she founded award-winning string programs in school systems in Derby, Ks and Norman, Ok. Groups that she has trained have appeared frequently at state, regional, and national music educator conferences. Her reputation as an authority in-group string teaching has resulted in guest residencies at more than 50 universities throughout the United States. Dillon is a past national president of the American String Teachers Association and is a member of the board of directors of the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. She also is co-author of the Strictly Strings series used throughout the United States for training of string players. Recently she co-authored Teaching Music throughPerformance in Orchestra, Volumes 1 and 2, published by GIA. She also serves as the String Editor for C. Alan’s orchestra publications. Dillon is the recipient of many national awards, including the Merle J. Isaac Lifetime Achievement Award from the National School Orchestra Association, the Medal of Honor from the Midwest Clinic, and the Paul Rolland Lifetime Achievement Award from the American String Teachers Association. In Kansas, she is the recipient of the “Music of the Heart” award from the Kansas Music Educators Association and the “Hall of Fame” award from the Kansas chapter of the American String Teachers Association. Dillon, a native of Wichita, Ks., holds bachelors and masters degrees from Wichita State University and has done doctoral work at Louisiana State University. A cellist, she is a former member of symphonies in Wichita, Oklahoma City, and Baton Rouge.

FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA

Thursday, Feb. 7

12:00 p.m. ………………………………….… Registration

12:30 p.m. ……………………FO Seating Auditions Begin

3:30 p.m. ……………………………………Results Posted

4:00-6:00 p.m. ……………………………………Rehearsal

7:30 p.m. ……………..U of A Huxford Symphony Concert

Friday, Feb. 8

9:00 a.m. …………………………………………Rehearsal

10:30-11:00 a.m. ……………………………………..Break

11:00a.m.-12:00 p.m. …………………………….Rehearsal

12:00 p.m. ……………………………..Meet the Composer

1:00 p.m. ………………………………………..Pizza Party

2:00-5:30 p.m. ……………………………………Rehearsal

5:30-7:00 p.m. ………………………………………Dinner

7:00-9:00 p.m. ……………………………………Rehearsal

Saturday, Feb. 9

9:00 a.m. …………………………………….FO Sectionals

12:00 p.m. …………………………………….Lunch Break

1:30 p.m. …………………………………………Rehearsal

4:00 p.m. ……………………………………………..Break

4:30-6:30 p.m. ……………………………………Rehearsal

Sunday, Feb. 10

a.m. ……………………….Touch Up Rehearsal/Photo

…………………………………………...Concert

STRING SINFONIETTA AND CONSORT STRINGS ORCHESTRA

Thursday, Feb. 7

……………………………..................Registration

…………………………..Seating Auditions Begin

………………U of A Huxford Symphony Concert Friday, Feb. 8

…………………………………………..Rehearsal

……………………………………………..Break

…………………………………………Rehearsal

All events take place in the Moody Music Building on the University of Alabama campus. Schedule subject to change.

FromHigherEd...

I want to begin this article by touching briefly on a theme that all of us in music education, regardless of level, are familiar with: recruiting. Whether we are involved in higher education or the elementary/secondary level of teaching, we have to constantly recruit students for our programs. We spend time in schools, visit students and their directors, send letters, make phone calls, and so on. This activity is continuous throughout the year. In short, in order for us to have students to teach, we have to go out and find them. If we were to sit on our hands and do nothing, eventually our student population would dissipate and so would our jobs.

With that being said, let me turn our attention to our colleagues. We recruit our colleagues to join us in various activities that we deem important, from joining us in recitals and performances, to research, to committee work. Now let me pose this question: How many of us actively recruit our colleagues in Higher Education to participate in Higher Ed events in general, and to join MENC in particular? In the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit that I have fallen short. My membership in MENC during the course of my career has been spotty, and, quite frankly, my opinion of MENC has at times been dubious. I think that was largely due to the fact that the question I often asked was “what does MENC do for me?” instead of “what does MENC do for my professionand my students?” Now that I sit on the AMEA Governing Board, I realize that for years I have been asking the wrong question, and I am coming to find the answers to the right question. MENC does a lot for the individual by providing avenues for research, advocacy, mentoring, etc. By offering these items to the individual, it helps to strengthen the profession.

It seems to me that most of us involved in the Higher Ed Division of AMEA are involved in research, music education methods, and general music education. I believe that we need to reach out to studio teachers and ensemble directors and demonstrate to them what MENC and

Mark Walker, President

Alabama Higher Ed Division

the Higher Ed Division has to offer. Often, our colleagues who teach studio classes and methods classes are one and the same. In my position at Troy University, I serve as the Associate Director of Bands, I teach applied low brass, I have administrative duties, and I teach various methods courses. In short, I wear a lot of different “hats” each day. I know that all of my colleagues throughout the state doas well. We should use our influence and our example to influence our colleagues to consider joining MENC and take part in what our particular conference has to offer.

Now let me turn my attention to the 2008 AMEA Conference. We have several excellent sessions planned, including a continuation of the superb recital sessions from last year. These recital sessions are still in the planning stages, and I invite anyone to offer suggestions for the format, or would like to offer their expertise in a performance.

I hope to see each of you in Tuscaloosa at AMEA. This conference offers us all a chance to recharge our batteries, keep abreast of each other’s creative activities, and enjoy one another’s camaraderie. Please drop me a line and let me know your thoughts as we work for the betterment of our profession.

From theCMENC...

In Full Swing!

Whew! School is now soaring at full blast. Whatever college you are attending in the state, I hope that you are soaking up every last drop of it—and what better a time than now to do so? Music education is at an all time high in the state.

Many of us are occupied with many rehearsals added on top of core and education classes. Remember that as much as you love experiencing music as a higher art, you should also be paying attention to all the teaching that is happening within each ensemble you are a part of. Observe the pedagogy of your professors. Even take a pad and paper to rehearsal to jot down notes if possible. Make the best use of your time in each hour of your degree. I assure you, it will make the best use of you.

Please be looking for your next issue of Semibreve for many updates on CMENC in Alabama. Many exciting ideas and activities are in store for The Collegiate Division of the Alabama Music Educators Association. The newsletter will soon be published with all the information you need for being an active member in the state.

Between your time rehearsing and going to class, find some time to brainstorm for your chapter. Ask yourself, “How can I help my chapter to better

Nathan Tucker, President Collegiate, MENC

promote music education in our state and nation?” Take initiative and become a driving force in your chapter. We cannot survive without those dedicated members that step up and get things done.

Lastly, remember the AMEA conference in January. Plan now to attend because this is important to all college students professionally and educationally as it allows people to meet, connections to be made, and brings a wealth of knowledge to our fingertips. Until then, be encouraged to better yourself as a music educator in every way. SEE YOU IN JANUARY!!!

Montevallo

The University of Department of Music

INSPIRED BY THE PAST, DEDICATED TO THE FUTURE!

ON OUR WAY — 2008 ALL-STEINWAY SCHOOL!

Please join the University of Montevallo Department of Music for a Music Alumni and Friends Reception during the AMEA State Convention

Thursday, January 10, 2008 from 5:45–7 p.m. at the Four Points Marriott Hotel — President’s Room

Scholarship Audition Dates: Saturday, February 16 & Saturday, March 8, 2008

Upcoming Events for High School Students:

UM Choral Festival

November 1–3, 2007

All-State Trumpet Clinic

December 1, 2007

For more information: music@montevallo.edu

205-665-6670

www.montevallo.edu/music

FromtheABA...

Greetings,

I hope that you have had a successful marching season and by this time are preparing for your District Assessment. Those of you who want to have a new selection approved should have it to Becky Rodgers by the AMEA Conference. I am again encouraging you to choose your selected piece from the present list. I recognize that there are many wonderful new pieces being published, but if you only play the newest pieces you miss the opportunity to expand your knowledge and understanding of the literature. I’m sure your students will benefit from working on a grade level march, one of the selected oldies, and playing a newer piece as your third number. Remember that you can access the full list at our web site.

Let’s also keep working to improve our channels of communication. I am having constant difficulty in reaching and communicating with members because of the information in our directory being outdated. Make sure you send your updates to your District Chairman or Gene Gooch. Email has become one of the best ways to communicate so be sure to also include your email address. I am hoping that we can eventually move to a “paperless” directory and cumulative list.

I have recently received a number of inquiries about the new requirements for the PE Waiver. Each of you will eventually have to make a decision on how to address this issue. Take a look at what has already been approved and make your application accordingly. After you receive approval, you will need to develop your own lesson plans to implement your proposal. You must also find a PE teacher or coach that will over see your plans and will assist you with the President’s

Harry McAfee, President

Alabama Bandmasters Association

Physical Fitness Test. Be sure to document what you are doing by keeping a file on each student. Contact me if you need additional information about the PE Waiver.

I am excited about the upcoming AMEA Conference and I encourage you to make every effort to attend. We will be featuring bands from the middle School, high School, and college levels. These bands spend many hours preparing to perform for us and we want to be sure that these performances are well attended. Support the efforts of these students and your colleagues by packing the house! There are a number of clinics that you should find helpful in expanding your knowledge of our trade. Choose the clinics that will be most meaningful to you and also find time to browse and shop with our exhibitors. The fees that the exhibitors pay to display their goods and services help to pay for our conference. Visit with them and thank them for choosing to come to our conference.

If you are a new director, I would especially like to invite you to the session that Becky Rodgers and I are hosting called “Functions of the ABA”. Even if you are an experienced director, you may find some of the information valuable, and can even contribute if there is time. I’m looking forward to seeing you there!

ABA Clinics at AMEA 2008

Building a Better Trumpet Section - Dr. Carly Johnson

Practical Flute and Clarinet Solutions - Ed Sueta

Score Study: Determine Function to Attain Balance - Dr. Ken Ozzello

Three Critical Concerns for the High School Band Director - Dr. James Smisek

Functions of the ABA - Harry McAfee and Becky Rodgers

Acoustical Myth Busters - Dr. Carl Hancock

Reading Band - The Music of Douglas Akey and Anne McGinty - Dr. Carl Hancock

ABA Concerts at AMEA 2008

Minor High School Band, Carlton Wright, Director

Oak Grove High School Band, Ryan Fitchpatrick, Director

Jacksonville State University Chamber Winds, Ken Bodiford, Director

Thompson Middle School Band, Connie Hammond, Director

Shades Valley High School Band, David Allinder, Director

Alabama Wind Ensemble, Ken Ozzello, Director

All-State Jazz Band, Ramon Vasquez, Clinician

Alabama Bandmasters Association

Proposed By-Law Amendments

Proposal No. 1

Article XV. All-State Festival and Audtions

c. The All-State Festival will include four bands: Red Band, White Band, Blue Band, and Jr. High Band. Those students with the highest scores will be assigned to the Red Band: those with the next highest scores will be assigned to the White Band: those with the next highest scores will be assigned to the Blue Band. Students in the ninth grade and below will be eligible to audition for either the Junior High Band or the other bands, but no student may audition for both.

Change Article XV, Section 1, Paragraph C to read: Section 1.

c. The All-State Festival will include four bands: Red Band, White Band, Blue Band, and Middle School Band. Those students with the highest scores will be assigned to the Red Band: those with the next highest scores will be assigned to the White Band: those with the next highest scores will be assigned to the Blue Band. Students in the eighth grade and below will be eligible to audition for either the Middle School Band or the other bands, but no student may audition for both.

Add to section C:

a. 3rd year provision - Any student enrolled in a true Junior High School in which band begins in grade 7 and goes through the 9th grade will be eligible to tryout for the Middle School All State band, all other 9th graders must tryout for Red, White and Blue bands.

Rationale:

Current Junior high school band is 9th graders of which most are from High School band programs. This change would enable middle school and junior high school students to have an All State experience that most are not getting. This in turn should help motivate these students which should have a positive effect on both the middle school/junior high band programs and the high school programs that they feed.

Submitted by Terry Ownby and Board Approved

Proposal No. 2

Article IX. District Chairmen and District Vice-Chairmen (Chairmen-Elect)

Section 2.

a. District Chairmen shall serve as members of the Board of Directors and shall promote the interests of their respective districts and make recommendations to the Board of Directors. They shall promote all festivals in their respective districts, collect all moneys due the Association and forward to the Executive secretary, compile a list of band directors in the district and mail to the Executive Secretary before the September meeting. The District Chairmen shall attend all meetings of the Association and Board of Directors.

Change Section 2, Paragraph a to read:

Section 2.

a. District Chairmen shall serve as members of the Board of Directors and shall promote the interests of their respective districts and make recommendations to the Board of Directors. They shall promote all festivals in their respective districts, collect all moneys due the Association and forward to the Executive secretary, correct the list of directors and other teachers given to the by the Executive Secretary and return the list as early as possible. The District Chairmen shall attend all meetings of the Association and Board of Directors.

Proposal No. 3

Article XVI. Concert Band Assessments

Section 5. State Concert Band Assessment Awards

Plaques may be ordered at State Concert Band Assessment following performance but orders must be accompanied by a check made out to Alabama Bandmasters Association. Medals and trophies may be purchased by bands receiving an overall superior (I) rating.

Change Article XVI, Section 5 to read:

Section 5. State Concert Band Assessment Awards

Plaques may be ordered at State Concert Band Assessment following performances but orders must be accompanied by a check made out to Alabama Bandmasters Association or a school purchase order. Medals and trophies may be purchased by bands receiving an overall superior (I) rating with a check or school purchase order.

Submitted by Gene Gooch and Board Approved

FromElem/Gen...

Moving, Singing, Playing, & Listening

This year’s AMEA In-Service Conference offers varied experiences to share with your students. We will be moving, singing, playing instruments, and listening to music, as well as reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. The Conference always is a time to share great ideas and rejuvenate your goals for your music program. Each year, I return to school a better teacher, whether through sessions presented by world-class clinicians, concerts performed by musical students from around our state, music educators that I’ve known for years, or new teachers that offer innovative insights to our profession.

Sara Womack, President

Elementary/General Division

who will discuss the use of guitar in the elementary general music classroom. Michael Beyl, music teacher and national clinician, will present multiple ways to incorporate children’s literature in the elementary music classroom. Renée Baptiste, associate professor of music education at Jacksonville State University, will share how we can use folk songs of our state, along with the Kodály approach, to teach musical concepts. Andrea and Joey Coleman, music teachers from Mississippi, will discuss fun and effective ways to teach form to elementary music students.

Upcoming Elementary/General Dates

National AOSA Conference in San Jose, California – November 14-17

AMEA In-Service Conference – January 10-12

Dr. Robert de Frece, an engaging professor from the University of Alberta in Canada, will be presenting four sessions –“Building Musical Foundations in the Early Years,” “Part Singing: A Skill Unto Itself,” “Choral ‘Happenings’ Orff Style,” and “Musical Learning within Structured Freedom.” You do not want to miss one of these sessions! Bob’s witty personality and intelligence will leave you with higher expectations for your music program.

John Jacobson, the Conference Keynote Speaker, will be presenting two sessions for the Elementary/General Division. His boundless energy will lead us through “Ten Ingredients for a Successful Music Program” and “Raise the Roof with New Music for Young Choirs.” You’ll no doubt leave both of these sessions with great ideas.

Other session clinicians include Suzanne Shull, National Chair of the MENC Teaching Guitar Task Force,

Our division will be presenting two concert sessions from the Jaguar Singers of Kermit Johnson Elementary School in Jefferson County and Young Voices Choir and Handchimes of Randolph School, a private school in Huntsville. Make sure you attend these concerts and support elementary directors in our state. Also, think about your school applying to perform for next school year.

We have secured a great lineup of sessions for your interest, as well as outstanding performing groups. Come move, play, sing, and listen to music as you reconnect and meet with new and experienced teachers. If you have any ideas for future clinicians or programs, please email me with your suggestions at sara@music.org. See you in January!

AOSA Spring Workshop with Alan Spurgeon at Edgewood Elementary School – Saturday, March 1, 9:00-12:00

MENC National Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin – April 9-12

PRE-REGISTRATION FORM AMEA In-Service Conference

January 10-12, 2008University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Please enclose a copy of your card. Home Address:

Division Affiliation: (check all that apply)

Please tell us if you are: _____Clinician

of a performing group at the conference

To pre-register with a credit card go to www.alabamamea.org through January 1, 2008 ************************* Mail form and check by Jan. 1, 2008 to: *********************** AMEA, Box 181, 1612 Second Avenue SW, Cullman, AL 35055

Important: Forms and payment received after Jan. 1, 2008 will be held at the registration desk for onsite registration. Do not send forms or payment to the above address after Jan. 1, 2008

THANK YOU! Your conference packet will be ready at the registration desk in the Bryant Conference Center. Your receipt will be in your packet at the conference. Please contact me if you need further assistance. Cindy Pass, Treasurer, AMEA and Registrar Phone: (256) 338-4404 email: cpass@cullmancats.net

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

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

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

Keep music education strong— go to SupportMusic.com

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

FromtheAVA...

What a great Fall Workshop! I would like to express my appreciation to site coordinator Brent Coleman and the members and staff of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Birmingham for allowing us to utilize their wonderful facility. I am also especially grateful to Berry MS (Cissy Johnson), Gardendale HS (Ginny Hughes), Grissom HS (Elizabeth Stephenson) and Vestavia Hills HS (Meagan Rudolph) for performing during our concert sessions. Each group did a great job (especially this early in the school year)! Our clinicians, Dr. Kenneth Fulton (HS SATB) and Dr. Peter Eklund (ASSC), were informative and personable and I am looking forward to our students experiencing their expertise. My appreciation also goes to all who led in the read-through sessions, the accompanists, and to Brent Coleman for his session on performance opportunities.

Let me restate our position concerning State Performance Assessment that was announced at our general membership business meeting. State Assessment will be held the week of April 2125. There will be two sites: one in the Mobile/Daphne area and the other in the Florence/Decatur area. We are trying to make sure that the venues will be comparable acoustically. I will let you know as soon as we nail down the specific sites and also the specific days at those sites.

Please take note that AllState Show Choir auditions have changed places. The dates are the same.

Paul Edmondson, President

Alabama Vocal Association

The site is now Bluff Park United Methodist Church in the Birmingham/Hoover area.

Make plans to attend the AMEA Winter In-Service Conference at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa January 10th – 12th. The keynote speaker for the conference is John Jacobson. He will not only address the entire AMEA membership but will also present a session for AVA! The conference clinician for AVA is John Leavitt. Dr. Leavitt, through the sponsorship of Hal Leonard, will be bringing packets of his music for his rehearsal/literature-reading sessions. Combined with fine performances from our own membership, the AVA Honor Choir, the AllState Show Choir, FAME and user-friendly interest sessions, this conference looks to be extremely beneficial this year. Hope to see you there!

AVA Clinics at AMEA 2008

The Language of Adjudication - Dr. Gary Packwood

Success in the Vocal Sightreading Room - Dr. Joe Pendleton

The Ideal Conductor: Big Arms and Big Ears - Ian Loeppky

Middle School and High School Singing on the Risers - John Jacobson

The Choral Rehearsal: The Journey is the Reward - Dr. John Leavitt

Collaboration: Using Middle School and High School Students to Produce a Musical - Pat Blackwell, Vivienne Atkins, Melinda Lambardino

Dynamic Literature for Engaging Programming - Dr. John Leavitt

Piano Lab in the High School Curriculum - Diane Ham

AVA Concerts at AMEA 2008

Troy University Concert Chorale, Diane Orlofsky, Director

University of South Alabama Chorale, Joe Pendleton, Director

Randolph School Young Voices and Handbell Choir, Lea Hoppe, Director

Theodore High School Choir, Karen Combs, Director

Bob Jones High School Choir, Randall Fields, Director

Jacksonville State University Encore, Renee Baptiste, Director

Alabama Honor Choir, Jeffery Ames, Clinician

All-State Show Choir, Peter Eklund, Clinician

AMEA 2008

Wednesday, January 9

Conference Schedule

January 10-12, 2008

University of Alabama

Thursday, January 10

Moody, 167 (Vestibule)

Interest Session

Ten Ingredients for an Exceptional Music Program

John Jacobson

BCC, Rast

AVA Interest Session

The Language of Adjudication

Gary Packwood

BCC, Birmingham Room

ABA/Higher Ed Interest Session

Building A Better Trumpet Section

Carly Johnson

Moody, Recital Hall

AOA Interest Session

Success with Grant Applications

Michael Gagliardo

Moody, 181

Keynote

Alabama Honor Choir Rehearsal Moody, 167

Minor High School Band

Moody, Recital Hall

AVA Interest Session

Success in the Vocal Sight-reading Room

Joe Pendleton

BCC, Birmingham Room

Elem/Gen Interest Session

Building Musical Foundations in the Early Years

Robert de Frece

BCC, Rast

AOA Interest Session

Teaching Bow Technique

Peter Rovit

Moody, 181

AMEA 2008

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. All-State Jazz Band Registration

Moody, 201

2:00 - 5:00 p.m. All-State Show Choir Rehearsal

Moody, 204

Alabama Honor ChoirRehearsal

Moody, 167

All-State Jazz BandRehearsal

Moody, 201

3:30 - 4:30

ABA Concert Session

Oak Grove High School Band

Moody, Concert Hall

Elem./General Interest Session

Part Singing: A Skill Unto Itself

Robert de Frece

BCC, Rast

AVA Interest Session

Middle School and High School

Singing on the Risers

John Jacobson

BCC, Birmingham Room

2:15 - 3:15 p.m.

ABA Interest Session

Practical Flute and Clarinet Solutions

Ed Sueta

Moody, Recital Hall

Elem./General Interest Session

Raise the Roof with New Music for Young Choirs

John Jacobson

BCC, Rast

AVA Interest Session

The Ideal Conductor: Big Arms and Big Ears

Ian Loeppky

BCC, Birmingham Room

AOABusiness Meeting

Moody, 181

CMENC Interest Session Say What You Mean & Mean What You Say: Gestural Problems in Young Conductors

Timothy Banks

Moody, 258

FAME Session 3

Sheraton, Ballroom 3:15 a.m. -

FAME Session 4

4:00 -

4:15 p.m.

HED Performance Session I

4:45

5:45 p.m.

Session 5 - Wrap Up

ABA/AOA/CMENC/Higher Ed Interest Session

Score Study: Determine Function to Attain Balance

Ken Ozzello

Moody, Recital Hall

AVA Concert Session

University of South Alabama

Concert Chorale

Moody, Concert Hall

Elem./General Board Meeting

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. CMENC Mixer

Sheraton, Champs Restaurant

Higher Education Mixer

7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. All-State

Jazz Band Rehearsal

All-State Show Choir Rehearsal

Moody, 204

Alabama Honor Choir Rehearsal

Moody, 167

ala breve 25

AMEA 2008

Friday, January 11

7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. AMEA Concert Session

Presentation of AMEA Honor Roll

Jaguar Singers, Kermit Johnson Elementary School

JSU Winds

8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. ABA General Meeting

Moody, Recital Hall

AVA/Elem/Gen Concert Session

Randolph School Young Voices

Choir and Handbells

Theodore High School Choir

Moody, Concert Hall

Higher Ed Business Meeting

Sheraton, Champs Restaurant

8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Exhibits Open

BCC, Sellers Exhibit Hall

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. All-State Jazz Band Rehearsal

Moody, 201

All-State Show Choir Rehearsal

Moody, 204

Alabama Honor Choir Rehearsal

Moody, 167

9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. ABA Interest Session

James Smisek

BCC, Birmingham

AVA Interest Session

Dynamic Literature for Engaging

Programming; The Music of John

Leavitt

John Leavitt

Moody, Recital Hall

Elem/Gen Interest Session

Choral “Happenings” Orff Style

Robert de Frece

BCC, Rast

9:45 a.m. -

Interest Session

String Players Got Rhythm; Who Could Ask For Anything More?

Anne Witt

Moody, 181

CMENC Interest Session

A Current and Practical Approach

To Choral Singing

Marvin Latimer

Moody, 258

Higher Ed Interest Session

We Have a New Music Teacher

Again? Why Music Educators

Catch the Attrition Bug and Who is Most Susceptible

Carl Hancock

Moody, 180

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ABA/CMENC Interest Session

Functions of the ABA

Harry McAfee & Becky Rodgers

Moody, Recital Hall

AVA Performance Session

Bob Jones High School Choir

JSU Encore

Moody Concert Hall

Elem/Gen Interest Session

Guitar for All Reasons

Suzanne Shull

BCC, Rast

Higher Ed Interest Session

Making Music Amidst the Madness: Rediscovering our Musical Self

Milton Allen

Moody, 180

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Phi Beta Mu Luncheon University Club

ASTA Luncheon

Sheraton, Champs Restaurant

Conference Schedule AMEA 2008

Friday, January 11

p.m.

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

CMENC Luncheon/Business Meeting

Wesley Student Center

ABA Concert Session

Thompson Middle School Band

Moody, Concert Hall

AVA Interest Session

The Choral Rehearsal: The Journey is the Reward

John Leavitt

BCC, Birmingham Room

Higher Ed Performance Session II

Moody, Recital Hall

Elem/Gen Interest Session

Musical Learning within Structured Freedom

Robert de Frece

BCC, Rast

CMENC Interest Session

Panel of 1st Year Teachers

Moody, 258

1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

All-State Jazz Band Rehearsal

Moody, 201

All-State Show Choir Rehearsal

Moody, 204

Alabama Honor Choir Rehearsal

Moody, 167

2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

ABA Interest Session

Acoustical Myth Busters or Why a Piece of Tape Doesn’t Fix a Broken Drum Head

Carl Hancock

Moody, Recital Hall

IAJE Meeting

Moody, 181

Collaboration: Using Middle School and High School Students to Produce a Musical

Pat Blackwell, Vivienne Atkins, Melinda Lambardino

BCC, Birmingham

Elem/Gen Meeting

BCC, Rast

CMENC Interest Session

The First Year: What Would

Forrest Gump Do?

Milton Allen

Moody, 258

Shades Valley High School Band Moody, Concert Hall

AVA/Higher Ed Interest Session

Piano Lab in the High School Curriculum

Diane Ham

BCC, Birmingham

Elem/Gen Interest Session

Sing-A-Book; Play-A-Book

Michael Beyl

BCC, Rast

BCC, Sellers Exhibit Hall

Presentation of Awards

Alabama Honor Choir

Alabama Wind Ensemble

Saturday, January 12

8:00 a.m.-8:30 a.m. ABA Board Meeting

Moody, 180

8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Elem/Gen/CMENC Interest Session

Shake It to the East, Shake It to the West: Alabama Folk Songs and Kodaly

Renee Baptiste

BCC, Rast

8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. All-State Show Choir Dress Rehearsal

Moody, Concert Hall

8:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m. ABA General Meeting

Moody, Recital Hall

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. ABA/CMENC Interest Session

Reading Band: The Music of Douglas Akey and Anne McGinty

Carl Hancock

Moody, Choral-Opera Room

Conference Schedule

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. AVA General Meeting

Moody, Recital Hall

Elementary/General Interest Session

Fun with Form

Joseph and Andrea Coleman

BCC, Rast

10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. AMEA Concert Session

All-State Show Choir

All-State Jazz Band

Moody, Concert Hall

12:30 p.m.

ACDA Board Meeting

Moody, 173 1:00 p.m.

AMEA Governing Board Meeting

BCC, Cavalier Room

Conference Hotels AMEA

The following list represents hotels/motels in Tuscaloosa participating in the 2008 AMEA In-Service Conference January 10-12. They have agreed to reserve a block of rooms at a special conference rate. Tax will be added to the following prices. You are requested to contact the facility of your choice by calling the number provided. To ensure availability and the conference rates, please call early and identify yourself with the block of rooms for the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference.

Deadline for block is December 20, 2007.*

Country Inn and Suites

4801 McFarland Boulevard

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

205-345-9999

Doubles- $79.00

Marriott Courtyard Tuscaloosa

4115 Courtney Drive

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

205-750-8384

Doubles/Kings- $99.00

(*Deadline: December 10, 2007)

Hampton Inn I59/20

6400 Interstate Drive

Tuscaloosa, AL 35453

205-562-9000

Doubles/Kings- $80

Hampton Inn University

600 Harper Lee Drive

Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

205-553-9800

$94

Sheraton Four Points

Conference Hotel

320 Bryant Drive

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

205-752-3200

Standard Doubles/Kings- $83.00

Club Level - $103.00

FromResearch...

RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Don’t forget to send your abstracts in for the Research Poster Session for the AMEA conference. The deadline has been extended until OCTOBER 30. Please encourage graduate students to participate in this session! Send an electronic copy of the abstract (500 words or less), a separate page with author contact information, affiliation, and a working bibliography to dorlof@troy.edu or via snail mail to: Dr. DianeOrlofsky, Long School of Music, Troy University, Troy, AL 36082

Here are just a few of the Call for Papers that are currently under consideration elsewhere around the country: Indiana Music Educators Association will sponsor a research poster session at its conference in Indianapolis, IN on Saturday, January 19, 2008. Qualitative or quantitative research that is either completed or in-progress on any topic relating to music teaching/learning will be considered. Deadline for submissions: December 1, 2007. Submission procedures: All submissions should not have been published prior to the conference, and meet the Code of Ethics published in the Journal of Research in Music Education. Electronic submissions are encouraged (in pdf or MS Word format). Email the abstract (150-250 words) and report (if complete) to: Dr. John W. Scheib, IMEA Research Chair at jwscheib@bsu.edu. For those unable to send electronic copies, required materials may be mailed to:Dr. John W. Scheib, IMEA Research Chair, Ball State University School of Music, Hargreaves Music Building, Muncie, IN 47306.

South Carolina MEA State Conference Poster Session Charleston, SC, February 7-9, 2008: The South Carolina Music Educators Association will sponsor a research poster session at its conference in Charleston, SC on Saturday, February 9, 2008. We are accepting submissions of completed

and in-progress studies being conducted by undergraduate students, graduate students, university faculty, and practicing teachers in public or private schools. This poster session is open to papers involving any aspect of scholarly research in music, including those that are philosophical, theoretical, or historical in nature, as well as reports that are qualitative or quantitative in design.

Deadline for submissions: December 1, 2007. Submission procedures: All submissions should not have been published prior to the conference, and meet the Code of Ethics published in the Journal of Research in Music Education. Electronic submissions are encouraged (in MS Word or .pdf). Email the abstract and complete research report (if complete) to Dr. Jeremy S. Lane, SCMEA Research Chair, at jlane@mozart.sc.edu. Please indicate contact information including name, title, affiliation (if applicable), address, email, phone, and fax numbers, on a separate title page For those unable to send electronic copies, four copies of the abstract and report (if complete) may be mailed to Dr. Jeremy S. Lane, SCMEA Research Chair,University of South Carolina School of Music, 813 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29208. Ph. (803) 777-1501.

2008 Music Festivals

ATLANTA, Georgia

April 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26

CHICAGO, Illinois

March 28-29, April 18-19

Music Festivals

ForBand, Orchestra & Chorus

PERFORMANCE AREAS

Concert Band / Wind Ensemble / Orchestra / Stage Band

Jazz Band / Guitar Ensemble / Parade

Marching Drum Line / Percussion Ensemble

Indoor Guard / Drill Team / Majorette Squad / Dance Team

Flag Squad / Rifle Squad / Mixed Chorus / Men's Chorus

Treble Choir / Chamber / Madrigal Choir

Gospel Choir / Jazz Choir / Show Choir

2008 INVITATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVALS

GATLINBURG/PIGEONFORGE

Tennessee

April 18-19, 25-26

MYRTLEBEACH, South Carolina

March 28-29, April 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, May 2-3

NEWYORK, New York

March 28-29, April 4-5, 11-12, 18-19

25-26

ORLANDO, Florida

March 28-29, April 11-12, 25-26

VIRGINIABEACH, Virginia

March 28-29*, April 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, May 2-3*, 9-10*, 16-17*

WASHINGTON, DC

April 11-12, 25-26

WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia

March 28-29*, April 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, May 2-3*, 9-10*, 16-17*

* Combined Festivals

Williamsburg/ Virginia Beach

John Jacobson Music Educator, Choreographer, Entertainment Consultant

Member ASCAP, MENC, ACDA

AMEA 2008 Keynote Speaker

In October of 2001 President George Bush named John Jacobson a Point of Light award winner for his “dedication to providing young people involved in the arts opportunities to combine music, charitable giving and community service.” John is the founder and volunteer president of America Sings! Inc., a non-profit organization that encourages young performers to use their time and talents for community service. With a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of WisconsinMadison and a Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University, John is recognized internationally as a creative and motivational speaker for teachers and students involved in choral music education. He is the author and composer of many musicals and choral works that have been performed by millions of children worldwide, as well as educational videotapes and recordings that have helped music educators excel in their individual teaching arenas. He has staged hundreds of huge music festival ensembles in his association with Walt Disney Productions and directed productions featuring thousands of young singers including NBC's national broadcast of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, presidential inaugurations and more. John stars in children's musical and exercise videotapes, most recently the series Jjump! A Fitness Program for Children and is the Senior Contributing Writer for John Jacobson’s Music Express magazine.

blair school of music at vanderbilt university

• Intensive professional training with a superb liberal arts education–in a city of historic Southern charm

• Internationally recognized faculty and uniquely personal student/teacher ratio–a hallmark of the Blair community

VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

AUDITION DATES

December 1, 2007

• January 25 & 26, 2008

February 8 & 9, 2008

• February 22 & 23, 2008

For more information:

Dwayne Sagen

Assistant Dean of Admissions

Blair School of Music

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN 37212-3499

PHONE: (615) 322-7679

WEB: www.vanderbilt.edu/Blair

E-MAIL: Dwayne.P.Sagen@vanderbilt.edu

• New, state-of-the-art classrooms, studios, and performance halls–a new dimension in the learning experience

• Degree programs offered in instrumental and vocal performance, composition/theory, and musical arts–and a five-year Bachelor of Music/Master of Education program

• Ranked as one of the nation's top twenty universities

Vanderbilt University Wind Ensemble

AMEA 2008 Clinicians and Performers

Anne Cleino Witt has presented in many states and at national conventions of the Music Educators National Conference and the Midwest Clinic. Dr. Witt is co-author of Teaching Stringed Instruments: A Course of Study, published by MENC. She is author of A Rhythm a Week, published by Warner Bros. Publications. She is consulting editor for the new series Orchestra Expressions, also published by Warner Bros. She taught middle school and high school orchestra and strings for fourteen years in Austin, and was Director of the University of Texas String Project for two years. Most recently, she taught strings and music education at the University of Texas at Arlington. She now resides in Tuscaloosa where her husband is President of the University of Alabama. Dr. Witt has served as President of the Texas Orchestra Directors Association and President of the American String Teachers Association. She was a professional cellist in the Austin Symphony for twenty years.

The premier vocal ensemble in the John M. Long School of Music, the Troy University Concert Chorale is a group of singers performing challenging classical, traditional, and contemporary choral repertoire. The auditioned choir boasts a representation from every corner of TROY’s campus, with members from a variety of majors. The Concert Chorale offers students an opportunity for advanced study in various genres of choral music, with emphasis on development of quality ensemble singing, good vocal technique, expression in music, and musical maturity. The group is directed by Dr. Diane Orlofsky, with Vocal/Choral Graduate assistant Tori Lee serving as assistant conductor.

Carl B. Hancock is Assistant Professor of Music Education at The University of Alabama. He teaches courses in band methods, marching band techniques, music sociology and music psychology in addition to supervising student teachers and advising the UA chapter of CMENC. He is the founder and organizer of the Tuscaloosa Winds, a 115-member symphonic band designed to bring together community and university musicians in the pursuit of lifelong music making. Previously, he served on the faculty at the University of Arizona where he taught courses in music education and directed the symphonic and outreach bands. Hancock was a successful high school band director in Florida, where he directed band programs at Sebastian River (Sebastian, FL) and Santa Fe (Alachua, FL) high schools. Dr. Hancock is an active researcher and some of his work can be found in the Journal of Research in Music Education, the Journal of Band Research, Arts in Education Policy Review, and the Music Educators Journal. He often presents research and pedagogical sessions for band directors and other music educators at national and state conventions. He is past chair of MENC’s Affective Response Special Research Interest Group and is currently the chair-elect of the Learning and Development Special Research Interest Group for MENC. Hancock holds a Bachelor of Music Education, Master of Music Education, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Florida State University.

Diane Ham is now in her fourth year at UMSWright Preparatory School in Mobile as Choral Director and Piano Lab instructor. This past year, Mrs. Ham's Choir represented the state of Alabama in New York City in a performance joined by nine other ensembles that were selected throughout North America to perform in historic Carnegie Hall. Musical organizations under her leadership have consistently been cited for musical excellence at both local and national competitions. In 1999 her Showchoir won first place at the Smoky Mountain Music Festival in Gatlinburg, Tennessee; in 2000 the Showchoir won first place at the All American Music Festival in Orlando, Florida; in 2001 the Showchoir won first place at the Cherry Blossom Music Festival in Washington, DC. In 2003 Diane started the first Piano Lab in the Mobile County School System at Satsuma High School where she was also the Choral Director. A 1979 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Music Education in Voice and Piano, Diane has taught in private and public schools for the past 27 years. Her passion for music has been passed on through her private students in solo recitals and auditions. She is a member of the NMTA, MTA, AVA, and AMEA. Diane is married to Bob Ham and has two children, Wesley and Brooke. They have three grandchildren, Victoria, Katherine, and Hunter.

The Jaguar Singers are an auditioned choir of 120 4th and 5th grade students from Kermit Johnson Elementary School in Pinson, Alabama (Jefferson County). Since 1994, the choir has grown from approximately 40 students to its current status. Under the direction of Robin Belk, the Jaguar Singers have performed not only concerts for their school, but for the Jefferson County Music Festival, Jefferson County Leadership Council, Jefferson County Fifth Grade Scholars,The National Orff-Schulwerk Association, and the Alabama Music Teachers Association Honors Chorus. The Jaguar singers practice 45 minutes weekly, and many students come before school for extra instrumental rehearsal..

AMEA 2008 Clinicians and Performers

Originally from Bayshore, New York, Dr. James J. Smisek serves as the Director of Bands and Interim Chairman of Instrumental Studies at Samford University. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a D.M.A. in instrumental conducting, studying with Dr. John R. Locke. While at UNCG he served as the conductor of the UNCG Symphonic Band 2004-2005 and previously conducted the University Band (2003-2004). Dr. Smisek has taught high school band and orchestra for 13 years in the public schools of Bradenton, Palmetto, Winter Park, and Orlando, Florida. He was also the director of jazz studies at Seminole Community College from 2000-2001. He continues to work as an adjucator and clinician throughout Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, Arizona, Virginia, South Carolina and Kentucky. In 2000, he completed the M.M. degree in music education with honors at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. He earned a B.A. in Music Education from the University of Florida in Gainesville and an A.A. from Seminole Community College in Sanford, Florida. Dr. Smisek was a trumpeter in the United States Army Band Program from 1989-1991. He is a member of Music Educators National Conference, College Music Society, Alabama Bandmasters Association, Alabama Music Educators Association, National Band Association, International Association for Jazz Education, College Band Directors National Association, Pi Kappa Lambda and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Dr. Smisek is married to Lynette Aileen Smisek; they have two children, Chelsea and Carson.

AMEA 2008 Clinicians and Performers

Ed Sueta received a B.A. from High Point University and an M.A. from Teacher’s College, Columbia University. An acclaimed clinician, educator and composer, Ed has conducted workshops throughout the United States and Canada. His enthusiastic style and keen insight have motivated and inspired thousands of music educators. As an accomplished musician, he has performed with the New Jersey Symphony and pit orchestras of Broadway Shows. Ed’s teaching experience includes band, recorder and orchestra. He developed his Recorder and Band Curriculums over the course of his thirty years as a music educator. His Band and Recorder Methods are based upon melodic and rhythmic concepts which lead to superior reading and performance skills.

Encore! serves as ambassadors of Jacksonville State University. The show choir consists of music and nonmusic majors from the University. With a repertoire of Broadway show tunes, vocal jazz, rock and rhythm and blues, this group demonstrates versatility in programming. The ensemble performs at least twice on campus in concert, but is in constant demand to perform at local and regional events as entertainment, but also for recruitment to JSU. From sporting events, to school events to civic events, audiences enjoy the choreographed singing of Encore!

Marvin E. Latimer Jr. is currently Assistant Professor of Music Education and Director of the University Chorus at the University of Alabama. He received a BME and MME from Wichita State University and earned a Ph.D. with honors in Music Education from the University of Kansas. He taught secondary choral music in Wichita, Kansas High Schools for 28 years and has served as Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Kansas and as Assistant Professor of Music Education and Director of the Women’s Ensemble at Wichita State University. In addition to his work in education, he has been active as Church Choir Director, Community Choir Director, Performer, Music Theater Director and Producer, Technical Director, and Scenic Designer. Dr. Latimer has published articles in the Choral Journal and the International Journal for Research in Choral Singing. Additionally, his research has been presented at state, regional, national, and international conferences including the Third International Conference on the Physiology and Acoustics of Singing, York, England and The Phenomenon of Singing International Symposium VI, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. He currently serves as Editorial Associate for the International Journal for Research in Choral Singing. Dr Latimer’s professional distinctions consist of numerous choral convention performances including the Kansas Music Educators Association State Convention, American Choral Directors Association Regional Convention, and Music Educators National Conference National Convention. He also received recognition on two occasions as a University of Kansas GTA Distinguished Service Nominee; and as a recipient of the Wichita Public Schools Certificate of Merit, the Mary Jane Teall Award for Scenic Design, and the University of Kansas School of Education Certificate of Appreciation. Dr. Latimer is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the Music Educators National Conference, the Alabama Vocal Association, Pi Kappa Lambda, Phi Kappa Phi, and the Voice Care Network.

AMEA 2008 Clinicians and Performers

Suzanne Shull is the National Chair of the MENC Guitar Task Force. She taught public school choral and general music in the Atlanta metro area for thirty years, specializing in middle grades. A proponent of hands-on music learning she began teaching class guitar to middle school students for several years before becoming involved with the Task Force. After retiring she taught three more years at Roswell High School helping to expand the guitar program there and learning more about what high school students want to know about playing the guitar. You can find Ms. Shull's philosophy of active music learning in a number of publications including: Strategies in teaching Middle School General Music, (MENC, 1997) and “What are We Doing in General Music?” in Performing with Understanding, Edited by Bennett Reimer and published by MENC in 2000.

The Chamber Winds is the most elite wind organization on the JSU campus. The Chamber Winds utilizes the practice of flexible instrumentation, which allows performance of many types of wind ensemble writing. Exploring traditional as well as contemporary works for band, this ensemble is known for its high level performances of quality literature. The Chamber Winds performs both on and off campus, tours annually, and performs regularly at professional music conferences. Students are selected for membership each fall and spring semester by audition.

Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Ian Loeppky has been the Assistant Professor and Director of Choral Activities at the University of North Alabama since the fall of 2003. His studies began at the University of Manitoba, continued at the University of Minnesota, and finished at the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati. He has also studied with Dale Warland, Frieder Bernius, Martin Isepp, Charles Bruffy, and Bobby McFerrin. He is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the Music Educators National Convention, Alabama Vocal Association, the International Federation for Choral Music, Phi Mu Alpha, and Pi Kappa Lambda. He is currently the Repertoire and Standards Chair for Multicultural Choral Music for the Alabama chapter of ACDA. He has worked as a singer, scholar, conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and arranger in Canada, the United States, and Portugal. He directs all four vocal ensembles at UNA and teaches choral conducting, choral techniques, graduate choral conducting, and graduate choral literature; under his direction, the UNA Collegiate Singers were pleased to present a program of modern choral works at the 2006 AMEA Annual Conference. In addition, he directs the choir at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, is founder and artistic director of Florence Camerata (a Shoals-based community chorus), and is in demand as a clinician and adjudicator throughout the region. His articles have appeared in the Choral Journal and the Alabama Reprise.

AMEA 2008 Clinicians and Performers

Jeffrey L. Ames, Assistant Professor of Choral Music, serves as Assistant Director of Choral Activities at Baylor University. His prior appointments include Director of Choral Activities at Edgewater High School and Lincoln High School in Florida. As a choral clinician, Dr. Ames has conducted senior and junior high school mixed and male choirs at the state and regional conventions of the American Choral Directors Association and the Music Educator’s National Conference, including the inaugural Florida Male All-State Chorus (2005). He has performed internationally in the countries of Italy (2005-2007) and Costa Rica (2005). An accomplished accompanist, he has performed with well-known conductors such as André Thomas, Allen Crowell, Dan Krunnfusz, Bradley Ellingboe, and most recently with Anton Armstrong and the 2007 Texas All-State Mixed Choir. With a growing reputation as a distinguished and well-respected composer and arranger, Dr. Ames’ music has been premiered by the Florida Music Educators Association (1996), the Florida American Choral Directors Association (1998), the Southern Division of ACDA (2002), the National ACDA Conference in Los Angeles (2005), and most recently at the 2007 National ACDA Conference in Miami. His compositions and arrangements are published by Colla Voce Music, Earthsongs, Santa Barbara Music Publishing, and Walton Music Corporation. Professor Ames holds the Ph.D. in Choral Conducting/Choral Music Education and a Master of Choral Music Education degree from Florida State University, and a Bachelor of Music degree, with at double major in Vocal Performance and Piano Accompanying, from James Madison University. He is the first recipient of the 2005 ACDA James Mulholland Choral Music Fellowship.

The notoriety of the Minor Band Program dates back to band director Spencer Shaw (1960-65). During this time, the band consistently earned superior ratings at various contests and festivals. Eric Sizemore and Scott Henderson served as band directors from 1965-68. One of the most suc-

cessful eras of the Minor Band was under the baton of Dr. Johnny Jacobs (1968-85). He started the Greater Birmingham Marching Festival, which is entering its twenty-seventh season. Other directors of the Minor High School Band include: Harry McAfee, Lester Harris, David Brewer, Al Estep, Connie Hammond, Mike Tucker, and Tim Hammond. Currently, Minor High School Band is under the Direction of Mr. Carlton Wright and James Crumb. The band program continues to receive superior ratings at concert and marching band festivals.

Michael Beyl is in his 10th year as an Orff music specialist for Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis, Tennessee. He has taught music at all levels Pre K. – 12th for the past 20 years. He received a Masters of Music with an Orff Concentration from the University of Memphis in 2001. He has presented workshops in Las Vegas, Birmingham, Memphis, Milwaukee, Nashville, and Little Rock.

Joe C. Pendleton is the Director of Choral

AMEA 2008 Clinicians and Performers

Activities at the University of South Alabama, a post he has held since 2005. Dr. Pendleton is a native of Texas. He received the Bachelor of Music degree from Dallas Baptist University in 1993, the Master of Music degree from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2000 and completed the Doctor of Philosophy in Fine Arts (Music) degree from the Texas Tech University School of Music in 2005. His dissertation topic was a qualitative examination of the founding, organization and management of community choruses in Texas. During his graduate studies and faculty service at USA, Dr. Pendleton has taught in the Music History department, the Graduate Studies department and the Music Theory department, and currently teaches courses in conducting in addition to directing three choral ensembles. He has studied conducting with Stephen Holcomb, Joe King, David Keith, Pamela Elrod and John Dickson. He has performed at regional and national American Choral Directors Association conventions, multiple times at the Texas Music Educators Association convention, in Europe and the Middle East and was a member of the TMEA All-State Choir. At USA, Dr. Pendleton founded the Chamber Singers ensemble, an innovative chorus that teaches sight-singing to non-music majors on the collegiate level. USA is only the second university in the nation to offer such a program. He has also performed widely on the musical theatre stage and as a soloist. Dr. Pendleton and his wife, Marie, have one son, Jake, and are expecting a second child in late April. He and his family reside in Mobile, AL. He is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity, College Music Society, American Choral Director’s Association, Alabama Choral Director’s Association, Music Educators National Conference, Alabama Vocal Association, Texas Choral Director’s Association, and the Texas Music Educator’s Association.

Randolph Young Voices Choir is a non-auditioned volunteer group of third and fourth grade students who rehearse one afternoon per week after school. Established in 1999 the choir has grown from twenty-four students to over sixty-five members which is more than sixty percent of the students in those grades. The choir performs annually at Randolph’s Candlelight Concert, at “Under the Christmas Tree” in the Von Braun Center, at local assisted living facilities and at various school assemblies. Each spring they perform a musical. They have also sung The National Anthem at a Huntsville Stars’ baseball game and have performed at Alabama Constitution Park’s “Santa’s Village”. The Randolph School 5th and 6th Grade Hand Chimes Ensembles are non-auditioned groups which meet weekly after school. They perform on two three octave sets of Malmark choir chimes playing level 1+ to level 3 handbell music. Many of the members began in the fourth grade beginning ensembles, but some have begun their hand chime experience at this level. The hand chime ensembles perform annually at Randolph’s Candlelight Concert, at “Under the Christmas Tree” in the Von Braun Center, at local assisted living facilities and at various school assemblies. They have also performed at Alabama Constitution Park’s “Santa’s Village”.

Dr. Carly Johnson teaches applied trumpet and brass methods at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama. Prior to moving to Alabama, she taught applied trumpet and brass methods at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio. She completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Trumpet Performance from The Ohio State University, the Master of Music degree in Trumpet Performance from the University of Florida, and the Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Youngstown State University. She has performed with the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, Youngstown (Ohio) Symphony Orchestra, Ashland (Ohio) Symphony Orchestra, Springfield (Ohio) Symphony Orchestra, West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Columbus (Ohio) Symphony Orchestra, Columbus (Ohio) ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, and the Columbus (Ohio) Bach Ensemble

AMEA 2008 Clinicians and Performers

Michael R. Gagliardo was named the second Music Director and Conductor of the Etowah Youth Orchestras in August of 1995. Since his appointment, he has led the Orchestras to national recognition, including the receipt of eight American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) Awards for Programming of Contemporary Music in the category of Youth Orchestras; the 2006 ASCAP Award for American Programming on Foreign Tours; and the "Best In Class" Award for the Etowah Symphonic Wind Ensemble at the 1998 Gateway New Orelans, 1999 Gateway Myrtle Beach, 2001 Gateway New Orleans, and 2003 Gateway New Orleans Music Festivals, and for the Etowah Youth Symphony Orchestra at the 2001 Gateway New Orleans Music Festival. The EYO was also selected to represent the State of Alabama in the Continental Harmony Project, an initiative sponsored by the American Composers Forum and funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. Under Gagliardo's direction, the Orchestras have performed numerous concerts both in the Etowah County, Alabama, area and abroad, including four highly acclaimed Mid-West tours, an East Coast tour, and the EYO's first international tour to England. He will lead the ensembles of the EYO in an encore performance at Carnegie Hall in June of 2007. He resides in Glencoe, Alabama, with his wife Meleia and their four dogs, Daphne, Lady, Jake, and Gracie.

The Oak Grove High School Band serves approximately 200 students through a variety of performing ensembles. Oak Grove High School is a 6-12 school and therefore serves as a high school and middle school band program. The Oak Grove Band has a proud tradition of excellence and has afforded the students many exciting musical opportunities. The band has represented the state of Alabama in both the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. Recently, last year’s marching band placed third at the Bands of America Super Regional in Atlanta, Georgia and performed in the National Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington DC. The Wind Ensemble is Oak Grove High School’s top symphonic group. This ensemble consists of approximately 50 auditioned students. The Wind Ensemble regularly performs quality literature at a level greater than their CC classification. This is Oak Grove’s first opportunity to perform at AMEA and we are very proud and thankful for this musical honor.

John Leavitt is a composer, conductor, and teacher, whose music continues to captivate listeners and musicians of all ages. He received his undergraduate education at Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas, a master’s degree from Wichita State University, and the Doctorate of Musical Arts from The Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Leavitt is a lifetime member of the American Choral Directors Association and is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, from which he has received annual recognition for his achievements. Leavitt was the recipient of the W.A. Young Award for teaching excellence, in recognition of his career at Friends University in the fields of music theory, choral, and church music. He has also served briefly on the faculties of Concordia College, Edmonton, Alberta (Canada), and Concordia University, River Forest, Illinois. Leavitt currently resides near Wichita (Andover), Kansas where he founded and conducted the community choral program, The Master Arts Chorale and Youth Chorale, during their twelve-year tenure. In March of 2003, he received the Kansas Artist Fellowship Award from the Kansas Arts Commission for his contribution to music composition. He most recently completed a residency on faculty as Director of Music at Newman University in Wichita. His compositions have been performed in over 30 countries and are represented in nearly every major music catalog, including Alfred, Augsburg Fortress, Concordia, Hal Leonard, Morningstar, GIA, Hope, Shawnee Press, and Warner Brothers. He has numerous publications for choir, piano, organ, hand bells, and string orchestra and is co-author of the widely used choral music method textbook series Essential Elements for Choir.

AMEA 2008 Clinicians and Performers

Dr. Milton Allen serves as both Director of Bands and Instrumental Division Director at Eastern Illinois University, where he conducts the Wind Symphony, Collegiate Band, University Band, teaches undergraduate conducting, guides the graduate wind conducting program and oversees all aspects of Eastern’s band program. Prior to his appointment at EIU, Allen served on the music faculty at Wittenberg University, conducting the symphonic band, chamber orchestra and teaching various courses in music education. In addition to his duties at Wittenberg he served as the Doctoral Conducting Associate for The Ohio State University Bands. A 17-year veteran of the public school rehearsal room, Dr. Allen’s refreshing and practical approach to music education has taken him throughout the United States, Canada, and England as a clinician and guest conductor, with clinics at the 2007 BASBWE/Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Dance International Wind Festival in Glasgow, Scotland, the 2006 MENC National Biennial Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the 2005 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Convention in Chicago, Illinois. This year he presented at the IMEA State Conference in Peoria, the MENC North-Central, Northwestern, and Eastern division conferences in Nebraska, Oregon and Connecticut and as a guest conductor/clinician/speaker in various schools. Allen earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree with honors from the University of North Texas, the Masters degree in conducting from the University of Missouri-Columbia, the Diploma of Fine Arts in Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band from the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada and the Doctor of Musical Arts from The Ohio State University.

TheShades Valley Symphonic Band is an outstanding group of young people committed to the performance of quality literature composed for the band idiom. A majority of these performers attend the Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School, named by Newsweek Magazine as a top five school in the nation the past three years. Shades Valley High School stresses the same high standards for the arts. The Shades Valley Symphonic Band has received first place honors at the All-star Music Festival in Orlando (2002 & 2006), Dixie Classic in St.Louis (2003), Fiesta-Val in Williamsburg (2005) and was named an Honor Group receiving Best Woodwinds and Percussion at the Grand National Adjudicators in Chattanooga (2007). In 2007, 20 seniors in the Shades Valley Band program received 1.5 million dollars in scholarship offers. Seven accepted music scholarships to the universities they now attend.

Dr. Renee L. Baptiste, an associate professor of music education at Jacksonville State University, teaches undergraduate and graduate music education courses, serves as advisor to CMENC, supervises student teachers and directs Encore! Dr. Baptiste graduated from William Carey College (BM), Eastman School of Music (MM), and the University of Florida (PhD). Her research interests include the male changing voice and the music preferences of adolescents. Her publications include A Study of the Relationships among Voice Timbre Models, Voice Classification Stage, and Pitch-Matching Ability in Male Adolescent Choral Students Illinois Music Educator; Teaching the Male Adolescent Changing Voice through Cooperative Learning Groups, AIMS, and Standards in the Middle School Classroom, AIMS. Presentations include Kodaly Analyses of AMerican Folksongs for Use with the Male Adolescent Changing Voice at the Illinois Music Educators Conference; Critical Analysis: the Use of Streaming Video in Class Applied Voice at the 9th International Conference on Technological Directions in Music Learning; Online Reflection and In-Service Teachers Reflections and the Untold Story: The Cherokee Indians Trail of Tears-A Case for Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning at the Mountain Lake Colloquium for Teachers of General Music Methods and Folk Song Preference of Middle and Junior High School General Music Students at the Indiana Music Educators Association Convention, the MENC North Central Division Conference and the national conference of the Organization of American Kodaly Educators.

AMEA 2008 Clinicians and Performers

Robert de Frece is Professor of Music and Music Education at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton, Canada where he directs the U. of A. Mixed Chorus and Handbell Ringers. A frequent presenter at national conferences of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, Dr. de Frece teaches each summer in the Orff-Schulwerk Teacher Training Program at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. He is the author of Hooray for Singing and Singing Round the Year, published by Warner Bros. Publications and is a co-author of two MacMillan/McGraw Hill music series, Share the Music and Spotlight on Music.

Thompson Middle School is located in Alabaster, AL (south of Birmingham) and is part of the Shelby County School System. The middle school has more than 1350 students in grades 6-8. The Thompson Middle School Band is an integral part of the Performing Arts Department of Thompson Middle School. The instrumental program at Thompson Middle School consists of a beginning band program which includes 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students, a 7th Grade Symphonic Band and an 8th Grade Symphonic Band. Currently there are over 300 students involved in the band program at Thompson Middle School. The 7th and 8thGrade Symphonic Band, under the direction of Mrs. Connie Hammond, has received consistent Superior ratings at District, State and National level since 2001. The band has performed at The Smoky Mountain Music Festival in Tennessee and The Festival of Champions in Panama City, Florida. The band has also been selected to perform for Universal Studios, Sea World, and Magic Music Days at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Members of the 8th Grade Symphonic Band are in their third year of instrumental music education. While members of the Symphonic Band are serious and dedicated to the performance of outstanding symphonic wind literature, few students actually study privately. The 8th Grade Symphonic Band consistently has members selected for District IV Honor Band, UAB Honor Band, and the Shelby County All-County Honor Band. Other performing ensembles at Thompson Middle School include the 7th Grade Symphonic Band, 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Beginning Band and the 180 member Football Pep Band.

Gary Packwood is rapidly becoming one of Brazil’s favorite American conductors. In 2006 he served as guest conductor, lecturer, and lead master classes for the Festival Internacional de Musica da UFPI in Brazil; the first American choral conductor to be invited. In 2007 he traveled to the Universidade Federal de Uberlandia, Brazil, where he lectured, lead master classes, and conduct the university’s chorals and opera ensembles. In 2008 he is scheduled to appear with the State Conservatory of Music, Uberlândia, the Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Conductor for the 2008 Louisiana SATB Senior High School All-State Choir, Brevard County (FL) 2008 Middle School Honor Choir, 2007 LMEA District IV High School Honor Choir, and 2008 LMEA All-Parrish High School Choir. Dr. Packwood is currently the Interim Director of Choral Activities, Associate Director of Choral Activities, and Coordinator of Music Education at the University of Montevallo. In addition to teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in music and music education, he conducts the UM Chamber Singers and University Chorus. He currently serves as the Southern Division ACDA R&S Chair for Multicultural Music. He received the D.M.A. degree in choral conducting & literature from L.S.U., where he studied with Kenneth Fulton and Sara Lynn Baird.

AMEA 2008 Clinicians and Performers

Becky Rodgers is currently in her 14th year as band director at Ft.Payne High School and completing her 28th year in music education. She previously taught band at Lynn High School and West Point High School. Ms. Rodgers earned her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Music Education from the University of North Alabama after graduating from Austin High School in Decatur. Bands under Ms. Rodgers direction have earned superior ratings in all aspects of assessment and competition. The Ft. Payne Band was chosen to perform at the 2003 In-Service Conference of the Alabama Music Educators Association and the 2006 Southeastern United States Band Clinic. The Band also performed in the2001 Lord Mayors New Years Day Parade in London, England and the 2004 Fiesta Bowl Parade in Tempe, Arizona. Ms. Rodgers has served on the Board of the Alabama Bandmasters Association representing two districts and is currently serving as immediate Past President of the Alabama Music Educators Association and President-elect of the Alabama Bandmasters Association. As President of A.M.E.A. she founded the F.A.M.E.: Future Alabama Music Educators program to recruit high school juniors and seniors into the profession of music education. She serves as guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician, and guest lecturer throughout the southeast. In 2005 Ms. Rodgers was named Educator of the Year by the Ft. Payne Chamber of Commerce. During the spring and summers Ms. Rodgers presents B.L.T. – Band Leadership Training workshops to high school students that hold leadership positions in their own programs. Her professional memberships include MENC: The Association for Music Educators, AMEA, National Band Association, and Phil Beta Mu Music Honor Fraternity.

The University Chorale is a highly select ensemble of voices that perform challenging choral literature of diverse styles and periods. The Chorale is the most visible representative of the choral area, and its members are students of the highest musical caliber. Each year, the Chorale performs the vast majority of choral concerts held on campus, including an annual Holiday concert in December and Romance concert in February. Special auditions are held each year for placement in the Chorale, and students are evaluated on their academic progress, vocal ability, musicianship, leadership potential, keyboard skills and sight-singing prowess. In addition to appearances on campus, the University Chorale also performs for schools and civic organizations in the greater Mobile area and Gulf Coast region, and is a fixture at the annual Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens. The Chorale’s growing musical reputation is reflected in the high demand for their performances at university development events and campus programs. The University Chorale repertoire is primarily chamber music, but also occasionally includes some jazz selections and even popular musical styles. The University Chorale is directed by Dr. Joe Pendleton, Director of Choral Activities.

Dr. Kenneth Ozzello is Director of Bands and Professor of Music at The University of Alabama. Dr. Ozzello joined the University faculty in 1989. He holds the Bachelor of Music in Music Education and the Masters of Music in Wind Conducting degrees from West Virginia University; he earned the Doctorate of Education from The University of Alabama. Dr. Ozzello is the conductor of the Alabama Wind Ensemble and director of The University of Alabama “Million Dollar Band. In addition to Dr. Ozzello’s duties with the University band program, he teaches several academic classes in the School of Music, including graduate and undergraduate conducting and music education methods classes. He maintains a busy national schedule of guest conducting, clinics and adjudication.

AMEA 2008 Clinicians and Performers

Andrea Coleman is the Artistic Director and Founder of Cantabile Youth Chorale, a Jackson based choir for girls in grades 3-12. Mrs. Coleman was the Movement Instructor for Level I at the University of Mississippi in the spring of 2007. She has completed Level I - III Orff Certification with a Master Class Certificate with Jos Wytock and Level 1 Kodaly training. Mrs. Coleman is the 1999 recipient of the Outstanding Young Music Educator given by the Mississippi Music Educators Association. She serves on the board of MMEA as editor of the MMEA Journal and Past-President of the Elementary Division. She is also a board member with the Jackson Choral Society and the current president of the MS Orff Chapter. She is a graduate of Delta State University where she earned her Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music Education with a vocal emphasis.

Joseph Coleman is the music specialist at St. Richard Catholic School and has been teaching general music for the elementary classroom for 18 years. His expertise is in working with elementary children teaching singing, recorder, folk dancing, and playing of barred instruments. Mr. Coleman has completed Level I - III Orff Certification with a Master Class Certificate, with Jos Wytock, and has level I of Kodaly training. In addition to being the principal accompanist for Cantabile Youth Chorale, he also serves as accompanist for the MMEA Elementary Honor Choir. He is currently a board member of the Jackson Choral Society and the MS Orff Chapter. He is a graduate of Delta State University where he earned his Bachelor of Music Education with a vocal emphasis.

The Alabama Wind Ensemble has been an integral part of the University of Alabama School of Music for twenty-two years, and holds a rich reputation as one of the premier ensembles of Alabama's flagship university. This select group of fifty musicians is dedicated to the exceptional performance of the finest new and traditional wind band and chamber wind repertoire. The ensemble holds a long tradition of excellence, having been selected to perform for national and regional conventions of the College Band Directors National Association and the prestigious World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles. Additionally, the ensemble has appeared with numerous world-renowned soloists and conductors including Brian Bowman, Frederick Fennell, Donald Hunsberger, Karel Husa, Christian Lindberg, Eugene Rousseau, Arturo Sandoval and Allen Vizzutti. The Alabama Wind Ensemble continues its tradition to promote new works for wind band as part of its ongoing mission.

In his seventh year at Hoover High School, Harry McAfee has had 34 years experience as band director at Bottenfield Junior High, Minor, Gardendale, Shades Valley, and now Hoover High School. In his eleven years at Shades Valley High School he implemented a team teaching concept that built the band from 29 members to over 230. His bands have always received highest ratings on both the concert stage and the marching field. Mr. McAfee received his Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Montevallo. He also earned a Master of Science Degree at the University of Illinois placing emphasis on instrumental conducting and literature. He is retired from the U.S. Army Reserve after 26 years of service with the 313th Army Band. In the December 2003 edition of School Band and Orchestra Magazine, Mr. McAfee was included in the sixth annual 50 Directors Who Make a Difference feature, which spotlights one director from each state in the nation for their dedication to music education. Memberships include the Alabama Music Educators, Music Educators National Conference, The National Band Association, The International Trumpet Guild, and Phi Beta Mu Honorary Band Directors Fraternity. Mr. McAfee is currently President of the Alabama Bandmaster’s Association.

AMEA 2008 Clinicians and Performers

One of the most active and versatile conductors in America today, Peter Eklund possesses a unique ability to work effectively with musicians at all levels of performing capability and experience. His concertizing/clinician schedule averages 60 national and international concerts annually and includes a wide array of professional, liturgical, festival, collegiate, and student ensembles throughout North America and Europe. His academic choirs have performed on numerous American Choral Directors Association regional and national conventions where their frequency of performance set unprecedented national records. Eklund has conducted his choirs in many of the world's greatest performance venues including, Carnegie Hall, Washington DC's Kennedy Center, National Cathedral, and Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Christ Church in Oxford, Mozart's Salzburg Cathedral (where he conducts yearly), Paris's Notre Dame (also conducting yearly), St. Stephen's in Vienna, St. John the Divine and Alice Tully Hall in NYC, and in other famous cathedrals, abbeys, and performance halls in New York, Chicago, London, Coventry, Canterbury, Chartres, Reims, Rouen, Mt St. Michel, Lucerne, Metz, Strasbourg, Paris, and Verona. He divides his time among three roles: conductor, guest lecturer, and teacher/mentorand is the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he heads the Masters and Doctoral choral conducting programs, conducts the nationally recognized University Singers, and conducts the nationally renowned University of Nebraska Varsity Men's Chorus. However, his greatest role of all is that of husband to Teresa and father of their four sons: Ben, Bryant, Brady and Brantley. In his spare time, he is an occasional golfer (actually having scored a hole-in-one), and a reluctant but diligent gardener.

Bob Jones High School Patriot Singers is a select vocal ensemble of students in grades ten through twelve. The Patriot Singers perform in at least four concerts annually, and are often called upon to perform at additional school and community events. The Patriot Singers recently appeared with the Huntsville Symphony, Huntsville Community Chorus, and choruses from The University of Alabama in Huntsville and The University of North Alabama in widely acclaimed performances of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Having won competitions in Branson, Orlando, Washington, D. C., and Williamsburg, the ensemble will perform in Carnegie Hall in April, 2008. The members and director are honored to be invited to perform for the AMEA convention.

Peter Rovit (BM with High Distinction, Indiana University; MM, Hartt School; DMA, SUNY at Stony Brook) was among the last students of Josef Gingold at Indiana University where he also studied Baroque violin with Stanley Ritchie. His other teachers have included Mitchell Stern, Philip Setzer, Cho-Liang Lin, and Donald Weilerstein. Dr. Rovit has been the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships including the Kuttner Scholarship at Indiana University, the C.V. Starr Scholarship at the Juilliard School, and the Aspen Music Festival's String Fellowship. As a chamber musician, recitalist, and soloist he has performed throughout the United States and at the Spring in Saint Petersburg Festival in Russia. Performances have included concert appearances with the International Sejong Soloists and on Baroque violin with the Rebel Ensemble and with Harpsichordist Robert Edward Smith. He has been a recipient of the prestigious Montgomery Symphony Fellowship in Alabama which involved performing as concertmaster and soloist with the symphony and giving numerous concert appearances throughout the area. Before coming to the University of Alabama Dr. Rovit was on the string faculty of the University of Oklahoma, a member of the Quartet Oklahoma, and Associate Concertmaster of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. He has performed with such musicians as Andrew Jennings, Felicia Moye, Katherine Wolfe, Volkan Orhon, Christina Jennings, Ricardo Morales, Larry Combs, and the Emerson Quartet.

NewsFeatures

Did you know that a group from Alabama appreciates the distinction of having one of the longest running annual performances of Handel’s Messiah in the United States? The 60th annual performance of this masterpiece will be presented with a chorus of 100 from around our state, and will be accompanied by organist Walt Rogers and orchestra from The Alabama Symphony. Two of the soloists included are Roderick George and Chris O’Rear.

In 1948, the Alabama Civic Chorale, formerly known as Bessemer Civic Chorale, was born. This was during the time that many civic choruses and groups, such as Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians, were springing up around our country. In Bessemer, there was a young people’s choir at South Highland Baptist Church. They were under the direction of Earl N. Clark. This choir combined with the choir from nearby McAdory High School, which was under the direction of Mr. Clark’s wife, Frances. Their purpose was to learn challenging music and to perform it to the best of their ability.

That summer they raised money by performing South Pacific. The money they raised took them to Ridgecrest Baptist Assembly for music week. At that time there was not a young people’s choir, and that was probably a blessing. Perhaps the music wouldn’t have been as challenging. While there they were fortunate to sing under Warren Angel, who went on to become the Dean of Fine Arts at Oklahoma Baptist University. The choir practiced and sang Handel’s Messiah.

When this group came home they had unbelievable dreams. They too wanted to perform Handel’s masterpiece for the local church. Three and four nights a week they would all pile into cars and move from house to house of members of the group and practice. If the home didn’t have a piano, that was no problem. One of the group members would carry an old pump organ. The odds were against them, but they didn’t know it. When Christmas came in 1948, the group did perform the Christmas portion of Messiah, by G.F. Handel. This wonderful performance was followed by a desire to continue

Tribute to One of Alabama’s Own Cissy Johnson

to meet as a group and continue to grow. The vision for the group allowed other church choirs to join. Soon the group was performing not only the Christmas portion of Messiah, but all of the work. The accompaniment grew from the organ in the church to the Cadek String Quartet at the University of Alabama and later the Alabama Symphony. The group has also performed others major works such as Brahm’s Requiem, Bach’s St.MatthewPassion and Mendelssohn’s Elijah, as well as operettas by Gilbert and Sullivan and other lighter works.

The Chorale has performed around our state and for national conventions. The 100 voice chorus has members from over fifty churches and choirs around the state. Audiences include visitors from many southeastern states. They have come at times from New York, Missouri, Portugal, Bolivia, Africa, Russia and The Netherlands.

Many Chorale members have started their musical careers with the Chorale. These members have gone on to careers as church choir directors, accompanists, professors of music and soloists in the communities in which they reside. The Chorale continues today as an organization dedicated to bringing cultural arts to the area and enriching the lives of those who sing and those that hear the group perform.

The mission of the group has always been to enrich the lives of others through the presentation of choral music of the masters, and to allow all of those with a desire to participate in such a venture to join. Begin your holiday season with others from around our state, and across our borders as we listen to the wonderful choruses and solos that weave this story of prophecy, birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus by this masterful composer. The Alabama Civic Chorale is open for new membership. The first rehearsal for 2007 is September 30. All rehearsals begin at 1:30 p.m. at Riverchase United Methodist Church. Please contact director Bebe Clark Kok for more information: bebekok@charter.net or 205-914-3524 or visit the website at www.alabamacivicchorale.com.

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CollegeConnections

The John M. Long School of Music Troy University

Alabama is fortunate to have a comprehensive music education system that includes collaborations between public and private schools (K-12) and colleges and universities. The following is an “update” on upcoming educational opportunities at TROY University for music students and teachers.

Southeastern United States (SEUS) Honor Choir and Honor Bands Festivals

The 1st Annual Southeastern United States Honor Choir Festival for high school students will be held on Friday January 18 and Saturday January 19th, 2008. Conductor for the Honor Choir will be Dr. Tom Wine, Director of Choirs at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. High school students selected by audition to participate will rehearse as part of a 100 voice honor choir, participate in sectionals/master classes, attend a special Friday night host showcase concert, and present a closing Honor Choir concert on Saturday afternoon. For additional festival information, contact Dr. Michael Hix, Coordinator of Choral Music at TROY University.

The 8th Annual Middle School Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic and Honor Band Festival will be held December 6-8th, 2007. Conductors for the Honor Bands will include Tom Brown, Amanda Ford, and Malcolm Kemp. Composer Larry Clark will serve as composer in residence for the clinic. Middle school students selected by audition will participate in rehearsals with the guest conductors/composer, attend a special prism style “Sounds of the Season” concert featuring the TROY University Symphony Band, and attend guest performances presented by the J.C. Booth Middle School Band (Peachtree City, GA) and the Simpson Middle School Band (Marietta, GA). All 3 festival Honor Bands will

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

present a final concert on Saturday, December 8th. For additional festival information, contact Dr. Mark Walker, Executive Director of the festival and Associate Director of Bands at TROY University.

The 35th Annual Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic and Honor Bands Festival will be held January 31February 2, 2008. Conductors for the Honor Bands will be Fred Allen, Stephen F. Austin University, Douglas Macaulay, West Vancouver Youth Band, and Larry Blocher, TROY University. Composer Sean O’Loughlin will serve as composer in residence for the clinic. High school students selected by audition to participate will rehearse with the guest conductors/composer and attend a Thursday night opening clinic concert presented by the TROY University Jazz Ensemble I and Jazz Chamber Ensemble and a special Friday night concert presented by the TROY University Symphony Band. Additionally, Honor Band students will attend concerts presented by the Auburn High School Honors Band (Auburn, AL), Cairo High School Symphony Band (Cairo, GA), and the Savannah Arts Academy Silver Winds (Savannah, GA). A special concert given by all 3 high school Honor Bands will bring the Honor Band Festival weekend to a close. For additional information, contact Carla Gallahan, Executive Director of the festival and Assistant Professor of Music at TROY University.

Special AMEA Performance

The TROY University Concert Chorale will perform in concert as part of the 2008 AMEA Conference on Thursday January 10th at 10:30 A.M. The Concert Chorale is under the direction of Dr. Diane Orlofsky.

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

FAME FAME

Future Alabama Music Educators Future Alabama Music Educators

Open to High School Juniors and Seniors

Thursday, January 10, 2008

9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa Four Points Sheraton Ballroom

Applications are due no later than November 1, 2007

Teacher Phone________________ Teacher Email__________________

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

Mail this application by November 1, 2007 to:

Becky Rodgers

AMEA Past President 201 45th Street Ft. Payne, AL 35967

NewsFeatures

One of the most important tasks we have as music educators, and more specifically band conductors, is selecting the music that we perform with our ensembles. If we were English, math, social studies or science teachers, our curriculum would be chosen for us. Teachers in those areas have little to no control over what materials that are used in their classrooms. Outside of serving on the textbook selection committee (loads of fun, right?), teachers in those disciplines are required to use the mandated textbook and other ancillary materials that are selected for them at a higher level of the “educational food chain.” How lucky we are as ensemble conductors! We are able to choose and select our own curriculum every day in our classrooms. We don’t have anyone “higher up the chain” telling us what materials to use. Yes, it is completely up to us. What a tremendous job before us!

Now that we’ve realized how lucky we are, let’s examine the tremendous responsibility our “luck” brings our way. If you can imagine, for a moment, the time and planning that goes into selecting a textbook for an English course. It’s much more involved than going into a storage room, taking a look at several different books on the shelf, thinking something like “I haven’t read this story with my class in a few years; I’ll try it”, and then heading into the classroom with the book under your arm "armed" and ready to read the text. (Does that scenario sound familiar?) Quite the contrary, when selecting a text for an English course, months, sometimes years, of planning goes into this important process. Input is gathered from numerous constituencies, and meetings are held with selected teachers, administrators, and community members. Textbooks are put on display for days on end for the community at large to examine. Research is done as to the availability of ancillary materials for each text, and learning benchmarks are matched to objectives in the textbooks. In addition, countless questions are asked and answered for each series of textbooks that are under consideration. How does this textbook enable our students to attain a higher level of success in the classroom? Now, for a moment ask that same question of the literature that you program.

The literature that we program is our “textbook.” It is the vehicle that we use to enable our students to achieve a higher level of success than they had before they entered

Recipe for Success

“Adopting” the Text for Your Next Concert

Randall Coleman

our classroom. Needless to say, none of us go to the lengths that state mandated textbook adoptions require.

On the other hand, how many of us have gone into our music libraries ten minutes before class and pulled something off the shelf because we had nothing else planned for the rehearsal? I am as guilty as anyone of this misstep. When we realize what an important part of the educational process literature selection is, we will all agree we need to spend much more time planning the “curriculum” for our ensemble classes.

When planning the literature for our ensembles, we must consider several issues. Selecting our literature should take time, as the planning of work for the school year should be an ongoing process. Let me encourage you to move away from thinking about the school year in two “seasons.” I challenge you to think about the school year as an integral part of your students' musical development and offer them as many opportunities as possible to grow as musicians. Far too many band directors view the school year as marching “season” in the fall and concert “season” in the spring. Hearing the term “marching season” doesn’t sound as strange as hearing the term “concert season.” Shouldn’t it ALWAYS be concert “season”? Don’t get me wrong. I understand the importance and necessity of the marching band. I quite enjoy it! Putting quality rehearsal time toward quality marching band performances is a necessity (and material for another article!). However, I hope that the first concert experience that your students have each year isn’t in December!

Maintaining a quality marching band AND presenting a concert in the fall is possible. Not only is it possible, it is in the best interest of the students as we work to assist them in becoming the best musicians they can be.

Planning a year’s curriculum can be quite challenging, but if you give enough time to this important task, accomplishing it will be a beneficial learning experience for you and your students. One of the most important things band directors can do is to listen to other groups’ performances. As you are listening, make notes on programs about the pieces that are interesting to you. In addition, visit the websites of the music publishers and distributors and listen to new recordings. Finally, keep a list on your computer of the pieces that you like and reference the list often. I

have found difficulty in programming for my ensembles before hearing what the sonority of the ensemble is and how a particular ensemble "sounds". At the beginning of the year, having several compositions in the folders to see how the band “sounds” has proven helpful to me. We should have a good idea of the technical abilities that exist within our ensemble at the onset of the school year. However, the sound of the group is difficult to “predict”. We must allow ample time to sightread each composition several times to see if the piece "fits" our ensemble. “Forcing” a selection onto our ensembles simply because we like the piece is unwise.

When you have worked through the “nuts and bolts” of the programming challenge, you can then begin to match repertoire with your ensemble. When you are at this point in the process, you should be sure that the literature you select is quality literature-literature that you can use to teach your students to become more advanced musicians and to make wise musical choices. You will find that almost every composer writing for bands today has compositions available that will enable you to accomplish this. Do not fall into the trap of programming only one or two composers, and avoid at all costs programming pieces by the same composer on the same concert. If you are programming for an adjudicated event, be even more aware of programming only one selection by a composer. I have had the opportunity to adjudicate ensembles at a state level event and found one conductor who programmed all three selections by the same composer! The march that was programmed was arranged by the same composer who wrote both the second and third pieces on the program! This is not a healthy diet for your students. I would encourage you to "feed" your students a diet filled with variety on each concert. This will allow them to be exposed to different composers and allow you to grow as a conductor and teacher.

Making your final selections for programming should be an exciting process for both you and your students. As you make your selections, ask these simple questions about each piece:

• What educational value does this composition have?

• What can I teach my students from programming this piece?

• What will my students learn from working on this piece?

• What life lessons can be supported by spending time on this piece?

• Will the audience enjoy listening to the composition?

• Will my students enjoy working on this piece?

• Will I enjoy working on this piece?

If you find positive responses from these questions, you

can safely bet that the piece will provide a quality experience for both you and your students.

Another important piece of the programming puzzle is to be aware of what selections are being played by other groups similar to your own. Attend as many performances of other school groups as possible. In addition, attend District and State Performance Assessments and listen and observe. This is a priceless experience. Making notes of what literature “works” is good advice, especially for younger teachers. I always keep my program books from all the conferences and conventions I attend. These serve as valuable references when searching for programming ideas. One of the most useful tools band conductors have at our disposal today is the “Teaching Music through Performance in Band” series of books and recordings. These books and recordings provide useful starting points for both programming ideas and rehearsal assistance. If you don’t own these books, start your collection today. Building the entire collection may take a few years, but the investment is well worth it. I am constantly referring to one of these books for either programming ideas or assistance with a problem spot in a rehearsal. I can’t recommend this series highly enough.

With time and energy on your side, the important task of selecting your curriculum for your students will be both enjoyable and educational for you and your students. I encourage you to approach your literature selection with the same diligence that you would find in a state textbook adoption for an English text….maybe without the community input!

Randall Coleman is currently the Associate Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Alabama. At the Capstone, Mr. Coleman conducts the Alabama Symphonic Band, teaches undergraduate conducting and is the Associate Director of the Alabama Wind Ensemble and Million Dollar Marching Band. Prior to his appointment at the University of Alabama, Mr. Coleman was the Director of Bands at Milton High School in Milton, Georgia. His ensembles at Milton High School performed at the National Convention of the Music Educators’ National Conference, the Bands of America National Concert Band Festival and the Georgia Music Educators’ Association State Conference. His marching bands won numerous “Grand Championship” awards and were selected as a Finalist Band at the Bands of America Regional Championships. He also previously served as President of the Georgia Music Educators’ Association and Georgia State Chair of the National Band Association.

NewsFeatures

Editor’s Note: Part II of this article will appear in the February 2008 issue of ala breve.

Part I

Utilizing Technological Resources to Impact Symphonic Ensembles

Hardware and software used to support curricula are often the focus when considering technological influences in music education. Adjusting the lens to view how technology enhances performance ensembles, a myriad of perspectives develop. Utilizing Internet tools, interacting in a virtual environment, and infusing electronics to augment ensemble sonority impact teacher preparation, curriculum and ensemble performance.

Listening to excerpts, researching scores of varied genres, grades, and styles, and interacting with composers via the internet, provides resources beyond paper catalog descriptions and makes listening to, and studying literature immediate. Recordings are available online in various formats from CDBaby, CDNOW hosted by amazon.com, cd Universe and the Digital Media Mall, a feature of Windows Media Player. Via iTunes (see Fig. 1) teachers are able to preview excerpts, purchase individual tracks, and download albums into digital music libraries. In this format music can be sorted, transported and played virtually anywhere at any time. The iTunes gift feature allows for the legal sharing of music with colleagues, fostering collaboration. The natural extension of this active research and alignment is the development of a comprehensive music education program that ultimately benefits students.

The future-forward technological STORMWORLD of composer Stephen Melillo is an interactive environment providing diverse resources for teachers. Stormworld.com includes an online catalog, piece descriptions, audio samples, score excerpts, and teacher tools. Now in 28 countries, the Music of 21st Century Composer, Stephen Melillo, has been played and recorded by some of the World's finest ensembles and conductors. More than 950 works span from the IBM Thinkpad® to the Concerto for

Stephen Melillo: Third Millennium Applications for Timeless Music

Elizabeth Sokolowski and Ralph Ford

Violin & Orchestra. Currently 117 commissions for Wind & Percussion Ensembles of the 3rd Millennium comprise the body of recorded work called “STORM” works.

Posted on the site are testimonials spanning directors who’ve utilized his teaching tools to world-class international Conductors who continue to render his music. His work can be attained in various formats to meet director’s needs. Since 1993, PDFs have been available to facilitate instantaneous delivery and electronic storage of music. CDRs or Laser Printouts shipped via standard mail are additional options for purchase. PDFs and CDRs enable the production of unlimited legal copies of Melillo’s works for various genres, grades and styles. Storage on CDR conserves space and fosters organization. He states, “The future people talk about is already STORMWORKS' History!”

The Let’s Find Out Teaching Suite: Hypertools for the Music Educator is a powerful professional development catalyst. This trilogy of Scaleworks™, Rhythm Readers™ and Function Chorales™ are designed to establish a foundation for exceptional ensemble musicianship. A DVD guiding teachers in the process, and a CDR including all 22 Function Chorales and resources, comprise the Suite.

STORMWORLD is equipped with links to acquire CDs at www.cdbaby.com or as downloads from iTunes. Melillo’s tools and compositions provide essential, integrated curricula for elementary school beginning bands through university level programs. Once the technological quest for performance literature begins, resources abound, providing an exciting network of opportunities for teachers. Video conferencing with composers, colleagues, and other schools is now possible. Have you thought about setting up a video exchange concert with any school in the world? Maybe you have an associate on the other side of the state who teaches a similar genre as you. Have you considered looking into the resources that your school district provides to conference virtually? Imagine working on the same com-

Figure 1. Searching iTunes for symphonic recordings

position as another school and observing each other’s rehearsals. Students from partnering schools can dialogue about analysis, discuss differences and similarities in approach to performance, and share live performances. Having a composer/guest clinician to work with ensembles is meaningful, but often funding is a concern. A videoconference with live interaction is an excellent, costeffective opportunity worthy of investigation. This is another means by which composer Stephen Melillo is paving trends. Directors can learn about the ways in which he makes this tool a reality at stormworld.com (select TOOLS, then Video Conferencing). In-house technology assistants are local experts within schools who know which resources are accessible to teachers and students. Music teachers can discover the vast technological opportunities available when closely connected with these individuals.

The utilization of technological resources impacts curriculum, programming, and ensemble performance. Careful and thoughtful research, planning, and programming foster the growth of instrumental programs as innovative technology-driven opportunities for learning and performing are embraced. The approach to rehearsal and performance are critical in cultivating the development of student musicians, and the immersion of technology will dramatically influence ensemble classrooms. Part two of this arti-

cle series will focus on infusing electronic media into symphonic ensembles.

Elizabeth Sokolowski is the Learning Coordinator for K12 Music and Art Programs in the North Penn School District (Lansdale, PA). sokolwe@npenn.org

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

Contributors:

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

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

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

Stephen Melillo www.stormworld.com

Join Us!

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

MENC Member Benefits and Features

Advocacy—MENC informs legislators of the importance of an education that includes music, supports National Standards for Music Education, and sponsors Outreach Programs such as The National Anthem Project and Music In Our Schools Month. Music Educators Journal—Articles on teaching approaches, current issues, classroom techniques, and products and services. Teaching Music—Practical teaching ideas for all specialty areas. Discounts on Resources—25% off all publications, videos, and specialty items. In-Service Conferences and Meetings

Opportunities to exchange ideas with colleagues; member discounts on registration fees. Leadership Opportunities

Participation on MENC task forces and committees; sponsorship of collegiate and Tri-M Music Honor Society chapters. Automatic State Association Membership—All the benefits offered at the state level, including the state journal and access to local meetings, festivals, and more!

Online Journals for Members Only

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

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

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

Optional MENC Periodical

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

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

MENC MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

❒ Yes, I want to join MENC and Alabama MEA. I understand that the membership year begins July 1 and ends June 30. Credit card holders may join by calling 1-800-828-0229, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time. Rates expire 5-31-2008.

❒ Newor ❒ Renewal

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

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

❒ Music in Our Schools Month

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❒ Wherever it’s most needed!

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Payment: ❒ Check enclosed, payable to MENC

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

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

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54 October 2007

AMEA Governing Board Meeting

August 11, 2007

University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The AMEA Governing Board met at the University of Alabama on August 11, 2007. The meeting was called to order at 10:00 am by AMEA President, John Baker. Present at the meeting: John Baker, Garry Taylor, Cindy Pass, Carla Gallahan, Penney Adair, Harry McAfee, Ginger Zingara, Paul Edmondson, Nathan Tucker, Melissa Kimbrough, Mark Walker, Sara Womack, Pat Stegall, and Becky Rogers.

The minutes from the June meeting were read and approved.

Treasurer Cindy Pass provided a detailed Profit & Loss summary covering July 1-August 11, 2007. Total assets equal $25,989.00.

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

Old Business

Non-MENC members attending the In-Service Conference: The AMEA Board will send an invitation to all Chairs, Deans, etc. of Schools of Music and Music Departments in our state inviting them, and their faculty, to join MENCand participate in our AMEA/MENC events.

Physical Education waiver: Some choral requests have been denied. John Baker is meeting with the State Department and will update the organization.

AMEA Conference site considerations: After discussion and research, the Board found that it may not be financially feasible to move the AMEA In-Service Conference to a convention center. Discussion continued and the committee will continue to explore this for the future needs of our growing organization. The committee also found that due to rehearsal schedules and transporting students to All-State events, we would not explore the idea of having the All-State performances in conjunction with the AMEA In-Service Conference.

Mentoring Program: Information has been sent to all schools that offer Music Education degrees. The Mentoring Program objective is to provide a support system at the university level for first year teachers.

New Business

Southern Division MENC Meeting: Attendance was rather low at this meeting and the organization is considering other ways to gather for a conference. A Leadership Symposium will be held in Atlanta, GA on September 14-15, 2008. The AMEA Governing Board will be represented.

Applications for the Hall of Fame, Outstanding Administrator, Outstanding Music Educator, and the Barbara Odom Award were reviewed.

The National MENC Convention will be held April 9-13, 2008 in Milwaukee, WI.

Planning for the 2008 AMEA In-Service Conference occurred and the schedule was finalized.

The next meeting of the AMEA Governing Board will be held at the 2008 AMEA In-Service Conference at the University of Alabama.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:14pm by AMEA President John Baker. Respectfully submitted, Carla

Gallahan, Recording Secretary

AMEADivision2007Events -

Alabama Orchestra Association

2008

Alabama Bandmasters Association

AMEA In-Service Conference/All-State Jazz Band

January 10-12, University of Alabama

State Band Competition Festival

March 10-12, 2008 - University of Alabama

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

March 13-14, 2008 - Gadsden City High School

March 17-19, 2007 - University of North Alabama

All-State Solo Festival

April 16, Auburn University

All-State Band Festival

April 17-19, Auburn University

Summer In-Service Conference

June 25-26, Hilton Garden Inn, Orange Beach

Alabama Vocal Association

Fall Workshop - September 7-8 - Dawson Baptist Church

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

All-State - March 12-15 - Samford University

Elementary/General Division