October/November 2013 Ala Breve

President Sara Womack Greystone Elementary School 300 Village Street Birmingham, AL 35242-6447 (205) 439-3200

saratwomack@gmail.com

President, ABA Rusty SmithsCourson Station High School P.O. Box 253 Smiths Station, AL 36877 (334) 664-4435 courson.rusty@lee.k12.al.us

Past PresidentSteve DothanMcLendon High School 1236 S. Oates St. Dothan, AL 36301 (334)dhstigerband@aol.com 794-0146 School

President, AOA Lisa Caravan Auburn University 101 Goodwin Music Building Auburn University, AL 36849 caravanlr@auburn.edu (334) 844-8192

President-Elect

Carl Hancock University of Alabama Box 870366 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 (205) 348-6335 chancock@bama.ua.edu

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

amea@bellsouth.net

Treasurer Chris Walker Clay-Chalkville Middle School 6700 Trussville Clay Road Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 379-3100

christopherwalker@jefcoed.com

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

President, Collegiate AMEA Ethan Lolley UNA Box 7710 1 Harrison Plaza Florence, AL 35632 (205) 269-9426

President, AVA Jody Powell St. Paul’s Epicopal School 161 Dogwood Lane Mobile, AL 36608 251-463-6961 jpowell@stpaulsmobile.net

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

Collegiate AMEAAdvisor Ted UnivesityHoffman of Montevallo Station 6670 Davis Music Building 308 Montevallo, AL 35115 (205) 665-6668 ehoffman@montevallo.edu

President, Higher Education Lori Ardovino University of Montevallo Station 6670 Montevallo, AL 35115 (205) 666-6670 ardovinl@montevallo.edu

ellolley@una.edu

President, Elem/Gen Karla Hodges Rock Quarry Elementary 2000 Rock Quarry Dr. Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 759-8347 karlahodges@gmail.com

Unless otherwise indicated, permission is granted to NAfME members to reprint articles for educational purposes. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of AMEA or the Editor. All announcements & submissions are subject to editorial judgement/revision.The Alabama Music Educators Association is a state unit of NAfME: The National Association for Music Education, a voluntary, nonprofit organization representing all phases of music education in schools, colleges, universities, and teacher-education institutions. Active NAfME/AMEA membership is open to all persons engaged in music teaching or other music education work.

Ala Breve is published four times a year (August, October, February & May) by the Alabama Music Educators Association. Subscription for members is $4.00 per year as part of annual NAfME/AMEA dues. Subscriptions for non-members is $15.00 per year. Bulk rate postage paid at Dothan, AL.

Henry Ford was a master businessman who was committed to creating the highest quality goods at the lowest possible price. He paid substantial wages to hire and retain the best employees who became highly specialized experts on the assembly line. He was innovative and resourceful in all aspects of his life and was able to decrease the cost of his Model T from around $850 in 1908 (about $22,700 today) to around $360 in 1916 (about $7,700 today). From 1915 to 1921, he spent his summer vacations learning with fellow visionaries Thomas Edison, John Burroughs, and Harvey Firestone on motor camping caravans. On these trips, Ford and Edison built small dams and explored old mills to determine their power output. Ford was 82 years old when he retired from the company that bore his name and died a year and a half later. He lived as lifelong learner and was quoted as saying, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”

As music educators, we can heed the advice and follow the exemplar of Mr. Ford. Whether you are just starting your teaching adventure, you are a seasoned veteran, or somewhere along the educational path, there are innovations and techniques to learn and new connections to make with colleagues. You also have an opportunity to stay relevant with new trends and offer your expertise to others at the 2014 AMEA InService Conference in Montgomery. Your Division Presidents have developed an incredible line up of clinicians and performing ensembles, as well as sessions with NAfME President Nancy Ditmer, NAfME Southern Division President Christine Fisher, and Alabama State Superintendent Tommy Bice. See you in Montgomery!

Goalposts Update

The Governing Board has made tremendous progress towards the goalposts of increasing membership of underrepresented populations, strengthening relationships with current members, and intensifying advocacy efforts with a strategic design.

Our association has made connections to younger members and potential members

through recognition. The inaugural Outstanding Young Music Educator Award will be presented to Jim Schaeffer, choir director at Hueytown High School, at the 2014 In-Service Conference. This award honors members that have shown a special dedication to and enthusiasm for music education in their third to seventh year of teaching. In the fall of 2014, we will be offering a scholarship for future music educators. The qualifications for the $1,000 award include attendance at FAME and enrollment at an Alabama institution of higher education as a music education major. The application form with more details will be available on the AMEA website.

We have also built relationships with the music industry in Alabama through membership opportunities. A bylaw change created an industry membership category and added an industry representative to the Governing Board in an ex-officio capacity. To date, we have gained about ten new industry members. Jennifer FreehlingKazzie and Becky Lightfoot from Art’s Music are serving as industry representatives on the Governing Board.

Additionally, our association has made significant connections to our more experienced and retired members. A Past Presidents Committee has been established to serve as a resource to our Governing Board. Immediate Past President Steve McLendon is serving as chair. Dr. Frank Buck has been appointed as AMEA Historian and has been feverishly working to compile data on past presidents and award recipients, as well as band contest data. Look for his results to be published soon!

To strengthen relationships with current members, President-Elect Dr. Carl Hancock has administered a survey that was distributed across the state. The data obtained from this survey details the needs and wants of the membership and will assist in the formulation of the AMEA strategic plan, as well as the strategic advocacy plan. You can read the final report of the census on the AMEA website (www.alabamamea.org).

Another goalpost to strengthen

the relationship with current members is to offer innovative, engaging, and relevant professional development. The 2014 InService Conference will definitely motivate all members. Each Division President has developed an amazing slate of clinicians and performing ensembles. Make sure to preregister by January 10. You cannot miss this year’s Conference!

To intensify our advocacy efforts, AMEA has become part of the Alabama Arts Advocacy Coalition (AAAC), along with other state arts education organizations. The mission of the AAAC is to raise awareness of and build support for the arts as an essential component of our schools and communities. I am also serving on the Arts Education Task Force, which will design and present a comprehensive arts education plan to State Superintendent Tommy Bice.

In looking toward the future, the Nominating Committee has been established to formulate a slate of officers for President and Secretary. Beth Davis is serving as chair of the committee, alongside David Allinder (ABA), Stacy Daniels (Collegiate), Diana Mayhall (AVA), Tim Phillips (HED), Vicki Portis (Elementary/General), and Sarah Schrader (AOA). Contact your division’s representative or Beth Davis at Beth.Davis@dcs.edu to contribute to the nomination process.

The AMEA Governing Board will continue the progress toward our goalposts! Please contact me at saratwomack@gmail.com if you have any ideas or concerns regarding AMEA’s advancement.

Sara Womack, AMEA President

Henry Ford with his mentors and friends Thomas Edison, John Burroughs, and Harvey Firestone on a motor camping caravan

The Alabama M

Carl Hancock - AMEA President-Elect

“Knowledge is power.” - Francis Bacon

In 2012-2013, 856 music teachers taught 337,531 Alabama students. We should proudly proclaim this achievement because despite a teacher student ratio of 1:394, school music programs supported thousands of concerts, performances, and community events. In addition, the many concerts performed at the Alabama Music Educators Association Inservice Conference, All-State Concerts, Honor Choirs, Honor Bands, District WideConcerts and concerts held on the campuses of our colleges and universities contributed to the cultural capital of communities and artistic education of students across Alabama.

While many Alabama students studied music last year, over 340,000 did not. Recent economic conditions spawned cutbacks in arts and music programs and thereby exacerbated a state-wide decline in arts participation. The Alabama Music Educators Association conducted a census of Alabama music teachers to showcase their accomplishments and commitment to teaching children, while pointing out easily addressable concerns held by the profession.

We asked music teachers to assess the breadth of their responsibilities, their education and experience, their

involvement in music teacher education, their participation in peer mentoring and training, their present levels of financial support and, most importantly, their responses to shifts in educational policy and a changing school culture. The results of the census identified key areas for growth and change. If we want to bring music instruction to all Alabama students and improve the instruction we provide, then we need to address these concerns by proclaiming our strengths and needs.

describe our profession, and I hope each of us recognizes the importance of this and how it impacts all divisions of our association. Some of the results are surprising, and I think you will find them interesting and thought-provoking. Hopefully, having this information will galvanize our organization. Below you will find my commentary followed by excerpts from the report itself.

The importance of the data we received is illustrated in this paragraph. Notice how we can speak with more authority about our profession.

During the 2012-2013 academic year, more than 856 music teachers provided instruction to 337,531 Alabama K-12 students. Despite the many accomplishments of music programs and an average teacher student ratio of 1:394, over 398,074 children received no music instruction last year.

In addition, with the data you provided, we can make measured comparisons to state and national figures in illustrative ways.

The mission of the Alabama Music Educators Association is to promote the advancement of music education through professional development, curricular support, and advocacy. Fulfilling this mission requires the support of multiple constituencies including our local, state, and federal governments. The Alabama Music Teacher Census helps our association fulfill its mission by informing long-range planning, policymaking, and advocacy efforts in ways we couldn’t do a year ago. If knowledge is power, as the philosopher Francis Bacon proclaimed, then we should feel empowered.

The Alabama Music Teacher Census Report describes what we look like to administrators, politicians, and the ALDOE. It describes our credentials, our workloads, our needs, and the support we receive. It also describes the changing state of music education over the past five years. For what may be the first time in the history of our organization, we can collectively

Alabama K-12 music teachers are a unique group of highly trained and experienced specialists. Over 64% of us have a masters degree, which is higher than the percentage of masters degree holders for all music teachers in the US (43%) and more than all teachers in Alabama (53%). Furthermore, over 9% hold specialist or doctoral degrees, which is higher than

Music Teacher Census

national estimates for all music teachers (5%) and all Alabama teachers (1%-5%).

With the data you provided, we can examine the practice of schools hiring uncertified musicians to provide instruction in place of certified teachers. Here is an example.

Unfortunately, many Alabama children were not taught by state-certified teachers last year. The fact is only 81-93% of Alabama music teachers were stated certified to teach P-12 music, which is far below national norms.

It seems important to let people know how some of us face unusually demanding working conditions. The census data revealed several surprising statistics.

Approximately one out of every four Alabama music teachers taught at three or

The Alabama Music Teacher Census supported this conclusion.

For example, last year, over 83% of us participated in a music conference, 61% observed a master teacher, and 38%

the NBCT process.

6. Alabama music teachers belong to a wide array of groups with over 35% paying dues to at least two professional organizations.

7. Twelve percent of Alabama’s music teachers presented at a professional music or education conference in 2012-2013.

8. In 2013, Alabama music teachers voluntarily participated in multiple days of music assessments with certified adjudicators, served as external assessors (21%), hosted solo and ensemble assessments (13%), and participated in assessments sponsored by national organizations in the arts and education.

attended a lecture at a university. In addition, 63% of us advised a student to pursue music as a career, 49% mentored a colleague or new teacher, and 37% provided field experiences to college students. I suspect, many of our colleagues are unaware of how involved we are in these areas.

Here are some other interesting findings.

1. 33% of the entire Alabama music teacher workforce will visit more than one school in a week.

9. Maintaining instruments, hiring accompanists, arranging band routines, and taking students to professional concerts all require an investment from schools systems, communities, and families. Data from the census indicate 68% percent of the music programs in Alabama received no funding or inadequate support from school administrators.

more different schools per week. Obviously, holding positions at more than one school requires music teachers to navigate multiple school cultures, administrative policies, and facilities. Many of these teachers serve hundreds of students single handedly. In fact, 22% of Alabama’s music teachers taught over 700 different students last year. Some of these teachers traveled to as many as 11 different schools in a single week.

In an address I made to the Alabama Vocal Association a few weeks ago, I stated that music teachers are uniquely dedicated to professional growth, peer leadership, formal assessment, and teacher training.

2. Elementary music teachers make up half of the music teachers in Alabama (49%), with middle and high school music teachers found to be almost equal with 25% teaching at the middle level and 26% percent teaching at a high school.

3. Most Alabama music teachers consider themselves to be general music educators (46%), followed by band directors (35%), and choir directors (12%).

4. Roughly a quarter of Alabama teachers taught classes outside normal school hours (27%).

5. Nearly 9% of Alabama Music Teachers hold National Board Certification while another 1% requested materials to begin

10. Alabama’s Music Programs need an average of $7500.00 per music teacher to purchase over 4.1 million dollars of supplies, equipment, music, maintenance, and support. These needs differ by grade level; however, most of the funding needs to be dedicated to purchasing equipment and technology.

Carl Sagan once said, “It is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring.” The Alabama Music Teacher Census provides us with solid observations about who we really are. By having solid answers and a process to continue gathering reliable information, we can begin to set a plan in motion to “win the game” long before we set foot in Montgomery.

Download and access the complete report from the AMEA website. In addition, resources illustrating the statistics in the report are available for downloading.

www.alabamamea.org/

Karla Hodges - President, Elementary/General Division

I trust that you all have had a successful start to another amazing school year. While the excitement of the beginning of the year is great, I always enjoy settling into a routine around the middle of September. By now we know most of our students’ names, we have selected those who will participate in our after-school chorus or percussion ensemble, and we are teaching our favorite lessons and trying out some new ones as well.

I thought I would share something with you this month that has inspired me this year and I hope it will do the same for

you. Several weeks ago I read an interesting article about a recent Video Music Award performance and the power of music, good and bad. The content of the article and the valid points made have resonated in my mind everyday since. I thought I would share the closing thought of that article with you, in hopes that it would spark something inside of you too.

“Because while a healthy lifestyle is vitally important, our children probably won’t be playing much basketball or soccer in 10 or 20 years, much less 30 or 40. But in 60 or 70 or 80 years, I pray my child is still [singing]. In church, or doing dishes, or confined to bed and nearing the end of life. I pray my children are still singing. And I pray it’s a song that matters.”

This thought has challenged me to be a

better teacher, mother, and leader at my church. I want the students that I have the privilege of teaching every single week to always have a song in their heart and a love of music that never fades.

Don’t Forget!

AMEA State In-Service Conference in Montgomery, January 23-25, 2014.

It is going to be a great conference with Artie Almeida, Steve Campbell, and lots of others. You will be glad you came!

The article mentioned and quoted above can be found at:

http://claynowens.me/2013/08/26/howmiley-cyrus-saved-my-childrens-choir/

Concentration in Music Education (Instrumental and Vocal)

Concentration in Music Performance (Instrumental and Vocal)

Elective Studies in Business

Nathan East Depends on Yamaha.

“When I'm looking for that ‘Upright’ sound, I reach for my Silent Bass. The sound quality is rich and full and the feel is very comfortable. In my arsenal of basses, my SVB-200 has become an important instrument for live gigs as well as in the studio.”

-Nathan East, Renowned Bass Artist

Greetings to the Higher Education Division!

I hope that you are all healthy and back into the swing of the semester. As you all can attest, time flies by so quickly that our 2014 Alabama Music Educators Conference will soon be upon us.

There is a need to elect new officers for the 2014-2016 term. There will be an HED Luncheon at 11:30 on Thursday during the Conference. At this luncheon, we will elect officers and have a business meeting so please put it in your calendars. On the HED link on the AMEA website, there will be a nomination for officers ballot. The call is for President, President-Elect, Secretary/Treasurer, and Research Chair. Please think seriously about donating your time to such an important cause. Once nominations are received, I will put forth a formal ballot and we will vote at the meeting. You must be present at the meeting in order for your vote to count. Please consider serving as an officer in the HED Division.

Ardovino - President, Higher Education Division

Please email HED’s Secretary/Treasurer, Dr. Jim Zingara, at zdma2001@gmail.com by December 1 if you plan to attend the luncheon portion of the meeting so we can plan accordingly.

Don’t forget about the HED Recital, which is scheduled for Thursday during the Conference at 4:30. The focus this year will be works that are appropriate competition pieces for the high school student. These can be pieces from the ABA Approved Solo List, or in the case of vocal or piano, works that are appropriate for competitions such as MTNA. Please limit your selections to no more than 8 minutes. For a multimovement work, you may only be able to perform a single movement. Applications will be on the HED link on the website. There is only one hour available, so please apply early if you are interested. Please remember that in order to perform, you must be a member of NAfME and be registered for the conference; your collaborators must be members and registered as well.

• 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

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

If you are interested in showcasing your chamber ensembles, consider applying for a lobby performance spot. This is a great way to promote your students and university. Applications for lobby performances can be found on the AMEA website.

I encourage all higher education collegiate advisors to encourage their students to join NAfME and register early for the conference. By doing so, we will help to make registration a smoother, faster process.

I look forward to a great year and seeing you at the 2014 Conference!

VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

For more information:

Dwayne Sagen

Assistant Dean of Admissions

Blair School of Music

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN 37212-3499

PHONE: (615) 322-6181

WEB: blair.vanderbilt.edu

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

AUDITION DATES 2013/14

• 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

Lori

Music in Good Times and Bad

Hello Everyone, I am hoping that your school year has gotten off to a great start and that everything is starting to groove. It was great seeing all of you at Fall Workshop. I thought it was an outstanding two days. It was especially nice to meet all of our new teachers in AVA. A very special thank you is extended to Dr. Marvin Latimer and the University of Alabama for allowing AVA to use their wonderful facilities. Also thanks to Dr. Carl Hancock for presenting his survey of music education from the State of Alabama. Carl really has outdone himself with the surveys and research of the teachers in our state. AVA is standing firmly behind his conclusions and data to add to the advocacy programs in the state to keep music alive in our schools. Thanks also to Brent Coleman and Melissa Bonds for their take on “Everything Apps.” That session gave us many tools that we could use in our choral programs in the 21st century. To Carl Davis, thank you for sharing all of your knowledge and expertise with all of the sessions in which you had a part. Also thanks to Kathy Hughes for her excellent report on AVA Advocacy and Terry Moore, our outstanding accompanist for the weekend. A very special thank you is extended to the J.W. Pepper Company for providing our New Teacher Luncheon at the workshop.

If you have registered for any AVA events, you have noticed that there has been a restructuring of our fees. Fees have not been raised since 2004 and it has become necessary to raise fees so that AVA will remain solvent in the next few years. Thank you so much for your cooperation and understanding as we have added many expenses and incurred

many bills that were not in place years ago.

Speaking of registering, by now you and your students are working very hard preparing music for ASSC, All-State audition, Honor Choir, and OCS/OA/ME. Be aware of the deadlines for registration so that you do not have to pay the late fees involved with late registration.

All-State Show Choir auditions will be held at UAB in Birmingham, not in different locations as the past few years. ASSC auditions are October 10-12. The All-State Auditions will be held in all Districts starting October 31 and ending November 8. You may attend these auditions in any District. The Honor Choir Screenings and OCS/OA/ME will be held in your own District in November. Make sure you check the calendar for the correct dates. Please encourage your students to participate in the AVA events. They will be able to build lifetime memories when they do.

The annual AMEA Conference will again be held in Montgomery, January 23-25, 2014. Please make plans to attend this conference to better you as a music educator. This year we have the All-State Show Choir and the AMEA Honor Choir. The Honor Choir will be conducted by Dr. Christopher Aspaas from St. Olaf and

the ASSC led by Jarad Voss and Mark Myers. Along with these groups we will feature the Florence Middle School Chorus, The Huntsville Middle School Chorus, Spain Park High School Choir, Vestavia High School Choir, Pleasant Grove High School Choir, Gardendale High School Choir and the University of Montevallo Choir. This is an outstanding slate of choral performances that I am sure we will all enjoy. We have several prestigious presenters this year, too. Composer Earlene Rentz, Melinda Doyle, Megan Wicks-Rudolph, Randi Bolden, Rob Lyda, Erin Colwitz, Tommy Bice and a performance by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. There will also be a large assortment of exhibits to visit.

I hope that you take advantage of all of the opportunities that AVA has to offer. The AVA Board works very hard for you. We have no agendas. We are here to serve you. If you ever have any needs or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask your District Chair. If you have any suggestions to better AVA, please let those be known. Just remember, “ Music gets you through hard times, helps heal your heart, is always there on your good days and never leaves you alone on those bad days.” - Unknown

Have a great year. See you at AMEA.

Jody Powell,- President, Alabama Vocal Association

The St. Olaf Choir

I hope that everyone is off to a great start this year! We have exciting things happening in our state this year that benefits our orchestra and string programs throughout Alabama. The American String Teachers Association (ASTA) will present the Annual Honor Strings Festival next month from Friday, November 15 through Sunday, November 17 at the Moody Music Building at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The guest conductors of the festival will be Samuel Nordlund for the Senior Orchestra and Jacob Frank for the Junior Orchestra. This festival continues to bring wonderful string education to our students in Alabama and I encourage all of our string teachers to get involved with ASTA and send students to the festival. For more information on our Alabama Chapter and the festival visit www.astabama.org. Thank you to ASTA president, Layla Humphries, and the Alabama ASTA board for organizing this great festival.

To all of our string teachers, please plan on attending the annual AMEA conference in January at the Renaissance Conference Center in Montgomery, January 23-25, 2014. I am excited to announce that the Mobile Youth Symphony under the direction of Rob Seebacher will be one of the featured performers after the keynote address on Friday, January 24, 2014. We thank the Mobile Symphony Board and Staff for supporting this trip to the AMEA conference. Please be in attendance to support the youth orchestra! Also mark in your calendars the AOA general business meeting on January 24 from 3:30-4:20 p.m. The AOA board wants to hear from you during this meeting. We are looking to hear what your needs are and how our organization can come together with you to support each other.

The following is string news that comes to us from Eugene Conner, South East District Chair, who hosted two camps this past summer:

The first was a "Beginning Violin Camp" which had 10 students. The camp was from 9-noon, Monday through Friday. The students always amaze me at how quickly they pick everything up. The other camp I did this summer was the "Expressivo" Chamber Orchestra Camp. I wanted to do something that would be more interesting and challenging for my students and more interesting to the audience than seeing the students just sit and play, so I came up with the idea of "Expressivo". We have show choirs, why can't we have show orchestras

as well. Students have to memorize the music and learn the artistic moves to go along with that. “Expressivo" premiered at my recital last spring and the audience loved it!

Please send me information (caravanlr@auburn.edu) about your exciting string news! I am proud of all the string music education that is happening in all parts of the state and would like to share with our AOA members!

All State auditions are taking place and wrapping up around the state. Thank you to our dedicated district chairs for making the auditions a smooth and successful process. Those district chairs are: Northern – Daniel Jamieson and Jacob Frank, East Central –Roland Lister, Central – Sarah Nordlund Dennis & Zak Enikeev, West Central –Matthew Grant, South Central – Chin-Mei Li, South West – Felicia Sarubin and South East – Eugene Conner. I am grateful for their commitment to the orchestra association. We could not do it without these people so thank you. If your students are in need of financial aid to attend All State, please make use of our scholarship funds. The deadline is very strict, October 15, 2013, for all financial aid applications.

Just a reminder to all about the exciting conductors and repertoire that will emerge on the stage at Moody Music Building at University of Alabama in February. Mr. James Ross will be leading the Festival Orchestra in a performance of Overture to Candide by Leonard Bernstein, IV. Allegro energico e passionate from Symphony No 1 by Johannes Brahms and the world premiere of the winning piece from our composition contest. The program for Sinfonia will be Overture to Rienzi by Wagner (arr. by Dackow), Kabalevsky Suite by Kabalevsky (arr. Hull), Hungarian Dance No. 5 Brahms (ed. by Schmeling) and Movement IV from Symphony No. 2 by Sibelius (arr. by Leidig) under the direction of Dr. John Fetter. We are also excited about our conductor for the Consort Orchestra, Dr. James Mick, who will conduct Contrasts in e minor by Feese, and Westminster Prelude and Fugue by Shaffer, Allegro in D by Vivaldi (arr. Frackenpohl), El Toro by Brubaker and A Modal Festival by Marsh. Read more about our conductors on the AOA website: alabamaorchestraassociation.org.

For interested exhibiters there are five potential exhibit locations in the Moody Music Building during the Festival. Exhibitors may set up any time after 4:00

on Thursday, February 13 and remain until the concert is over on Sunday afternoon, February 16. This time window is the available time, but exhibitors are not required to be present at all times and may choose to use any periods within this time frame. There will be no reduction in fee for reduced usage. The AOA President, Lisa Caravan, must receive all requests for exhibitor space via email at caravanlr@auburn.edu before January 31, 2014. Three prime locations are available in the lobby. There is a fee for each spot and use of space includes up to two 6’ tables for two spots and three 6’ tables for one spot. A $100 deposit is required to reserve a lobby spot. Two other locations in the building, closer to rehearsal rooms but with less space, will be made available for a reduced price. Use of these spaces includes one 6’ table each. For more information, please visit our website and click on the 2014 festival link.

Thank you for all the work you do to make string education a success in Alabama. Thank for you for working hard with your students to prepare them for the All State auditions. Thank you to the band teachers for encouraging their wind, brass and percussion students to join in the auditions and the festival and a special thanks to Rusty Courson, president of ABA for getting the word out! We are looking forward to a wonderful four days in February!

Lisa Caravan- President, Alabama Orchestra Association

Rusty Courson - President, Alabama Bandmasters Association

I hope everyone has enjoyed a GREAT start to your school year!!! As I write this, marching season is in full swing as we are preparing for our fifth football game and our first marching contest. This time last year, we were dealing with oppressive heat as we experienced one of the hottest summers on record. This year, it has been reasonably cool when compared to the conditions we dealt with last year, but we’ve also experienced one of the wettest summers on record. I truly believe that band directors deal with adversity and better understand how to persevere than any other class of human beings in existence!!! Of course, it also helps that with 21st century technology, we can keep an eye on the weather with apps on our smart phones and websites on our computers that have real time radar:-). The good news is that by the time you’re reading this, most of us will have shifted into working on concert literature, so the weather won’t play into our decisions so much.

Hopefully everyone is planning to attend our annual AMEA In-Service Conference at the Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center in Montgomery on January 23-25, 2014. We have an outstanding selection of bands from every level slated to perform this year, along with several outstanding clinics that I know you’re going to want to attend. Make sure that you check out the clinic schedule found in this issue…and make plans to attend. Go ahead and preregister NOW!!! You can take care of this online at www.alabamamea.org.

Proposal 2014-1

All State Percussion Tryouts

By now, I’m sure that you have received information from your district chairs regarding upcoming events and dates. For a quick reference point, you can always to go to the website or check out the schedule of events in this issue of Ala Breve for information on all state and district level events for the year.

Our Music Performance Assessments begin in February and run through the month of March. Don’t forget that one of your selections must be on the cumulative music list found on our website. Classification information for MPA can also be found in our bylaws. If you have questions about your classification, check with your district chair or feel free to contact me directly. In addition, if you feel that you’re in a situation that warrants a temporary reclassification, you will need to make an appearance before the ABA Board on Wednesday evening before the beginning of the AMEA Conference. You can contact me to facilitate that meeting.

Likewise, if you’re planning to request approval to play a selection that is not on the cumulative list, you will need to fill out the Request to Perform a Composition NOT on the Cumulative List Form and get it to Vice-President Mike Holmes no later than January 17, 2014 (note this is NOT a postmark deadline…he needs to receive your request BY this date). DO NOT send an original score. Send a copy that will be destroyed at the end of the approval process. In addition, send a recording that can be destroyed upon completion, or through digital means such as a weblink, dropbox file, etc. For your convenience, a copy of the form can be downloaded from

Required Rudiments:

the "Forms" page of the ABA website.

If you haven’t already, please go ahead and renew your NAfME membership. In order for your students to participate in ABA events, your membership must be current. You can take care of this online at www.nafme.org or click the "Join" button on the AMEA website.

The housing form for All-State in Huntsville is available on the website. Please take into consideration that every room reserved using the housing form defrays what the ABA has to pay the Von Braun Center for All-State weekend!!! For your convenience, you can download the form from the ABA website.

We have two pieces of legislation up for consideration during our business meetings at AMEA. Proposal 2014-1 involves restructuring of our all-state percussion auditions. This effort has involved MANY different directors across the state, so please read the legislation carefully so you can make an informed decision. Proposal 2014-2 involves the restructuring of our fees for Music Performance Assessment. This will really only impact schools that take multiple bands to MPA. This is an effort to ensure that our fee structure is covering the actual cost of MPA throughout the state.

I hope all of you continue to have great years and I look forward to seeing you at AMEA in Montgomery in January…if not before!!! If I can help you with anything please don’t hesitate to email me at courson.rusty@lee.k12.al.us.

Single Stroke Roll - performed open-closed-open with smooth transition. (16 points)

Double Stroke Roll - performed open-closed-open with smooth transition. (16 points)

REMOVE: Snare drummers must successfully play all of the rudiments to advance to the Prepared Studies and Sight Reading Portions of the All-State Band Audition.

ADD: New Audition Sheet Requirements (below)

Board approved Directors and Adjudicators Instructions (attached) Board approved Etude Composition Requirements (attached)

NOTE: Adjudicators will now utilize only two rooms – Room One for the scales, rudiments, and sight-reading and Room Two for prepared etudes.

HIGH SCHOOL PERCUSSION REQUIREMENTS

Snare Drum Requirements

-The snare drum audition will be performed on a concert snare drum, with concert snare drum sticks (sticks and snare drums will not be provided).

• Prepared Etude (65 points)

• Playing Technique(23 points)

Mallet Requirements

-The mallet audition is to be performed with appropriate mallets (mallets will not be provided).

Major Scales: C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, B, E, A, D, and G. Each scale should be performed two octaves, with alternate sticking, including arpeggio. One point will be awarded for each completed scale, and one point for each corresponding arpeggio. It is recommended that the performers play each scale at MM = 100, per quarter note (playing eighth notes). Each student must pass seven scales and related arpeggios in

order to proceed to the etude and sight-reading portions of the audition.

Minor Scales:

C Harmonic Minor and A Melodic Minor. The aforementioned scales should be performed two octaves, with alternate sticking, including arpeggio.

Chromatic Scale:

The chromatic scale should be performed A-A, 2 octaves, with alternate sticking.

• Scales(32 points)

• Prepared Etude(65 points)

• Playing Technique(23 points)

Timpani Requirements

-The timpani audition will be played with appropriate mallets (mallets will not be provided).

**Timpani tuning will be required only for the etude and will not constitute a barrier to the audition process. Students will have one minute to tune timpani for etude performance.

• Tuning(32 points)

• Prepared Etude(65 points)

• Playing Technique(23 points)

Sight-reading Requirements

-All students will perform their choice of sight-reading - snare drum or mallet instrument. (140 points)

-All students will be required to sight-read on snare drum, mallets and timpani at Statelevel auditions.

• TOTAL AUDITION POINTS (500 Total Points)

MIDDLE SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS PERCUSSION REQUIREMENT

Snare Drum Requirements

-The snare drum audition will be performed on a concert snare drum with concert snare drum sticks (sticks and snare drums will not be provided).

Required Rudiments:

Single Stroke Roll - performed open-closed-open with smooth transition. (16 points)

Double Stroke Roll - performed open-closed-open with smooth transition. (16 points)

• Prepared Etude (65 points)

• Playing Technique (23 points)

Mallet Requirements

-The mallet audition is to be performed with appropriate mallets (mallets will not be provided).

Major Scales:

C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, B, E, A, D, and G. Each scale should be performed one octave, with alternate sticking, including arpeggio. One point will be awarded for each completed scale, and one point for each corresponding arpeggio. It is recommended that the performers play each scale at MM = 100, per quarter note (playing eighth notes). Each student must pass five scales and related arpeggios in order to proceed to the etude and sight-reading portions of the audition.

Minor Scales:

C Harmonic Minor and A Melodic Minor. The aforementioned scales should be performed two octaves, with alternate sticking, including arpeggio.

Chromatic Scale:

The chromatic scale should be performed A-A, 2 octaves, with alternate sticking.

• Scales(32 points)

• Prepared Etude(65 points)

• Playing Technique(23 points)

Timpani Requirements

-The timpani audition will be performed with appropriate mallets (mallets will not be provided).

**Timpani tuning will be required only for the etude and will not constitute a barrier

to the audition process. Students will have one minute to tune timpani for etude performance.

• Tuning(32 points)

• Prepared Etude(65 points)

• Playing Technique(23 points)

Sight-reading Requirements

-All students will perform their choice of sight-reading - snare drum or mallet instrument. (140 points)

-All students will be required to sight-read on snare drum, mallets and timpani at State level auditions.

• TOTAL AUDITION POINTS(500 points)

Etude Requirements

Keyboard Etudes

Middle School: The etude should be composed for no larger than a standard, 2.4-octave set of bells and the level of difficulty should be indicative of Level II-III literature. The etude should consist of duple and triple-based rhythms, scalar passages, arpeggiated passages, double-stops, and rolls. The etude should be composed in a major key. The etude should incorporate all dynamic levels between ppp and fff. The etude should not exceed 32 measures, and have duration of no longer than 90 seconds.

High School: The etude should be composed for no larger than a standard, 3.5-octave xylophone and the level of difficulty should be indicative of Level IV-V literature. The etude should consist of duple and triple-based rhythms, scalar passages, arpeggiated passages, double-stops, and rolls. The etude should be composed in any major key and include the relative or parallel minor of the chosen key. The etude should incorporate all dynamic levels between ppp and fff. The etude should not exceed 32 measures, and have duration of no longer than 90 seconds.

Snare Drum Etudes

Middle School: The etude should be indicative of Level II-III literature. The etude should consist of duple and triple-based rhythms and include the orchestral roll, flam, and 3-stroke ruff. All rolls should be performed as orchestral rolls, and the etude should include selected rudiments (these will change, annually). The etude should incorporate all dynamic levels between ppp to fff. The etude should not exceed 32 measures, and have duration of no longer than 90 seconds.

High School: The etude should be indicative of Level IV-V literature. The etude should consist of duple and triple-based rhythms and include the orchestral roll, flam, 3-stroke ruff, and 4-stroke ruff. The etude should also include odd meters. All rolls should be performed as orchestral rolls, and the etude should include selected rudiments (these will change, annually). The etude should incorporate all dynamic levels from ppp to fff. The etude should not exceed 32 measures, and have duration of no longer than 90 seconds.

Timpani Drum Etudes

Middle School: The etude should include 2 drums, with no pitch changes; pitches should be limited to tonic and dominant harmonic relationship. The etude should be indicative Level of II-III literature. The etude should consist of duple and triplebased rhythms, legato and staccato articulations, standard rolls, and fp rolls. The etude should incorporate all dynamic levels between ppp and fff. The etude should not exceed 32 measures, and have duration of no longer than 90 seconds.

High School: The etude should include 3-4 drums, with one pitch change (returning to the original pitches before the conclusion of the piece). The composer should allow no less than 8 beats at MM=120 BPM for pitch changes. Pitches should be limited to tonic, mediant, sub-dominant, dominant, and sub-mediant harmonic relationships. The etude should be indicative of Level IV-V literature. The etude should include odd meters. The etude should consist of duple and triple-based rhythms, legato and staccato articulations, standard rolls and fp rolls. The etude should incorporate all dynamic levels between ppp and fff. The etude should not exceed 32 measures, and have duration of no longer than 90 seconds.

Proposal 2014 - 2

Change Article XIX. Fee Schedule to read: Article XIX.

Fee Schedule

Alabama Bandmasters Music Performance Assessments

$1.00 per student

$100.00 School fee per band

Justification:

Judges’ expenses are the same for every band that performs at MPA. Raising the fee for the second/third bands from schools will eliminate the financial burden to the district caused by the former fee structure.

Submitted by Dennis Carroll

TIMOTHY MAHR

• Scholarship Auditions for High School Seniors Who Plan to Major in Music

• Every Participant Performs Under the Direction of the Guest Composer

• Concerts by the AU Symphonic Winds and Jazz Band

• Gala Festival Final Concert

Deadline for nomination forms: November 15, 2013

For more information regarding Festival, please visit our WEBSITE: BAND.AUBURN.EDU

PRE-REGISTRATION FORM

AMEA In-Service Conference

January 23-25, 2014

Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center

LAST NAME

FIRST NAME_____________________(for badge)

NAfME ID#

Please enclose a copy of your card.

Home Address: ____________________________________ ______________________ ______ _______ (City)(State) (Zip)

Preferred Email:__________________________________________________________________________

School Name: ___________________________________________________________________________

School Address: ____________________________________ ______________________ ______ _______ (City)(State) (Zip)

School Phone: _________________________________ Cell: _____________________________________

Principal Division:(check only one) ____ABA ____AVA ____ELEM ____AOA ____HED ____COLLEGIATE

Other Division/s Affiliation:(check all that apply) _____ABA _____AVA _____ELEM _____AOA ____HED ____COLLEGIATE

Please tell us if you are: _____Clinician _____Conductor of a performing group at the conference _____Retired _____Guest Performer

Current Members, Clinicians, Conductors

Pre-Registration $80.00 (On-Site Registration $90.00)

Retired Members Registration Complimentary

First Year Teachers

Pre-registration $65.00 (On-Site Registration $75.00)

Spouse* or Guest* of AMEA Member Registration $15.00 *may not be a music teacher

Collegiate Members

Pre-Registration $30.00 (On-Site Registration $45.00)

Non-Member Alabama Music Teacher

Pre-Registration $185.00 (On-Site Registration $195.00)

TOTAL AMOUNT PAID $____________ MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO AMEA

A fee of $35 will be charged for returned checks No Purchase Orders Accepted. Check or Credit Card Only

To pre-register with a credit card go to www.alabamamea.org through January 10, 2014

************************* Mail form and check by Jan. 10, 2014 to: *********************** AMEA, 1612 Second Avenue SW, #181, Cullman, AL 35055

Important: Forms and payment received after Jan. 10 will be held at the registration desk for onsite registration. Do not send forms or payment to the above address after Jan. 10, 2014!

THANK YOU! Your conference packet will be ready at the registration desk in the Renaissance Hotel. Your receipt will be in your packet at the conference. ********************************************************************************************************************************************

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

Personal Check # _________________________School Check # ______________________

Membership verified and payment receipted by: ________________________________ Date: ____________________

Nathan Franklin a senior trombone player from Grissom High School has been accepted as a member of The 2013 Macy’s Great American Marching Band.

In celebrating the 87th anniversary of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Great American Marching Band will once again march into Herald Square on November 28, 2013.

Noteworthy...

The students will also have the opportunity to attend a leadership/educational workshop while in NY. The workshop will focus on leadership and encourage students to achieve their maximum potential. In addition to marching in the parade, all selected participants' package plans will include meals, lodging, and New York City sightseeing.

The Band Hall, TN, is supplying the Band's custom uniforms. Sousaphones are supplied by Jupiter Band Instruments. Marching Percussion is supplied by Mapex Drums, a division of Jupiter Instruments and Sabian provides the cymbals.

the National Band Association's Hall of Fame of Distinguished Band Conductors, the Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame, and the Alabama Music Educators Association Hall of Fame. Recipents of the Healing Hands Award are President George W. Bush, New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, the founder of Navy Seals Team Six Richard Marcinko and retired Florida State University Head Football Coach Bobby Bowden. Dr. John M. Long, Sr. received the award during the opening ceremonies of the State Games XXXI at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center Arena.

Students are selected based on their musical ability and past achievements. The opportunity is open to students from over 14,000 high schools across the United States. Since 2006 when the band was formed, over 1700 students from across the United States has had the opportunity to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as part of the MGAMB.

Stepping-off from Central Park, the Band will be cheered by 2.5 million live spectators, before arriving at Macy's Herald Square for their national performance for more than 50 million TV viewers watching the broadcast live on NBC.

The students will have the chance to participate in this prestigious band with over 245 students, representing every state. The musicians, under the direction of Dr. Richard Good, Auburn University, assisted by Barry Houser, University of Illinois, will be complemented by approximately 40 flags and dancers.

Dr. Good is the Director of Bands at Auburn University in Auburn, AL. Mr. Houser is the Assistant Director of Bands and Director of the Marching Illini and Athletic Bands at the University of Illinois. The percussion instructor is Dr. Doug Rosener, who is the Associate Director of Bands at Auburn University.

Troy University's Dean of Fine Arts and Director of Bands Emertius Dr. John M. Long, Sr. awarded the ""Healing Hands Award" by the Alabama Sports Festival Foundationon June 21. The award was established shortly after 9/11 to recognize unique actions by individuals to promote healing, grace, comfort and inspiration. Dr. Long, who served as director of bands at Troy University from 1965-1996, is a past president of the American Bandmasters Association and is a member of

Whether you sing in the choir, dance in a musical theater production, play an instrument in a band, have a passion for opera, or lead worship for your church, the University of Mobile Center for Performing Arts has the program for you! If you desire

for performing arts

Dr. John M. Long receives the “Healing Hands Award

Fellow NAfME Collegiate Alabamians,

I write to you now amidst a very productive and eventful marching band season here at the University of North Alabama! My senior year has proven to be quite the season to remember. The "Pride of Dixie" was able to share halftime with two other Alabama collegiate marching bands and there is nothing quite like friendly competition at halftime. What variety our bands here in Alabama have! The JSU "Marching Southerners" and the Miles College "Purple Marching Machine" both put on equally entertaining shows with their trademark styles. This past weekend, we hosted our annual Marching Band Extravaganza with almost 500 high school marching band members in attendance. Five of those members were stellar high school drum majors with whom I had the opportunity to invest time through conducting tips, routines, and servant leadership opportunities. I even reconnected with many George N. Parks Drum Major Academy students and witnessed the success of their hard work on the field. What a network of music we have here in Alabama!

Part of my job as your president is to constantly look for ways to improve communication but I need your help. Many chapters of NAfME have heeded the call

Ethan Lolley - President, Collegiate AMEA

from my last article and sent in contact information for their officers. If you haven't already done so, I encourage you to! This way, you and your chapter can constantly be "in the loop" of upcoming events and learn from other chapters concerning productivity, service opportunities, and projects that might be beneficial for your chapter. Our chapter at UNA is now hard at work planning an AllState instrumentalist workshop that will include etude study, audition tips, and group lessons in tone, technique, and scales for local high school students. Not only are we preparing musicians for their audition, we are also gaining hands-on experience teaching students of like instruments. We also plan to do the same in the spring for Choral All-State.

Finally, the Collegiate Summit 2013 has been finalized. It will take place at the University of Montevallo Music Department on November 10th at 3:00 p.m. Plan ahead for your whole chapter to attend. I promise it will be engaging, informational, and practical. Dinner will also be provided and all of this is free to you as an Alabama Collegiate NAfME member. Three officers, myself included, are working hard to make sure your experience in Montevallo will be well worth the drive! It will feature a speaker on the Alexander technique in which any

musician can greatly benefit. We will also have a panel of both instrumental and choral music educators in their first one to two years of teaching experience who will participate in an open forum. They will discuss tips to better prepare you for your first year of teaching. Being a senior myself, I can't wait to ask questions that have been on my mind concerning that approaching first job. From interviewing to classroom management to budgetary concerns, there is plenty from which to learn. Most importantly, the summit gives us all an opportunity to make connections with our future music colleagues. Until then, may your musical ensembles have a productive and memorable fall semester and for those with a senior recital in sight, may the practice room be your best friend!

Literature Selection for Young Bands Tips That Click

This issue we are again featuring an article written by Ralph Ford, a member of Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu and currently one of the most prolific and outstanding composers for concert, jazz, and athletic music ensembles. This article appeared earlier in the Ledger Lines newsletter published by Alfred Music.

Over the past year, I have presented a clinic at state, district, and university conferences discussing my thoughts about the process of creating music for beginning and developing players. It has been invaluable to receive feedback from teachers in discussions about music that engages the young musician, especially those at the beginning stages of musical ability. It is through discussions such as these that I’m able to better meet the needs of the ensembles with varying abilities around the world. As a composer of music for any medium, I truly enjoy my attempts at creating works at this level for orchestra, concert band, and jazz ensemble. Those people who know me personally understand that I often think (and sometimes act) like a child. As a father of two young musicians, I examine what keeps them drawn to music. Additionally, I feel a responsibility to finda musical balance for the ʻteacher/musician/conductorʼ: to provide the best musical experience for the director as well as the students (and the audience!). When setting out to compose (or arrange) a piece for young or beginning players, I strongly consider each of the following points:

1. Individual parts strive to be linear: As though each individual part were a solo line, I strive to make everyone’s part flow musically and logically.

2. Everyone gets the melody, or at least a motif: This is extremely important for the developing musician. Years ago this

advice was given to me by one of the best middle school directors I’ve ever known and I have tried to stick to this principle on every piece.

3. Cross curricular opportunities are examined carefully: Finding ways to integrate music into other school curricula is a positive way to encourage connections with other academic subjects.

4. Provide a musical ʻhookʼ to excite the players: Especially with beginners. Strong unison lines that establish a piece and re‐occur during the performance seem to engage even the shyest of students.

5. Create a piece that provides materials for concept reinforcements, i.e. the ʻreal‐worldʼ application of concepts from the method book(s).

6. Create a piece that is fun to play: music that motivates practice and continued involvement in music. The esteemed conductor and educator, Ray Cramer, once made a list that attempts to answer the question, “What comprises music of artistic merit?” Although this list has been quoted many times, I feel it is appropriate to revisit it for this discussion.

DOES THE MUSIC POSSESS/CONTAIN:

1. A well‐conceived formal structure?

2. Creative melodies and counter‐lines?

3. Harmonic imagination?

4. Rhythmic vitality?

5. Contrast in all musical elements?

6. Scoring which best represents the full potential for beautiful tone and timbre?

7. An emotional impact?

Well stated, in my opinion. For the record, I keep a copy of this list in my studio to review before I embark on a new project.

Ralph Ford

During my college band director days, I also kept this list at my desk as I reviewed music for performance with my wind ensemble. It continues to serve me well.

Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmaster Fraternity is committed to the improvement of bands and band instruction in this state. Comments on this column and ideas for future columns are welcome! Please email: pemin@mac.com

Phi Beta Mu Director’s Planning Guide

Rho Chapter has created a free Director’s Planning Guide to help you plan your way to a successful year! This publication has many helpful suggestions, and has plenty of room for you to add notes or adapt to your individual situation. This free and valuable booklet is available on the Alabama Bandmasters Association website (see the sidebar menu) or can be requested by emailing: pemin@mac.com

AMEA 2014 Featured Speakers

Nancy E. Ditmer, NAfME President and Board Chair for 2012-2014, is currently the Director of Bands and Professor of Music Education at the College of Wooster, Ohio, and has been a respected and devoted leader in music education for many years. She is a past President of the Ohio Music Education Association, the recipient of the 2006 Distinguished Service Award from the OMEA, and past President of the North Central Division of NAfME. In 2008, she was designated a Lowell Mason Fellow by NAfME. She continues to serve the OMEA as chair of the collegiate member committee and as co-chair of Ohio’s Professional Development Conference in 2009. A respected scholar and author, Ms. Ditmer edited the OMEA publication, Triad. She has been a frequent presenter at state and national music education conferences over the last 15 years, on such relevant topics as education reform, music education advocacy, and professional development issues for teachers. Nancy is the founder and director of the Wooster Music Camp, which has hosted 450 music students playing in five bands and two orchestras since 1997. This camp provides junior high and high schools students with memorable performance opportunities with renowned clinicians and educators. As a music consultant, she has assisted the Canton Symphony in implementing an education grant, including developing professional development materials for symphony personnel. A member of the Arts Education advisory Committee in Wooster, she worked to strengthen the arts programs offered in the public schools served by the Tri-County Educational Service Center.

Dr. Tommy Bice was appointed Alabama’s State Superintendent of Education on November 10, 2011, and assumed the position on January 1, 2012. Prior to his appointment, Dr. Bice was Alabama’s Deputy State Superintendent of Education for Instructional Services; Superintendent of the Alexander City School System, high school principal, career tech director, alternative school teacher/director, special education/residential school director, early childhood teacher/parent trainer; and began his career as a teacher at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind. Dr. Bice also serves as an adjunct professor of Educational Leadership at Auburn University. He received his B.S. and Ed.D. degrees from Auburn University and his M.S. degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Bice resides in Alexander City with his wife, Nancy, and their three sons, Andrew, Bennett, and Cambron.

Christine Fisher grew up in Asheboro, N.C., where in sixth grade she made up her mind that she wanted to be a band teacher. Fast forward to 1998 when she was selected as the South Carolina Teacher of the Year for her work at Southside Middle School in Florence, representing 47,000 public school teachers in South Carolina. She is the only music teacher ever to hold the honor in the history of the Teacher of the Year program in South Carolina. Fisher became director of the Arts in Basic Curriculum Project at Winthrop in 2001 where she has been influential in helping advocate for the arts across South Carolina. Last year, she assisted the S.C. Department of Education in revising the South Carolina 2003 Curriculum Guides to correlate with the latest Visual and Performing Arts Achievement Standards. She was selected as member of the Arts Integration Committee of the Arts Schools Network and worked with the Disney Imaginers to develop arts integration sessions at the National Arts Schools Network Conference held at Disney Land. Fisher serves as President of the Southern Division of the National Association for Music Education and was inducted into the South Carolina Music Education Association Hall of Fame. She received the Life Time Achievement Award from the South Carolina Theatre Association and the S.C. Verner Award for Arts Education. (Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts), as well as the President’s Award for the South Carolina Dance Association. Fisher also has been a clarinetist in the Florence Symphony Orchestra for 34 years. She is married to Tim Fisher.

Nancy Ditmer, President, National Association for Music Education

Christine Fisher, President, NAfME, Southern Division

Tommy Bice, Alabama’s State Superintendent of Education

FAME

Future Alabama Music Educators

Open to High School Juniors and Seniors

Thursday, January 23, 2014 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center

Application and $20 registration fee are due postmarked no later than January 9, 2014

Student_____________________________________________________________ Grade ____________________

Nominating Teacher ____________________________________________ NAfME # _________________________

School Name ____________________________________________________________________________________

School Address __________________________________________________________________________________

Teacher Phone ________________________________ Teacher Email ______________________________________

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

Publicity Waiver

I give AMEA permission to take photos of FAME attendees and use the photos for publicity purposes. By this authorization, I understand and agree that no participant shall receive remuneration and that all rights, title and interest to the photos and use of them belongs to AMEA.

Enclose $20 Registration Fee Make checks payable to AMEA

Signature of StudentSignature of Parent if Student is under 18

The FAME program includes many important topics for students considering a career as a music educator. This year’s keynote speaker for the FAME program is composer/arranger Robert W. Smith

NEW! AMEA provides a $1000 scholarship opportunity to a FAME participant who plans to major in music education at an Alabama college or university. Visit www.alabamamea.org for details.

Lunch will be provided by AMEA

Mail this application, along with the $20 registration fee, to:

Steve McLendon, AMEA Past President

Dothan High School

1236 S. Oates Street

Dothan, AL 36301

Postmark Deadline: January 9, 2014

By the time you read this, I hope everyone is guiding their students as they prepare for the all-state jazz band auditions. The deadline for submissions is November 1st. All the audition requirements are posted on the ABA website. I will do my best to get the audition results to everyone before December 1st.

We have an excellent panel of clinicians this time. Dean Sorenson will be directing the Gold Band; Dr. Mike Pendowski will be directing the Silver Band; and Kim Bain will be directing the middle school band. These clinicians are going to provide an excellent experience for our students. Their bios are located in the conference section of this issue, but I would like to give you a little more information about them.

I started noticing Dean Sorenson from the Kjos demo CDs that came out in the 1990s. He wrote a great chart called “Rain Delay” that is an excellent minor blues for advanced big band that I purchased and played with my high school jazz band. I enjoyed this chart so much that I kept the demo CD and listened to it in my car. I have since used many of his Kjos charts with my junior high and high school jazz ensembles. He has a great way of writing jazz charts to provide a logical framework for beginning improvisers based on modes or a limited number of scales. I credit his charts with helping me become a better teacher of jazz; and many of my students have gone on to

develop their improvisation to a high-level because of the confidence they got from playing Dean Sorenson charts published by Kjos. Dean will be leading the Gold Band. He will also be presenting a clinic after lunch on Friday in the Gold Band rehearsal room addressing jazz rehearsal techniquesplease plan to attend. I am honored that he will be at AMEA with us, and I am confident that your students are going to love working with him.

Dr. Michael Pendowski joined the Auburn faculty a few years ago, and has done a great job with the jazz ensemble there. You need to listen to his recordings of the Auburn University jazz band that are on his website. He has done some very impressive literature in the short time he has been here. The two recordings I was most impressed with were the “West Side Story” from the Buddy Rich Band, and the “Body and Soul” from the Stan Kenton Band. I have several former students at Auburn who all talk about the great job he has done with the jazz program there. He brings an impressive resume as a professional saxophonist and composer. I am glad he is in Alabama, and I look forward to seeing what he will be able to contribute to jazz education in the state. Mike will be leading the Silver Band.

Kim Bain is the band director at Pizitz Middle School in Vestavia. Kim is successful in every aspect of our profession. Her bands are the bands by which other

middle school bands are judged in Alabama. The Pizitz band performance at AMEA a couple of years ago was one of the best performances I’ve heard at the conference by any ensemble. Kim is a strong advocate for jazz education for the young musician. She has a great middle school jazz program at Pizitz, and she really knows how to teach jazz to young students in a way that allows them to succeed and reach their full potential. In addition to teaching, Kim maintains a busy performance schedule as a professional saxophonist. I have had the privilege of performing alongside her for many years in the Superjazz big band in Birmingham. She is an outstanding jazz musician, and she will provide a quality experience to our students as the director of the Middle School AllState Jazz Band.

As you can see, we have a strong group of clinicians this year. Please take some time to visit a rehearsal and introduce yourself. Also, I hope you will stay for the all-state jazz band concert, which is held on Saturday morning at AMEA. The students work very hard, and they need a good audience.

Have a great fall---I look forward to seeing everyone at AMEA.

Dr. Mark Foster ABA Jazz Chair

Proposed AMEA Bylaws Changes to be Voted on at the January Business Meeting

In an effort for our bylaws to reflect the current trends and needs in our organization, the AMEA Governing Board has approved a few changes for the membership to vote on at the business meeting in January. The bylaw proposal will change the office of treasurer/registrar to an appointed position, instead of elected. The learning curve for the office of treasurer/registrar is extremely steep. Having an appointed person fulfill the duties of treasurer/registrar will allow for the greater job retention and performance.

• Currently, Article IV: Government, Section 2 reads as follows:

Officers. The officers of the AMEA shall be the President, the Past-President, the President-Elect, Recording Secretary, and the Treasurer/Registrar. The officers shall be elected in every evennumbered year.

Proposed change:

Officers. The officers of the AMEA shall be the President, the Past-President, the President-Elect, Recording Secretary, and the Treasurer/Registrar. The President-Elect and Recording Secretary shall be elected in every even-numbered year. The Treasurer/Registrar shall be appointed by the President.

• Currently, Article V: Elections reads as follows:

Nominating Committee. No later than 60 days prior to the annual AMEA convention, the President shall appoint a committee for the purpose of nominating two candidates for the office of President-Elect, two candidates for the office of Treasurer/Registrar, and two candidates for the office of Recording Secretary. The Committee shall consist of one member from each of the Divisions and one member-at-large who shall be chairperson, none of whom shall be members of the Governing Board. The

Nominating Committee shall present its slate at the next general business meeting of the membership, at which time additional nominations may be made from the floor.

Proposed change:

Nominating Committee. No later than 60 days prior to the annual AMEA convention, the President shall appoint a committee for the purpose of nominating two candidates for the office of President-Elect and two candidates for the office of Recording Secretary. The Committee shall consist of one member from each of the Divisions and one member-at-large who shall be chairperson, none of whom shall be members of the Governing Board. The Nominating Committee shall present its slate at the next general business meeting of the membership, at which time additional nominations may be made from the floor.

Mark Foster, Jazz Chair

Campus Connections...

News and Happenings from Alabama’s Colleges and Universities

The John M. Long School of Music – Troy University

We are grateful to AMEA for providing this opportunity to share information with our music colleagues and music students across the state.

New John M. Long Hall

A new John M. Long Hall for the School of Music will open this November on our Troy University campus. This new 8 million dollar state-of-the-art facility will serve as “home” to our university bands, university choirs, percussion, and administrative areas in the School of Music.

All-Steinway Initiative Underway

Troy University has taken the first step needed to become an AllSteinway School by making a commitment to an All-Steinway Initiative. Our School of Music will partner with Alabama Piano Gallery in Birmingham (the sole and exclusive representative in Alabama for STEINWAY & SONS) as we work towards this prestigious All-Steinway designation.

Special Guests in Residence

World-renowned sound designer, music director, performer and composer Jeff Lee will be in residence Oct. 1-3 working with students in our Music Industry Program.

Award-winning vocal jazz composer and arranger Kenny Marsh and vocalist Julia Dollison will in residence Oct. 20-22 working with members of our jazz vocal ensemble Frequency

Up-coming Annual Events:

Southeastern United States Middle School Band Clinic – Dec. 5-7, 2013. Contact Dr. Mark Walker

Southeastern United States Choral Clinic – Jan. 16-18, 2014. Contact Dr. Diane Orlofsky

Southeastern United States HS Honor Band/Conductors Clinic –Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2014. Contact Dr. Carla Gallahan

Special Event: American Bandmasters Association Convention Montgomery – Mar. 4-8, 2014.

Clarinet Day – Mar. 29, 2014. Contact Dr. Tim Phillips

2014 American Bandmasters Association Convention

Troy University will serve as host for the 80th American Bandmasters Association Convention. The convention will be held at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel March 4-9, 2014. The Troy University Symphony Band will perform as part of this convention.

Additional information about the John M. Long School of Music may be found at music.troy.edu. We invite you to visit us online or in person soon.

Missing the forms?

Hall of Fame Nomination Form

Outstanding Music Educator Nomination Form

Outstanding Young Music Educator Nomination Form

Outstanding Administrator Nomination Form

Barbara Odom Distinguished Service Award Nomination Form

FAME Registration Form

FAME Scholarship Application Form

Call for Sessions Form

Performance Application

Young Composers Competition Application

Lobby Performance Application

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

AMEA Governing Board Minutes

August 3, 2013

Montgomery Renaissance Hotel Montgomery, Alabama

The AMEA Governing Board met at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery, Alabama on August 3, 2013. The meeting was called to order at 10:09 a.m. by AMEA President Sara Womack. Present at the meeting: Sara Womack, Steve McLendon, Garry Taylor, Chris Walker, Carla Gallahan, Rusty Courson, Mike Holmes, Sarah Schrader, Lori Ardovino, Jody Powell, Ethan Lolley, Ted Hoffman, Carl Hancock, Karla Hodges, and Becky Lightfoot.

The minutes of the June 14, 2013 meeting of the AMEA Governing Board were read by Recording Secretary, Carla Gallahan. A motion was made to approve the minutes as read (Powell, Hodges). Passed.

President Womack reported that two students from St. James School were selected to participate in the All-American Marching Band.

President-Elect Carl Hancock reviewed the second draft of the Alabama Music Teacher Census.

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

Unfinished Business

Executive Director Taylor distributed comparison proposals for future conference options for the Executive Board to review. The proposals were discussed. A motion was made to accept the Montgomery Renaissance proposal for the 2016 and 2017 Conference location (McLendon, Courson). Passed.

New Business

Applications received for the Outstanding Music Educator Award were distributed and discussed. The award will be presented at the 2014 AMEA Conference.

Applications received for the Outstanding Administrator Award were distributed and discussed. The award will be presented at the 2014 AMEA Conference.

The Board reviewed the ProCat Recording proposal submitted for the 2014 AMEA Conference. A motion was made to accept this proposal (Powell, McLendon). Passed.

President Womack proposed a scholarship for future Music Educators. A discussion occurred on the topic and additional information/details are being considered. A motion was made to have scholarships for FAME students (Hancock, Lolley). Passed.

Beth Davis is Chairman of the AMEA Nomination Committee. The Board was asked to send recommendations for future officers to her. The National Association for Music Education is

piloting a membership campaign. In this campaign, NAfME will provide all materials and the state association will complete the associated work. Alabama is scheduled to be a part of this pilot in the Fall. The AMEA Elementary/General Division and the Higher Education Division were identified as areas where the largest potential increase is possible. Suggestions for AMEA members to work on or head the committee were requested and names should be sent to President Womack.

Nine students from Alabama were selected to participate in the National Honors Ensemble. With approval from the National Association for Music Educators, AMEA will contribute $100.00 to assist with the registration fee for each of these students. The payment will be provided directly to NAfME (Courson, Gallahan). Passed.

The Board completed the Conference Planning Session.

The next meeting of the AMEA Governing Board will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 6:00 p.m., at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel.

The AMEA Governing Board meeting was adjourned at 1:34 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Dr. Carla Gallahan AMEA Recording Secretary

2014 AMEA In-Service Conference

Quick Facts

Dates: January 23-25, 2014

Location: Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Convention Center

Keynote Speaker: NAfME President Nancy Ditmer

Other Featured Speakers: Alabama’s State Superintendent of Education Tommy Bice and NAfME Southern Division President Christine Fisher

Pre-register on-line (www.alabamamea.org). A printable form is on page 21 of this issue

The room block is now open at the Renaissance (Link from the AMEA website)

Lobby Performance Applications are due by October 15. See the AMEA website for the form.

FAME applications are due by January 9. A form is on page 27 of this issue.

Check back often for conference updates at www.alabamamea.org/conference

The complete conference schedule and list of clinicians and performers can be found in this issue of Ala Breve

AMEA 2014 Clinicians

Dr. Artie Almeida has taught for 35 years and is the music specialist at Bear Lake Elementary school in the Orlando FL area, where she teaches 1150 K-5 students. Her dynamic performing groups have performed for MENC, AOSA, and on the NBC Today Show.

Artie was chosen as Florida Music Educator of the Year, and was also selected as an International Educator 2006 by the Cambridge England Biographical Society. She was a Teacher of the Year at the school level 6 times and was recently chosen as a University of Central Florida Alumni of the Decade. In addition to her public school teaching duties, Artie is an adjunct professor at the University of Central Florida, teaches applied saxophone lessons and performs on historical winds with the early music ensemble Ars Antiqua.

Lori F. Ardovino is Professor of Clarinet and Saxophone at the University of Montevallo. She is an active performer, clinician, adjudicator, and writes CD reviews for The Clarinet, official journal of the International Clarinet Association and for the International Association of Women in Music. Dr. Ardovino has been a guest recitalist at a number of colleges and universities across the United States and has performed at numerous national and international festivals. In 2011, she was Composer-inResidence with Escape to Create in Seaside, FL, and also received the 2013-2014 Alabama State Council for the Arts Artist Fellowship. She is an active composer and has had her works performed across the United States, Japan, Canada and Italy. Her recent CD, From A Crack In The Wall, Clarinet Music by Alabama Composers, was released in January 2013. She has numerous publications of solo and chamber music. Potenza Music publishes her music. She is currently President of the Higher Education Division for AMEA and is the Composition Competition Coordinator for Alabama Music Teachers Association. Lori Ardovino received the Doctorate of Music degree in clarinet performance from the Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati, the Masters degree in Clarinet Performance/Woodwind Specialist from Michigan State University and holds degrees in Music Education and Clarinet Performance from Minnesota State University, Moorhead, MN. She is an Artist/Clinician for the Conn-Selmer Company.

Alabama Honor Choir Clinician

Associate Professor of Choral/Vocal Music at St. Olaf College, Dr. Christopher Aspaas received his Ph.D. in Choral Music Education at The Florida State University in Tallahassee, his M.M. in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University in East Lansing, his B.M. in Voice Performance from St. Olaf. Christopher has served on the faculties of Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington and Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. Aspaas is also active as a tenor soloist, performing Bach cantatas with Helmuth Rilling and the Oregon Bach Festival Orchestra, the Evangelist roles in the John and Matthew Passions of Bach with the Bach Collegium of Fort Wayne, Ind., and other solo roles with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and the St. Petersburg Chamber Philharmonic in Russia. Aspaas traveled to San Luis Obispo, California for a performance of Franz Josef Haydn’s Theresienmesse and Johann Michael Haydn’s Requiem with the Cuesta Master Chorale and Orchestra. In March, Aspaas returned to the role of Evangelist in the St. John Passion at Wingate University, under the direction of Dr. Kenney Potter.

All State Middle School Jazz Band Clinician - Kim Bain is in her eighth year as Director of Bands at Pizitz Middle School in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Ensembles under her leadership have consistently been cited for musical excellence at both the state and national levels throughout her 25 years of teaching. Ms. Bain was named 2012 Teacher of the Year for the Vestavia Hills City Schools. In 2013, her Pizitz Symphonic and Concert Bands performed at the Music For All National Middle School Music Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. In addition to this honor, the John Phillip Sousa Foundation recently awarded the Sudler Cup to the Pizitz Band program. In 2014, the Pizitz Symphonic Band will perform at the CBDNA/NBA Southern Division Conference at the University of North Florida. While at Pizitz Middle School, Ms. Bain’s bands have received special recognition at Festival Disney, All-Star Music Festival, and OrlandoFest in Orlando, Florida, and at Heritage Music Festival in St. Louis, Missouri. She has served as a clinician for the Alabama Bandmaster’s Association and guest conducted numerous honor bands and camps in Alabama and Georgia. Ms. Bain is an active freelance musician in the Birmingham area. She has performed in the orchestras of the national tours of Cinderella, The Producers, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Chicago, and The Color Purple. She has also performed with Temptations and Four Tops as a member of the Tuscaloosa Horns. Ms. Bain is a member of the Just Friends Little Big Band, the Joe Giattina Orchestra, and the Chris Moore Project.

Dr. Frank Buck has served as a teacher, principal and central office administrator during a career in education spanning almost 30 years. He realized early that getting organized and managing time well makes life easier. Dr. Buck adopted and perfected tools which have been with him throughout his career, and for over 10 years has shared those ideas in workshops designed for those in education. His blend of content and humor has made him a favorite with audiences. Dr. Buck’s books, Get Organized! Time Management for School Leaders and Organization Made Easy! Tools for Today's Teachers capture those ideas in an easy-to-read, “nuts-and-blots” approach to time management and organization. Whether one’s preference is to organize with paper or with a digital system, Dr. Buck’s approach makes getting organized easy. Presentations at national conferences include the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Middle School Association, and National Staff Development Council. In addition to the books, his articles have appeared nationally in Principal magazine. In October 2010, Audio Education Online featured Dr. Buck in their "Final Word" segment. In 2011, his work appeared in webinar form with the Illinois-based Ed Leaders Network. Dr. Buck has been named to Who's Who in American Education, Outstanding Young Men of America, and has numerous honors in the field of music education, including the National Band Association Citation of Excellence. As a principal, he was honored state wide through the Alfa “Teacher of the Month” program. As a central office administrator, he is a recipient of the “Chiquita Marbury Award for Technology Innovation.” As a speaker, the University of Montevallo College of Education named him an "Outstanding Alumnus" for his work in professional development.

AMEA 2014 Clinicians

Steve Campbell is a drummer, educator and musical director of Dancing Drum. His extensive travels to study percussion traditions of the world have provided Steve with a strong foundation in the art of drumming. Since 2002, he has conducted drumming programs in hundreds of schools across the country. His 20 years of drumming experience combined with his education degree led him to develop a highly effective approach to successfully integrate drumming programs into K‐12 music classrooms. Steve has presented highly successful clinic sessions at the Texas, Florida, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Tennessee, South Carolina and Georgia state music educators conferences.

Dr. Lisa Caravan joined the faculty of the Music and Curriculum and Teaching Departments at Auburn University in 2011. Previously she served as lecturer in the Music Department at Buffalo State University of New York. Dr. Caravan is an experienced performer in solo and chamber recitals and orchestral concerts. As soloist, she has appeared with the Auburn University Community Orchestra, Greater Rochester Women's Orchestra and the Credo Summer Orchestra at the Warner Concert Hall in Oberlin Conservatory. She also was a prize winner in the Atonement Bach Festival Series Competition. She served as the assistant principal cellist in the Binghamton Philharmonic in Binghamton, NY, from 2006-2011 and currently plays with Columbus Symphony in Columbus, GA. Dr. Caravan presented her research at the 2012 Poster Session at the Alabama Music Educators Conference, Auburn University's Research Week, and presented with colleague, Abigail McHugh-Grifa, at the Suzuki Association of the Americas Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She received the Master of Music degree in performance and literature, the Orchestral Studies Diploma, and the Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education degree from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied with Alan Harris. Dr. Caravan is the first recipient of the Donald Shelter Music Education Prize and received Eastman’s 2009-2010 Teaching Assistant Prize for Excellence in Teaching.

Erin Colwitz received her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 1998. She later completed the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Southern California in Choral music. Dr. Colwitz studied conducting with William Dehning, David Wilson, Magen Solomon, and Claire McCoy. At USC, she was awarded a full teaching assistantship as conductor of the Thornton Oriana Choir, the University’s only women’s chorus, a post she held from 20032006. At USC, she also sang with William Dehning and the award-winning Thornton Chamber Choir touring France and Belgium in 2003 and East Asia in 2006. Dr. Colwitz is currently the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She conducts the Chamber Choir and Concert Choir, teaches music history, conducting, and choral education methods classes. Dr. Colwitz serves frequently as contest adjudicator and choral clinician throughout Alabama; she currently serves on the Alabama ACDA board. Dr. Colwitz is the founder and supervisor of the UAHuntsville student chapter of ACDA. She is a member of MENC, the Alabama Vocal Association, the National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO), American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM), the College Music Society (CMS), and Pi Kappa Lambda Honor Society. Dr. Colwitz lives in Jones Valley (SE Huntsville) with her husband, Dr. William Dehning, an accomplished conductor, Emeritus Professor, and published author, and their very silly golden retriever, Sam.

Melinda S. Doyle is the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Montevallo where she conducts the Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and University Chorus and also teaches undergraduate conducting and choral methods. In 2010, Dr. Doyle was Instructor of Choral Music at Louisiana State University where she conducted Schola Cantorum and taught undergraduate choral literature and conducting. In addition, she served as the Director of Music and Worship at the University United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge. Dr. Doyle received the Bachelor of Vocal Performance (1995), Master of Music (Vocal Performance, 1997) and Graduate Certificate in Advanced Music (Choral Conducting, 2003) from the University of South Florida, and Doctorate of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from Louisiana State University. Previous choral appointments include a Graduate Teaching Assistantship at LSU; Conducting Associate of the renowned LSU A Cappella Choir; Director of Choral Music at Howard W. Blake Performing Arts High School, Tampa, FL; Assistant Director of Choirs at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, Tampa, FL; and the Director of Music at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Baton Rouge. Frequently in demand as a clinician and adjudicator, she has conducted choirs both at the junior high, high school and collegiate level. Currently, Dr. Doyle serves as the R & S Chair for College and University Choirs for Alabama ACDA. She has also served as R & S Chair for High Repertoire for the Florida ACDA and remains an active member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), Florida ACDA, Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA), Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), and Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA).

Patricia L. Garren is a graduate of East Carolina University with Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Instrumental Music Education. Her teaching career began in Asheville, North Carolina where she directed theJunior High Concert and Symphonic Bands. Her Symphonic Bands performed for numerous band associations and conventionsincluding theprestigious Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago and wereone of the first recipients of the “Sudler Cup”, a national award presented bythe John Philip Sousa Foundation,recognizing Junior High Band programs of special merit in the United States and Canada. Pat was the first woman elected President of the North Carolina Bandmasters Association, was Chairman of the North American Band Directors Coordinating Council and served as President of Women Band Directors International. Pat received the“Citation of Merit”, “Scroll of Excellence” and “Silver Baton” awards fromWomen Band Directors International, Tau Beta Sigma’s “Outstanding Service to Music” award, was a two time recipient of the “Citation of Excellence” from theNational Band Association and the “Award of Excellence” from the North CarolinaBandmasters Association. She also received the “Legion of Honor” from BandworldMagazine and the John Philip Sousa Foundation. Pat has conducted District and All State Bands in North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama,Tennessee, Virginia, Indiana and Oregon. She is married to William (Bill) R. Garren, a retired nurseryman. In their leisure time they enjoy traveling and have visited all seven continents. Pat is an avid golf and tennisplayer as well as a certified USTA umpire. She received the SC Tennis Association’s“Tennis Umpire of the Year” award for 2005.

AMEA 2014 Clinicians

Rick Good serves as Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Conducting at Auburn University. Under his direction the Auburn University Marching Band received national acclaim and its membership grew from 275 to 375, the largest marching band in the history of Auburn University In 2004, the AU Marching Band received the Sudler Trophy Award, the nation’s highest and most coveted award for college and university marching bands. In January of 2005, the band was selected by the Presidential Inaugural Committee to attend the Inaugural Parade of George W. Bush. In 2006, the band was selected as one of the top ten marching bands in the country featured at the LSU Hall of Fame Museum entitled “America’s Finest University Marching Bands.” Dr. Good’s current duties include conducting the Auburn University Symphonic band, the university’s top performing instrumental ensemble and the AU Wind Ensemble, a smaller select group that features soloists and sections in unique musical opportunities. Dr. Good received his Bachelors degree in Music Education from Mansfield University in Pennsylvania, and during his academic career he had the opportunity to study with nationallyrenowned names in conducting and low-brass performance, such as Richard Strange, Frank Wickes, Donald Stanley, Sam Pilafian, Dan Perantoni, and Larry Campbell. Dr. Good was named the Co-Director of the Macy’s All-American Marching Band, working collaboratively with Jon Woods from The Ohio State University. In June of 2003, Dr. Good served as the Executive Musical Director of the Alabama Ambassadors of Music, which consisted of highly talented high school and college vocal and instrumental musicians who embarked on a sixteen-day musical tour of seven European countries. Presently, he is a member of the National Band Association’s Board of Directors and serves as Marching Band Executive Chairman. Dr. Good holds various memberships in national and international organizations and is active as a freelance musician and an adjudicator throughout the United States, Mexico, Caribbean, and Europe.

Nathan Haskew is currently the band director at Muscle Shoals Middle School in Muscle Shoals, AL. Prior to his current position Mr. Haskew served as the band director at Riverton Middle School in Huntsville, AL for two years and Southside High School / Rainbow Middle School for 6 years. Mr. Haskew graduated from Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, AL in the fall of 2005 with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Music Education. He earned his Master’s Degree from The American Band College of Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas in 2011. His professional affiliations include National Association for Music Education, Alabama Bandmasters Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Mr. Haskew is married to Toni Morris Haskew. They have one son, Canon, who is one year old.

Dr. Edward C. “Ted” Hoffman, III, is Assistant Professor of Music and Head of Music Education at the University of Montevallo. He holds the Ph.D. in Music from the University of Nebraska, Master of Education degree in Music from Auburn University, and bachelor’s degrees in both music performance and music education, magna cum laude, from the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Hoffman has worked with students at every grade level, pre-kindergarten through college. As an elementary and secondary music educator, he directed a variety of instrumental and choral ensembles while teaching elementary general music and secondary fine arts courses in rural, urban, and suburban settings. At Montevallo, Dr. Hoffman coordinates the undergraduate music education program, teaches graduate coursework in the Master of Education in Music program, directs the summer Young Musicians’ Camp, and serves as faculty advisor to the Montevallo chapter of NAfME-Collegiate.

Roland Huthmaker was a professional violinist, conductor and teacher before he turned his passions for music and string instruments into a violin shop. He holds a B.M. and M.M in violin performance and has performed with symphonies and professional quartets such as the Arriaga Quartet (University of North Texas), University of Tampa Quartet and University of Georgia Quartet. Working in the areas of violin and bow restoration was a natural outgrowth of his love of string instruments. He has studied bow restoration and bow making with Arnold Bone, Lynn Hannings and George Rubino. His expertise in instrument restoration comes from years of summer study with Hans Nebel. When he can escape from the violin shop, Buddy performs as a free-lance violinist, chases a little white ball around the golf course and dreams of salt-water fishing trips. And, yes, there are two MGTDs in our garage, cared for by our resident car nut, Buddy.

Joseph Ikner is the guitar instructor at Auburn University and has served on the faculties at Campbell University, Shenandoah Conservatory, and Barton College, and has been a guitar pedagogy advisor for the Peabody Conservatory of Music. Joseph was a leadmentor teacher and a pivotal figure in the development of the guitar programs for the highly progressive Loudoun County Public Schools District in Northern Virginia which now has the largest guitar program in the nation with guitar in every middle school (14) and high school (13) and a total enrollment of over 4,000 guitar students. His passion about the impact a quality guitar education can have on young people has led him to found and direct a non-profit organization Guitar In Schools an advocacy initiative of www.guitarcurriculum.com and the Austin Classical Guitar Society.

Kathy King is a clinical lecturer at Auburn University in the Department of Curriculum and teaching where she teaches music education courses and serves as manager of the Tiger Strings outreach program. She received both her bachelor and masters degrees in music education from Auburn University and is currently completing her dissertaion on the meaning of orchestra for children and adolescents. Prior to joining the faculty, Kathy worked as a music educator teaching K-12 music, children’s choirs, and both private and group piano. She also worked as a professional accompanist and instructor in the Auburn University Music Department, overseeing accompanists, assisting school and university choir directors, and performing with school ensembles, university music majors, and Auburn University faculty. Kathy has assisted with distance music education at auburn University and taught distance arts courses for Alabama public high schools in the state. She is co-founder of the Tiger Strings community youth orchestra outreach program and teaches violin to elementary school children. Research interests include community music and she serves on the board at large for the Auburn Arts Association. She is the recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Award and was a University Graduate. King has presented research at the Alabama Music Educators Conference and at the American String Teachers Association national conference.

AMEA 2014 Clinicians

Dr. Jane M. Kuehne is Associate Professor and Coordinator of Music Education at Auburn University. She received her undergraduate and masters degrees in music education from the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she was named Outstanding Alumna in Music in 2009. She also has lifetime teaching certification in All-Level Music and Secondary-Level English/Reading/Language Arts in Texas. In 2003, Dr. Kuehne earned a Ph.D. in Music Education from Florida State University. From 2003-2005, she was the music education faculty member/coordinator at Hartwick College in upstate New York where she taught undergraduate music, music education, educational technology courses, and started the school's first a cappella jazz vocal ensemble. In 2005, she began at Auburn University where she currently serves as the program coordinator for music education, teaches undergraduate and graduate music education courses, coordinates and supervises undergraduate music education labs and internships, supervises graduate research, and is an academic advisor for undergraduate and graduate music education students. Dr. Kuehne’s research and outreach areas include beginning-level choral sight-singing instruction, technology in music instruction, and improving music education for K-12 students, especially those who under served and may be considered "at-risk.” She does this through her collaborative outreach projects like The LHS Music Technology Project, Beethoven & Me, for which she received the 2010 Robby D. Gunstream Award from the College Music Society CMS Fund, and Macon Music: The Singing Windows Project. Dr. Kuehne's research and writing has been published in Journal of Research in Music Education, Update: Applications of Research in Music Education, Southern Music Education Journal, Journal of Technology in Music Learning, Ala Breve, Mississippi Music News, New Jersey Tempo, and others.

Greg LeFils is a candidate for the Ph.D. in Music Education with a concentration in choral conducting at The Florida State University. While at Florida State, Mr. LeFils has had the wonderful opportunity to assist with the Women’s Glee Club, Chamber Choir, and now the Tallahassee Community Chorus. Previous university conducting posts include the assistant conductor of the Stetson University Concert Choir, and the Texas Tech University Men’s Chorus and Chamber Singers. Outside of higher education, Mr. LeFils was the assistant conductor of The Orlando Chorale and Chamber Singers and is in demand as a clinician and adjudicator. As a high school teacher, Mr. LeFils’ choirs were invited to perform at Walt Disney World’s Christmas Candlelight Processional on numerous occasions and consistently performed at state festival. A consummate recruiter, his choral program grew more than 450 percent in five years. His music degrees include a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Stetson University and a Master’s in Music with an emphasis in choral conducting from Texas Tech University. Mr. LeFils lives in Tallahassee with his wife, Heather, and three daughters, who provide him with constant love, inspiration and support.

AMEA 2014 Clinicians

Rob Lyda currently teaches K-12 band and general music at Notasulga High School. He earned music education degrees from Troy and Auburn University. He has been the Teacher of the Year at Notasulga High School and has served as Macon County Schools Teacher of the Year. In addition to his academic degrees, he has earned certification in Kodaly, World Music Drumming, TI:ME, and is an Orff-Schulwerk certified teacher. Mr. Lyda has presented sessions and research on technology integration and general music education at state, regional, and national conferences. He holds memberships in AMEA, NAfME, AOSA, and NBA.

Theresa McKibben is in her 31st year of teaching, and her 24th year at Edgewood Elementary School in Homewood. She is a graduate of Millsaps College in Jackson, Ms., where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education. Theresa was selected as Teacher of the Year at Edgewood in 1993-94 and 2001-2002 and received her National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification in Early and Middle Childhood Music in 2004. She is a Level III Orff certified teacher, and has served as Past President of both the Alabama Orff Schulwerk Association and the Elementary Division of AMEA. Theresa has been selected this year as one of 217 Quarter-finalists from across the country for the first ever GRAMMY Music Educator Award. During her spare time, she enjoys performing around the state with the bluegrass group, “The Dill Pickers”.

Quaver Team member Chris Murphy lives and breaths music. Impacted by this art form he has performed on stage and screen as a singer/songwriter and actor for over 20 years. With a degree in Theatre from Los Angeles’ EL Camino College he continued his studies in improvisation with the Groundling and other comedic troops in LA and Nashville. Join Chris as he shares his love for music and this exciting general music program.

All-State Show Choir Vocal Clinician - Mark Myers is a graduate of North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, where he earned his degree in Choral Music Education with honors and was the recipient of the Clarence Juhnke Award for the Outstanding Major in Music and the Jeanene Yule Teacher Excellence Award. He is in his eighth year teaching vocal music at Waubonsie Valley High School, serving the western suburbs of Aurora and Naperville, Illinois. Mark has been recognized by his students and the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation as a District 204 "Most Influential Educator". His duties at WVHS include directing five curricular concert choirs, the 135-voice “Mosaic” unity chorus, Mosaic Chamber Ensemble, the award-winning show choir “Sound Check”, and the Spring Musical. Mark has been a conductor on the staff at both of Chicagoland's internationally-acclaimed children's choirs, the Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus and the Chicago Children’s Choir and has frequently been called upon as an adjudicator, choreographer, and vocal clinician for several school and community choirs in the Midwest. He has also served in various capacities on the staff of Showchoir Camps of America for the past 13 years. Mark is currently serving the Illinois Music Educators' Association as District IX Choral Division Co-Chair and the Illinois chapter of the American Choral Directors’ Association as the Repertoire and Standards Chair for Show Choir.

2014 Conference Hotels

The following hotels have offered blocks of rooms for the AMEA conference at discounted rates. The cutoff date is December 20, 2013.

Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center Conference Hotel

(334) 481-5000

201 Tallapoosa St., Montgomery, AL

$121.00 - half off parking ($6.00 per day) 20% spa discount

Hampton Inn Downtown Montgomery (334) 265-1010

100 Commerce St., Montgomery, AL

Across the street from the Renaissance $109.00 - $129.00 Complimentary hot breakfast buffet, Complimentary valet parking, free wifi

Fairfield Inn and Suites (334) 260-8650

8970 EastChase Parkway, Montgomery, AL

$84.00 - Complimentary hot breakfast, free parking

Hilton Garden Inn (334) 272-2225

4600 Interstate Park Drive, Montgomery, AL

$89.00 - Complimentary breakfast - use code AME

Homewood Suites by Hilton (334) 272-3010

1800 Interstate Park Drive, Montgomery, AL

$99.00 - Complimentary breakfast - use code CHWMEA

Country Inn & Suites (334) 277-4142

10095 Chantilly Parkway, Montgomery, AL

King bed for $65.00, two Queen beds for $75.00

Complimentary breakfast

Comfort Inn & Suites (334) 532-4444

10015 Chantilly Parkway, Montgomery, AL

King bed for $65.00, two Queen beds for $75.00

Complimentary Breakfast

AMEA 2014 Clinicians

Diane Orlofsky is an experienced choral conductor and music educator. Orlofsky has written many articles on teacher education and her book, Redefining Teacher Education: The Theories of Jerome Bruner and the Practice of Training Teachers, was published by Peter Lang Publishing in 2002. She is currently working on her book The Joyous Exchange: Meditations on the Choral Arts Orlofsky is an active clinician, conductor, and researcher and was named an American Fellow in 1997 by the American Association of University Women. She is also the recipient of numerous teaching awards, including the Ingalls Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching, the Phi Kappa Phi Distinguished Scholar award, The Wright State University Music Alumni of the Year award, and the A.A.T.E. Outstanding Teacher Educator Award.

Gary Packwood is the newly appointed Director of Choral Activities at Mississippi State University. His duties include conducting all choral ensembles and administering the choral activities area. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Packwood served as Associate Professor and Associate Director of Choral Activities, and Head of Music Education at the University of Montevallo (AL) from 2003-2011, where he taught graduate and undergraduate courses in choral music, music education, and conducted the Chamber Singers and University Chorus. He earned the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Southeastern Louisiana University, the Master of Arts degree from Florida Atlantic University, and Doctorate of Musical Arts (Choral Conducting & Literature) degree, with a minor in Music Education from Louisiana State University.

All-State Silver Jazz Band Clinician - Michael Pendowski is the Director of Jazz and Instructor of Saxophone at Auburn University. He holds a doctorate in Jazz and Contemporary Media from the Eastman School of Music and degrees in Conducting and Music Education from Northwestern University. His career has encompassed a wide variety of musical styles and venues. He is a prominent composer in the educational field, writing for the full spectrum of ensembles available in today's' schools and universities. His film projects have included the restoration of Orson Welles "Othello," "Dead Presidents," "Our Father," and "Groundhog Day." In addition, he has composed, arranged, and produced over two dozen albums and has scored for off-Broadway productions, as well as animated features including the "Getting to Know the Artist" Series, which won the American Library Video award. He has arranged works for The Four Freshmen, Peter Cetera, Doc Severinsen, Bonnie Herman, Carole Vito, and most recently for Jake Shimabukuro. He has written and produced music for hundreds of TV and radio commercials, and his work has won numerous awards including two Golden Lions and an Eddy. Dr. Pendowski has also written original soundtracks to the John Madden Football and NCAA Football and Basketball games created by Electronic Arts.

Dr. Earlene Rentz received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Montevallo and both Master and Doctoral degrees in Music Education from Florida State University. She is a native of Moultrie, Georgia, and taught choral music for seven years at elementary, junior high, and high school levels. She has conducted All-State Choirs in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Kentucky. She has published over 400 choral compositions since 1994 with 17 publishers, and began Earlene Rentz Online Publications in 2011. EROP provides quality choral music and supplementary teaching materials for schools and churches.

Robert W. Smith is a Professor of Music and Coordinator of the Music Industry Program in Troy University’s John M. Long School of Music. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he is one of the most popular composers in the world today with over 700 published works. The majority of his work was published through his long association with Warner Bros. Publications. He is currently published by the C. L. Barnhouse Company and serves as the Vice-President of Product Development for both C. L. Barnhouse Co. and Walking Frog Records. Mr. Smith's works for band and orchestra have been programmed by countless professional, university, and school ensembles throughout the North America, Europe, Australia, South America and Asia. His music has received extensive airplay on network television as well as inclusion in multiple motion pictures and television productions. His “Into The Storm” was featured on the 2009 CBS Emmy Awards telecast for the HBO’s mini-series documenting the life of Winston Churchill. Mr. Smith’s teaching responsibilities at Troy University are focused in media composition, audio and live event production, publishing and entrepreneurship.

John Nicholas Smith is the Director of Bands at Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, AL. He directs the Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band, the Patriot Marching Band, and teaches AP Music Theory. Most recently, Mr. Smith has been named an “Honorary Conductor” of the Children’s Palace Band in Beijing, China, where he has served as a guest clinician and conductor for surrounding high school and middle school bands since 2012. The wind ensemble has participated in the 2013 Music for All National Concert Band Festival, and since Mr. Smith’s first year at Hillcrest in 2009, he has been a conductor at the Midwest Clinic, CBDNA Southern Division Conference, and China Educational-Cultural Foundation concert series in Shanghai and Beijing, China. This year, the Wind Ensemble has been extended an invitation and will perform at the University of Alabama Honor Band Festival in February 2014. Mr. Smith received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Auburn University, where he was named the “Outstanding Undergraduate Student in the College of Education.” As a student leader, he served as Head Drum Major for the Auburn University Marching Band, Principal trumpet of the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Community Orchestra, President and Treasurer of Kappa Kappa Psi, and Founding President for the Student Chapter of the National Band Association. Remaining actively involved in high school leadership training, Mr. Smith has been on staff for the annual Auburn University Marching/Leadership Camp since 2008. He is also a staff member for the Macy’s Great American Marching Band, which performs in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade under the direction of Auburn University’s Director of Bands, Dr. Rick Good. Mr. Smith was born in Bryan, Texas. He later moved to Birmingham, AL, where he graduated from Oak Mountain High School."

AMEA 2014 Clinicians

All-State Gold Jazz Band Clinician - Dean Sorenson is Associate Professor and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Minnesota as well as a prolific and highly sought-after composer, arranger, trombonist, educator, and clinician. Mr. Sorenson’s most recent work is FIRST PLACE FOR JAZZ, a new and innovative method for beginning jazz players published by the Neil A. Kjos Music Company. He is frequently featured at festivals and conventions around the country and abroad, and maintains a full schedule of concert and recording dates as a Yamaha performing artist. Mr. Sorenson has composed and arranged for numerous ensembles including the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Airmen of Note, and the Minnesota Orchestra. He is active as a commissioned composer and arranger for jazz ensemble, symphony orchestra, concert band, and chamber ensembles, and has also written several sacred choral pieces. For more information please visit www.deansorensonmusic.com.

Gabriel A. Villasurda is recently retired from the Greenville MI Public Schools. A native of Detroit MI, he attended East Detroit High School in the suburb of Eastpointe MI. He ranked first in the graduating class 1959 (of 452) and was class valedictorian. He entered The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor where he earned the degree Bachelor of Music in Music Education With High Honors in December, 1963. He studied violin with Gustave Rosseels and conducting with Elizabeth Green and Theo Alcantara. Later he earned the Master of Music degree also from UM. Teaching posts have been held in Patchogue, Long Island (3 years), Ann Arbor Public Schools (16 years), The American School in London, UK (5 years), the Park-Tudor School, Indianapolis (3 years), Oberlin College (1 year) and the Punahou School, Honolulu (12 years). Summer teaching at the Interlochen Arts Camp has spanned 35 years. Villasurda is a fully certified Suzuki violin teacher, having finished the teacher training course laid down by the British Suzuki Institute. He has done studio and group teaching following the Suzuki method in England, Holland, Ohio, Michigan, Arkansas, Indiana, Texas, and Hawaii. He has done numerous clinics and adjudications in Michigan and Hawaii. He served as an ASTA state officer, chair of the String Committee of the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, and as president of the Hawaii state MENC organization.

All-State Show Choir Choreographer - Jarad Voss currently lives in Branson Missouri. A graduate of the University of WisconsinMadison, he is now a freelance choreographer and performer specializing in hip-hop and urban jazz styles. A former dance captain for the Wisconsin Singers and Six Flags Great America Chicago, Jarad has worked on different festivals, musicals, and industrials. A clinician and choreographer at Show Choir Camps of America, Show Choir Camp Europe, Mt. Shasta, and the Southern Experience, Jarad clinics and choreographs many show choirs and dance troupes throughout the nation.

Dr. Mark J. Walker serves as Director of Bands, Coordinator of Winds and Percussion and Associate Professor of Music at Troy University where he conducts the Troy University Symphony Band, the nationally renowned “Sound of the South” Marching Band, teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in conducting, marching band techniques, measurement and evaluation, and music education. In addition to his teaching duties, Dr. Walker serves as Chairman of the Southeastern United States Clinic and Honor Bands, Executive Director of the Middle School Southeastern United States Band Clinic and Honor Bands, and is the Director of the “Sound of the South” Summer Music Camp and Director’s Clinic. He also serves as Co-Chair, along with Dr. John M. Long, of the National Band Association’s Hall of Fame of Distinguished Band Directors. Dr. Walker is a published author, whose articles appears in state and national music education publications and is the principal author and editor of the book The Art of Interpretation of Band Music, published by GIA. He is a contributor to The Euphonium Source Book, published by Indiana University Press. He received his master’s and doctorate degrees in music education from the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign during which time he studied euphonium with Mark Moore, conducting with James Keene and research methods under Drs. Deborah Sheldon and Gregory DeNardo. Dr. Walker is also the recipient of the prestigious A.A. Harding Award from the University of Illinois Bands. Dr. Walker is married to Jessica Walker, who teaches sixth grade at Goshen Elementary, and resides in Troy with their daughter, Emily and their American Bulldog, Millie.

Dr. Megan Wicks-Rudolph is in her 20th year of teaching choral music in Alabama. She is currently the choral director at Vestavia Hills High School where she directs six choirs. Dr. Rudolph is Nationally Board Certified (2003) and Orff Level I Certified. Her choral music experience includes directing children’s choir, middle school choir, high school choir, church choir, and teaching collegiate methods classes. She currently serves as the President Elect for Alabama ACDA, and is dedicated to choral music education in the state of Alabama. Megan is married to her husband Brian, and they are the proud parents of Alexis (5), Austin (3), and Zach (1)

Steve Wiese is a long time employee of Wenger Corporation (41 Years), and has a love for music and the arts. He has a design background with 18 years as an application design engineer, and 7 years as a product manager. Steve has 4 patents and 14 sub patents to his credit. Steve is now a region sales manager and has been in direct sales for 7 years. His educational background consists of a Design Engineering Certificate, AA, BA, and MA degrees.

AMEA 2014 Clinicians

David Willson is a "band director's ’ band director." His teaching at all levels has been the catalyst for his mission to serve others through directing bands and bettering his profession. He is in his seventeenth year as director of bands at The University of Mississippi where he was named Teacher of the Year in 2007 and awarded the Frist Award for his service to students in 2005. Under his direction the University Wind Ensemble has performed live for Mississippi Public Radio and featured on national public radio. The Pride of South Marching Band, also under his direction, has flourished and is considered one of the nation’s finest. Prior to coming to Ole Miss Willson served sixteen years as a public school band director in Mississippi. His bands were award winning in every category consistently in local and national competitions including receiving the prestigious Sudler Award in 1990. He has had many students make the Mississippi All-State Band and served as conductor/director five times including trips to Brisbane, Australia and the world championship trip to Seoul, Korea. Professor Willson is currently serving as President of Phi Beta Mu International where he is strongly promoting mentoring for band directors and serving the band profession. He is past president of the Mississippi Band Masters Association, the Delta Chapter of Phi Beta Mu, state chairman for CBDNA, NBA, and served for four years on the National Federation of Music committee. He is active in many professional organizations. Publications by Willson include Starting Beginner Band Students, Band Calisthenics and Mr. Willson's Warm Up, which are used extensively throughout the mid-south.

Dr. Anne C. Witt is an instructor in the School of Music at the University of Alabama, where she teaches Music Education and Strings. She also teaches string classes for adult beginners and private cello lessons. Dr. Witt earned the Bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama, and M.M. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. While in Texas, she taught middle school and high school strings for 15 years, and played cello in the Austin Symphony. She also taught at the University of Texas at Austin and at UT-Arlington. Dr. Witt served as President of the Texas Orchestra Directors Association, President of the Alabama ASTA chapter, and National President of ASTA. Soon after returning to her home city of Tuscaloosa, she led a community initiative to bring string instruction to the Tuscaloosa City Schools. Through a significant fund raising campaign, the program was provided initial start-up funding for its first 3 years. Now it is completely funded through the City Schools budget, with four full time teachers, and over 225 students are participating.Dr. Witt has presented educational sessions for orchestra and band directors in many states, at ASTA national conventions and at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. Her presentations include “student tested” teaching strategies on such topics as classroom management, repertoire selection, communication, and motivation. She has been a guest conductor for many All-Region orchestras in Texas, festival orchestras and All-State orchestras. Dr. Witt is author of A Rhythm a Week, used by school classes and private students nationwide and internationally. In March she will serve as an adjudicator for the National Orchestra Festival. She continues to play cello professionally in a quartet called “Four Strings Attached.”

AMEA 2014 Performing Groups

The Alabama Jazz Collective

Dr. Andy Nevala, Piano, Director of Jazz Studies, Jacksonville State University

Dr. Tony McCutchen, Drums, Percussion, Jacksonville State University

Dr. Tom Wolfe, Guitar, University of Alabama

Chris Kozak, Bass, University of Alabama

Ken Watters, Trumpet, University of Alabama-Hunstville

Dr. Dave Lambert, Trombone, Trombone, Jacksonville State University

The Alabama Jazz Collective was formed in the spring of 2013 to enhance and promote Jazz Education throughout the state of Alabama, and to help raise the level of jazz education in the region. Jazz is Americas music, was developed right down the road in New Orleans, and its popularity continues to grow. The performance skills and musical knowledge required to perform jazz are extensive, and this ensemble represents musicians who have combined: knowledge (those who can teach) with a high level of musicianship (those who can play) and experience (those who have done). We will be performing original compositions, jazz standards, and everything in between.

The formation of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO)began with the first performance by a group of volunteer musicians in 1921. That group would evolve from a volunteer ensemble to the state's only full-time professional orchestra. Today, the ASO is continuing to make music and provide vital services to the residents of the state, serving nearly 100,000 individuals a year through concert series, youth programs, and educational and community engagement efforts to fulfill our mission to change lives through music. As the state's premier performing arts organization, the ASO employs 54 salaried musicians who give more than 190 performances per year. The organization is supported through the ASO's Board of Directors, which consists of 60 civic and business leaders. The ASO has a volunteer pool of more than 400 individuals who are members of the Symphony Volunteer Council, Symphony 30, Greystone Symphony Society and the Youth Orchestra Parents Association. In addition, the ASO currently employs a full-time staff of 24.The ASO partners with more than 50 other arts, community and educational organizations throughout Alabama to better serve our community.

The Albertville Percussion Ensemble was formed in 2006 with eight members and since that time, the group has grown to 32 members and continues to grow each year. In 2011, the ensemble was invited to perform at the Tournament of Roses Presidential Ball in Pasadena, California. At the event, the students were given the chance to perform in front of nearly 500 guests including corporate parade sponsors and news and media representatives covering the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl Game. The ensemble remains active throughout the year performing at school events, community events, and Days of Percussion throughout the Southeast. The AHS Percussion Ensemble is proud to endorse REMO Drumheads and Innovative Percussion Sticks and Mallets and is honored to have been selected to perform at the 2013 AMEA In-Service Conference.

The Austin High School Concert Band from Decatur, Alabama is the intermediate instrumental music ensemble for the Austin High School Band program. It is comprised of ninth and tenth grade musicians in the Austin High School Band, with approximately 75% of its membership being ninth grade students. The band was created in 1990 to serve as a feeder group for the Austin High School Symphonic Band. Since its creation, the band has performed at state and national concert festivals, and has consistently received superior ratings performing grade 3 and 4 literature. Members of the Austin High School Concert Band move on the become members of the nationally recognized Austin High School Symphonic Band.

Photograph by Kelly Newport

The Alabama Jazz Collective will perform during the Grand Opening of the Exhibits, Thursday, January 23 at 10:00 a.m.

AMEA 2014 Performing Groups

In only its second year of existence, the Bumpus Middle School Symphonic Band, from Hoover, Alabama, is the top performing ensemble in the Bumpus/Brock’s Gap Band program, which encompasses over 300 students performing in a variety of ensembles including Jazz Band, Beginning Band, and three ability-based concert bands (Symphonic Band, Concert Band I, and Concert Band II). Students take beginning band in 6th grade at Brock’s Gap Intermediate School and then continue as 7th and 8th graders at Bumpus. Since its inception in 1999 when the school was founded, the bands at Bumpus have consistently received superior ratings at District Assessment, State Assessment, and the ABA Music Performance Assessment. The Bumpus Bands have also been honored to perform and receive superior ratings at regional and national events such as the Southern Star Music Festival and Music in the Parks Music Festival in Atlanta, GA, Festival Disney in Orlando, FL, the National Festival of the States in Washington, DC, and the National Adjudicators Invitational in Atlanta, GA. In addition to their AMEA In-Service Conference performance, the Bumpus Symphonic Band will also perform this year at the 2014 Music for All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, IN.

The Daleville City Schools’ Band Program serves approximately 298 students grades 6-12. The musicians themselves make up 38% of the school’s population, while 45% of the school attends classes in the music department at some point during the school day. Program offerings include the “Pride of the South” Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Intermediate Band, Advanced Beginning Band, Beginning Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band I, and Jazz Band II. The program also offers numerous student-led small ensembles such as jazz combo, brass choir, trumpet ensemble, sax quartet, and woodwind quartet. Two directors work together to team teach all of these ensembles. The marching band consistently earns Superior ratings and Best in Class awards in competitions all over the Southeast. This ensemble includes auditioned musicians from grades 8-12 who split into two ensembles for concert band. The Wind Symphony has consistently earned Superior ratings at MPA throughout the history of the band and recently earned the recognition of receiving a “Superior with Distinction.” The newly formed Symphonic Band continues to work to build a reputation of excellence. Nationally, the band has earned Superior ratings and many first place awards in New York City, Gatlinburg, St. Louis, Orlando, Houston, Tampa, Chicago, San Antonio, and Toronto. In 2010, the band performed at the Cotton Bowl and Dallas New Year’s parade, earning first place in both the concert and parade competitions. The band recently won the Heritage Festivals’ concert and jazz competition in Orlando and was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. Student led ensembles have also achieved success performing in the lobby at the 2012 and 2013 AMEA conferences.

The Florence Middle School Choir is under the direction of Jane Powell and is a non-auditioned group which meets daily and has an active performance schedule each year. They participate in honor choirs, Alabama All-State Chorus, State Choral Performance Assessment, State Solo & Ensemble Choral Assessment, as well as Winter and Spring Concerts and a school wide talent show. The 130 voice middle school choir contains numerous performance groups, including girls groups at each age level, boy’s choir, mixed choir and select ensembles. The Florence Freshman Center choral students meet daily on the same campus as the middle school. The 100 voice choir is taught jointly by Jane Powell & Rebecca Rockhill the first period of each day. Each of the various choral groups in which these students participate consistently is awarded superior ratings in the assessment process. The combination of the Florence Middle School 8th Grade Girls & the Freshman Center Girls is a unique group of singers who enjoyed singing together in the middle school setting and are continuing to work and make music together. They are thrilled to be performing for the Alabama Music Educators and would like to express their appreciation to the AMEA board for this opportunity.

The Gardendale High School Choral Department has grown since it was reopened in 2001. The first spring semester, there were 16 members and now the program contains of 140 members. It consists of four choirs: Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Women’s Chorus and Men’s Chorus. They consistently receive superior ratings at AVA Competitions. The group performs in at least 5 concerts yearly and the Jefferson County Music Festival. They travel annually to compete in the Worldstrides Heritage Festival. Last year in San Francisco the choir received a Gold Award. Seventeen students were members of the 2013 Alabama All-State Choral Festival, 13 in SATB and 4 in TTBB.

AMEA 2014 Performing Groups

The purpose of the Huntsville Middle School Choir is to provide educational and enjoyable experiences for its members through music performance. The choral department offers students the opportunity to develop their musical skills through the study of vocal production techniques, music reading/sight singing, and the performance of quality choral literature. Opportunities are also provided for students to perform as soloists and small groups or ensembles. The program is the largest in the city with over 260 students participating. Students in the 6th grade enroll in the beginning treble choir. In the past, students in the 7th and 8th grades had the opportunity to continue their choral education by becoming part of the advanced girls’ or boys’ choirs. However, this year the 7th and 8th grade choirs are mixed. All of these groups are non-auditioned. The classes meet separately, but perform together at concerts and festivals. The advanced choirs have consistently received superior ratings at district and state large group performance assessment, and at national choral festivals in Orlando, New York City, and Chicago.

The Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra is the premier training orchestra for young, accomplished musicians along the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. The orchestra performs up to seven concerts each year and regularly features worldrenowned guest artists such as Midori (violin), Pablo Sáinz Villegas (guitar), and Yuri Rozum (piano). This season, celebrating its 60th anniversary, the MSYO has commissioned David Ludwig to compose a work for violin and orchestra. As part of the Orchestra Partner program with Young Concert Artists, Inc. of New York, this piece will receive its world premier with violinist Bella Hristova on the Season Finale concert in May. The MSYO is the flagship ensemble of the Mobile Symphony’s education programs, which have been the recipient of the Midori Orchestra Residencies program and the Bank of America Award for Excellence in Orchestra Education.

The Montgomery Academy Fifth and Sixth Grade Chorus is made up of fifth and sixth grade students to elect to rehearse during their 30 minute "silent reading time" three days a week for the entire school year. The chorus presents an annual Winter and Spring Concert along with an MA Choral Celebration, presented by all the school chorus groups in grades k-12. Select members attend the AMEA Elementary Music Festival and the Alabama ACDA Young Voices Festival, annually. The Fifth and Sixth Grade Chorus currently has 48 members and is under the direction of Susan Cooper.

Phillips Preparatory School is located in Mobile, Alabama. It is a public, college-preparatory magnet school for students in grades six through eight. There are approximately eight hundred students in attendance at Phillips and just over one third of them are in the band program. Phillips students are drawn randomly from all over Mobile County. Nearly all students enter Phillips with no prior instrumental training. There are five different ensembles – The Phillips Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Beginning Band, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band. The Phillips Band Program has been under the direction of Ms. Heather Moore for ten years and has grown considerably during that time. In addition, the band has consistently received straight superior ratings at all District Contests and state assessments. Each year, the Phillips band has sent numerous students to the Mobile County Honor Band, Solo & Ensemble Festival, Alabama All-State Band and Alabama All-State Jazz Band. In 2008, 2010, and 2013, the band performed in Art Fusion in Orlando, FL. In 2011, they performed in Washington D.C. at a concert event at the Lincoln Memorial. In 2012, the Symphonic Band performed on The Intrepid in New York City.

AMEA 2014 Performing Groups

In the past four years the Pleasant Grove Chorale has grown in quality and accomplishments. Started in the fall of 2009, they began as a choir that met after school just learning to sight read. In the spring of 2010 they received straight superior ratings in performance and sight reading at AVA District Assessment and attended the AVA state Assessment receiving an overall Superior with a Superior in sight reading. Since its conception that year they have been allowed to meet as a class. The Pleasant Grove High School Chorale now consists of auditioned 9-12th graders who have had either band or choir for at least one year. They have constantly received over all superior ratings with a superior in sight reading at AVA State Choral Performance Assessment, are always represented at Alabama All State, and have received multiple awards from different regional and national festivals including Festivals of Music Atlanta and Music in the Parks in Orlando.

The Spain Park High School Chamber Choir is in its third year of existence, all under the direction of Charles F. Henry. The Chamber Choir is an auditioned group consisting of ninth through twelfth graders that meets once a week outside of the regular school day. This past year, the Chamber Choir competed at the Ole Miss Choral Festival in Oxford, MS and earned second place overall with a Superior rating. Also, the Chamber Choir performed at SPCA and received straight Superior ratings, with two perfect scores included. The Chamber Choir was started as a way to give talented and motivated students an opportunity to explore and perform high-quality music with other equally gifted students that may not have a class together. The Spain Park Chamber Choir is committed to performing the best choral music from all periods with nuance, passion, sensitivity and a great appreciation for choral art.

The Thompson High School Wind Ensemble was formed in 2001, the result of tremendous growth in the Thompson High School Band program that allowed for the creation of another performing ensemble. The Wind Ensemble is 65 members strong with the majority being juniors and seniors. Since the inception of the Wind Ensemble they have earned straight superior ratings at all Alabama Bandmasters Association District and State Evaluations. In addition, they have also earned straight superior ratings from other regional competitions throughout the southeast, most recently Festivals of Music in South Carolina, Smoky Mountain Music Festival in Tennessee, the Alamo Music Festival in San Antonio, Texas, and the Dixie Classic National Adjudicators Invitational in St. Louis, MO. Most notably, the Wind Ensemble was selected as a guest performer for the Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic held on the campus of Troy University, Troy, AL in February 2007, the Alabama Music Educators Association inService Conference in January 2009 , Alabama Honor Band Festival in February of 2010, the Music for All National Concert Band Festival in 2011, the 2012 CBDNA / NBA Southern Division Conference at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA and most recently the 2014 JanFest at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA. Membership into the Wind Ensemble is through an audition / selection process. While the members are serious and dedicated to the performance of outstanding symphonic wind literature, few students actually study privately. The Wind Ensemble consistently has members selected for the Alabama Bandmasters Associations All State Music Festival and for the many university sponsored honor band festivals throughout Alabama. Other performing ensembles at Thompson High School include the 200 member “Marching Southern Sounds”, the 65 member Symphonic Band, the 45 member Concert Band, various chamber ensembles and the 19 member Thompson Jazz Band.

AMEA 2014 Performing Groups

The UAB Wind Symphony is comprised of the finest wind and percussion students from inside and outside the Department of Music. The ensemble performs in the Alys Stephens Center two times each semester. The literature played by the UAB Wind Symphony reflects a great variety and high level of musicianship. The musical repertoire includes the finest wind band literature as well as significant orchestral transcriptions. The Wind Symphony has performed at such prestigious events as the state conference of the Alabama Music Educators Association in 2007, the 2008 Southern Division conference of the College Band Directors National Association, in Chicago’s Orchestra Hall at the Percy Grainger Festival (2012), and at Washington DC’s Lincoln Memorial (2011). In addition to the regular concerts given on campus, the Wind Symphony performs an annual spring tour in various locations throughout Alabama and our region. In addition to their regular rehearsal schedule, students in the UAB Wind Symphony have enjoyed making music with several wonderful musicians such as Adolphus Hailstork, James Curnow, Mark Camphouse, Col. Arnald Gabriel, and Chicago Symphony trumpeter Tage Larsen. Auditions for chair placement in the Wind Symphony are held during the first week of classes in the fall and spring semesters. Auditions are open to all interested university students regardless of major. In the fall semester, the Wind Symphony meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:301:45 pm. During the spring, the Wind Symphony rehearses on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays.

University of Montevallo Concert Choir is an auditioned chorus of approximately 45 singers from the UM student population. Music and non-music majors participate in this performing ensemble. The chorus has performed throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Louisiana by invitation. In addition, the chorus performs frequently with members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, a professional Alabama orchestra. Throughout the last several years, the chorus has recorded several choral works by the nationally acclaimed composer, Joseph Landers. The choir performs compositions ranging from choral masterworks to spirituals in at least two concerts each semester. UM Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and University Chorus and members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra annually perform choral masterworks such as Ein Deutsches Requiem by Johannes Brahms, Requiem by Gabrielle Fauré, Gloria by Antonio Vivaldi, Missa Sancti Nicolai, (Nicolaimesse) by Joseph Haydn and Missa in C Major, K 317a by Wolfgang A. Mozart. In addition, the UM Concert Choir participates in the annual “A Montevallo Choral Christmas” at Montevallo’s American Village in December.

The Vestavia Hills High School Honor Choir is one of seven ensembles at Vestavia Hills High School. Under the direction of Dr. Megan Wicks-Rudolph the Honor Choir has consistently received superior ratings at State, Regional, and National Festivals. The Honor Choir is an eclectic mix of 9-12th graders. The choir consists of students who participate in football, lacrosse, cross-country, track, soccer, theatre, band, cheerleading, Vestavia Ambassadors, Vestavia Belles, Teen Council, Peer Helpers, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts. The choir strives daily to be better musicians and people, through hard work, dedication, fun, and selfdiscipline. The students enjoy singing together and continuously working to be something bigger than themselves.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

8:15 p.m.

2014 C 2014 C ONFERENCE ONFERENCE S S CHEDULE CHEDULE

AMEA Governing Board - Renaissance, Riverview 2

Sara Womack, Presiding

ABA Governing Board - Renaissance, Riverview 1

Rusty Courson, Presiding

AVA Governing Board -Renaissance, Riverview 4

Jody Powell, Presiding

AMEA Collegiate Governing Board - Renaissance, Riverview Boardroom

Ethan Lolley, Presiding

AOA Governing Board -Renaissance, Riverview 3

Lisa Caravan, Presiding

Thursday, January 23, 2014

7:45 a.m.- 8:45 a.m.

AMEA Leadership Breakfast - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom B

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Conference Registration - Renaissance Registration Booth

830 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

All-State Show Choir Registration - Renaissance, Exhibit Hall C

Alabama Honor Choir Registration - Renaissance, Exhibit Hall A

ABA Performance - Montgomery Performing Arts Center

Austin High School Concert Band,Clay Sloan, Conductor

InterestSession - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom A

Building and Sustaining a Successful Guitar Program - Joseph Ikner, Clinician

InterestSession - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom CD

Expanding the Repertoire: A Fresh Look at Choral Orchestral Programming for High School Singers

Melinda Doyle, Clinician

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom E

Abracadabra: Getting Students To Do What You Want Them To Do - Gary Packwood, Clinician

FAME - Session 1 - Renaissance, Montgomery 5

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

All-State Show Choir Rehearsal - Renaissance, Exhibit Hall C

Alabama Honor Choir Rehearsal - Renaissance, Exhibit Hall A

10:00 a.m.

10:20 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.

Exhibits Grand Opening - Renaissance, Exhibit Hall B - Open until 5:00 p.m.

Special Exhibit Hall Performance by the Alabama Jazz Collective

AVA Performance - Montgomery Performing Arts Center

Florence Middle School 8th & 9th Grade Girls Choir - Jane Powell, Conductor

Spain Park High School Chamber Choir - Charles Henry, Conductor

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom A

Smartmusic as a Large Ensemble Teaching Aid - Nathan Haskew, Clinician

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom B

Band Director's Resource Manual - Frank Buck, Clinician

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom CD

Handling Difficult Situations for the Developing Teacher - Nancy Ditmer, Clinician

Thursday, January 23, 2014

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom E

Uncovering the Cloud: Using Web-Based Music and Media Applications and Storage

Jane Kuehne, Clinician

Interest Session - Renaissance, Riverview 1

Music and Common Core State Standards - Christine Fisher, Clinician

FAME - Session 2 - Renaissance, Montgomery 5

11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

FAME Luncheon - Renaissance, Starlight Foyer

HED Luncheon - Riverview 3

AMEA Concert Session - Montgomery Performing Arts Center

Alabama Symphony Orchestra

All-State Jazz Bands Registration - Renaissance, Montgomery Meeting Room 7

All-State Show Choir Rehearsal - Renaissance Exhibit Hall C

Alabama Honor Choir Rehearsal - Renaissance Exhibit Hall A

2:10 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom A

Quaver's NEW ClassPlay: Interactive Song-Based Activities - Chris Murphy, Clinician

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom B

Do's and Don'ts for Contests - Patricia Garren, Clinician

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom CD

Conducting Gesture: Expanding Your Vocabulary - Erin Colwitz, Clinician

FAME Session 3 - Renaissance, Montgomery 5

2:10 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Interest Session - Renaissance, Riverview 1

AOA Reading Session (JW Pepper)

All-State Jazz Bands Rehearsals

Gold Band - Renaissance, Montgomery Meeting Room 7

Silver Band - Renaissance, Montgomery Meeting Room 1 Middle School Band - Renaissance, Riverview Meeting Room 7

3:10 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

ABA Concert - Montgomery Performing Arts Center

Phillips Preparatory School Symphonic Band - Heather Moore, Conductor

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom A

From Student to Teacher: Tips for Making the Transition - Nancy Ditmer, Clinician

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom B

Fundamental Requirements of a Music Suite - Steve Wiese, Clinician

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom CD

Teaching Music Using iPad - Rob Lyda & Jane Kuehne, Clinicians

FAME Session 4 - Renaissance, Montgomery Meeting Room 5

4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m

Alabama Jazz Educators Meeting - Renaissance, Riverview 3 Mark Foster, Presiding

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom A

What's Sex Got To Do With It? - Megan Rudolph, Clinician

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MUSIC WE HAVE

FOREVERYONE SOMETHING

SOMETHING FOR THE MIND

SOMETHING FOR THE SOUL

SOMETHING FOR THE TIDE

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m

HED Recital - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom CD

Interest Session - Renaissance, Riverview 1

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Left Hand Flexibility: Breaking the D-Major Straight Jacket - Gabriel Villasurda, Clinician

Interest Session - Renaissance, Montgomery 5

Drumming Up Character in the Music Education Classroom - Steve Campbell, Clinician

4:40 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

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

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

7:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.

ABA Concert - Montgomery Performing Arts Center

Daleville High School Symphonic Band - Mark Nichols, Conductor

Collegiate Mixer - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom A

All-State Jazz Bands Rehearsals - Montgomery Meeting Rooms 7 & 1, Riverview Meeting Room 7

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom B

If You Can Sing It, You Can Play It: Singing Techniques for Achieving Better Balance and Intonation

Mark Walker, Clinician

Interest Session - Renaissance, Montgomery 5

Drumming Up World Music: West African Rhythms and Songs - Steve Campbell, Clinician

7:30 p.m. -10:00 p.m.

All-State Show Choir Rehearsal - Renaissance, Exhibit Hall C

Alabama Honor Choir Rehearsal - Renaissance, Exhibit Hall A

7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

AMEA Concert Session - Montgomery Performing Arts Center

University of Montevallo Concert Choir - Melinda Doyle, Conductor

Thompson High School Wind Ensemble - Jon Bubbett, Conductor

Friday, January 24, 2014

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

ABA Business Meeting - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom B

Rusty Courson, Presiding

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom A

Parachutes and Ribbons and Scarves, Oh My! - Artie Almeida, Clinician

AVA Concert - Montgomery Performing Arts Center

Pleasant Grove High School Chorale - Nichole Hill, Conductor

Vestavia Hills High School Honor Choir - Megan Rudolph, Conductor

Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom E

Keep Calm and Pass the Praxis - Edward Hoffman, Clinician

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Exhibits Open - Renaissance, Exhibit Hall B

All-State Show Choir Rehearsal - Renaissance Exhibit Hall C

Alabama Honor Choir Rehearsal - Renaissance, Exhibit Hall A

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

9:10 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

All-State Jazz Bands Rehearsals - Montgomery Meeting Rooms 7 & 1, Riverview Meeting Room 7

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom A

Learning Never Stops, You Can Always Be Better! - Rick Good and Nick Smith, Clinicians

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom B

Starting Beginner Band Students - David Willson, Clinician

Friday, January 24, 2014

9:10 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom CD

Earlene Rentz - Online Music - Earlene Rentz, Clinician

Interest Session - Renaissance, Riverview 1

Imroving Your Woodwind Section Through Chamber Music - Lori Ardovino, Clinician

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom E

Orchestral Bowings - A Commonsense Compendium - Gabriel Villasurda, Clinician

Interest Session - Renaissance, Montgomery 5

Percussion Games and Activities for Elementary Classrooms - Steve Campbell, Clinician

10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

AMEA General Session - Montgomery Performing Arts Center

Music Education - Orchestrating Success - Nancy Ditmer, Keynote Speaker

Montgomery Academy 5th and 6th Grade Chorus - Susan Cooper, Conductor

Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra - Rob Seebacher, Conductor

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

HED Research Poster Session - Exhibit Hall Lobby

Phi Beta Mu Luncheon - Renaissance, Montgomery 5

Collegiate Luncheon - Renaissance, Starlight Foyer

ABA Concert - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom B

Albertville High School Percussion Ensemble - Taylor Cash, Conductor

AVA Concert - Montgomery Performing Arts Center

Huntsville Middle School Mixed Choir - Karen Anderson, Conductor

Gardendale High School Choir - Ginny Hughes, Conductor

Interest Session - Renaissance, Montgomery 7

Jazz Rehearsal Gameplan - Dean Sorenson, Clinician

Interest Session - Renaissance, Riverview 1

Uncovering the Myths of String Repair - Roland Huthmaker, Clinician

Elem/Gen Business Meeting - Renaissance, Riverview 3

Karla Hodges, Presiding

Alabama Honor Choir Rehearsal - Renaissance Exhibit Hall A

All-State Show Choir Rehearsal - Renaissance Exhibit Hall C 2:30 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.

p.m.- 5:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m. 4:20 p.m.

General Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom B

State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Tommy Bice

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom B

Jazz is More Than a Four Letter Word: Developing Musicianship Through Vocal Jazz Ensembles

Dianne Orlofsky, Clinician

ABA Concert Session - Montgomery Performing Arts Center

Bumpus Middle School Symphonic Band - Josh Lynch, Conductor

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom E

Building Teamwork Into Your Rehearsal - Greg Lefils, Clinician 3:30 p.m. 4:20 p.m.

AOA Business Meeting - Renaissance, Riverview 1

Lisa Caravan, Presiding

Friday, January 24, 2014

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m..

4:20 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom A

Big Bang THEORY! - Artie Almeida, Clinician

Exclusive Exhibit Time - Renaissance, Exhibit Hall B

Alabama Honor Choir Dress Rehearsal -Montgomery Performing Arts Center 6:30

5:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

- 8:00

Jazz Bands Rehearsals - Montgomery Meeting Rooms 7 & 1, Riverview Meeting Room 7

p.m. - 9:30 p.m. All-State Show Choir Rehearsal - Renaissance, Exhibit Hall B

7:00 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

AMEA General Session - Montgomery Performing Arts Center

Presentation of Awards

Alabama Honor Choir - Christopher Aspaas, Conductor

UAB Wind Symphony - Sue Samuels, Conductor 9:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

President’s Reception - Renaissance, Presidential Suite (11th Floor)

Everyone is invited! 7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. All-State Show Choir Dress Rehearsal - Montgomery Performing Arts Center 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

ABA Business Meeting - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom B

Rusty Courson, Presiding

AVA Business Meeting - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom CD

Jody Powell, Presiding

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom A

My Favorite Things - Theresa McKibben, Clinician

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom E

Expanding Cultural Experiences Through String Instruction and Performance

Lisa Caravan & Kathy King, Clinicians

9:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. AVA Concert - Montgomery Performing Arts Center

Alabama All-State Show Choir

9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom A

Singing Fun 'n Games - Artie Almeida, Clinician

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom B

Connecting With Community Through The American Popular Music Ensemble

Robert W. Smith, Clinician

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom CD

Promoting Your Program Through Social Media - Frank Buck, Clinician

Interest Session - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom E

Classroom Management Systems and Routines - Anne Witt, Clinician

Room

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

ABA Concert Session - Montgomery Performing Arts Center

All-State Jazz Bands (Middle School, Silver, and Gold Bands)

ACDA Business Meeting - Renaissance, Alabama Ballroom E

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

AMEA Governing Board Meeting - Renaissance, Riverview 2

Sara Womack, Presiding

AMEA Industry/Institutional Membership

AMEA recently launched an Industry/Institutional membership drive and would like to express appreciation to the following partners who have already joined AMEA in our efforts to promote music education in Alabama. Please support these industry/institutional members who support you as music educators!

Arts Music Shop, Inc.

3030 East Blvd. Montgomery, AL 36116 www.artsmusic.com

AWB Apparel 206 Potomac Ct. Woodstock, GA 30188 www.awbapparel.com

Eastman Music Company

2158 Pomona Blvd. Pomona, CA 91768 www.eastmanmusiccompany.com

Gadsden Music Company

P.O. Box 132 Gadsden, AL 35902 www.gadsdenmusic.com

Group Travel Network 410 N. Dillard St Suite 104 Winter Garden, FL 34787 www.grouptravelnetwork.com

Macie Publishing Company 10 Astro Place Rockaway, NJ 07866 www.maciepublishing.com

Marchmaster

P.O. Box 73379 Newnan, GA 30271 www.marchmaster.com

Mouchette Enterprises, Inc.

P.O. Box 394 Northport, AL 35426

Musical Destinations, Inc.

P.O. Box 771060 Winter Garden, FL 34777 www.musicaldestinations.com

QuaverMusic.com

1706 Grand Ave. Nashville, TN 37212 www.quavermusic.com

Southern Star Music Festivals

635 Sunset Drive Norcross, GA 30071 www.starmusicfestivals.com

Sunburst Indian River Citrus 49600 Meadow Brook Rd. Birmingham, AL 35242 www.sunburstplus.com

University of South Alabama LPAC 1072, 5751 USA Drive, S Mobile, AL 36688

www.southalabama.edu/music

News from our Industry Partners...

From Art’s Music Shop...

NAMM welcomes top retailers, sales leaders, and industry giants to three-year terms

Anaheim, CA, January 29, 2013—At its Annual Meeting of Members, held January 27 during the 2013 NAMM Show, the NAMM Board of Directors bid farewell to departing members and welcomed eight new faces to a three-year term. The NAMM Board of Directors provides guidance and leadership to the National Association of Music Merchants and the music instrument and product industry.

In welcoming the new members, Chairman Kevin Cranley expressed his faith in their collective expertise and dedication, and noted the accomplishments of their predecessors. “Almost two years ago, the Board sat down and totally rewrote NAMM’s Vision, Mission and Objectives. In doing so, they brought their personal tenets and their professional experience to the table and applied it to NAMM, further defining and enriching our association for generations of Members to come,” he said. “I have complete confidence in the ability of our newest members to further elevate our Board, and by extension our organization, and to provide our Members with every opportunity for success in the coming years.”

The following NAMM Members were elected for service from 2013 to 2015:

Gayle Beacock, Beacock Music Company

John D’Addario III, D’Addario & Company

Jim DeStafney, Blues Angel Music

Jessica Freehling-Kazzie, Art’s Music Shop

Rob Joseph, MusicMax

Ben Kraft, Kraft Music

Ron Manus, Alfred Publishing Company

Andy Zildjian, Sabian

The NAMM board bids farewell with great appreciation for their service to the outgoing board members including Carol Calato, vice president of J.D. Calato Mfg. Co., Inc. in Niagara Falls, NY, Michael Canning, president of Cadon Technical Sales Co., in Cottleville, MO, Peter Hix, co-owner of Hix Brothers Music in Aurora, IL, Steve Judge, owner and president of Griggs Music, Inc. in Davenport, IA, Dana Messina, director of Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc. in Los Angeles, CA, Mark Ragin, CEO of U.S. Band & Orchestra Supplies, Inc. in Saint Louis, MO, Chuck Surack, president and founder of Sweetwater Sound, Inc. in Fort Wayne, IN, and Gordon Wilcher, founder and senior partner of Owensboro Music Center in Owensboro, KY.

From Sunburst Indian River Citrus...

We have been working with schools and groups mainly in the Southeast since 1984. Many of our customers have been relying on our timely

shipments of quality Indian River citrus for over 20 years. We introduced strawberries in February last year and they were an overwhelming success. Because their customers loved the strawberries, they are really excited about this year’s sale. The peaches we delivered in July and early August also did very well.

Our Citrus comes from a family that has been growing and packing Indian River Citrus since 1946. The Strawberries come from a familyowned farm that does not typically sell to super markets. The peaches come from the oldest continuously operated farm in the Southeast.

New this year, we have introduced on-line ordering. We are really excited about being able to provide quality products that people want to buy year after year.

We are very grateful to the many Alabamians that have worked with this transplanted Floridian over the last 30 plus years. JB

From the University of South Alabama...

The University of South Alabama Master of Music Degree

The University of South Alabama has received program approval from the National Association of Schools of Music and the Alabama Commission on Higher Education for a Master of Music degree in Music Education or Performance (Voice or Piano). This program will begin in Summer of 2014, subject to formal approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Students will be admitted for the term immediately following the official start date. Students who are interested in this program may contact the Department Chair, Dr. Greg Gruner (ggruner@southalabama.edu), for further information.

4th Annual Jaguar Marching Honor Band for High School Students

The University of South Alabama Jaguar Marching Band would like to extend an invitation to high school band students to apply for our fourth annual Jaguar Marching Honor Band. The Jaguar Marching Honor Band offers the unique opportunity for high school students to experience taking the field to perform alongside the Jaguar Marching Band for an audience of tens of thousands. Students selected will perform at the Saturday, November 23, 2013 game held in historic Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The deadline for student applications is Sunday, October 13, 2013.

JMB Marching Honor Band

• Rehearsals with the South Alabama Jaguar

Marching Band on the USA campus and at Ladd-Peebles Stadium

• Charter bus transportation to and from the USA Campus and Ladd-Peebles Stadium

• Honor Band T-shirt

• Lunch and halftime snack provided

• Honor Band Medal awarded to participants

• Interact with USA faculty, students, and fans

• Play alongside the Jaguar Marching Band in a fun and memorable halftime musical performance

• Enjoy the football game in reserved seats with the Jaguar Marching Band

Students must apply for themselves by filling out our online application. The deadline for student applications is Sunday, October 13, 2013. The online application simply indicates your interest. Students can only be selected after we receive a confirmation from their band directors, which we will receive via phone calls and e-mails we place. Students selected will be notified via an e-mail message that includes a registration and release form, a festival schedule, and music. A list of invited students will also be posted on our website.

There is no cost to apply for the Jaguar Marching Honor Band. Students who are selected for this event will pay a $40.00 registration fee. This registration fee covers the costs of all features and activities.

USA Concert Honor Band

The University of South Alabama Department of Music would like to extend an invitation to high school band students to apply for the second annual University of South Alabama Concert Honor Band. The Honor Band offers the exciting opportunity for high school students to experience great concert band literature, with their fellow gifted musicians, directed by world-

class conductors. We seek the best and brightest students in your band! Students selected will rehearse and perform on the South Alabama Campus Thursday through Saturday, December 5 through 7, 2013. The deadline for student applications is Sunday, November 3, 2013.

• Internationally recognized clinician, Dr. Myron Welch and USA faculty

• Honor Band Medal

• Honor Band T-shirt

• Friday night dinner provided

• Host Concert provided by the University of South Alabama Wind Ensemble and more!

• Honor Band Finale Concert

Students must apply for themselves online. The online application includes a short recording of the following etude and chromatic scale listed below. YouTube videos of the applicant performing the etudes are preferred, but students may also make other audio or video recordings that they submit via e-mail, CD, DVD, or other method. All student applications must be received by the end of Sunday, November 3, 2013. There is no cost to apply for the University of South Alabama Concert Honor Band. Students who are selected for this event will pay a $40.00 registration fee. This registration fee covers the costs of all features and activities.

From Marchmaster...

Marchmaster is offering a number of PINK accessories for your band to use during the month of October to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Along with our vendors, apportion of each sale is donated to breast cancer research. Items offered include gloves, arm bands, shoe laces, flags, shako bands, plumes and even rifles.

AMEA Presidents

1946Yale H. Ellis

1948Walter A. Mason

1950Vernon Skoog

1952John J. Hoover

1954Lamar Triplett

1956Carleton K. Butler

1958Mort Glosser

1960Wilbur Hinton

1962Lacey Powell, Jr.

1964G. Truman Welch

1966Jerry Countryman

1968Floyd C. McClure

1970Jerry Bobo

1972Frances P. Moss

1974George Hammett

1975Frances P. Moss

1976S. J. Allen

The popular Elite Pro rifle form DSI is available in pink in both the 26” and 39” models.

Many of you use your i-phone and i-pads in your teaching frequently if not everyday, and many of you use these with portable sound systems. Marchmaster has a solution for you if needing to connect your device wirelessly. The “Kenny Kable” connects the headphone output from any i-pod type device to the input of any of the Sound Projections belt-pack transmitters. If you are not familiar with the Voice Machine or Sound machine from Sound Projections, you are missing out on the top of the line sound systems for outdoor use. Built in MP3 players and tempo control CD players are just a couple of the options that are available on these units. You have the ability to build the unit that you need and on top of that, the best customer / tech support in the industry.

Also, keep in mind that now is the time that you should be ordering your concert attire if needing delivery by late November / early December. Marchmaster offers an extensive selection of male and female attire with concert gowns starting in the low $50’s.

Please contact us at 800-816-BAND (2263) or sales@marchmaster.com. Visit our website at www.marchmaster.com

1978W. Frank McArthur, Jr.

1980Paul Hall

1982Lacey Powell, Jr.

1984Johnny Jacobs

1986Merilyn Jones

1988Ronald D. Hooten

1990Ken Williams

1992Dianne Johnson

1994James K. Simpson

1996Johnnie Vinson

1998Michael Meeks

2000John McAphee, Jr.

2002Tony Pike

2004Becky Rodgers

2006John Baker

2008Pat Stegall

2010Steve McLendon

2012Sara Womack

AMEADivision Events 2013 - 2014

Alabama Bandmasters Association

AMEA In-Service Conference/All-State Jazz Band

January 23-25, 2014 - Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center

All-State Solo Festival

April 9, 2014 - UAH, Huntsville

District I

District Fall Meeting

All-State Band Auditions

District Honor Band State MPAI State MPA II

Solo & Ensemble Festival

Solo & Ensemble Festival

District II

District Fall Meeting

All-State Band Auditions State MPA

District Honor Band

Solo & Ensemble Festival

Solo & Ensemble Festival

District III

District Fall Meeting

All-State Band Auditions District Honor Band State MPA

Solo & Ensemble Festival

District IV

District Fall Meeting

All-State Band Auditions State MPA (Middle School)

State MPA (High School)

District Honor Band

Solo & Ensemble Festival

Solo & Ensemble Festival District Spring Meeting

District V

District Fall Meeting

All-State Band Auditions

District Honor Band

District Spring Meeting State MPA

Solo & Ensemble Festival

Solo & Ensemble Festival

District VI

All-State Band Auditions

District Honor Band State MPA

Solo & Ensemble Festival

Solo & Ensemble Festival

District Spring Meeting

District VII

District Fall Meeting

All-State Band Auditions State MPA

Solo & Ensemble Festival

Solo & Ensemble Festival

District Spring Meeting

District VIII

District Fall Meeting

All-State Band Auditions State MPA

District Honor Band

Solo & Ensemble Festival

Solo & Ensemble Festival

All-State Band Festival

April 10-12, 2014 - Von Braun Center, Huntsville Summer In-Service Conference

June 24-26, 2014 - Hampton Inn and Suites, Orange Beach

August 26..............................................UAH Banquet Hall

January 31 & February 1...............................Sparkman 9th

February 14-15...............................Bob Jones High School

February 27-28................................................Hartselle HS

March 13-14..........................Madison, James Clemens HS

April 5..........................................................................TBA

May 3...........................................................................TBA

August 20.................................................Gadsden City HS

January 18.......................................Southside High School

February 26-28.........................................Gadsden City HS

March 14--15.................................Albertville High School

April 21...............................................Oxford High School

May 4......................................................Arab High School

August 17..........................................................Smith Lake

January 18...............................Muscle Shoals High School

February 21-22............................Hanceville, Wallace State

March 4-6....................................................................UNA

May 3 ..........................................UNA

September 19......................................Hoover High School

January 18...........................................Hoover High School

March 4-6...........................Hewitt-Trussville High School

March 11-13.................................Homewood High School

April 4-5.......................................Homewood High School

April 22........................................Homewood High School

May 3.............................................Bumpus Middle School

May 19................................................Hoover High School

August 26.........................................................Duncanville

February 1.......................................Tuscaloosa County HS

February 21-22........................University of West Alabama

February 22.............................University of West Alabama

February 25 & 26.............................University of Alabama

March 20.........................................................Prattville HS

April 22...........................................Tuscaloosa County HS

January 18.......................................Opelika Middle School

February 21-22..............................Central HS, Phenix City

March 11-12.......................Benjamin Russell High School

April 5................................................. Trinity Presbyterian

May 3.............................................Auburn Jr. High School

May 12.........................................................................TBA

August 26....................................Spanish Fort High School

January 18.......................................Davidson High School

March 4-6..............................................Baker High School

April 26..................................................Mobile Site - TBA

May 3...................................................Baldwin Site - TBA

May 5.................................................................Daphne HS

August 19.....................................................................TBA

January 18.....................................Troy Elementary School

March 4-6.......................................Enterprise High School

March 14-15...................................Enterprise High School

May 3.....................................................Excel High School

May 3............................................Troy Elementary School

Alabama Vocal Association

Fall Workshop - September 6-7, 2013 - University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

All-State Show Choir Auditions - October 10-12, 2013 - UAB, Birmingham

All-State Show Choir and AMEA Honor Choir at AMEA Conference - January 23-25, 2014 - Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Conference Center

All-State Auditions (You may register at any site)

October 31 & November 1 - Central Baptist Church, Decatur

November 2 - Florence Middle School, Florence

November 3 & 4 - Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Alexandria

November 5 & 6 - Northport Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa

November 7 - St. James School, Montgomery

November 8 - Springhill Baptist Church, Mobile

All-State Festival - April 3-5, 2014 - Samford University, Birmingham

District I

Honor Choir Screening

OA, OCS, & Music Ed Scholarship

State Choral Performance Assessment

Solo and Ensemble Festival

District II

District III

District IV

District V

District VI

District VII

Honor Choir Screening

OA, OCS, & Music Ed Scholarship

State Choral Performance Assessment

Solo and Ensemble Festival

Honor Choir Screening

OA, OCS, & Music Ed Scholarship

State Choral Performance Assessment

Solo and Ensemble Festival

Honor Choir Screening

OA, OCS, & Music Ed Scholarship

State Choral Performance AssessmentSpring

Solo and Ensemble Festival

Honor Choir Screening

OA, OCS, & Music Ed Scholarship

State Choral Performance Assessment

Solo and Ensemble Festival

Honor Choir Screening

OA, OCS, & Music Ed Scholarship Music Ed State Choral Performance Assessment

Solo and Ensemble Festival

Honor Choir Screening

OA, OCS, & Music Ed Scholarship

State Choral Performance AssessmentHonor

Fall Solo & Ensemble Festival Spring Solo & Ensemble Festival

November 14..........................................................................TBA

November 21..........................................................................TBA

March 17.............................................Southside Baptist, Decatur

March 18...............................................................UNA, Florence

March 18...............................................................UNA, Florence

November 14..............................Tuscaloosa County High School

November 21..............................Tuscaloosa County High School

February 20-21.....................................................UA, Tuscaloosa

February 20-21.....................................................UA, Tuscaloosa

November 12................................Bluff Park UMC, Birmingham

November 18................................Bluff Park UMC, Birmingham

February 24, 25 & 26 ...................Bluff Park UMC, Birmingham

February 26 ..................................Bluff Park UMC, Birmingham

November 21...........................................Alexandria High School

November 14...........................................Alexandria High School

March 13...............................Golden Springs Baptist, Alexandria

February 27........................................................JSU, Jacksonville

November 21..........................................................................TBA

November 14..........................................................................TBA

March 3 & 4...........................Columbia High School, Huntsville

April 28 & 29.............................Willowbrook Baptist, Huntsville

November 21.............................................Montgomery Academy

October 30.................................Tallassee High School, Tallassee

March 18.......................................First Baptist Church, Tallassee

March 18.......................................First Baptist Church, Tallassee

November 21....................................St. Paul’s Episcopal, Mobile

December 2.......................................St. Paul’s Episcopal, Mobile

February 20.............................Springhill Baptist Church, Mobile

November 14...........................Springhill Baptist Church, Mobile

February 20.............................Springhill Baptist Church, Mobile

Elementary/General Division

October 4, 2013 Elementary Music Festival, Samford University, Dr. Maribeth Yoder-White

October 5, 2013 Joint AMEA/AOSA Fall Workshop, Samford University, Dr. Maribeth Yoder-White

October 27 - 30, 2013 NAfME National In-Service Conference, Nashville, TN

November 13-16, 2013 AOSA National Professional Conference, Denver, CO

January 23 - 25, 2014 AMEA Conference, Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Convention Center

March 1, 2014 AOSA Spring Workshop with Brian Burnette

members can download charts and other resources immediately upon registering.

FREE membership benefits for your high school jazz band include:

EIGHT new charts: four transcriptions of the music of Duke Ellington and four transcriptions of the music of Gerald Wilson

Access to a revolutionary interactive video featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra rehearsing each chart, courtesy of Tutti Dynamics, Inc.

The option to participate in non-competitive EE Regional Festivals

Online resources like EE recordings, videos, and rehearsal guides

The option to submit a recording for the EE Competition & Festival in NYC

Student big band arranging/composition contest

jalc.org/essentiallyellington

ee@jalc.org 212-258-9810