2015-2016 Georgia Music News | Summer

GeorgIa music news AROUND THE STATE

DIVISION NEWS

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Around the State District News

A Year to Retire Honoring Our Members

The Greater Atlanta Music Festival William E. Fry

STUDY ABROAD MUSIC IN THE BRAIN

VOLUME 76 NUMBER 4 SUMMER 2016

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THE GMEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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IN THIS ISSUE

President Dr. John Odom Immediate Past President Frank Folds Vice-President of All State Events Tracy Wright

04 Association News 08 Division News 17 A Year to Retire 34 Veteran 10: Joseph Heiberger

Vice-President of Performance Evaluation Events Richard Prouty Past Presidents’ Representative Dr. Bernadette Scruggs Executive Director Cecil Wilder Band Division Chair Neil Ruby Choral Division Chair Wes Stoner

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Around the State 14 Taylor Road Middle School Skypes with School in Kenya 15 The Classic City Band Celebrates 40 Years

A YEAR TO RETIRE

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30 Study Abroad

The Greater Atlanta Music Festival

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College Division Chair Dr. Laura Stambaugh Elementary Division Chair Vicky Knowles Orchestra Division Chair Sarah Black Piano Division Chair Dr. Joanna Kim District Chairs 1 - Kenza Murray 2 - Andrew C. Bell 3 - Jonathan Carmack 4 - D. Alan Fowler 5 - Carolyn Landreau 6 - Samuel Miller 7 - Bob Steelnack 8 - Steve Myers 9 - Pat Gallagher 10 - Gene Hundley 11 - C. Lloyd McDonald 12 - Paula Krupiczewicz 13 - Lee Newman 14 - Dion Muldrow Editor, Georgia Music News Victoria Enloe For the complete list of Board Members please visit:

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GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY OUTSIDE BACK COVER

LEE UNIVERSITY 13

FIERABEND ASSOCIATION FOR MUSIC EDUCATION 10

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA 09

UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA 07/16/36

YAMAHA 06

YOUNG HARRIS COLLEGE 16

GMEA Staff Aleta Womack Brandie Barbee Ryan Barbee GMN Advertising/Exhibitors Cindy Reed © Copyright 2016 by the Georgia Music Educators Association All pieces reproduced in this issue are under prior copyright of the creators and publisher by the contractual arrangements. Nothing shown may be reproduced in any form without obtaining the permission of the publisher and any other person or company who may have copyright ownership.

CONTACT CINDY REED cindyr@gmea.org

Photos provided by Andy Edwards of Ace of Photos Visit aceofphotos.smugmug.com

T A E R r e G

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ASSOCIATION NEWS THE PRESIDENT SPEAKS DR. JOHN ODOM, GMEA PRESIDENT

O.K. now! On three… One… Two…. Three… SIGH!! There, we have one huge collective GMEA sigh as we close out another year of teaching, laughing, crying, music making, and a myriad of other emotions and reactions. These all come about as we have guided our students on that journey of making music an integral part of their daily life and planted that seed of curiosity and creativity. For many of our students that seed blossoms quickly as we see young men and women embrace what we already know as the gift of music in our lives. For others, it is a slower process where that seed ever so gradually germinates, producing, sometimes years later, that blossom of the role music has in daily life and in nurturing that part of all of us that music feeds. The key is that the seed is planted.

My wife and I have a rather large garden and we plant a number of different vegetables. We plant most seeds at the same time, but observe a variety of growth rates. Some sprout within a matter of days and you quickly see the fruit of your labor. Others, we wonder if we did something wrong when, day after day, nothing appears. But then, after we have almost given up on anything ever being produced from the planted seed, something begins to emerge from the soil. Then, in time, a stalk or vine, then a bud, then a flower, then harvest. Again, the key is that the seed gets planted! What seeds did we sow this year in the lives of our students? Did we sow any at all? Did we get to see those seeds germinate and blossom or must we wait, maybe never knowing what that seed produced. Whether immediately or down the road, the

fruits produced by what we do in the lives of our students will forever be far-reachng into their lives. But, yes, again… we must plant the seed.

Many of you, like myself, began looking toward next school year back around January as we plan, as we research, as we set things into motion sometimes months and months in advance. Whether back then, now, or later in the summer, as you plan and put into motion those things that will encompass the life of each of your students, ask yourself if you are planting a seed in their lives that will grow and produce something in their lives that they will take with them as they grow and step out on their own. Music gives us a wide variety of seeds to plant in their lives. Again, for the harvest to be, we must plant the seed! As we look to the fall, let us all plant those seeds of enrichment, creativity, and the love of music in our students’ lives.

With the recent passage of ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act), schools will increase the integration of music and the arts into academic curricula. This will ensure that many more students will have a rich experience with music education. Or will they? Though the music education world is ecstatic over ESSA, all the legislation in the world will not take the place of our planting the seeds. Now that ESSA is in place; however, we need to be ready to open up the world of music to an even greater population of students as we see music and the arts becoming more and more a part of a well-rounded education. Plant the seed, nurture its growth, and reap the harvest!

I wish all our membership and our amazing office staff, a summer of rest, growth, playfulness and rejuvenation as we look toward next year’s season of planting.

Plant the seed, nurture its growth, and reap the harvest.

DERIK CLACKUM, GMEA HISTORIAN

GMEA: GROWING THE STAFF PART 1

GMEA members today are able to count on our GMEA office staff to help them handle many aspects of our active organization. However, this was not always the norm. The shift from a small, all-volunteer organization with no staff to a large organization having a full time staff was a gradual evolution that occurred over many years.

To say that Boyd felt overwhelmed would be an understatement. Along with the duties of the presidency, all of the organization’s financial and correspondence duties had now become his. In addition, there was no precedent for how to replace these positions without holding a special election. Due to the amount of time consumed by the treasurer and secretary’s jobs, no one with a full time teaching position was anxious to take on either task.

During the early years of GMEA (30’s – 50’s), elected officers and volunteers did all the organization’s work. GMEA started life with less than 100 members, but by the late 40’s, we had grown to several hundred members. And that growth continued during the 50’s until we found ourselves nearing 1,000 members by the mid 60’s.

Although Boyd was reluctant to ask his wife, Edna, to assist him with these two tasks, he really had no other choice. As it turned out, Edna did a great job. And, she set aside one of the bedrooms in their home to be used as the first official GMEA office. Working as our unpaid staff, Edna made sure the correspondence went out, money was receipted, and bills were paid on time,

By 1964, the growth of our organization was straining the limits of our officers and volunteer’s ability to handle all the paperwork and finances. We had no salaried staff because we couldn’t pay them. Neither did we have an office in which to work. Most paperwork and organizing was accomplished at the homes or workplaces of the officers and volunteers. Two of these key offices, Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary, became our first casualties of GMEA’s growth.

This arrangement seemed to be working fine, until a member called Boyd to remind him that the GMEA Constitution required that only an active or retired member could do this work. When Boyd offered the job to that member, Boyd said that the member declined, as he felt it was more than he could do. But, the member suggested that Boyd request an amendment to the GMEA Constitution to allow a non-member to handle the organization’s secretarial and treasurer’s duties. Boyd discussed this with the GMEA Board, who approved putting the idea before the membership. The membership voted to create the non-elected position of Secretary-Treasurer and to allow non-members to hold the position. Thus, Edna McKeown became our organization’s first official office staff, albeit in an unpaid position.

It was at this time in 1965 that Boyd McKeown was elected as our new president.

Maggie Jenkins had served as our treasurer for many years, starting in the late 40’s, through the 50’s and into the 60’s.

Along with her full time job on the music faculty at Georgia College for Women (now Georgia College & State University) in Milledgeville, she also handled the financial aspects of a growing membership. When Boyd became President, Miss Maggie (as she was

After Boyd’s term ended, so did Edna’s. The GMEA Board then hired another Edna, Edna Crusselle, as our first salaried staff member. Thus, the beginnings of our GMEA professional office staff were under way.

SEE YOUR

DISTRICT NEWS PAGE 14

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HISTORIAN

affectionately know) retired from her college position and tendered her resignation as treasurer to Boyd. He reluctantly accepted it and thanked Miss Maggie for her service to GMEA. However, this left GMEA with no treasurer.

Shortly after Boyd took office, Jack Broucek, the GMEA corresponding secretary, showed up unannounced at Boyd’s house and gave Boyd his resignation along with the addressograph machine that was used to mail out all GMEA correspondence. Jack explained to Boyd that the secretary’s job load had grown past his ability to maintain his position at Georgia Southern University and handle the GMEA correspondence. Boyd thanked Jack for his service and began immediately to look for his replacement.

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DIVISION NEWS BAND DIVISION Neil Ruby

Dear Colleagues,

Congratulations on completing the school year! It has been an incredible year for Music Education in Georgia, and I continue to feel blessed to serve alongside the best band directors anywhere. I encourage everyone to take some time in the next couple weeks to reflect on all the positives of the past school year. Often times, especially this time of year, we want to focus on all that didn’t happen, things we wish we had done differently, and the much needed break from our hectic lives as band directors. There is certainly time and need for that but don’t forget the incredible influence you have had on so many young people by teaching them the incredible gift of music. I am always amazed when I think back to the first days of the school year and how far our students have progressed during the year. Stephen Covey said, “Begin with the end in mind,” which is how we treat each upcoming performance. But with music, we never truly reach the end. Music is something that will be with us for our entire lives and it makes everything better. I love the Mark Twain (or the many others credited with saying it) quote, “Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Love like you’ve never been hurt. And live like it’s heaven on Earth.” This simple quote is deep in meaning, thought provoking, and beneficial to living a happy and meaningful life. Music plays an imperative role in each. Music is the basis of each and music is key to our lives.

So, the next time your thoughts about the past year are focused on what you wish you had accomplished, know that what you did accomplish is so much more powerful and meaningful. You gave your students the life-long love of music. You have taught them life skills such as time management, dedication, commitment, and hard work.

Because of your efforts, you have made your students better people who will continue to succeed in life. I hope everyone is able to get some much deserved rest and spend time with family and friends.

Thank you again for your commitment to Music Education. You do make a difference! Keep up the great work. Never let the music die, and never be afraid to celebrate and dance to the music…even if others ARE watching!

Neil Ruby State Band Chair

COLLEGE DIVISION Dr. Laura Stambaugh I thought I would use this issue’s column to investigate dual enrollment. We frequently have dual enrolled students in our department, so this is a topic I should be more familiar with. In addition, I have started to wonder if high school students who are dual enrolled in college ensembles may be leaving their high school ensembles to play at the college level. If so, this may be a concern related to K-12 advocacy.

Dual enrollment programs are open to high school juniors and seniors in public and private high schools, or who are homeschool, and who have a GPA of at least 3.25. Students can take college-level courses and receive credit toward both high school graduation and a college degree. Students may be enrolled at the college level part-time or full-time. In order for a college course to fall in this program, it must count toward state and/or local high school graduation requirements. In addition, it must appear on the approved list of dual enrollment courses. You can search the current list at the GAcollege411 website. I checked a few institutions to see which music courses appeared on the dual enrollment listMusic Appreciation was the only one course I found for several institutions.

You will encounter several program names when you dig into dual enrollment. Accel is a non-need based program which was funded by the state lottery until 2011, and since then has been state funded. Dual HOPE Grant assists students seeking technical certificates or diplomas. The original Move On When Ready is only open to high school students who are ready to be enrolled as full time college students and take all of their courses through a college.

Summer courses are an option in this program. Articulated Credit refers to course credit awarded at both the high school and college level, for specific courses taught in a high school during the regular school day. Some colleges offer Joint Enrollment, which awards college credit (but not high school credit) for college courses. The student/family is responsible for paying tuition, but fees may be waived. In 2015, the Georgia General Assembly passed a law that combined Accel, Dual HOPE Grant, and Move On When Ready into a new version of Move on When Ready. Tuition, books, and fees are paid by the state in this current model.

If you are a college faculty member who has dual enrolled students in your ensemble or courses, I encourage you to reach out to the student’s high school music teacher. Find out if the student is still active in the high school program. If he or she isn’t, I hope you will explore possibilities to ensure these students stay active in their high school programs.

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DIVISION NEWS

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ELEMENTARY DIVISION Victoria Knowles

PIANO DIVISION Dr. Joanna Kim What a busy year we had!

I hope all of you had a wonderful school year and are ready to enjoy the summer. Unlike those in other divisions, piano teachers do not get summer break! We continue to teach during summer, but I do hope you make a conscious effort to take time for yourself.

Summertime and the livin’ is easy…. Well, it sounds nice anyway. It is a nice time to change the alarm clock, to reflect, recharge and plan anew. If you are able to take advantage of an Orff or Kodaly level, a guitar class, or world-drumming workshop, I wish you the best and wish I could join you!

The next school year will be here soon enough. The changes in the Statewide Elementary calendar this year worked well, so they will stay in place. The In-Service Conference in Athens was successful and I am excited for the workshop possibilities for next year.

The Statewide Elementary Honor Chorus, also in Athens and in February, was an amazing weekend and I appreciate the hard work of all our members. I also appreciate your willingness to work together and your positive outlook!

The Elementary Honor Chorus and the Sixth Grade Honor Chorus were concurrent events and seemed to ease some travel plans for our teachers who teach 5th and 6th grade. The 2017 Statewide Elementary Honor Chorus will be held at the Athens Classic Center on February 17-18, 2017.

I hope you all have an amazing summer!

FEIERABEND ASSOCIATION FOR MUSIC EDUCATION

ANNOUNCING THE

2016 Biennial FAME Conference Friday, July 15 - Sunday, July 17, 2016 Gordon College — Wenham, MA

Join us on the beautiful campus of Gordon College for a weekend of Tuneful, Beatful and Artful activities.

The 2nd FAME Biennial Conference will kick off with a Strawberry Social on Friday evening featuring country dancing called by Dr. John Feierabend with live music.

Alice Parker will give the Keynote Address and lead the Saturday night Community Sing.

Plenum sessions with Dr. John Feierabend.

16 break out sessions on a variety of topics led by experienced music educators who have found success using Dr. Feierabend’s First Steps in Music and Conversational Solfege curriculum.

Network with like-minded music educators and share ideas.

Visit www.feierabendmusic.org/2016Conference to register and for up-to-date information about the conference schedule and presenters, special events, lodging information and more.

As I sit here to write this article, I realize that the piano division experienced two major changes this year. The first change was, of course, adding the scales and cadence proficiency requirements for the All-State Piano Competition. As many of you know, the three year plan for the All-State Piano Competition, approved in 2014, included adding scales and cadence in 2015, sight reading in 2016, and the theory exam in 2017 to. We successfully installed the first year plan in November of last year. This year, we will be adding the sight reading component. If you have not checked the GMEA website, you will see that the list of recommended study materials has been posted already. The piano council members are working tirelessly to select and upload a few examples on the website during summer. So, do check the webpage often! With any changes or additions, we all need time to adjust. I want all the piano members to know with these components being added to the All-State Piano Competition, we are starting to align more closely with the mission of All-State performers. Other divisions have required these audition components for many years, so shall we say, we are now catching up. We are truly blessed to have piano division as a part of GMEA. Our second major change was the In-Service Conference move from Savannah to Athens, GA. I personally missed Savannah this year. Yet, the first conference in the beautiful Athens was a success. We were fortunate to have two headliners – Dr. Joy Song for Piano Pedagogy and Dr. Evgeny Rivkin for the master classes.

Despite terrific clinicians and sessions, the number of piano division conference attendees was very low, and this is problematic. During the summer, I will be meeting with the GMEA executive board to discuss the future of the Piano Division, as our membership numbers are getting smaller every year. I will be working on ways to increase the number of member and student participants. If you have ideas, I’d love to hear from you!

I hope this summer will be a time for all of us to rejuvenate and get much needed rest. We all focus on what’s best for our students and sometimes forget to take care of ourselves. On that note, have a wonderful, blissful summer, everyone.

Void - noun 1 a completely empty space: the black void of space.

• an emptiness caused by the loss of something: the void left by the death of his wife.

Over the last several months we have lost some incredible forces of music education in Georgia. Each loss creates a void in the lives of those who continue, whether the loss is due to retirement or death. I observe that the larger the impact of each individual who teaches, the larger the void. It could be said that the same is true of us when we retire. However, there are certainly some aspects of what we did that we will miss: the interactions with the students and other teachers.

SAY Something BE Heard

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Fritz Siler

summer 2016 / georgia music news

RETIRED MEMBERS

I attended Stutz Wimmer’s last performance with the jazz band at the Lovett School. It was a massive celebration of love, respect, and the joy of playing. For years he has pushed, prodded and encouraged the students to play with the highest of standards for the Ellington Festival at Lincoln Center. During the concert there were four surprise guest artists from the Lincoln Center Jazz Band who entered the stage playing, and a former student, Alexandra Jackson, who entered the stage singing.

An amazing thing that occurred during the concert was the introduction of the new faculty member for jazz education.

He played on the program, and directed the band on a tune. His inclusion was an indication that the program will remain in the tradition of highest standards. However, there will still be a void created with the departure of Stutz from the program he created.

This void is only natural, and will naturally happen in many outstanding performing groups.

Paul Vander Gheynst and Bob Barnett were powerful supporters of jazz and music education in Georgia. I was unable to attend the funeral services for Bob, and I mourn his loss. Another great void was created with his passing.

Vander was like an older brother to me. His impact on the performing arts in Columbus will continue for generations.

When you are in the River Center for a concert, you are standing in one of his creations. He designed the Music Department. The music directorship he did for many years in the Springer Opera House is now a part of that structure. As a host for numerous jazz workshops, he worked tirelessly and joyously, bringing the best in instrumental and vocal jazz artists to the students and directors.

His playing was inspirational. All the while he was a part of the community and the students, with an insistence for optimism. He could also beat your socks off playing bridge.

When his health began to fail he would sit on the back porch, or at the dining room table, and write 72 organ processionals for his beloved wife Sharon to play at the chapel on Ft. Benning.

Yes. His death created a huge void.

As we move into the summer months, I hope you remember how important you are to many who may be out of your view or awareness. When you leave the room, create a void…

Are you about to retire? Get in touch with TRS! NOW, if you haven’t already done so.

SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLE TO THE

Georgia Music News

WWW.GMEA.ORG/GEORGIA-MUSIC-NEWS/

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AROUND THE STATE DISTRICT NEWS • The Chapel Hill Middle School Symphonic Band recently performed at the 2016 National Invitational Festival of Gold at the Segerstrom Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles, California. The band was selected among bands from across the country at the 2015 Worldstrides Heritage Festival in New York City. Students are active in the GMEA District IV MS Honor Band, DeKalb Youth Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Ensemble, and the GMEA Solo & Ensemble. Since 1992, the program has been given outstanding opportunities to perform throughout the country. The Symphonic Band’s performance & award history includes: 2015 & 2016 Distinguished Performance Award-US Congressman Hank Johnson; 2015 Investiture Ceremony-Honorable Judge Eleanor Ross; 2015 Worldstrides Spirit of New York Ensemble Character Award – 2015 Gold Adjudicator’s Award, New York; 2015 Sweepstakes Award, Southern Star Music Festival; 2013 National Invitational Band Festival of Gold, San Francisco, CA; 2001 & 2004 National Field Study Invitational Performance-Carnegie Hall, New York; 2012 Gold Adjudicator’s Award & Festival of Gold Recipients, Williamsburg, VA; 2011 National Invitation Band & Orchestra Performance and Gold Adjudicator’s Award & Festival of Gold Recipients, New York, NY; and Years of consecutive All-Superior ratings at the District IV GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation. The sum of their success is based on “character and discipline in action.”

Chapel Hill Middle School Symphonic Band

• On Thursday, May 12 at 9:30am (4:30pm, Kenya), the students in the Taylor Road Middle School Orchestra, under the direction of Nicole Thompson, had the unique opportunity to skype with the students in the new orchestra program at Moi Girls High School in Eldoret, Kenya, helped by their music teacher, Charity Omulando.

This session was a cooperative effort with former TRMS student, Danny Bermel, who is now working on his doctorate degree in music education at the University of Georgia.

Taylor Road Middle School Orchestra

This collaboration began when a group of graduate students from the University of Georgia visited Moi’s Girl’s High School in Eldoret last month and provided 14 working string instruments to the music class for students to learn to play. The skype program with Moi Girls High School started out as a piano program and has recently been expanded to include band and orchestra programs. Dr. Pete Jutras started the piano program in collaboration with Dr. Gene Kidula who has family in Kenya. Dr. Skip Taylor began talking to Dr. Jutras several months ago about expanding the program to include strings. The professors were able to bring their graduate students to Kenya last month to help start the new string program and help the band and piano students. Graduate students teaching on the trip included Benjamin Turk-Piano, Yoonsook Song-Piano, Crystal Wu-Piano, Ben Torres-Band, Damon Postle-Band, and Danny Bermel-Orchestra The Skype session at TRMS began with orchestra students showing the girls in Kenya how to move the pegs in order to tune their instruments. It was very interesting to watch TRMS students teach the girls how to tune their instruments from 16,000 miles away. They couldn’t touch the instruments through the computer, so everything had to be explained using only words and video. TRMS Violist, Jaemin Cho, began by explaining which way to turn the fine tuners to adjust pitch and Daniel Lee explained how to turn the pegs on the cello. The girls in Eldoret attempted to tune their instruments based on what they were learning. Students at TRMS also played two selections, entitled “Clocks” and “Dark Horse,” for the girls. In between the pieces, the girls in Kenya had the chance to play their new tune, “Bile ’em Cabbage Down,” and receive feedback on their playing from the students at TRMS. At the end of the session, the students at TRMS were able to exchange questions back and forth with the girls in Eldoret. TRMS students were surprised to find out that the average school day in Eldoret is 18 hours long, and the girls in Moi Girls School were so impressed with how well our students played. Just before saying goodbye, the girls sang a beautiful song about love. The two groups of students plan to “see” and learn from each other again on May 19.

• The Ware County High School Saxophone Quartet performed at GMEA In-Service 2016

• 2016 District Jazz Band was conducted Mr. Christopher Dorsey of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. • 2016 Middle School Honor Bands was conducted by Mr. Matt Price of Tyrone and Ms. Laura Freund of Covington • 2016 6th grade Clinic Bands was conducted by: Michael Hutchinson of Savannah, Mickey Wendal of Brunswick and Curtis Sanders of • 2016 LGPE judges were Tim Zabel, Leigh Brock, Ray Smith and Daniel Byrd, sight reading • John Reed conducts a community band in Hazelhurst, “Three Rivers Symphony Winds” • Deborah Bradley and Christine Huss conduct a two year old community band in Valdosta, “Azalea Winds”

Ashley Pointer

• Alan Wendal conducts a community band in Bunswick, “Golden Isles Community Band” • Congratulations to Ashley Pointer, Howard High School Macon, GA, class of 2017, on her recent acceptance to Grammy Camp to be held in New York City this summer. Ashley is the first student from Macon and the first violinist to be selected. As a Grammy Camp participant, Ashley will learn about areas of the commercial music industry from professionals in those fields. Ashley is a student of Mr. John E. Sweat, orchestra director, Howard High School and Ms. Pat McCall, private violin instructor and orchestra director at Central High School.

• As of September 2015, Lindley Sixth Grade Academy Chorus has been asked to participate in a performance of Songs of Inspiration & Hope - Music for Treble Voices on the DCINY Concert Series in New York City. The performance will take place at Carnegie Hall in Stern Auditorium under the baton of Ms. Lori Loftus on Sunday, June 26, 2016. The trip will be 5 days 4 nights in the historic Manhattan, New York.

The Lindley Sixth Grade Academy is under the direction of Ms. Kameron Crutcher who is a South Cobb High School alumni. This is her third year teaching Chorus and Orchestra which she has a passion for since a young age. “I am privileged to provide this opportunity to students who have a passion and eagrness for Choral music. I’m also proud to have my students sing at one of the most prestigious venues in the world for both classical and popular music! Many of our students will never have another opportunity of this caliber.”

The Classic City Band • The Classic City Band celebrated its 40th anniversary with a concert on March 6, 2016. Held at the at the State Botanical Gardens in Athens, GA, the program was an exact replica of the repertoire performed at the first Classic City Band concert. Under the leadership of director Michael Brewer, the anniversary performance featured many former directors of the Classic City Band serving as guest conductors, including Olin G. Parker, Chris Clark, Pat Jameson, Matt Koperniak, and Angela Manous. The Classic City Band is located in Athens, GA, and is the oldest continuously operating community band in Georgia.

• UGA percussion trio makes history at national chamber music competition. Lineage Percussion, a percussion trio from the UGA Hugh Hodgson School of Music, made history at the 2016 Fischoff Competition in South Bend, Ind., by becoming the first percussion group finalist in the competition’s 43 years. Lineage, composed of School of Music students Trevor Barroero, Lauren Floyd and Wesley Sumpter, received third place in the Senior Wind Division of the Fischoff Competition, which bills itself as the nation’s largest chamber music competition. “The Fischoff Competition is among the most difficult and elite in the country,” said Dale Monson, director of the School of Music. “We are proud of these magnificent students who have succeeded through their dedication and talent. This is a tremendous achievement for the percussion studio and the entire school.”

Set on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, Fischoff welcomes hundreds of musicians, coaches, jurors and volunteers each year. Entrants this year hailed from 22 states and nearly 20 countries. Even within this concentration of musical talent, Lineage Percussion stood out. “Audience members told us that our performance was something they will ‘not soon forget,’” the members of Lineage wrote in an email following the competition. “We left our mark at Notre Dame this year, presenting a program that was not only diverse and unique, but it was a program that honored the new music of the special composers we have been fortunate to work with these past several months.” Lineage Percussion, formed in 2014, studies under Timothy K. Adams Jr., chair of the School of Music’s percussion area and the Mildred Goodrum Heyward Professor in Music, and Kimberly Toscano Adams, an instructor in the percussion area. Just one year later, they were selected as quarter-finalists in the 2015 Fischoff Competition. “Ms. Toscano and I are very proud of Lineage’s accomplishment of receiving the bronze medal at the Fischoff Competition Wind Division,” said Timothy K. Adams Jr. “They are a creative and expressive group that we would expect to make a real mark on the music world.

“Receiving this award not only makes history for the competition itself, it has introduced this magnificent trio to the world.”

summer 2016 / georgia music news

Dr. Robert Sheldon

• 2016 9-10 District Honor band was conducted by Ms. Barbara Baker of Peachtree City

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• 2016 11-12 District Honor Band was conducted by Dr. Robert Sheldon

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The Scholar Musician Many times the student becomes the teacher, but for University of West Georgia alum Jennifer Slay it was just the opposite.

As a music teacher strives for now ways to connect with her students. UWG’s Master of Music in Music Education degree, available entirely online, provides the perfect opportunity.

“At UWG my professors are willing to foster my passion for music,” she explains. “I want my students to know they are my number one priority as well.”

Jennifer knows that music is a vital part of education, and with her degree, she aspires to reach beyond the basic lesson plans.

“Music and education are not separate and it’s important to give students an opportunity to express themselves creatively,” she says. “My desire is to teach music that is filled with culture and history.”

One student at a time, Jennifer is sharing the gift of music. With her master’s degree she will transform lives. uwgonline.westga.edu

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We bid farewell to the fine music educators retiring this year.

summer 2016 / georgia music news

A YEAR TO RETIRE

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RETIREES

ROBIN L. CHRISTIAN

Robin L. Christian completed his 30th year as the Director of Bands at Ringgold High School, leading the RHS Concert, Marching and Jazz Bands to numerous top honors and superior ratings during his time as director. A comprehensive music program, Ringgold offers two Symphonic Bands, a 175-piece marching band, two jazz ensembles and a percussion ensemble. During Mr. Christian’s time as director, the Band program’s membership at Ringgold has grown from 85 students to more than 200.

Mr. Christian conducted the RHS Band at the Southeastern United States Band Conference at Troy State University, at the Georgia Music Educators/Southern Division MENC Conference and in the Grand Bahama Islands. The Band has also marched in prestigious national parades, including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Chicago (2011) and in the Veterans’ Day Parade in New York City (2006 & 2012).

A 1981 Ringgold High School alumnus, Mr. Christian attended Jacksonville State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education. While attending JSU, Mr. Christian studied saxophone with Dr. Ronald C. Attinger and was a member of the Marching Southerners, the JSU Jazz Ensemble, the Wind Ensemble, the Saxophone Choir and the A Cappella Choir.

In 2003, Mr. Christian was presented a Citation of Excellence by the National Band Association for outstanding contribution to bands and band music. In 2006, he was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu International School Bandmaster Fraternity. He served as the GMEA Instrumental Band Chair for District VII from 2006 – 2008, and as the Georgia Music Educators Association State Band Division Chair from 2011-2014.In 2010, Mr. Christian was named the Catoosa County Schools STAR teacher. This past year he was honored by the Georgia Music Educators Association as Music Educator of the year for the state of Georgia, and the new Performing Arts Theater at Ringgold High School was named in his honor. He also serves as an adjudicator and clinician throughout the southeastern United States. As a performer, Mr. Christian is a member of the Chattanooga Concert Band, the Clock Tower Jazz Ensemble and The Georgians Big Band. He is also a member of several professional music organizations, including the Georgia Music Educators Association, the Music Educators National Conference, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, the Percussive Arts Society and the Jazz Education Network.

Mr. Christian is married to Kim Correll, owner of Mizz Kim’s Creations and a full time Lecturer in Theatre and Speech at Dalton State College They live in Ringgold, where they are members of Woodstation United Methodist Church. Mr. Christian’s daughter, Rachel, is a Social Worker in Athens, GA, and his son Matthew works for Tyler Union in Sales and Marketing.

19 summer 2016 / georgia music news

SHELDON J. FISHER

Sheldon J. Fisher retired at the end of the 2016 school year after a 40 year career spanning two states, with 20 years in Oklahoma and 20 years in Georgia. His first job was in Hinton, Oklahoma, as the band director and teaching eighth grade history, seventh grade mechanical drawing, fourth grade general music, and Junior High Girls PE. While most teachers know him as an orchestra teacher, he taught band in grades 4 – 12 in the first 9 years of his career. He started his first orchestra program at Jenks, Oklahoma in the third year of his career. During his career, his groups have performed six European concert tours, performed at the OMEA In-Service in Oklahoma, three times at the GMEA In-Service in Georgia, two times at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, two times at Carnegie Hall, and numerous music festivals across the United States. He has presented at the OMEA In-Service, GMEA In-Service, ASTA National Convention, ASTA Summer Clinic at The Ohio State University, The Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Alternative Styles Symposium at Boston University and Michigan State University, and hosted the Grande National Strolling Strings event in Oklahoma City in 1994.

Sheldon has served in district positions for OMEA and GMEA as well as on the state boards of OMEA and GMEA. He also served on the National ASTA Committee for Eclectic Style Strings.

Awards include 1992 Teacher of the Year, Central Intermediate School (Putnam City Schools in OK), 1995 Oklahoma Musician of the Year (Oklahoma Federation of Musicians), 1996 Golden Apple Award Winner (Putnam City Schools Foundation), 2004 National Board Certified Teacher, and 2007 GaASTA Teacher of the Year. His Alpharetta HS Symphony Orchestra was awarded the GMEA Exemplary Orchestra Award for the 2015-2016 school year. He is looking forward to spending more time with his wife Susan, son Jeremy, daughter and son-in-law Jenifer and Ben, and two granddaughters, Eleanor and Eloise.

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RETIREES

GLENDA FRANKLIN

Glenda Franklin, a graduate of Brenau University and Piedmont College, has taught Music and Chorus in public and private schools for 41 years. She will retire at the end of the 2015-16 school year from Tallulah Falls School, Inc. She is an accomplished composer with 27 published compositions to her credit. She continues to be a force in shaping the direction of choral music in Northeast Georgia.

21 summer 2016 / georgia music news

BARRY GOLDEN

After 35 years of service, Barry Golden has announced his retirement. On Sunday, May 15, many of his current and former students, band parents, colleagues, administrators, old friends, and family members surprised him with a retirement party. A native of Tallahassee, Florida, he attended Florida State University and Troy State University, earning the B.M.E., M.S., and Ed. S degrees. He has spent his entire career teaching in rural South Georgia. He taught two years at Pelham High School before serving a 19 year tenure at Fitzgerald High School. He has been the Director of Bands at Swainsboro High School since 2002. Over his career, Golden’s bands have consistently earned superior ratings in both marching and concert band. He was selected STAR Teacher twice and, in 2011, the students of Swainsboro High dedicated the yearbook to him. For the past 23 years he has served on the Board of Directors for the Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic at Troy University. He has been active in GMEA throughout his career, serving as an adjudicator and having held the positions of District Chairman and Instrumental Chairman for numerous terms in both districts eight and ten. He is a lifetime member of Kappa Kappa Psi and currently serves as the Vice Present of the ZETA Chapter of Phi Beta Mu. Barry and his wife Toney, who is also a band director, have three children. “I have been blessed with a wonderful family and many wonderful students and friends over the years.

Any success I have enjoyed is due in great part to the many people who have influenced my life. My parents, my wife Toney, my former band directors, Jeff Bradford, Oliver Hobbs, John M. Long, and my old friends, Gene Wyles and Jesse Walker. I have always tried to pay them back by being the best teacher I could be and by trying to be a positive influence on others.”

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RETIREES

DR. STAN PETHEL

Stan Pethel is retiring from full time teaching from Berry College after 43 years of service to that institution. At Berry Dr. Pethel taught music theory, music education, world music, composition, arranging, and low brass applied lessons. Prior to joining the Berry College music faculty he was a middle school band director in Clarke County. A graduate of the University of Georgia and the University of Kentucky he was a student of Ron Evans at South Hall High School. With over 1300 published musical works in print, he plans to remain active as a composer/arranger and performer on piano and trombone. An All Pethel concert was presented at Berry College April 3, featuring music composed by Dr. Pethel

23 summer 2016 / georgia music news

KIMBERLY ROOKER

Kimberly Rooker is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. She attended Lakeside HS and played in the Dekalb Youth Symphony and the Atlanta Youth Symphony Orchestras. She received her degrees in music from Converse College. She has a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance, a Masters in Music History and an Education Specialist Degree in Integrating the Fine Arts in the Curriculum from Lesley University. She has been an orchestra teacher for Gwinnett County Public Schools for 29 years. She was on the inaugural faculty of Richards MS in 1987. In 1996, she became the orchestra director at Snellville MS and, since 2010, she has been an inaugural faculty member at Grace Snell MS in Loganville. Kimberly and her husband, Mark, have lived in Monroe since 2001. They have two children, Marla Rooker of Savannah and Davis Rooker, attending Kennesaw State University. Kimberly plans to continue playing cello professionally and teaching music lessons in Monroe, Georgia.

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RETIREES

LYDIA WILLIAMS

Lydia Raglin Williams serves as the Director of Choral Music at Maynard H. Jackson High School.

She teaches three choruses, piano classes and a music appreciation courses. She also conducts and directs the M.H. Jackson High Show Choir, who most recently put on a production entitled “This is Broadway; A Tribute to Musicals Past and Present”. Her students have won millions of dollars in scholarship money to attend various colleges and universities. Her present and former students fondly call her “Mama Williams”. Ms. Williams received the prestigious 2014- 2015 TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD for Maynard H. Jackson High School. She also was selected as an Atlanta Public Schools Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist and Finalist (Runner-up) for 2014- 2015. Ms. Williams received the STAR TEACHER AWARD in 2011. She received her first TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD at Harper-Archer High School in 1998. She has received the Who’s Who among Americans’ Teachers in both 2000 & 2004. She is an active member of Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) where she has served in many capacities including Solo & Ensemble Adjudicator and organizer of the GMEA 5th District Choral Large Group Performance Evaluation. Her choirs have earned consistent SUPERIOR RATINGS at LGPE and Solo and Ensemble. Ms. Williams serves as a State of Georgia Choral Adjudicator for GMEA. She is the founding director of the M. H. Jackson Show Choir, APS Ethnic Heritage Choir and currently the alto section rehearsal director for the APS Honor Chorus. She is the former Youth Choir Director of the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. She is a member of NAfME , Delta Omicrom Music Fraternity for Women and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Ms. Williams is holds a Bachelor of Music (Concentration in Voice) from Western KY University., a Master of Music-Education from Murray State University (Murray, KY) and an Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership & Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University (Harrogate, TN).

She is the extremely proud mother of a handsome son, Sean C. Williams (Univ. of West GA) and a beautiful daughter, Lauren Z. Williams (Univ. of West GA).

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1939-1950 written by William E. Fry

Marching band festivals are important events for most high school band programs. Since no equivalent of a GMEA marching band LGPE exists, many directors utilize marching band festival ratings as a barometer of the success of their programs and as a motivational tool for students. The marching band festival/competition movement began late 1960s and early 1970s; however, often overlooked is the popular Greater Atlanta Music Festival (GAMF) held at Georgia Tech’s Grant Field from 1939 through 1950. This annual event filled Grant Field each year and produced a great amount of publicity for the participating bands, making it Georgia’s first large-scale marching festival.

1939 GAMF

In the early spring of 1939, the GMEA District V Instrumental Music Festival included the usual large ensemble and related solos and small ensembles; however, in a major departure from established precedent, a new Saturday night marching festival, sponsored by The Atlanta Constitution, was added.

The newspaper’s first announcement of the event occurred as a page one news article on Tuesday, January 24, 1939. In addition to the normal logistical information, the article provided rules for the April 21 Band Contest as articulated by Ben L. Sisk, band director at Commercial High School and chairman of GMEA’s District V band director’s committee, who was engaged as the GAMF coordinator.

The new GAMF represented a huge public relations benefit for the cause of music education in the Atlanta area. Writing in his weekly message in The Atlanta Constitution, Willis A. Sutton, City of Atlanta Schools Superintendent, exclaimed, “the purpose of this great concert is to stimulate the study of music and the harmonious co-operative working together that is required in order to produce a good band.”

In a follow-up article, Clark Howell, editor and publisher of The Atlanta Constitution, announced that the newspaper was sponsoring the marching festival at Georgia Tech’s Grant Field in an effort to “stimulate interest in high school music and activities.”2

To help advertise the event, and to generate exposure for the bands, The Atlanta Constitution wrote long articles about, and attached photos of, each participating band in successive days leading up to the GAMF. Junior division bands included: Joe E. Brown Junior High (Jimmy Rutan); Murphy Junior High (Evelyn Sisk); O’Keefe Junior High (Owen Seitz); Richardson High (Walter Sheets); Commercial High (Ben S. Sisk); Chamblee High and Ella W. Smillie Elementary (Dr. R. C. Edwards at both). Senior division bands included: Tech High (N. R. Beacham); Russell High (Roy Drukenmiller); North Fulton High (W. T. Jackson); Georgia Military Academy (G. M. A., Capt. John T. Lee); Fulton High School (Charles E. Taylor); and Boys’ High School (R. J. Martin).

To assist with the management of the night marching festival, The Atlanta Constitution enlisted over 500 school patrol students to work as ushers while PTA groups joined in publicity efforts.3 Mr. Graham T. Overgard, Director of Bands at Wayne University in Detroit, Michigan, was hired to serve as an adjudicator and guest conductor of the massed band performance.4 After observing each band enter and parade on the field, Overgard selected Boys’ High as winners in the senior band category with a I

summer 2016 / georgia music news

The Greater Atlanta Music Festival

FEATURE ARTICLE

georgia music news / summer 2016

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rating. The Russell High Band finished second with a II rating. Other senior high division ratings were: G. M. A., II; Tech High, III; North Fulton High, III; and Fulton High Band, III.

Henry F. Reid, Jr., drum major of the University of Alabama Band, adjudicated the drum majors and drum majorettes. Russell Ellis of Boys’ High was selected the most outstanding male; Mary Helen Hodges of Russell High won in the female category. In his recap of the GAMF activities and competition, Lamar Q. Ball wrote, “The never-falling Mary Helen Hodges, of Russell High School, twirled a baton with an easy facility that won her first place among the talented young majorettes, in a competition that was baffling.”5

The GAMF closed with Overgard conducting the massed band in a performance of Semper Fidelis and War March of the Tartars. The grand finale included an impressive fireworks display and the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner by a 1,000-voice chorus.6 The inaugural Atlanta Constitution-sponsored GAMF was an overwhelming success for the organizers, music participants and audience of over 25,000 in attendance at Grant Field.

1940 GAMF

The 1939 GAMF occurred under partial sponsorship of the GMEA 5th District Band Division; but, because of size and complexity of the GAMF, The Atlanta Constitution decided that the 1940 GAMF and all future presentations would be stand alone events.

As a result, the 1940 GAMF was held in late spring on Saturday, May 4 at Grant Field and corresponded with the conclusion of National Youth Week. The GAMF was organized to be the largest ever such outdoor music event in the Southeast. Warren T. Jackson, band director at North Fulton High School and chief organizer of the GAMF, hired Mr. Graham T. Overgard again to serve as an adjudicator and guest conductor of the massed band. As was the case in 1939, participating bands received widespread publicity through numerous The Atlanta Constitution articles and individual band features during the month of April. The publicity usually included a band photo, a detailed roster of the band members, and general information concerning the band. Band performances included those from Bass Junior High (A. H. Richardson); Boys’ High (R. T. Martin); Joe Brown Junior High (Jimmy Rutan); Chamblee High (Dr. R. J. Edwards); Commercial High (Ben Logan Sisk); Fulton High (Charles E. Taylor) combined with West Fulton High; North Fulton High (W. T. Jackson and G. J. Geisler); G. M. A. (Capt. John Lee); Murphy Junior High (Evelyn Sisk); O’Keefe Junior High (Owen Seitz); Russell High (Roy Drukenmiller); Tech High (R. K. Hamilton); West End Elementary (Roy Lee); Tucker High (Rudy Westbrook); Smillie Elementary; and, Decatur Boys’ High (E. D. Allain).

Several changes and additions made for the 1940 GAMF produced a more generic music festival rather than just a marching event. Marching band performances were no longer adjudicated on a competition basis, but rather with an exhibition format; however, the male and female drum major competition contest remained. Also, the GAMF included the addition of a

group of over 600 elementary school folk dancers and a massed chorus of over 3,000, a large percentage of whom had started rehearsals organized by Anne Grace O’Callaghan at Russell High as part of the GMEA District V Music Festival held earlier in March. Choral selections included Sweet and Low (Barnaby) and God of Our Fathers (Warren).

Henry Reid from the University of Alabama Band returned again in 1940 to adjudicate the male and female drum majors. The difficult task he faced was described in The Atlanta Constitution: “…folks…sat spell-bound while high-stepping drum majors and higher stepping drum majorettes led prancing bands up and down and back again in whirling convolutions that dazzled the eye. They sat goggle-eyed while these same strutting bandleaders twirled the silver sticks that are the badge of their high calling in a contest the like of which has never been seen here.

Henry Reid called a halt and handed the ’winners’ palms to Miss Johnnie Pair of Russell High, and high-stepping Joe Lee of G. M. A. They deserved to win. They did everything with the silvery baton but tie it in a knot and eat it like a pretzel.”7

A 1,000-piece massed band, comprised of the participating groups, concluded the festival with a performance of God Bless America. An audience of over 30,000 attended the event at Georgia Tech’s Grant Field. W. A. Alexander, Tech’s football coach who was in attendance, commented that the event “was one of the biggest and best behaved crowds we’ve ever had in Grant Field.”

1941 GAMF

The first and second annual GAMFs were huge successes; however, the 1941 version held again at Georgia Tech’s Grant Field on Friday night, May 16 promised to be even bigger. Boy Scouts troops made their first on-field appearance as part of the 1941 GAMF, as did ROTC marching units from North Fulton High, Boys’ High, Tech High, Georgia Military Academy, and Russell High.8 More bands, including the Spalding County High School Band from as far away as Griffin, Georgia, were added to the parade line-up. Folk dancing on the field and an audience participation special effect - the lighting of lanterns with the stadium lights off - were held over from the previous year. Numerous bands and units enjoyed valuable publicity through daily The Atlanta Constitution features in the days leading up to the GAMF. Participating groups included the following: Bass Junior High (Arlie H. Richardson); Joe Brown Junior High (J. S. Rutan); Boys’ High (R. J. Martin); Commercial High (Ben L. Sisk); Decatur Boys’ High (Eldon D. Allain); Fulton High (E. H. Moldenhauer); G. M. A. (Capt. John T. Lee); Murphy Junior High (Evelyn Sisk); North Fulton High (Warren T. Jackson); O’Keefe Junior High (Owen Seitz); Richardson High (Capt. John T. Lee); Russell High (Roy Drukenmiller); Smillie Elementary (Charles Bradley); Hoke Smith Junior High (Lowery Haynie); Tech High (R. K. Hamilton); West Fulton High (J. W. Wiggins); Spalding County High (Charles White); and West End Elementary (Fred Stoughton).

The guest conductor for the 1941 Massed Festival Band was John J. Heney, the Stetson University (Florida) Band Director and a former member of the Sousa Band. Under his baton, over 1,000 massed band members performed There’s Something About a Soldier, Washington Post March, and Stars and Stripes Forever, the last of which was accompanied by fireworks.

Grant Field’s maximum capacity of 30,000 was reached before the start of the GAMF and thousands were turned away, which prompted a page one The Atlanta Constitution apology the next day.9 Winners of the drum major competition were Laura Woodall, Commercial High, and Mildred Carroll, Russell High in the female division, and Joe Lee, G. M. A., and Frank Ward, Boys’ High, in the male division. Marching on the field that night was C. Warren Little, a flute player in Ev-

Since its inception in 1939, the GAMF generally reflected a sense of patriotic flair and pageantry. Events of the previous years were always well attended; but, with America’s entry into World War II just six months earlier, the 4th Annual GAMF at Grant Field drew a record number of over 45,000 spectators. Dorothy Lamour, famed Hollywood actress, who was in Atlanta to help with the Georgia War Savings Bond pledge campaign, was featured on the 1942 GAMF program and utilized her appearance to help sell bonds.

In addition to the normal GAMF line-up of activities and performances, the audience saw a 100-member flag corps, the first such group ever organized in Georgia. The unit was trained by Virginia Page Nutt, nationally noted instructor, from Chicago. Her husband, H. E. Nutt, head of Chicago’s Vandercook School of Music, was originally engaged to be the GAMF guest adjudicator and conductor; but Paul Yoder, the famed band director and arranger also from Chicago, ultimately served in that capacity.

Nineteen bands participated in the event and entered the field in the following order: Bass Junior High; Joe Brown Junior High; Boys’ High; Chamblee High; Canton High; Hoke Smith Junior High; Commercial High; Murphy Junior High; North Fulton High; Decatur Boys’ High; Richardson High; G. M. A.; Smillie/Clark Howell/ Spring Street combined Elementary; Spalding County High; Russell High; West End Elementary School; West Fulton High; and, Tech High.

Each band performed a short individual field presentation and finished with a massed band performance directed by Paul Yoder. The massed band musical selections included: El Capitan March (Sousa), Any Bonds Today (Irving Berlin/arr. Yoder), and the Star-Spangled Banner. The final 30 minutes of the show, including the massed band selections and Dorothy Lamour’s appearance, were broadcast live over numerous radio stations in Georgia and Florida. Winners of the Drum Major competition were Frank Ward, Boys’ High, and Buddy Head, G. M. A; Drum Majorette winners were Laura Woodall, Commercial High, and Ruth Lewis, Russell High.

summer 2016 / georgia music news

1942 GAMF

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elyn Sisk’s Murphy Junior High Band, just back from the National Music Festival in Richmond, Virginia, where he earned the only I-plus rating in the entire flute division.10 Little went on to become internationally known in his long-time role as first flute with the Atlanta Symphony.

FEATURE ARTICLE

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Recapping the events in the Sunday edition of the Atlanta Constitution, Paul Warwick wrote:

“Patriotism was in the air – and in the hearts and minds of all – last night at the spectacular fourth annual Greater Atlanta Music Festival. An exuberant multitude – 45,000 strong – cheered and applauded the whole stupendous show, vast pageantry so well meshed and well oiled that its very harmony was in itself a thing of beauty.”

1947 GAMF

From May 1939 through May 1942, the Atlanta Constitution-sponsored GAMFs were popular showcases that garnered valuable publicity for numerous Atlanta-area bands; however, lack of resources and security concerns brought an end to the event during the World War II years. An attempt was made to resume the GAMF in the spring of 1947, but the festival was postponed because of major renovations to the Georgia Tech field.

1948 GAMF

The GAMF was revived and presented on May 15, 1948 with radio station WCON serving as co-sponsor, along with the traditional sponsor, The Atlanta Constitution. WCON’s “Brother Bill” Hickok offered program preliminaries by singing and playing records, while Bob Jenkins performed selections on the marimba. A Marine Corps Color Guard, along with over 1,300 elementary school students waving flags, stood on the field as Ira Jarrell, superintendent of the City of Atlanta Schools, offered the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

Next, the Roosevelt Band and a 100-member female dance drill team from Fulton High School concluded the program preliminaries with a field performance of synchronized moves and dances to boogie woogie music.

11 Bands paraded individually onto the field for exhibition in the following order: West End Elementary, Fulton High, Russell High, O’Keefe High, Hoke Smith High, Murphy High, Decatur High, G. M. A., Bass High, Joe E. Brown High, Henry Grady High. Afterward, guest conductor Col. Carlton K. Butler, director of the University of Alabama Band, led 35,000 audience members in a group singing of Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Home on the Range, and America.

Next, the Hollywood trio of Mr. and Mrs. Pat O’Brian and Jane Wyatt, in town to visit children’s hospitals, were introduced and offered a few words to the audience. Then, the audience participated again in a special effect by light-

ing matches in a blacked-out stadium. Following that, winners were named from the baton-twirling contest involving about 100 majorettes. First place went to Peggy Heath of O’Keefe High; Loraine Alden, also of O’Keefe High, won second; Carolyn Hammond, from Murphy High, placed third. The GAMF ended with Col. Butler directing the massed band in three selections, the final of which was the Star-Spangled Banner.

1949 GAMF

The 1949 edition of the GAMF was held on Saturday, May 14, with Ben Sisk and Owen Seitz as organizers of the band portion. The popularity and quality of the GAMF had grown over the years, prompting a The Atlanta Constitution writer to state, “The GAMF is a high spot in Atlanta entertainment and an attraction that no one should miss.” The 1949 edition was no different; a capacity crowd filled the stands at Grant Field and watched as the bands performed in exhibition in the following order: West End Elementary, Fulton High, Hoke Smith High, Roosevelt High, Murphy High, O’Keefe High, Grady High, Decatur High, Bass High, G. M. A., Russell High, and Hapeville High.

The festival highlight involved a square dance routine by numerous square dance clubs in the Atlanta area. Ray Smith, a famous “caller” from Dallas, Texas, led the square dance. Approximately 1,800 area students representing 35 City of Atlanta elementary schools, dressed in either red, white, or blue, were also involved in the program by forming a large, human flag. Col. Carlton K. Butler, adjudicator and director of the massed band the year before, returned again in 1949 to adjudicate and led the massed band and audience in a community sing. Massed band selections included: Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean; My Country ‘Tis of Thee; Dixie; and God Bless America.

Drum Majorette competition winners were: Peggy Heath, O’Keefe; Charlotte Bailey, O’Keefe; and, Lorene Mauldin of Campbell High. Graham Jackson, a popular Atlanta-based African-American organist of national renown, provided music prior to the start of the GAMF. Following the event, The Atlanta Constitution’s Celestine Sibley offered favorable comments in a review entitled, Music Festival Delights 35,000 With Its Variety.

The 7th Annual GAMF was held on Satur- 1. Willis A. Sutton, “Superday, May 13. In a major departure from previous intendent’s Message,” years when the event was held at Georgia Tech’s Atlanta Constitution, 16 Grant Field, GAMF organizers sought to better April 1939, p. 7B. accommodate the overflow crowds by producing 2. Clark Howell, ed., “Thirthe event in three separate locations: Grady and teen Bands Will ParticCheney Stadiums for the white students, and Hernipate in Festival Here,” don Stadium for the African-American students, The Atlanta Constitution, who were allowed to participate for the first time.

2 April 1939, p. 13A. 3. _______, “P.T.A. Urged to Back Band Festival,” The Atlanta Constitution, 14 April 1939, p. 3.

4. _______, “Michigan Band Director Will Judge Contest Here,” The Atlanta Constitution, 11 April 1939, p. 1.

5. Lamar Q. Ball, ”Musicians Display Form of Veterans,” Atlanta Constitution, 22 April 1939, p. 1.

6. _______. “Patriotic Fireworks Display Will Climax Band Festival,” Atlanta Constitution, 20 April 1939, p. 1.

7. Harold Martin, “G.M.A., Russell High Winners in Band Contest,” The Atlanta Constitution, 5 May 1940, p. 1.

Frances Wallace provided preliminary mu- 8. Frank Drake, “Festival sic at Grady Stadium, while Bob Barr of Jordan Crowd to See Fulton’s High School in Columbus, Georgia, adjudicated Crack ROTC,” The Atlanthe groups and organized the following into a ta Constitution, 4 May massed band: West Fulton High, O’Keefe High, 1941, p. 6A. Murphy High, Bass High, Grady High and G. M. 9. Clark Howell, ed., “The A. Wannie Heston performed incidental music Constitution Apologizplayed prior to the program at Cheney Stadium; es,” The Atlanta ConstituCapt. John T. Lee of Columbus High in Columbus, tion, 17 May, 1941, p. 1.

Georgia handled the adjudication and massed 10. Frank Drake, “Warren band duties involving the following bands: West Little Wins High Rating End Elementary, Fulton High, Russell High, College at Richmond,” The AtlanPark High, Hapeville High, Roosevelt High, Smith ta Constitution, 13 May, High, and Brown High. Activities at Herndon Sta1941, p. 8. dium began with Graham Jackson’s incidental mu- 11. Ed. “40,000 Thrill to Music. George D. Adams, Director of Band Activities sic at Gay Festival, The at Fort Valley State College, Fort Valley, Georgia, Atlanta Constitution, 14 handled the adjudication and massed band duties May 1950, p. 1 for the following bands: B. T. Washington, Howard, and Ballard-Hudson High of Macon.

A total of over 40,000 spectators attended the GAMF and showed their overwhelming approval. A review in The Atlanta Constitution the next day stated: “It was a wonderful, glorious occasion and the great heart of Atlanta showed its enthusiasm in deafening applause as the events were run off.”11 Since the GAMF was discontinued, these words referred to what ultimately would be the last of The Atlanta Constitution-sponsored festivals.

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References

summer 2016 / georgia music news

1950 GAMF

Makes better musicians.

Available for concert band, string orchestra, and guitar.

Available on eBooks for iPads®, Chromebooks, PCs, and Macs®.

about the author

William E. Fry William E. Fry retired as a band and orchestra director in 2011 after 36 years of teaching.

Currently, he is the artistic director of the Columbus Community Orchestra.

Learn more at alfred.com/SIeBooks.

georgia music news / summer 2016

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Study

Abroad Aarhus, Denmark Music in the Brain written by Megan Kendall

On March 9th, a group of music education and neuroscience graduate students, led by Dr. Martin Norgaard, Assistant Professor of music education at Georgia State University, departed for Aarhus, Denmark. The goal of this study abroad tour was to explore the Danish culture while also visiting the Center for Music in the Brain (MIB). This center is one of the main locations for music and neuroscience research. We had the distinct pleasure of hearing the doctoral candidates present their current research projects, sharing our graduate research with them, and embracing the cultural features of Denmark.

First Impressions

Whenever I travel, I always try to be a sponge, soaking up every detail about culture and lifestyle that I can. Our spring break study abroad tour to Aarhus, Denmark was no different. During the first few hours in Aarhus, I was taking in so many details as I was adjusting to currency and language barriers while viewing the sights, smells, and sounds. I was reminded about European preferences for walking, bikes, and public transportation over personal cars and the abundance of locally owned restaurants over chain restaurants. When we walked into our hotel room, I recalled that Europeans do things efficiently- everything you need, but within less space. Our first meal in Denmark was probably my favorite. I ate a traditional Danish dish called “biksemad,� which is a pork hash with a fried egg on top- yum!

Day one was short-lived after dinner, but I had a satisfying first impression of Denmark.

Aarhus Center for Music in the Brain

On our second day, we began our academic purpose by meeting our host students at the Center for Music in the Brain. I was interested to learn that the students come to MIB from all over Europe, representing Italy, Portugal, Norway, Scotland, and England, just to name a few. I am always impressed when I meet people who can speak multiple languages. In this instance, the common language was English, but students also know their home language and are attempting to learn Danish.

We took a tour of the center, familiarizing ourselves with the facility and equipment that is available to these students. They have the capability to do research using EEG, fMRI, and, most impressively, MEG machines, which take measurements of nearly all brain activity within a much shorter time span than an fMRI

Over the weekend, we had the opportunity to visit a few monumental places in Aarhus. We visited one of the oldest churches in Denmark, where we were able to see a Viking representation of the crucifix. We also visited the restored old town Aarhus, full of historical artifacts, and the botanical gardens. We visited the Aros Art Museum, and the Moesgard Museum of Natural History. Moesgard is an old museum which has just transferred to a new facility. This museum is full of interesting exhibits about the Vikings and other past Danish inhabitants. One particularly interesting exhibit had the body of a man who was sacrificed, but preserved in a bog. After we finished our tours of the museums, we took a two mile trek to see the beautiful coastline. Our excursions were a great way for us to become familiar with some of the history, culture, and natural beauty of Denmark.

One of our group goals was to attend a musical concert. One evening after dinner, we enjoyed listening to a high school rock/pop

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band perform. The ensemble consisted of a keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, drummer, trumpeter, saxophonist and vocalist. This group of teenagers was incredibly talented. We learned that they wrote all of their own songs, which were creative and musically intricate.

This led me to question the nature of music education in Denmark. Interestingly enough, I learned that many students may not have a music class during the school day. They will stay after school for organized ensemble instruction or private lessons. The band’s music was very entertaining and I enjoyed listening to the Danish lyrics.

summer 2016 / georgia music news

or EEG, yielding more accurate data. We were instructed on how these machines function and how the center uses them for research.

During lunch, we mingled with our hosts, and conversation ended up being informational. Topics included the MIB center and the surrounding university at Aarhus. It was also enlightening to hear students talk about Demark in regard to culture, standard of living, and lifestyle. Later that day, we listened to MIB students as they gave presentations on their current research topics, which included the value of “el Sistema” approaches to music education, how and why music ‘moves’ us emotionally, and how rhythm studies may inform our knowledge of interpersonal relationships.

Sights of Aarhus, Denmark

The Royal Academy of Music

Monday might have been my favorite day because we were able to visit the Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus (RAMA). This music school is unique as most of the students are jazz and pop musicians. The classical music school is located in Copenhagen, although there are some classically trained musicians at the RAMA. We learned about the self-directed educational paths that students can take and the responsibilities that they have to ful-

Students from GSU and the Center for Music in the Brain watching a presentation by MIB visiting student, Leonardo Bonetti.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

fill their degree requirements. There is certainly a difference between the structure of their music school program and our music schools in the United States. For example, students may be admitted to the school even if they cannot read notated music. It is expected that they learn to read music before they graduate, but it is not an initial requirement for admission. Students have more freedom in the elective classes they take and can shape their own degree.

GSU students joined students at the Royal Academy of music during a class on drumming and dancing.

We had the privilege to sit in on a Singing, Dancing, Playing (SDP) class. This class is very collaborative and active, with a student-centered approach to teaching music.

It is rooted in musical techniques from western Africa and was centered around rhythm performed with body percussion and on non-pitch percussion instruments. We were invited to play with them, which was quite fun and allowed me to brainstorm ways in which I could use this approach with my students in my orchestra classroom. The complex meter and rhythm combinations were challenging, but the class was more about feeling the music in your body and creating a musically creative arena than trying to methodically count and break down the rhythms. A student was leading the class in the percussion activity, assessing the success of the other students and modifying or accelerating the tasks as needed. The room was constantly full of music and movement.

Final Day

at

State’s own Dr. Martin Norgaard presented his research on jazz musicians, focusing on the decision making process in the moment of improvisation. The director of the MIB center, Dr. Peter Vuust, presented some of his recent research on predictive coding. Dr. Elvira Brattico gave information on her studies

MIB

Our last day in Aarhus was spent back at MIB. We heard many more presentations regarding their current research topics as well as past research findings. Leonardo Bonetti presented on his psychologically grounded approach to composing for and performing classical guitar. I was so impressed with his musical talent when I heard him perform a few of the etudes from his method book. Georgia

GSU students and faculty member, Martin Norgaard, at the roof of the Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus with the new ARoS museum of art in the background.

Arhus, Denmark has a welcoming environment and warm culture. I enjoyed learning my way around the city and discovering its history while also visiting sites that support my current graduate studies. I am thankful that I made connections with many professionals in the neuroscience and music fields because it has broadened my professional circle. I am always so humbled by my traveling experiences and am glad that I have these memories. I would love to go back to Denmark, whether for personal travel or for educational purposes. The cultural experiences were as rewarding as the moments spent collaborating with other professionals.

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I was fortunate to present one of my current master’s papers on characteristics and strategies of effective string teachers. I think my topic and presentation were well received because they have direct applications for teachers and students in the classroom. I enjoyed drawing connections between the research taking place at MIB and the implications it could have for our music education classrooms. What would results from these research projects mean for music education?

How could this research benefit our students?

I loved being in the space where meaningful research for our field is being done and sharing company with the people who are putting these hypotheses to the test.

Final Thoughts

summer 2016 / georgia music news

on neuroaesthetics and her current research goals for why music is a natural and common human trait.

about the author

Megan Kendall

Megan Kendall has taught orchestra in Gwinnett County for three years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Georgia College and State University in 2012. She is currently pursuing her Master of Music Education degree at Georgia State University. Megan is a graduate assistant for the Johnny Mercer Foundation through GSU. Megan currently teaches orchestra at Brookwood High School and Collins Hill High School.

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Mr. Heiberger is currently in his tenth year as the Director of Bands at Lovinggood Middle School in Cobb County, Georgia (est. 2006). Mr. Heiberger’s bands at Lovinggood have consistently received superior ratings at all levels and have been invited to perform at The University of Georgia Midfest Middle School Band Clinic (2010, 2014), The Auburn University Middle School Band Clinic (2012), The CBDNA/NBA Southern Division Conference (2016) and the Music For All Southeastern Regional Concert Band Festival (2016). The Lovinggood Band is a recipient for the 2013 GMEA Exemplary Performance Award. Mr. Heiberger’s degrees include a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Southern Mississippi as well as a Masters and Specialist Degree from Auburn University. While at the University of Southern Mississippi, he was a member of the Finale Saxophone Quartet, which was named National Champions of the Music Teacher’s National Association Chamber Music Competition (1993), as well as national finalist in the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition (1993). Mr. Heiberger is a five-time recipient of the National Band Association Citation of Excellence and is listed in the December 2015 issue of SB&O Magazine as one of the “50 Directors Who Make A Difference”. Mr. Heiberger has served in the capacity of clinician and guest conductor on the campuses of Kennesaw State University and Auburn University as well as with middle school bands across Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas. Mr. Heiberger’s professional affiliations include the Georgia Music Educators Association, the MENC, NAfME, and the National Band Association. Mr. Heiberger resides in Marietta, Georgia with his wife, Renee and daughter, Emily.

Joseph Heiberger

1. Please tell us a bit about your musical background and teaching experience.

The first conscious memory I have about being drawn to music was when I was in 7th grade. Music had always been a part of my family as my mom played piano, however for some reason I never had a curiosity about it.That all changed in 7th grade when I heard a man at church play the saxophone. That was it! I knew I had to learn how to do that. I joined the junior high band the next year in 8th grade (later that most). I didn’t have a particularly great band experience, and in fact almost quit. It wasn’t until the last day of 8th grade that I decided to audition for the high school band. So glad I did! It scares me to think what would have happened had I not changed my mind on the last day of school. Of course from there I had a GREAT high school band experience full of so many wonderful experiences and memories. I began playing in church and through encouragement from my band director, I eventually auditioned and made principal chair saxophone in the St. Louis All Suburban Band for three straight years. I learned so much about music, life, jazz and improvisation that it helped to cultivate a lifelong passion for music within me.

Although I had a passion for music, I was still undecided once I began college, however I changed my major to music education after one year of being undecided. Once I decided to change my major I transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi and began my music studies. While at USM, I was saxophone section leader, band Vice President, member of the Marching, concert and jazz bands, and was a member of the Finale Saxophone Quartet which was named National Champions of the MTNA Chamber Music Competition as well as National Finalist in the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. It was during this time I also began a semi professional playing career in Mississippi coastal casinos and locations in nearby New Orleans, LA. Upon graduation, my first job was in the Gulfport School District (Gulfport MS) where I taught for 5 years and continued playing in

casinos. After 5 years, I moved to Texas where I taught junior high band for 1 year in the Marcus cluster and 6 years in the LD Bell Cluster. I continued to play somewhat professionally in the DFW area as well as contribute to my local church music ministry. While in the DFW area, I began a private saxophone studio as well as doing recording sessions for Christian Music Arranger/Producer, J. Daniel Smith. In 2006 I moved to Cobb County, GA to start the band program here at Lovinggood MS where I currently teach.

Through this journey thus far, I have been fortunate to culminate over 24 years of semi professional playing/recording experience as well as 22 years of teaching in musically rich districts in three different states. Since moving to Georgia I have continued to maintain a private saxophone studio, begun arranging for horn lines, perform recording sessions as well as support my local church music ministry.

2. What first drew you to music education?

I always loved music since being introduced to it, but it wasn’t until college that I decided to be a teacher. After spending a year studying computer programming, I decided I needed to share the passion of music that was instilled in me by my high school band director. It was at this time I decided to change my area of study to music education. I had to share this passion with others.

3. Who has been the biggest influence on your teaching career? What lessons did that person teach you?

There are so many people who are responsible for helping me along this journey - college professors, band directors and principals who took a chance on hiring me, as well as fellow colleagues who inspired me and taught me so many wonderful teaching methods. However, the biggest influence has been Don Kinnison, my high school band director. He ignited a passion for music within me and opened my eyes to so many possibilities for my future.

4. What have been the biggest changes to music education in the course of your career?

In my 22 years of teaching I have observed several changes in the music education field - both positive and negative. Students are increasingly open to many more wonderful opportunities and experiences than when I first began teaching. There has been (At least in the places I have taught) an awakening to the importance of music education in the overall development of the student, resulting in better funding and staffing in order to provide the indepth instruction and enrichment that students need and deserve. Sadly, there seems to be a trend in education in general, regarding testing and incorporating standardized tests into music classes. Although I am a proponent of accountability, I do believe that as we incorporate standardized tests into music classes, we must be careful and ensure that the tests are valid and that they are a true measure of what kids are learning and what gaps their may be in their learning.

5. How has your teaching philosophy evolved throughout your career?

My philosophy has generally remained the same during my career. I believe that each student has right to the life enriching activity of music and that if they believe that the teacher cares about them as a person, then the teacher can inspire them to reach new levels of success well beyond their expectations. In short - “They don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” I also believe that we as educators have to be careful that the product does not become more important that the person. It is so easy to strive for excellence in performance that we sometimes sacrifice the people whom we have been given the great responsibility of teaching.

This is a tough question. There are so many influential composers and works out there that it is impossible for me to warrant one being of vital importance in itself. Rather, I think it is essential that we provide a healthy “diet” of various styles, genres and composers to our students to where they have an exposure to a wide array of music. Don’t get hung up on the atypical middle school band pieces alone, rather find a great arrangement of a masterwork to perform at a spring concert. Make sure students are exposed to the beauty to Bach and the genius of Mozart, but also the contemporary works and composers.

9. What advice would you offer teachers beginning careers in music education?

I often tell student teachers who work with us and are about to step into the profession a few simple points: (1) Learn your craft It is crucial to know instrumental pedagogy and to fill in any gaps that one may have, whether it is bassoon fingerings or tonal studies that best serve brass players. Ask your peers or those whom you admire, practice on the instruments that you feel the weakest on. (2) Be organized - fail to plan, plan to fail. Kids know when you are flying by the seat of your pants. This is what causes many discipline problems in class. It is essential that one is organized regarding about all aspects of the program from lesson plans to recruiting. (3) Have fun! - You chose this profession for a reason - so share that passion with everything you have! Music is to be enjoyed - it is entertainment! There is nothing more satisfying professionally than seeing the spark ignite in a young person.

10. What still inspires you about teaching?

What inspires me is the work of my friends and colleagues. We have so many wonderful teachers in our profession that when I hear the work of their students at concerts and festivals, I am blown a way at the level of achievement that they inspire their kids to achieve. This inspires me to push even more so to help lead my students to new levels of success.

6. What has been the proudest moment of your teaching career?

In my 22 years of teaching I have been fortunate to have moments when the spotlight briefly shines on our program. Several of these moments come to mind, most recently having the honor of performing for the CBDNA/NBA conference and being recognized

by SB&O Magazine. These are moments that are special, however, the moments that are constantly in my mind are the everyday moments of seeing kids excited to learn how to play music. Seeing the passion in many of them is why I decided to be a teacher. I know that most will never consider a profession in music, but to see the passion in them everyday to make music brings ultimate professional fulfillment.

7. What wisdom/experience/skills do you hope students gain from their time in your program?

We often discuss to our students that when middle school band is long gone in the rear view mirror of their life journey, that we hope they continue an interest and passion for music in their lives.

We hope that in everything that they do, the lessons of hard work, discipline, excellence and commitment drive them throughout whatever pursuit their passions lead them into. This is the recipe for success and personal fulfillment.

Know an experienced teacher that should be featured in a future article of The Veteran 10? Send an email to the GMN Editor, Victoria Enloe: victoria_enloe@gwinnett.k12.ga.us

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8. Is there a particular musical work or composer to which you feel all students should be exposed?

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Beyond all the pedagogy and musical elements, he taught me that excellence has a price. That no matter what one does, one must do to the absolute best of their ability. To always strive for excellence and be willing to pay the price that it cost to not be ordinary. These lessons have been transferable to not only my teaching profession, but most importantly - life. Find what you are passionate about, pursue it with all vigor, and be willing to do whatever work it takes to be successful.

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Department of Music

School of the Arts

Bachelor of Music

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• Music Education

Monday, February 20, 2017

• Performance - opt. Piano Pedagogy Emphasis

Destination: Music *also by appointment

- opt. Jazz Studies Emphasis • Composition

Initial Certification

(678) 839-6516

Master of Music

music@westga.edu

• Music Education - 100% online!

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westga.edu/music

Minor in Music

Music College of Arts and Humanities An Accredited Institutional Member of the National Association of Schools of Music

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