I believe that fine arts teachers help students become successful. Many students feel very comfortable in our presence. They feel encouraged. The students we teach want to get better, want to be motivated, and want to be successful. Even students with lesser talent can feel successful in our classrooms. We need to be enthusiastic, encouraging, patient, and motivating. We are often the reason some students come to school and stay in school. Why did I become a teacher? I had a passion for helping students, I love bringing families and communities together through music, I love the competition, and I love knowing that I have made a difference in others’ lives. As author and management expert Ken Blanchard said, “There is a difference between interest and commitment. When you are interested in something you do it only when it is convenient. When you are committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.” 2013 Clinic/Convention Update It might seem like our convention is in the distant future, but just like everything
else in our year, it will be here before you know it! As of October 2 you can make a convention housing reservation from www.tmea.org/convention. Take time to look through the hotel choices to decide which properties you might select when you make a reservation. Some hotels sell out so quickly that you should have multiple options in mind. As most of you did last year, take a moment to preregister online. It’s the fastest, simplest way to complete your convention registration! Go to www.tmea.org/convention for registration information and much more. 'XDO &HUWLÀFDWLRQ Remember that orchestra students may also audition in band or choir, but once a student is notified of placement in either the All-State Jazz Ensemble or AllState Orchestra (strings), he or she may not advance to Area in another All-State group. Specialty Instruments For the 2013 All-State orchestras, the specialty instrument is contrabassoon. Specialty instrument recordings and entry forms must be postmarked
by December 15 and sent to the TMEA headquarters. Download the application from the Orchestra All-State Audition Material page (at the bottom). All-State Repertoire The program for the Symphony Orchestra is Mahler’s Symphony No. 1. The Philharmonic will perform Blow It Up, Start Again, Newman (visit Jonathan Newman’s website to listen to this selection), Elegy To the Memory of My Friend, Serge Koussevitzky, Hanson, and On the Waterfront, Symphonic Suite from the Film, Bernstein. The String Orchestra will perform Adagio for Strings, Barber, Divertimento, Bartok, and Sinfonia no. VII in D, Mendelssohn. All-State Conductors This year, I am so excited to be working with Gary Lewis (Symphony Orchestra), Allen Tinkham (Philharmonic Orchestra), and Tanya Simons Ratner (String Orchestra). I am certain our All-State students will enjoy this year’s preparation for the All-State concerts under these fine conductors’ tutelage.
2013 TMEA Clinic/Convention February 13–16 San Antonio OUR CLINIC/CONVENTION IS FOR ORCHESTRA DIRECTORS! Over 30 clinics on the latest instructional tools and materials for orchestra directors Open All-State orchestra rehearsals Honor Orchestra and All-State concerts University orchestra performances The latest teaching supplies & more Over 800 orchestra teachers attend
www.tmea.org/convention Southwestern Musician | October 2012 35