TODATimes 2018 Pre-Convention

A Publication of the Texas Orchestra Directors Association

Volume 1, Issue 1

•

April 2018

ANNOUNCING HEADLINERS for the

57th Annual TODA Convention and New Music Reading Sessions

DR. ANDREW DABCZYNSKI

DR. CHRISTOPHER SELBY

GARY LEWIS

Brigham Young University

Conductor, Clinician, Speaker, Author

University of Colorado - Boulder

July 26-28, 2018 Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, Texas

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A Publication of the Texas Orchestra Directors Association Volume 1, Issue 1 • April 2018

Table of Contents President's Letter............................................................................. 2-3 Greetings from Christina Bires TODA 2017-18 Officers.......................................................................3 Get In Shape for July Convention........................................................4

by Sharon Lutz, Executive Director TODA Thanks Its Sponsors and Advertisers..........................................4

S- pecial P re convention I ssue 2018 TODA Convention and New Music Reading Sessions

July 26-28 Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, Texas

2018 Texas Orchestra Director of the Year..........................................5 Past Orchestra Directors of the Year....................................................6 TODA Composition Contest Winners...................................................6 2018 TODA Scholarship Recipients................................................. 6-7 2018 Scholarship Committee...............................................................7 TODA Past Presidents..................................................................... 8-9 A Spotlight on the TODA Convention Headliners.........................10-11 TODA Convention Schedule.........................................................12-13 Highlights of the 2018 Convention....................................................14 2018 Conductors & Clinicians ...................................................15-20 In Memoriam...................................................................................20 Thank You Exhibitors.......................................................................21 TODA Membership and Convention Registration Form.....................22 TODA 2017 Year-end Financial Report............................................23 Member-At-Large Nomination Form.................................................24 Official Hotel List and Map......................................................... Inside back cover

Texas Orchestra Directors Association 7900 Centre Park Drive, Suite A • Austin, Texas 78754 • 512-474-2801

www.TODAweb.org Sharon Lutz, Executive Director Beverly Schlegel, Editor Mary Byrd, Layout and Design

2018 Texas Orchestra Directors Association No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the Executive Director.

Pre-register On-line or Use the Form on Page 22.

Active member: Pre-registration fee: $100 On-site registration fee: $125 Retired member: Pre-registration fee: $25 On-site registration fee: $25 Student member: Pre-registration fee: $20 On-site registration fee: $20

On-Site Convention Registration

Thursday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Friday 7:30 am – 5:00 pm Saturday 7:30 am – 10:00 am

TODA Membership Year

is January 1 - December 31.

Renew your membership or join TODA now at www.todaweb.org or call 512-474-2801.

Housing

Make housing reservations by June 22 for contract rates. The list of hotels is on the inside back cover.

President's Letter

Greetings from Christina Bires, T ODA President Convention 2018 is around the corner! I hope to see all of you at our convention kick-off, the TODA Aloha Welcome, on Thursday, July 26 at 6:30 pm at the La Quinta Riverwalk.

We have a great convention planned for you.

First, we are excited to report that there will be no bulky convention magazine to carry around in San Antonio. With this issue, you are receiving the first-ever #TODATimes, a special pre-convention magazine full of convention highlights, a tentative schedule, a listing of headliners and clinicians, and much more! This issue should help in your convention planning months before arriving in San Antonio. Please peruse #TODATimes and pass it on to a colleague not yet a member of TODA, and encourage them to join! You might want to mention the New Teacher Academy held on Thursday at convention. This all-day workshop is a valuable tool for new directors or those wanting to brush up on their skills to acclimate to the classroom and become a better teacher. And a first-year teacher receives a 50% discount on the convention fee. What a deal.

If you haven’t done so, now is the time to go to the website and complete membership and convention registration, and book your hotel to receive contract rates (forms are included if you prefer this method).

On to convention highlights! We have fantastic headliners this year. Dr. Andrew Dabczynski, Emeritus Professor of Music Education at Brigham Young University, will offer three clinics you won’t want to miss, including “The Big Picture: Deeper Learning and

Interdisciplinary Connections in the Orchestra Class”; Mr. Gary Lewis, Director of Orchestras in the College of Music at the University of Colorado-Boulder, will present several valuable clinics addressing High School Conducting, Middle School Conducting, and Score Study. Our last headliner, Dr. Christopher Selby, clinician, speaker, adjudicator, and conductor, and author of “Habits of a Successful Orchestra Director,” will present four clinics including “Habits of a Successful Orchestra—Fine-Tuning Your String Ensemble.” What a line-up!

As mentioned, we have more clinicians this year than ever before, translating to two and a half fun-filled days of learning and networking, leaving you energized for the upcoming school year. Debbie Lyle, Executive Director of FASE, will present three clinics on the Bornoff Approach. Kevin Black and Bryan Buffaloe will team up to present “Heads are from Mars, Assistants are from Venus: Building and Managing a Successful Work Partnership.”

Sam Flippin, Orchestra Director at Braswell HS in Denton and Adjunct Instructor at TWU, will present “Striking the Balance: Establishing Balance in Set-up for First-Year Cello Players.”

We have so much talent among us, and we are grateful for our many clinicians sharing their expertise with us this year. So please read your pre-convention issue, and come prepared to learn, network, and have fun in San Antonio.

Other Big News! We are returning to a former location for this year’s TODA BBQ & Silent Auction. Remember the old La Villita?

It has finally reopened for business, so it will be exciting to return to this venue for our BBQ and Silent Auction on Friday, July 27. Also this year, there will be no Composition Contest, but rest assured, the Composition Contest will resume in 2019. We are skipping this year to perform a detailed evaluation of the process, improving 2

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and streamlining along the way.

Also this year, there will be no High School Student Leadership Day during convention.

One last request. Don’t forget to thank our sponsors, advertisers and exhibitors when you are in San Antonio. Without their support, our convention would not be possible. Please visit the Exhibit Hall for great products and educational tools, to improve your classroom experience!

Have a great rest of the year, and see you in July.

Texas Orchestra Directors Association 2017-18 Officers Christina Bires President South Houston HS 3820 Shaver Street South Houston, TX 77587 Cannbires@gmail.com

Lamar Smith Past President McMillan Junior HS 1050 Park Lane Wylie, TX 75098 Lamar.smith@todaweb.org

Christina Bires

Lamar Smith

Sixto Elizondo IV Vice President/Treasurer Ronald Reagan HS 19000 Ronald Reagan San Antonio, TX 78258 Sixto.elizondo@todaweb.org

Danielle A. Prontka Secretary Memorial HS 935 Echo Lane Houston, TX 77024 Danielle.prontka@todaweb.org

Sixto Elizondo IV

Danielle A. Prontka

Sarah Lopes Member-at-Large 12322 W. Elizabeth Shore Loop Cypress, Texas 77433 sarahlopes@att.net

Sharon Lutz Ex Officio Member TODA Executive Director 7900 Centre Park Dr., Suite A Austin, TX 78754 Sharon.lutz@todaweb.org

Sarah Lopes

Sharon Lutz

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Get in Shape for July Convention!

by Sharon Lutz, Executive Director We are excited to offer our members the first-ever issue of #TODATimes, bringing you convention news a few months prior to reaching San Antonio (I am guessing most of you will not miss the bulky convention program you have been carrying around for years). Also in this issue, for the first time, is a TODA 2017 Year End Financial Report, detailing a Scholarship Report, Balance Sheet, and Revenue & Expenditures. On-site, upon arrival in San Antonio, members will receive a handy, lightweight 6” x 9” guide containing the “essentials” of convention, and, of course, the Guidebook app can be downloaded on-site to access the full schedule. Let us know if you have suggestions on these two publications.

I want to give you a heads-up about this year’s convention, and this is important as you pack your suitcase: members will be doing some major walking! The Henry B. Gonzalez Center now attracts a record number of events, and bookings this July include events held simultaneously with our convention. Therefore, our 2018 convention (this year only) will be on the River Level, Rooms 006, 007, and 008. Bring your fitness tracker, favorite water bottle, and walking shoes! And as always, members needing scooters can rent from Tom’s Wheelchairs in advance.

Christina mentioned several changes taking place this year. We will not hold a High School Student Leadership Day, and our BBQ and Silent Auction is returning to the reopened La Villita. Please tell a colleague about the TODA Convention, and all that it offers to help orchestra directors become better teachers and prepare for the school year. Our New Teacher Academy is a great way to jumpstart a new director’s career, and first-year teachers receive a 50% discount on convention. Last but not least, TODA always needs volunteers! If you have an interest, access the Volunteer Form on the TODA website.

Your TODA Board has planned a fantastic event for you this year, and we look forward to seeing you in beautiful San Antonio.

Support #TODATimes and the Convention with Ads and Sponsorships Our annual convention and publications depend on your support!

Please consider partnering with TODA to reach more orchestra directors.

Place an ad in #TODATimes (discount for new advertisers), or in the TODA Convention Guide, or consider a Sponsorship at convention.

Contact Sharon Lutz for more information!

A special Thanks to QuaverMusic.com, for being our first advertiser in this new issue of #TODATimes.

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2018 Texas Orchestra Director of the Year

Amanda (Mandy) Musser

At Mandy’s request, we are dedicating her recognition as our 2018 ODY recipient to Jennifer Lemin, a student teacher with Mandy in Arlington ISD. Jennifer considered Mandy her close friend and mentor and organized Mandy’s nomination for the ODY Award. Mandy refers to Jennifer as “my sweet baby girl, my friend and colleague. We loved each other fiercely.”

Sadly, Jennifer passed away from breast cancer March 28, 2017 at age 35. to Mandy’s influence. Mandy taught Ashley and four of her siblings, and Ashley credits her for “sparking my love for orchestra”, and “being a major influence far beyond my junior high days in the classroom.” She calls Mandy “a life-long learner and music educator.” One of Mandy’s students at TCU, Katie Richardson, expounds on Mandy’s contributions to string education.

“She takes what could be a monotonous and difficult string techniques class to one where the students are smiling in class, excited to try new things, and ready to accomplish new skills on their instruments.” Mandy met Michael Stringer, colleague and fine arts coordinator for Arlington ISD, when he was a college dorm counselor for UTA Summer Strings, where Mandy taught for 30 years. Michael states that watching Mandy teach was like watching a “fish in water, so masterful in every word and comment given to her students, inspiring me to learn more so I could be that inspirational to my own students.”

Mandy is consistently described as an orchestra director with “a big heart, giving, inspiring and humble, with a great sense of humor, willing to share her knowledge with anyone.” Unanimously, from former students, current students, and colleagues, Mandy sets the bar high for herself as well as all of her students. She is in every sense of the word a true master teacher, a music educator who has made, and continues to make, significant contributions to many, many lives. The orchestral profession would not be the same without her. We agree that there is no educator more deserving of this honor than Mandy Musser. TODA proudly welcomes her into the ODY Family!

After retiring from the Arlington ISD in 2009 after 34 years, Mandy continued her contributions as an orchestra director. She is undoubtedly one of the busiest people post-retirement! At Hill Elementary and Bailey Junior High, Mandy inspired many fellow teachers and countless students throughout her career. Her honors and awards include being named the 1995 TMEA Honor Orchestra; an invitation for her orchestra to perform in Washington, D.C. in 1997; Outstanding Orchestra recognition and Best-in-Class at numerous festivals; and UIL Sweepstakes for over 30 years. Mandy received her BME degree at Texas Christian University, and returned to her alma mater after retirement as an Instructor in String Music Education, supervising student teachers and teaching string techniques to non-string music majors. She is also the Director of the Junior Symphony Orchestra of the Youth Orchestra of Greater Fort Worth, and a part-time mentor for orchestra teachers in Arlington ISD. Mandy is an active adjudicator and clinician throughout the state, and a member of TMEA, TODA, TMAA and Mu Omicron.

Mandy states that all she ever wanted to be was a teacher, and her many letters of reference reflect this fact over and over. Emily De La Torre, a student teacher with Mandy in her last year at Bailey Junior High, calls Mandy a “true mentor, inspiring, personable, funny and passionate.

On some of my toughest days as an orchestra director, I think back to her words, still inspiring after seven years. Mandy is a rare and true gift to the profession.” Ashley Johnson, a former Bailey JH orchestra student, was inspired to pursue a career as a middle school orchestra director due 5

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Past Orchestra Directors of the Year 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991

A Clyde Roller George Webber George Robinson Harry Lantz Weldon Wendland Abraham Chavez, Jr. Bill Porter LaFalco Robinson J R McEntyre Barbara Eads Carold Nunez Betty Roller Joe Frank

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Jay Dunnahoo Jackie Pride William Dick Ann Roberts Jerome Brillhart Ida Steadman David W Sloan Kathy Fishburn Ron Wells Pat Jones Donna Rogers Milan Svambera Dottie Wells

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Karan Pitts Royce B Coatney Kay Miller James Kidwell Ruth Kurtis Boyce Wyrick Karen Walker McAffee Michael Alexander Sue Ewing Linda Huff Keefer Deborah Kidwell Jan Garverick Diana Gilliland

TODA Composition Contest Winners YEAR SO/FO TITLE/COMPOSER

1993 SO Vistas de Mexico/Kenneth Keuning 1994 FO Spiritual & Hallelujah/LaFalco (Corkey) Robinson 1995 SO Geometric Dances/Richard Meyer 1996 FO Flight of Icarus/Carl Seale 1997 SO Drifen/Shirl Jae Atwell 1998 SO Dorian Dance/Joseph Phillips 1999 FO Tejas/Carold Nunez and

Hunter’s Song & Jig/M.L. Daniels 2000 SO Prelude/Mary Alice Rich-Wittrig 2001 FO Overture/Mary Alice Rich-Wittrig 2002 SO Jamboree for String Orch/Alexander Safford 2003 SO Festive Fiddle Dance/Lorely Zgonc 2004 FO Lydian Sunrise/Bjorn Berkhout

YEAR 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

SO/FO SO SO FO SO SO FO SO SO FO SO SO FO SO

TITLE/COMPOSER The Boisterous Flight/Joshua Reznicow Tango D’Amour/Susan H. Day Contending/M.L Daniels Snake River Stomp/Steve Lavin Sacagawen/Dr. Brent Smith The City of Mantua/Joseph R. Kaz Tango Mysterioso/Susan H. Day Fortunatus/Bob Mathews, Jr. Full Circle/Mary Alice Rich-Wittrig Spy Games/Brent Smith Moonlight on a Stormy Night/ML Daniels Transcending/Larry Clark Flight/Aaron Gomez

Congratulations to all of our Composition Contest Winners!

We look forward to resuming the Contest in 2019. Thanks for your support!

2018 TODA Scholarship Recipients 2018 Barbara Eads Scholarship Recipient: Matthew D. Moore A 2018 graduate of Harlingen High School South, Matthew excelled academically as well as musically in ways that defy even his own expectations. He readily credits his amazing music teachers in helping him find his purpose in music, and he wants to become a music educator in order to influence future generations. Matthew began playing violin in sixth grade and also enjoys piano. In addition to holding officer positions in high school, he was recognized as a National Hispanic Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, and competed at the national level for FBLA (Database Design and Application). He participated in the Region 28 All-Region Orchestra for four years and performed as concert master his senior year, in addition to competing at UIL Solo State and Ensemble. He was also Orchestra President and Head Librarian, leading the first violin section of Cano Varsity Orchestra. Matthew considers music his passion, and plans to continue his education at Texas State University. He would like to earn a MM degree in conducting or string performance, and hopes to become a head orchestra director.

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2018 TODA Scholarship Recipients 2018 Memorial Scholarship Recipients: Westin Fenton A graduate of MacArthur High School, Westin is described as a “natural talent, a very talented violist, easily grasping musical concepts.” Ranked in the top 5% of his class, Westin believes in doing what he loves, and his references agree that he has the capability to inspire and awaken the passion of music in others. He is the recipient of numerous music awards, including selection into Region 12 Orchestras for six years, and multiple First Division ratings at UIL State Solo & Ensemble Contest. He was principal violist in his High School Orchestra at MacArthur, and Orchestra President in his senior year. Westin’s numerous academic awards include the Superintendent’s Award in tenth grade, and TMEA Texas Music Scholar for two years. Westin also taught in the NEISD 5th grade strings program at Thousand Oaks Elementary. Clearly, Westin will fulfill his dream to become a music educator. He plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin.

Olivia Hahn A violist hailing from Carrollton, Texas, Olivia began taking lessons at Dallas’ Eastfield College at the young age of five. She was introduced to the viola at Ted Polk Middle School and fell in love with the instrument. Olivia is a graduate of Newman Smith High School where she was a member of the award-winning varsity orchestra, participated in All-Region Orchestras, and consistently earned superior ratings at UIL Solo & Ensemble competitions, including a superior rating for Ensemble at the State competition in 2017. Her references state Olivia is an “innate leader, confident in herself and her knowledge” with a strong potential to be “not just a good musician but an amazing orchestra director.” Olivia is looking forward to introducing the next generation of students to the joy of music and sense of accomplishment that comes from working together to create something beautiful. Olivia hopes to be a public school orchestra director, and plans to attend either the University of North Texas or the University of Texas at Arlington.

Danielle Mullen Danielle graduated from Brennan High School in San Antonio. She began playing violin in fifth grade, and her desire is to share the joy of music with as many students as possible.

At Brennan, she quickly established herself as a talented young musician, moving up in her section to earn first chair, a position she would hold throughout high school. She finished her freshman year performing with the top musicians in the orchestra, and applied to be an officer for her sophomore year. This was an excellent move as she would become indispensable to the program. She held several officer positions before earning the position of Orchestra Vice President. In addition to receiving the Outstanding Student Award in the BHS Orchestra, Danielle earned numerous accolades musically. She received superior ratings in the orchestra program including UIL Sweepstakes in the Concert & Sight-Reading Competition, and Solo & Ensemble Competition. She earned high marks and praise in her academic classes as well, consistently taking AP and Honor courses, and participating in extra-curricular activities and volunteer positions at charities and events.

Danielle plans to attend Angelo State University, and hopes to become a High School Orchestra Director.

A Special Thanks to the 2018 Scholarship Committee Sixto Elizondo IV, Chair Julie Blackstock Pat Leaverton 7

Nick Lopez Teresa Nguyen Corey Spratian APRIL 2018

TODA Past Presidents

Harry Lantz 1962–65

George Robinson 1965–67

LeFalco Robinson 1967–69

John Montgomery 1969–71

Barbara Eads 1971–73

James Lewis 1973–75

Jay Dunnahoo 1975–77

Bill Porter 1977–78

James Kidwell 1978–79

Kay Miller 1979–80

Weldon Minnick 1980–81

Charles Johnson 1981–82

Karan Pitts 1982–83

Charles Nail 1983–84

Carla Wright 1984–85

Kathy Fishburn 1985–86

Boyce Wyrick 1986–87

Ida Steadman 1987–88

Charles Tittsworth 1988–89

David Sloan 1989–90

Karen Walker 1990–91

Anne Witt 1991–92

Ruth Kurtis 1992–93

Michael Allen 1993–94

Michael Alexander 1994–95

Jane McCormick 1995–96

Sallie Juvenal 1996–97

Charlotte Eads 1997–98

Charles Angerstein 1998–99

Charlotte Moellering 1999–2000

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Penny Meitz 2000–01

Terri Neubert 2001–02

Eugene Dowdy 2002–03

Michael Grinnell 2003–04

Deborah Kidwell 2004–05

Kay Vanlandingham 2005–06

Ellen Townley 2006–07

George Tate 2007–08

Lisa McCutchan 2008–09

Bryan Buffaloe 2009–10

Craig Needham 2010–11

Margaret Brown 2011–12

David DeVoto 2012–13

Pat Leaverton 2013-14

Jason Thibodeaux 2014-15

Sandra Vandertulip 2015-16

Lamar Smith 2016-17

Renew or Join TODA Today!

The TODA Membership Year is January 1 - December 31.

Renew your membership or join TODA now on-line at www.todaweb.org or call 512-474-2801.

Encourage your colleagues to do the same!

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A Spotlight on the TODA Convention Headliners

Dr. Andrew Dabczynski

Emeritus Professor of Music Education at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, Dabczynski held teaching and administrative positions at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, and in the public schools of Penfield and Mamaroneck, NY. Dabczynski played viola in the Rochester Philharmonic, and was a member of the professional symphony orchestras of Hartford, Portland, ME, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, and Greenwich, CT. He was a member of the Colden String Quartet, an ensemble-in-residence at Western Michigan University, has held national committee positions with the ASTA, and is past-president of the Utah chapter. Dabczynski was recognized with the “Higher Education Teacher of the Year” in 2005 and for “Outstanding Contributions to Music Education” in 2014. At BYU, he founded the “New Horizons Orchestra,” a beginning string orchestra for adults and a laboratory for string teacher training. Internationally recognized for string pedagogy, Dabczynski is a clinician for teachers and a guest conductor for student ensembles throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico. With a strong academic background in folk music and ethnomusicology, his research efforts focus on fiddling and the transmission of traditional music.

Dabczynski also instructs and pursues CLINICS: professional and research interests in SESSION #1 - Doing the Dab: A String Orchestra Reading Session with Andrew Dabczynski string pedagogy, school curriculum, and music learning processes for SESSION #2 - It’s Baroque - So Fix It! Baroque in the Beginning and Intermediate String Class adults and seniors. He co-authored the string method series, String Explorer, SESSION #3 - The Big Picture: Deeper Learning and and the groundbreaking Fiddlers Interdisciplinary Connections in the Orchestra Class Philharmonic series, both published

by Alfred. His arrangements and compositions for string quartet, string orchestra and full orchestra are played in concerts throughout the world, and are published by Alfred as well as Boosey and Hawkes. Dabczynski received a BM degree in applied viola performance from the Eastman School, a MA degree from the University of Connecticut, and a Ph.D. degree in music education from the University of Michigan.

Mr. Gary Lewis

Director of Orchestras and the Bob and Judy Charles Professor of Conducting in the College of Music at the University of Colorado Boulder, Lewis is also the Music Director and Conductor of the Midland-Odessa Symphony Orchestra. At CU-Boulder, Lewis conducts the University Symphony Orchestra and oversees the entire orchestra program. He leads the graduate program in orchestral conducting at the masters and doctoral levels, and is equally at home with professional, university, and youth ensembles. In addition to the Midland-Odessa Symphony Orchestra and the University of Colorado, Lewis serves as Principal Guest Conductor of 10

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Mr. Gary Lewis

(continued)

the Boulder Philharmonic, conducts productions for Boulder Ballet and Midland Festival Ballet, and has appeared with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and the Colorado Music Festival. A strong advocate of music education, Lewis has presented in-service workshops for public school educators and presented at state and regional music education association conferences. He has conducted AllState Orchestras and Bands in many states along with the ASTA National Honor Orchestra and the Honor Orchestra of America. In 2010 Lewis became CLINICS: the founding Artistic Director of the Greater Boulder SESSION #1 - High School Conducting Youth Orchestras and served in that capacity as well as SESSION #2 - Middle School Conducting conductor of the Symphony Orchestra until 2016. He is a Yamaha Master Educator, and holds degrees from SESSION #3 - Score Study Texas Tech University and the University of Oklahoma.

Dr. Christopher Selby

Author of “Habits of a Successful Orchestra Director” and co-author of “Habits of a Successful String Musician,” published by GIA, Selby is an active clinician, speaker, adjudicator and conductor. He has presented sessions at the Midwest Clinic, at four National Conferences for the ASTA, and at numerous state conferences. He directs the high school orchestras at the School of the Arts in Charleston, SC, where he led the Symphony Orchestra to win the 2016 ASTA National Orchestra Festival’s top award of Grand Champion in the competitive public school division. Selby taught orchestra in elementary, middle and high schools for eighteen years. He was the Orchestra Coordinator in Richland School District Two from 2001 to 2012, where he taught high school and supervised the district’s orchestra curriculum and instruction, led teacher training and facilitated district-wide orchestra assessments.

Selby guest conducts at Regional and All-State Orchestras, and serves on the Council for Orchestral Education in the National Association for Music Education. He was Chair of the ASTA Committee on School Orchestras and Strings, Executive Board President of the South CLINICS: Carolina Music Educators Association, SESSION #1 - Habits of a Successful Orchestra—Teaching and President of the state’s Orchestra Concert Music and Achieving Musical Artistry Division. He was named the SC ASTA SESSION #2 - Habits of a Successful Orchestra—Fine Orchestra Teacher of the Year in 2009, Tuning Your String Ensemble and has written articles for NAfME and SESSION #3 - Habits of a Successful Orchestra—The Secret for ASTA’s American String Teacher.

Is in The Right Hand: Tone, Articulation, Rhythm and Selby earned his music education Sight-Reading degree from the Hartt School of SESSION #4 - Habits of a Successful Orchestra—So, Music in Connecticut, and Master’s What’s the Plan? A Path to Creating Meaningful and and Doctorate of Musical Arts degrees Useful Daily Lessons in Orchestral Conducting from the University of South Carolina.

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57th Annual Convention and New Music Reading Sessions July 26-28, 2018 • San Antonio TMEA Officer Training TMEA Audition Tabulation Training TMEA/UIL Music Advisory Committee Meeting

Thursday, July 26

7:00 am – 7:00 pm 7:00 am 8:00 am – 9:30 am 8:30 am – 6:00 pm 9:00 am – 6:00 pm 9:30 am 9:30 am – 12:00 pm 10:00 am – 10:00 pm 10:00 am – 1:00 pm 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm

12:00 pm – 1:15 pm 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm 3:00 pm – 4:15 pm 3:00 pm – 4:15 pm 3:00 pm – 4:15 pm 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm 4:30 pm – 5:45 pm 4:30 pm – 5:45 pm 4:30 pm – 5:45 pm

6:00 pm – 6:30 pm 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Thursday: 10 am - 10 pm Exhibitor Set-up Friday: 7:30 am - 10 pm TBA/TCDA/TODA Fun Run Saturday: 7:30 am - 6 pm Selection of TMEA MS Honor String Orchestra Exhibits Open New Teacher Academy Registration/Hospitality Open Friday: 9 am - 6 pm Golf Tournament Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm TMEA Orchestra Chair Region Breakfast/Training Childcare Available (no meals provided) TMAA Executive Committee Reading Session 1: PML Grades 1 & 2 Workshop 1: Habits of a Successful Orchestra – Teaching Concert Music and Achieving Musical Artistry Workshop 2: Harp Help 101 TMEA Elementary Region Chair Luncheon & Training Selection of TMEA HS Honor Full Orchestra Legal Concerns for the Music Educator Workshop 3: Time to Teach the Warm-up as the Foundation of your Rehearsal Workshop 4: Assessment Practices for the 21st Century String Classroom Workshop 5: Re-teaching Without Tears - Helping “Bad Habit Bradley” Fix What He Doesn’t Know is Broken TMAA Orchestra Workshop Reading Session 2: Grades 1 & 2 Workshop 6: Score Study Workshop 7: Orchestra Games for all Levels Selection of TMEA MS Honor Full Orchestra Selection of TMEA HS Honor Full Orchestra Workshop 8: Viola Tone Toolkit – Set-up, exercises and repertoire for sound success Workshop 9: The GPA Game Advocacy for the Academically Consumed Student Workshop 10: Heads are from Mars, Assistants are from Venus: A Counseling Session for the Work Relationship Mentor/Mentee Meet Aloha Welcome

7:30 am – 5:00 pm 7:30 am – 10:00 pm 8:00 am – 9:00 am 8:00 am – 9:15 am 8:00 am – 9:15 am 8:00 am – 9:15 am 8:00 am – 10:00 am 9:00 am – 6:00 pm 9:30 am – 11:00 am

Registration/Hospitality Open Childcare Available (no meals provided) Introducing the TMAC Individual Student Music Assessment of Knowledge and Skills Reading Session 3: Grade 2 Workshop 11: High School Conducting Workshop 12: Love it AND List it: Thoughts on Improving Retention Between Buildings TMAA Committee on Standards of Adjudication & Performance Practices Exhibits Open Visit the Exhibits

Wed., July 25

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Friday, July 27

Tentative Abbreviated Schedule – all times and sessions subject to change Please visit our website for updates and additional information.

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Childcare Available

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Friday, July 27 Saturday, July 28

7:30 am – 10:00 am Registration/Hospitality Open 7:30 am – 6:00 pm Childcare Available (no meals available) 8:00 am – 9:00 am TMEA Audition Tabulation Training 8:00 am – 9:15 am Workshop 23: Middle School Conducting 8:00 am – 9:15 am Workshop 24: The Bornoff Approach (session three) Beginning Repertoire

and Improvisation 8:00 am – 9:15 am Workshop 25: Habits of a Successful Orchestra – So, What’s the Plan? A Path to

Creating Meaningful and Useful Daily Lessons 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Exhibits Open 9:30 am – 10:30 am Visit the Exhibits 10:45 am – 12:15 pm TODA Business Meeting 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm Reading Session 6: PML Grades 3 –5 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm Workshop 26: TexAsta Meeting and Clinic 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm Workshop 27: The Big Picture: Deeper Learning and Interdisciplinary Connections

in the Orchestra Class 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm Visit the Exhibits 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm Mu Omicron Meeting 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Reading Session 7: Grade 3 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Workshop 28: A Skills-Based Approach to Intonation 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Workshop 29: Instrument Repair for the Orchestra Director 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm TMEA JH/MS Band, Choir, Orchestra Coordinators Meeting 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm ODY/Past Presidents Reception

Sunday, July 29

9:30 am – 10:30 am Texas Guitar Directors Association Meeting 11:15 am – 12:30 pm Reading Session 4: Full Orchestra 11:15 am – 12:30 pm Workshop 13: Habits of a Successful Orchestra – Fine-Tuning Your String Ensemble 11:15 am – 12:30 pm Workshop 14: Yo Quiero Vibrato?

12:45 pm – 2:00 pm Workshop 15: Doing the Dab: A String Reading Session 12:45 pm – 2:00 pm Workshop 16: The Bornoff Approach Primer Lever (session one) Finger Pattern 12:45 pm – 2:00 pm Workshop 17: Building a Strong Viola Section Sound through Viola Ensembles 2:15 pm – 3:30 pm Workshop 18: Rehearsing Full Orchestras with Confidence - A “No Fear” Guide 2:15 pm – 3:30 pm Workshop 19: Striking the Balance; Cello Set-up 2:15 pm – 3:30 pm Workshop 20: Habits of a Successful Orchestra – The Secret is in the Right Hand 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm Visit the Exhibits 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm TMAC General Business Meeting 4:45 pm – 6:00 pm Reading Session 5: Grades 4 & 5 4:45 pm – 6:00 pm Workshop 21: The Bornoff Approach Primer Lever (session two) Cycle Form 4:45 pm – 6:00 pm Workshop 22: It’s Baroque – So Fix It! Approaching the Baroque in the Beginning

and Intermediate String Classes 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm TODA BBQ and Silent Auction

11:00 am – 1:00 pm TODA Board Meeting

Continuing Professional Education

Guidebook App

Workshops, Reading Sessions, Performances and Product Showcases are eligible for Staff Development credit.

CPE Forms will be emailed to attendees after convention.

Handouts will be posted online and in Guidebook during the convention, and will also be available after convention.

Last minute changes could occur to the Convention Schedule. Upon arrival, download the TODA Guidebook App for the latest schedule of events. Search for “Guidebook” in the Apple, Google or Amazon App stores or visit guidebook.com/getit.

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APRIL 2018

Highlights of the 2018 TODA Convention and New Music Reading Sessions Visit the Exhibits

TODA Welcome Luau Join us Thursday evening, July 26 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm La Quinta Inn & Suites Riverwalk, 303 Blum, Fiesta Ballroom See your friends and enjoy hors d’oeuvres Cash Bar

Exhibit Hall Hours: Friday, July 27 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday, July 28 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Exclusive Exhibit Hours: Fri: 9:30 - 11:00 am, 3:30 - 4:30 pm Sat: 9:30 - 10:30 am, 2:00 - 3:15 pm Our convention is possible due to our valued and supportive exhibitors. A list of the 2018 exhibitors (to date) is on page 21.

Please visit the exhibits at convention and say Thank You!

Complimentary Childcare

Rooms 209 and 211 No meals provided 12 years & under Thursday, July 26 • 10 am – 10 pm Friday, July 27 • 7:30 am – 10 pm Saturday, July 28 • 7:30 am – 6 pm

New Teacher Academy

Thursday, July 26 8:30 am – 6:00 pm Room 006 FOR NEW AND RETURNING TEACHERS! Classroom management and discipline, student motivation, communicating with your administrator, social media do’s and don’ts, and much more!

TODA Annual BBQ and Silent Auction Friday, July 27 • 6:30 pm NEW (FORMER) LOCATION FOR BBQ: Venu Villita, 401 Villita Street

WANT TO DONATE to the Silent Auction?

Proceeds benefit TODA Scholarship Fund.

Contact Sixto Elizondo for Auction Donations!

Sixto.elizondo@todaweb.org

Volunteer for the Convention

WE NEED YOU! Please go to TODA website for volunteer opportunities.

Pack Your Walking Shoes

AND bring your fitness tracker!

TODA rooms will be on River Level, Rooms 006, 007, and 008. Upon arrival at Registration, check maps in the convention guide. If necessary, scooters can be rented from Tom’s Wheelchairs in advance.

Thanks for your patience.

Pre-register: On-line through Convention Registration CPE CREDIT: Participants will receive 8 hours Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Credit.

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APRIL 2018

2018 Clinicians and Conductors Dr. Michael Alexander Dr. Michael Alexander is Associate Professor of String Music Education at Baylor. He joined the faculty of Baylor in 2006 after 22 years’ teaching orchestra at Stratford High School in Houston. He supervises string student teachers, instructs in classroom string pedagogy, directs the Baylor String Project, and conducts the Baylor Campus Orchestra. Active as a clinician and conductor in the U.S. and abroad, Alexander served as President of TODA and Orchestra Vice President of TMEA. In 2015 he was honored as the TODA Orchestra Director of the Year. He also served as Chair of the Committee on School Orchestras and Strings for ASTA w/ NSOA, and is President-Elect of the TexASTA chapter of ASTA. Alexander was the first recipient of the Houston Symphony School Bell Award for Excellence in Teaching, and in 1994 and 2006, was named Teacher of the Year for Stratford High School. He has co-authored the Orchestra Expressions series and Expressive Techniques for Orchestra. Alexander holds a BME degree from Southwestern University, a MM degree from Sam Houston State University, and a DMA degree from the University of Houston.

Dr. Ames Asbell Dr. Ames Asbell is Assistant Professor of Viola at Texas State University and Founding Director of the Texas State String Project. As a performer, Asbell is violist of the Tosca String Quartet, Principal Violist of Austin Opera, and a member of the Austin Symphony Orchestra. She collaborates frequently in chamber

music with colleagues at Texas State, and recent concert engagements have taken her to Mexico, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. A proud violist, she serves on the Board of the American Viola Society and Coordinator for the 2020 American Viola Society Festival.

Asbell completed viola performance degrees at Furman and East Carolina universities before relocating to Texas, where she earned a DMA degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

Lisa Batson Lisa Batson is a dynamic orchestra director in the Houston area. New to the high school world, she completed her third year at Clear Falls High School. The majority of her career was as head director at Space Center Intermediate where her choir received consecutive UIL sweepstakes, ranked runner-up as TMEA Honor Orchestra, and ranked numerous times in the top ten in the state in string and full orchestra. Batson served as the Artistic Director and Symphony conductor of the Bay Area Youth Symphony and conductor of the string orchestra with the Greater Houston Youth Orchestra.

She is a guest conductor for All-City and All-Region Orchestras throughout Texas. Batson begins her seventh year as the Executive Director of the Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp in Kansas City and also runs her own summer camp in League City (Sizzling Strings Orchestra Camp has been running for over 10 years). She is an active member of TMAA as clinician, judge, and guest conductor. She was awarded a lifetime membership with the PTA, honored as a member of Mu Omicron with a $10,000 technology grant, and received a Fellowship through Fund for Teachers.

Batson received a BME degree from the Crane School of Music, State University of New York at Potsdam, and a MM degree in violin pedagogy from Kent State University.

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Alice McCoy Alice McCoy is a 17-year veteran of string teaching in the state of Texas.

She was a member of the String Project under the supervision of Phyllis Young and, then later, Dr. Laurie Scott. While assisting at Beverly Hills Intermediate School in Pasadena ISD, her orchestras earned consistent sweepstakes at UIL competition and placed runner-up for Middle School Honor Orchestra in 2006. As assistant orchestra director at Dobie High School, the Chamber Orchestra was invited to perform at the Midwest International Clinic and Conference in Chicago in 2009. After graduating from the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas, McCoy entered the Music Studies program at the University of Texas in Austin.

Sara Styskel Sara Styskel has been teaching at League City Intermediate in Clear Creek ISD in Houston for nine years, growing the program from 30 students to 220 students. Her program consistently receives Sweepstakes Awards, and placed in the top ten in the Honor Orchestra competition in 2014 and 2015; and in 2016 the League City Intermediate Chamber Orchestra was recognized with the National Mark of Excellence. In the summers, Styskel has taught with the Sizzling Strings program and the Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp. She was given the honor of Teacher of the Year at her campus in 2015. Styskel is a member of TODA and TMEA and holds a provisional TMAA membership. She is a Houston native and a graduate of the Ohio State University, where she studied with Dr. Robert Gillespie.

Left-Right: Sarah Styskel, Alice McCoy, Lisa Batson APRIL 2018

Kevin Black Kevin Black has been Assistant Director of Orchestras at Clear Lake High School since 2005. With his colleague Bryan Buffaloe, Clear Lake was named the TMEA High School Honor Orchestra three times. In 2013, the orchestra was awarded the National Orchestra Gold Cup, an honor repeated in 2017 in Lincoln Center, New York City. Black served as Director of Orchestras in Pasadena ISD and Clear Creek ISD, most notably at Clear Creek High School and Space Center Intermediate, where his program doubled from 55 students to 120. The orchestras were recognized as a finalist in the TMEA Middle School String Honor Orchestra contest, and were consistent UIL Sweepstakes winners.

At Clear Creek, his program tripled from 32 to 91 students in three years, and were awarded UIL achievements for the first time in six years, and the first sweepstakes award in eight years. In 2010, Black was awarded a fellowship with The Fund for Teachers® and studied chamber music at the St. Lawrence String Quartet Chamber Music Seminar at Stanford University.

In Palo Alto, he participated in a week of coaching and performances with members of the St. Lawrence Quartet, the Gryphon Trio, and pianist Stephen Prutsman. In addition to this festival, favorite moments include conducting in Carnegie Hall, New York, in 2006, and Symphony Hall, Chicago, in 2010.

Black is active in TMAA, TMEA, and TODA, and an active clinician as a cellist and conductor. Black earned a BM.Ed. degree from SUNY Potsdam (Crane School of Music) and a MM degree in cello performance from the University of Akron.

Nicole Brown Nicole Brown began her career in 2001 in Irving, TX, and in 2008 she started a new orchestra program at Cockrill Middle School in McKinney ISD, where she proudly teaches today. Brown serves as a host, judge, organizer and clinician for All-City, AllRegion, and UIL orchestra events. She was Executive Board Secretary for the Texas Chapter of ASTA, and was the winner of the 2005 TexASTA Marjorie Keller “Young String Teacher of the Year” award. Brown is a member of TMEA, TODA, ASTA and TMAA.She earned a BA degree in music from the University of Central Florida.

Bryan Buffaloe Bryan Buffaloe serves as Director of Orchestras at Clear Lake High School. Under his direction the orchestras have received consistent superior ratings at UIL contests and earned Best-in-Class and Overall Outstanding Orchestra Honors at South Coast, DC Music Festivals and Musicfest Orlando. They were named a GRAMMY Signature School by the GRAMMY Foundation twice, and in 2013 and 2017 were named National Champions at the prestigious National Orchestra Gold Cup competition in New York City at Alice Tully Hall.

Under his direction, the Clear Lake Orchestras have consistently ranked as finalist in the TMEA State Honor Orchestra competition in full and string orchestra, and also place a large number of students in the TMEA

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All-Region and All-State Orchestras.

In 2011 and 2013 the Symphony Orchestra was named the TMEA State Honor Full Orchestra of Texas and the TMEA State Honor String Orchestra in 2014. Buffaloe is an active clinician and adjudicator, and has conducted All-Region orchestras, the Myrtle Beach All-County Orchestra, and the South Carolina All-State Philharmonic in 2006 and 2015. He has served as Orchestra Vice President of TMAA, Region 17 Secretary of TMEA, State Music Advisory Committee Chair, and Past-President of TODA. Buffaloe is a graduate of Sam Houston State University.

Matthew Cautivar M a t t h e w Cautivar is currently the Orchestra Director at Hebron High School in Lewisville ISD. He is an advocate of LISD’s Strategic Design initiative as well as 1:X initiative, and frequently presents professional learning for LISD as well as other learning communities on a variety of topics, such as technology in the classroom, grading for learning, and new teacher training.

His orchestras consistently receive ratings at UIL and festivals. Cautivar graduated from the University of North Texas with honors.

APRIL 2018

Sam Flippin Sam Flippin is Orchestra Director at Braswell High School in Denton ISD and is an Adjunct Instructor with Texas Woman’s University. Prior to BHS and TWU, he held teaching positions in Frisco, Pasadena, and Katy ISDs. In 2017 Flippin began Striking the Balance, an ongoing process to explore the teachings of violin pedagogues such as Rolland and Suzuki, but with the cello/cellist as the central focus.

This project has provided opportunities to interview renowned teachers of young cellists, as well as a chance to work with cellists of all playing levels. The end-goal of the project is a resource that equips string teachers to help cellists play with full tone and minimal tension from day one. He holds BME and MM degrees from the University of North Texas.

Megan Gomen Megan Gomen began playing harp at age ten and studied with various teachers, including Naoko Nakamura, Paula Page, and Susan Dederich-Pejovich. Gomen is currently an orchestra co-director at Deer Park High School in Deer Park, TX. Before Deer Park, Gomen taught high school orchestra in Plano ISD at Clark HS and Plano East Senior HS. Throughout her career, Gomen has been a guest conductor for various groups and performed extensively with orchestras, bands and choirs, in addition to performing as a soloist and in chamber groups. She has performed in many venues including Carnegie Hall, the Meyerson Symphony Center, Lincoln Center and at the home of Jerry Jones. Some of her favorite performances include world premieres of new music, accompanying baritone Kevin McMillan, and performing in

a back-up orchestra for the band “Kansas.” However, her absolute favorite performances are where her students get to show the world what they have accomplished. She received a BME degree from Southern Methodist University and a MM degree in orchestral conducting from James Madison University.

Ashley Johnson Ashley Johnson is the orchestra director at Apollo Junior High School in Richardson ISD. She began s t u d y i n g the violin at age seven with Emily Goodyear Klophaus. She was inspired to pursue a career in music education by directors Linda Keefer, Amanda Musser, and Dinah Menger. At Baylor University, Johnson played violin in the Baylor Symphony Orchestra and was a member of Dr. Eka Gogichashvili’s violin studio. Johnson was a private violin and viola teacher in Midway ISD and Waco ISD and taught in the Baylor University String Project for four years.

In Richardson ISD, her orchestras consistently won sweepstakes awards at UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Contests. Johnson is an active clinician and judge in the Dallas area and around the state. She has been on staff at the Baylor University MS Orchestra summer camp, Sam Houston State University Orchestra summer camp, and UT Arlington Summer Strings camp. Professional affiliations include TMEA, TODA, and ASTA. Johnson is a graduate of Baylor University.

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Michelle Kong Michelle Kong is in her 20th year of teaching orchestra in CarrolltonFarmers Branch ISD and in her 16th year at Dan F. Long Middle School.

Her orchestras have consistently received Sweepstakes ratings at UIL competitions and Superior ratings at local festivals. She is a member of TMEA and TMAA and frequently serves as a guest clinician and adjudicator.

Kong received her BME degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Dr. Charles Laux Dr. Charles Laux is the Director of Orchestras at Alpharetta High School where his duties include directing four levels of orchestra, including the nationally recognized AHS Symphony Orchestra, and teaching class guitar. He also serves as Essential Elements clinician, consultant, and contributor for the Hal Leonard Corporation. A string educator for over 20 years, Laux has worked with elementary through collegiate levels. He was Assistant Professor of String Music Education at Kennesaw State University from 2012-2016, and under his leadership Kennesaw State became the largest string education program in Georgia, and the String Project grew to serve nearly 110 elementary school students.

He has presented over 100 sessions at Midwest Clinic, ASTA, Technology Institute for Music Education, Association for Technology in Music, and at music conferences spanning 21 states. In demand as an orchestra clinician, conductor and adjudicator, Laux holds degrees in music education from Ohio University, the University of Nevada–Las Vegas, and a Ph.D. degree from The Ohio State University.

APRIL 2018

Debbie Lyle Debbie Lyle is the Executive Director for the Foundation for the Advancement of String Education, and Orchestra Director of Instrumental Music at St. Anne’sBelfield School, where she conducts the Upper School orchestra. She has conducted school orchestras in grades five through twelve and directed regional youth orchestras for over 30 years. Lyle has been a clinician and presented student ensembles in performances for many colleges and string education conferences and workshops, most notably ASTA national and state conferences, NAfME bi-annual and state conferences, the Institute for Innovation in String Education, the International String Workshop, the International Association of Jazz Educators conference, and the TODA annual conference. Lyle received her education at the Hartt School of Music, the University of Hartford.

Sundas Mohi-Truong Sundas MohiTruong is the Assistant Director of Orchestras at Tompkins High School in Katy ISD. At UTSA, Mohi-Truong taught with and led the UTSA Downtown Campus String Project, a program that allows music education students to teach string instruments to San Antonio area children. Mohi-Truong is an active member of TMEA, TODA, the Suzuki Association of the Americas, and the ASTA. She maintains a private viola and violin studio, is an active freelance violist, and currently serves as an officer for TMEA Region 23 Orchestra. She received her BME degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio, graduating summa cum laude with highest honors and with the performer’s certificate on viola.

Craig Needham Craig Needham is in his 22nd year of teaching, the last 13 as the head director at Berkner High School in Richardson. He has performed with nine professional symphony orchestras, most recently as a member of the Amarillo Symphony Orchestra.

A chamber musician, Needham has been associated with the Vienna Conspiracy String Quartet for 15 years. In the summer, he teaches at orchestra camps around Texas. He has served as the assistant conductor for the New Conservatory of Dallas and is currently the Orchestra Conductor at the Heights Baptist Church. His groups have consistently won top honors at evaluations and competitions in Texas and around the country. The Berkner HS Symphony Orchestra was named the TMEA HS String Honor Orchestra for 2006-2007. The Orchestra performed in Chicago at the 2016 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic where they had the opportunity to perform with the Canadian Brass. Needham served as TMEA Region Chair on the UIL SightReading Committee, President of the Amarillo Youth Symphony Board, TMEA Honor Orchestra Committee, the UIL Music Advisory Committee, and the UIL Prescribed Music List Committee. A member of TMEA, TODA, Mu Omicron, and the Texas Adjudicators Association, Needham is a Past President of TODA and currently serves as the Orchestra Division VP for TMAA. He is a graduate of the University of North Texas.

Ana Bowerman Payne Ana Bowerman Payne has taught in the Houston area for 22 years. She has

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been with Pasadena ISD for 19 years and is in her 11th year at Beverly Hills Intermediate in Pasadena ISD. From elementary to high school level, Payne has enjoyed success in her programs, as well as winning groups including Superior ratings, Sweepstakes, and Best-in-Class, at UIL and competitions around the state. She conducted at the AFA Summer Music Conservatory and taught at the Sam Houston State JH Orchestra Camp for many years. Payne is an active adjudicator and clinician in Texas and an active member of the Halcyon String Quartet, TMAA, TMEA, and TODA. She graduated from the University of Houston where she studied cello.

John Powelson John Powelson is the Associate Orchestra Director at Cockrill Middle School in McKinney, TX. He began playing the violin at age nine in Poway, CA, and began his teaching career in Issaquah, WA, where he taught elementary, middle school, and high school orchestra. Desiring a change of climate, Powelson and his family moved to Mesa, AZ in 2003, where he taught at Westwood High School. At Westwood, his orchestra was invited to perform at the 2005 ASTA National Orchestra Festival. In 2006 Powelson moved to Winston-Salem, NC, where he taught at Diggs-Latham Elementary Magnet School for Performing Arts.

He taught K-5 orchestra to the entire school, and was selected Teacher of the Year in 2013. Seeing the amazing orchestra programs in Texas brought Powelson and his family to the DFW area in 2014, where he taught in Arlington ISD before moving to his current position in McKinney in 2015.

He studied music education at the University of Washington.

APRIL 2018

Andrew Reynolds Andrew Reynolds is a former Orchestra Director in Pasadena and Deer Park ISD. In addition to serving as assistant orchestra and band director at South Houston High School and leading the non-varsity orchestra to their first UIL sweepstakes in 25 years, Reynolds oversaw the creation of the Bonnette Junior High Full Orchestra program and increased enrollment in the string program by 40% in two years. He has been an active conductor since age 14 and studied orchestral, choral and wind conducting with over ten individuals, including author and opera specialist Mark Gibson, and Texas native Dr. Terence Milligan.

Reynolds has held the posts of drum major for the University of Cincinnati Bearcat Bands, associate conductor for the UC Symphony Orchestra, composer for the short film "Jenkin & Son," and is an active adjudicator in Texas. Reynolds was the CMO for the Cypress Symphony; an events manager for two presidents of the Interlochen Center for the Arts; consultant for Dallas ISD Fine Arts Department, The Cliburn Piano Competition, and Impact Hub Milan; and a development intern with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

He is author of several white papers for the League of American Orchestras and SMU National Center for Arts Research. An active member of TMAC, TODA, TMEA, League of American Orchestras, and the Drum Major Society, he received his BM degree in music education from the University of Cincinnati: College Conservatory of Music. Reynolds is a candidate at Southern Methodist University for a dual MA & MBA degree in arts management.

Ryan Ross Ryan Ross is the Director of Orchestras at Plano West Senior High School and the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra, a professional symphony orchestra in Texas. He has been privileged to lead three TMEA Honor Orchestras, including the 2018 full orchestra and 2016 string orchestra at Plano West and the 2014 full orchestra at Jasper High School (the only non-varsity orchestra to earn that distinction). At Plano West and Jasper, his orchestras were recipients of several awards, including National Winners of the Mark of Excellence National Orchestra Honors in 2014-2016 and winning the 2013, 2015, and 2016 American Prize for Orchestral Performance. Prior to Plano, Ross taught at Lewisville High School (Lewisville ISD) and Williams Middle School (Rockwall ISD). He served five years as Music Director of the East Texas Youth Orchestra in Tyler and four seasons as Artistic Director and Conductor for the Dallas Festival of Modern Music and its resident professional chamber ensemble, Ars Nova Dallas. Ross guest conducts and clinics across Texas with engagements that include all-region and all-city orchestras in Texas and clinics and concerts in Oklahoma, Florida, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Oregon. He holds memberships in TMEA, TODA, and TMAA, and has presented clinics at the annual conventions of TODA and TMEA. Ross earned a BME degree in music performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a MM degree in orchestral conducting from Texas Tech University.

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Dr. Kathryn Schmidt Steely Dr. Kathryn Schmidt Steely is Professor of Viola at Baylor University. A recipient of the 2007 Outstanding Professor Award for Teaching, Steely is an avid chamber musician and has performed across the country, including at several International Viola Congresses, 2014 Primrose International Viola Competition and Festival, the 2014 National College Music Society Convention, the Mostly Music series of the University of Chicago, the Armonico Chamber Series of the Austin Chamber Ensemble, and at National Flute Conventions with the Brazos Ensemble. A former core member of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, she has performed with the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, the Fort Worth Symphony, Dallas Chamber Orchestra, Akron Symphony, Wichita Symphony, and as principal viola for the Rockford and Waco Symphonies.

Steely has presented master classes across the country and is a founding faculty member of Credo Chamber Music festival. She has been a featured presenter at the ASTA National Conventions and was President of the American Viola Society and Editor of the Journal of the American Viola Society. She received a BME degree from Bethel College, a MM degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, and a DMA degree from Northwestern University.

APRIL 2018

Michael Stringer

Dr. Laura Williams

Michael Stringer is the Coordinator of Fine Arts for the Arlington ISD in Arlington, TX. Stringer began his career in 2000 with the orchestra program for Midway ISD in Waco, growing the program from 62 students to over 350 six years later.

In 2006, Stringer moved to Martin High School, where his orchestras consistently won UIL Sweepstakes Awards and were presented numerous Bestin-Class Awards by festivals across the nation. Under his direction, the Martin High School Symphony Orchestra was a finalist in the TMEA Honor Orchestra Competition eleven times, placing in the Full Orchestra Contest as 1st Runner-Up in 2014, 2nd Runner-Up in 2009, and in the String Orchestra Contest as 2nd Runner-Up in 2012, 2011, and 2010. In the 2014-2015 school year the Martin High School Symphony Orchestra was named the TMEA High School String Honor Orchestra and in 2016-2017 they were named the TMEA High School Full Honor Orchestra. Stringer was awarded the AWARE Award for Educational Excellence in 2014 by the Arlington AWARE Foundation. He currently serves as the TMEA Region V President. During the summers, he is on staff at The University of Texas at Arlington Summer Strings Camp and The Sam Houston State University Orchestra Camp. Stringer holds memberships in TMEA, TMAA, Mu Omicron and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington with a BME degree.

Dr. Laura Williams has been an active conductor and artistic adviser with the Youth Orchestras of Lubbock since 1997. She served as a conductor for all three YOL orchestras during her 21 years with the program and is currently conducting the Symphony Orchestra. During the 2016-17 school year, she served as Interim Assistant Professor of Music Education for the University of Missouri-Kansas City and conducted the OMNI Ensemble, an all-campus string orchestra. Williams is an active researcher and presents at music conferences throughout the U.S., including the NAfME Society for Music Teacher Education, Music Research & Teacher Education National Conference, and the ASTA conference. She maintains an active conducting and teaching schedule and serves as a clinician and judge in Texas, Kansas and Missouri. She has been a member of the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra viola section since 1994.

Williams has held prior teaching positions throughout Texas, including Interim Instructor for String Music Education at Texas Tech University and orchestra director positions in Amarillo, San Antonio and Lubbock. Additionally, she is a trumpet player and has held band positions in both Ralls and Lubbock, TX. Professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, Conductor’s Guild, College Music Society, ASTA, American Viola Society, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas MEAs, TODA, Golden Key and Phi Kappa Phi. Williams earned bachelor and master’s Degrees in music education and a Ph.D. from Texas Tech University.

In Memoriam TODA appreciates your submissions of deceased colleagues. Many of these individuals made significant contributions to the orchestra profession, and changed the lives of countless students. In an effort to acknowledge deceased TODA members as well as non-members, we will provide a listing of every individual reported to us in this issue of #TODATimes (the deceased acknowledged in a previous issue are not included in this listing). If the deceased was a TODA member, a brief acknowledgement will be included; if not a TODA member, the name/city/employer/title/date of death will be noted.

Please keep in mind that a donation to TODA may be made in memory or in honor of the deceased through member registration, or at any time at www.TODAweb.org. Funds permitting, TODA strives to award a minimum of two scholarships per year through the Barbara Eads Memorial Scholarship and TODA Memorial Scholarships. For more information about scholarships, contact Sharon Lutz, Executive Director, at Sharon.Lutz@TODAweb.org or call 512-474-2801. TODA scholarship funds provide a critical resource to assist future music educators with their career objectives, and this is a wonderful way for an orchestra director’s legacy to live on in perpetuity. Thank you for remembering these dedicated music educators.

Griffith Lea Miller, Houston TX. Orchestra Director Spring Branch ISD and Alief ISD. DOD: 10/7/17.

Jackie Pride, McAllen TX. Director of Fine Arts McAllen ISD. DOD: 6/16/17.

Phyllis Young, Austin TX. Faculty, UT Butler School of Music; Director of UT Spring Project; President ASTA. DOD: 11/8/17.

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Thank You Exhibitors Plan to visit the Exhibit Hall with over 600 industry-related booths. The Exhibits will be open on Friday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Please thank our exhibitors for supporting TODA. We could not exist without them!

Abbott-Ipco/The Poinsettia People Academic Travel Services Adventure Percussion Alamo Music Center Algy Allen Organs Allied Powers LLC AMC Music, LLC American Band Accessories American Classic Tours & Music Festivals Antigua Winds Inc Antonio Strad Violin Arlington CVB Artistically Yours by Kim Hebert Atlantic Strings Violin Shop Backun Musical Services Band Shoppe BandDirectorsTalkShop.com Bates etc Travel Bob Rogers Travel Bocal Majority Double Reeds Branson on Stage Live Brent’s Uniform Factory Brightspark Events/Brightspark Travel BriLee Music Brittain Insurance Agency Brook Mays/H&H Music Buffet Crampon USA Buzzzmaster by David O’Neill Carl Fischer Music Cash Cow Fundraising, LLC CCIS Travel Century Resources Charms/Connexeo Cherrydale Farms Fundraising LLC Club’s Choice Fundraising Conn-Selmer Cormack Music Festivals and Tours Cousin’s Concert Attire D’Addario & Company, Inc. Dan Ryder Field Drills Dance Sophisticates Deanan Gourmet Popcorn DeMoulin Brothers & Company Dennis E. Meyer Music Director’s Assistant Director’s Choice Tour and Travel Director’s Showcase Int. Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction Dynamic Designs Eastman ECS Publishing Group Educational Enterprises Recording Company

Educational Travel Adventures Edwards Instrument Company Embassy Suites DFW South Fanbooks, LLC Feat Travel Festivals of Music/Music in the Parks Field & Floor FX Fine Arts Travel First Class Tours Fishburn Violin Shop FJH Music Company Inc. (The) Foundation for the Advancement of String Education Fox Products Corporation Fred J. Miller Inc Front Page Photography, LLC Fruhauf Uniforms Inc. Fundraising with Simply Sheets Gandy Ink Screen Printing and Embroidery Genesis Marketing Group Getzen Company Inc. GIA/Walton Music GL Custom Batons Gon Bops Graceland Attractions Grand Mesa Music Publishers Graphics Store Green Light Group Tours Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar Hal Leonard LLC Hampton Inn & Suites Farmers Branch Heritage Music Press Howard Core Company LLC Hunter Music Instrument, Inc. id Screen Print Innovative Percussion Inc Irving Convention & Visitors Bureau It’s A Hoot!

Jarvis Industries Inc Java Joes Fundraising JOHANNUS Organs US Juguzzi/Fritz Chair Jupiter/Mapex/Majestic-KHS America JW Pepper & Son, Inc. Katy Violin Shop Kendor Music, Inc. KIS Jewelry Lisle Violin Shop Luck’s Music Library Luke McMillan Music Co. MakeMusic, Inc. Marching Show Concepts, Inc. Marching USA, LLC Maredy Fundraising, Inc 21

Mariachi Unlimited Market Impact Tees & More McCormick’s McKay Music Company MD Facilities, LLC Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Melhart Music Center Micah Levy, Composer Miraphone Instruments Mode Marimba Inc. Murphy Robes/Herff Jones Music & Arts Music Filing Solutions Music In Motion Musical Gifts and Treasures by Costume Holiday House MusicFirst North American Theatrical Photographers Opti-Case, Inc. Ozark Delight Candy Patti DeWitt, Inc Peak Music Stands Pender’s Music Company PepWear Perform America-TX, LLC Performer’s Academy Phi Beta Mu Pride of Texas Music Festivals Print Music Source Pyle Percussion Stands Pyware Software - Pygraphics QuaverMusic.com Relaxation Station Remo, Inc. Repeat Performance RhythmBee, Inc. Rock Candy Dallas Romeo Music S. E. Shires Co. SABIAN Ltd Sam Ash Music Corporation Sam’s Limousine Transportation Scarborough Specialties Scents of Soy Fundraising Schlitterbahn Waterparks Shenaniganz Sherlock Tours.com Six Flags Fiesta Texas Snap Mobile Inc Snap! Raise Solo-Ensemble.com Southeastern Performance Apparel Southern Star Tour and Travel Southwest Emblem Company

Spurs Sports & Entertainment StageRight Corporation Stanbury Uniforms Inc. staySky Hotels & Resorts Straight A Tours and Travel Summit Tour and Travel Swicegood Music Co Tarpley Music Company, Inc Tatum Music Company, Inc. Tempo Press Texas Music Educators Association Texas Private School Music Educators Association The Gift Solution The Midwest Clinic The Starlite Theatre The Tuba Exchange Titanic Museum Attraction TMF Tours and Travel Tote Unlimited Tough Carts, Div of Uniform & Drum Carts Tour-Rific of Texas Track Family Fun Parks Troubadour Consultants, LLC Tuxedo Wholesaler Tyler Junior College Ultimate Drill Book Unique 4 U LLC/ DBA Rockin Feet Unique Travels & Tours, Inc United States Air Force Band of The West University of Our Lady of the Lake US Integrity Touring Co USA Fundraisers USBands Varsity Spirit Vater Percussion Inc. Veritas Instrument Rental Inc Wenger Corporation WGI Sport of the Arts Wingert-Jones Publications Winter Guard Tarps/Digital Performance Gear Winter Park Ski Music Festival Wm S. Haynes Co Woodwind and Brasswind World View Travel WorldStrides OnStage Yamaha Corporation of America You Name It! Personalized Keepsakes Zildjian

Exhibitor list as of April 10, 2018 APRIL 2018

Texas Orchestra Directors Association Membership & Convention Registration Form 2018 Membership year Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2018 Please give a Membership Form to a colleague! www.todaweb.org

Return form with payment to: TODA • 7900 Centre Park Dr, Ste A • Austin TX 78754 Phone: 512-474-2801 Fax: 512-474-7873 sharon.lutz@todaweb.org

Check Here If First Year Teacher (Fall 2017) ____

Check Here if New Member ____

Check Here if New to Texas ____

First Name__________________________________ Last Name ________________________________Title ______________________________ Home Mailing Address ___________________________________________________________________ Home or cell _____________________ City ____________________________________________

State ___________________

Zip ____________________

E-mail _________________________________________________________________Alternate E-mail______________________________________________ Employer _______________________________________________________________________ Preferred Address: Home ___ Work ___ Work Address _____________________________________________________________________ City ____________________________________________State _____________Zip _____________FAX ____________________________________________ Region __________________________I would like to opt out of vendor emails ____ Principal Instrument ________________________________________ Secondary Instrument ________________________________________ Years of Experience as an Orchestra Director ___________

Membership / Convention Registration Membership:

Active $50.00

Retired

$25

College Student

$20

_________

Convention Registration** (**Convention pre-registration ends July 1. $50 for first year teachers; $63 on-site. Proof of eligibility required) Active Convention Pre-Registration $100 .........................................................................................................................

Retired Convention Pre-Registration $40 ........................................................................................................................

Student Convention Pre-Registration $25 ........................................................................................................................

Donate to the TODA Memorial Scholarship Fund ...........................................................................................................

Family/Guest (18yrs +) Badges @ $15 (Day care complimentary for 12 & younger) ..........................................................

Extra BBQ Tickets ______________@ $20 each ................................................................................................................ *Child BBQ Tickets (12 years and younger) will be available for purchase onsite for $10 Golf Tournament ____________@ $50 each .......................................................................................................................

New Teacher Academy (pre-reg only; includes lunch) (in addition to membership & convention) $40.00 ..................................................

NAME FOR BADGE: _______________________________________ First Convention? ________

__________ __________

GRAND TOTAL

Volunteer at Convention? ___________

Would you like to HAVE a mentor at the TODA Convention?

Guest Names:

__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Y

N

_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________

Would you like to BE a mentor at the TODA Convention?

Y

N

SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION If you are completing this form on behalf of a TODA member, please provide the following: Name: _________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________ Authorized PO attached

We accept Mastercard, Visa, Discover and Authorized POs. Credit card payments must be made on-line or by calling the TODA Office at 512-474-2801. If payment is being made with a PO, a copy of the PO must accompany this form.

Convention fees include all exhibits and clinics and the Welcome Luau. • Membership dues paid to TODA are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes; however, dues payments may be deductible as ordinary and necessary business expense.

Donations to TODA and/or to the TODA scholarship fund are tax deductible.

2017 Year-end Financial Report Scholarship Report

Revenue & Expenditures

as of December 31, 2017

Balance, 1/1/2017

Contributions to 12/31/2017

January through December 2017

INCOME

$10,541.32

Administrative Income Gain on Securities Bank Interest to date $1.03 Membership Dues

Total Administrative Income Less Scholarship Awards ($4,800.00)

Convention Income Silent Auction Proceeds $4,524.50 Exhibit Rents

Function Tickets * Scholarship Balance, 12/31/2017 $13,513.85 HS Student Day

Member Souvenirs *Total of balance of TODA Memorial Scholarship Misc and Accounts Payable, Scholarships Registration Fees Showcases Sponsorship Sustaining Dues Total Convention Income $3,247.00

Balance Sheet

ASSETS

4,253.28 26,560.00 $30,813.28 22,462.20 1,070.00 315.00 810.00 228.00 51,617.50 180.00 6,790.31 1,855.20 $85,328.21

Publications Advertising Income $6,679.00

as of December 31, 2017

TOTAL INCOME $122,820.49

Current Assets Bank Accounts Chase Bank, Checking 46,009.45 TODA Memorial Scholarship 10,542.35 Total Bank Accounts $56,551.80 Accounts Receivable Accts Receivable, Gen 48.00 Total Accounts Receivable $48.00 Other Current Assets Lincoln Investment Acct 40,147.81 Mackey Commission (Transfer) -250.00 Prepaid Expenses 6,786.00 Total Other Current Assets $46,683.81 Total Current Assets $103,283.61

EXPENSES

Total Administrative Expenses

Convention Expenses Adv/Promo Audio/Visual Child Care Clinician Travel Composition Contest Decorating Facilities Rent BBQ and Entertainment Member Souvenirs Miscellaneous Onsite Technology Printing TOTAL ASSETS $103,283.61 Security & First Aid Supplies LIABILITIES & EQUITY

Liabilities Transport (Van) Current Liabilities Total Convention Expenses Accounts Payable, Gen 5300.00 Directors' Expenses Total Accounts Payable $5300.00 Meals Other Current Liabilities Travel Accounts Payable, Scholarships 2,971.50 Total Directors' Expenses Deferred Income 2,560.00 Total Other Current Liabilities $5,531.50 Total Publications Expenses Total Current Liabilities $10,831.50 Reception Expenses Total Liabilities $10,831.50 Past President Welcome Reception Equity Total Reception Expenses Net Restricted Income 10,542.35 Open Balance Equity 63,159.73 Total Technology Expenses Retained Earnings 0.00 Net Income 18,750.03 TOTAL EXPENSES Total Equity $92,452.11

NET INCOME

TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY $103,283.61

23

$30,757.40 1,107.97 5,051.55 337.50 1,377.08 1,000.00 3,832.04 4,039.50 16,420.30 4,585.38 334.58 3,011.74 645.75 652.83 430.32 516.08 $43,342.62 2,619.17 9,186.31 $11,805.48

$6,667.00 1,006.53 6,594.00 $7,600.53

$3,897.43

$104,070.46 $18,750.03

APRIL 2018

Nomination Form and Position Description TODA Member-at-Large TODA elects a new position, Member-At-Large, to the Board of Directors every year at the summer convention. General expectations of this office are outlined below. Much more detailed information will be provided at the first board meeting as outlined in the TODA Handbook.

1. Serve on the TODA Board of Directors for five (5) consecutive years, assuming a new office each year. Attend the TODA Executive Board Meeting held following the last day of the summer convention and all subsequent BOD meetings.

2. Serve as chairman of the Hospitality, Publicity and Membership Committees.

3. Transport, store and set up the scrapbook and TODA Board exhibit at TMEA and TODA conventions.

4. Prepare, develop and post flyers/signs to publicize the TODA events during the TMEA February convention.

5. Take pictures at TODA functions.

6. Assume Convention responsibilities as designated by the President.

A Nomination form for the Member-At-Large position is below. Please consider nominating a TODA member to serve on the Board of Directors by submitting the form on-line or to the TODA office via mail or email to Sharon.Lutz@TODAWEB.org.

Name ______________________________________________________________________________ Current Position Title_________________________________________________________________ City_________________________________________________________________________________ Comments___________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Who is speaking on your behalf at the TODA Business Meeting?_________________________

24

APRIL 2018

2018 TBA, TCDA, TODA Conventions & Combined Exhibitions 2018 OFFICIAL HOTEL LIST & MAP For best availability, make your reservation via the Internet or by phone at 866-748-9562.

HOTELS

Single

Room Rates* Double Triple

Quad

Parking Rate (per day)

Free Breakfast

1. Courtyard by Marriott San Antonio Riverwalk

$129

$129

$129

$129

$35 valet

No

2. Crockett Hotel

$132

$142

$152

$152

$25 valet

Yes

3. Grand Hyatt San Antonio

$156

$156

$156

$156

$29 self/$39 valet

No

4. Hilton Palacio del Rio

$157

$173

$193

$213

$29 self/$42 valet

No

5. Holiday Inn Market Square

$105

$105

$105

$105

Complimentary

No

6. La Quinta Inn & Suites Convention Center/Riverwalk

$144

$144

$154

$164

$25 self/$30 valet

Yes

7. Marriott Plaza San Antonio

$155

$155

$175

$175

$25 self/$35 valet

No

8. Menger Hotel

$131

$141

$146

$146

$25 valet

No

9. Residence Inn by Marriott Alamo

$129

$129

$129

$129

$24 self

Yes

10. San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter

$168

$192

$215

$215

$35 self/$41 valet

No

11. San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk

$157

$163

$185

$185

$41 valet

No

12. Staybridge Suites Sunset Station

$133

$133

$147

$149

$20 per stay

Yes

*Room rates below do not include 16.75% room tax (subject to change).

Texas Orchestra Directors Association 7900 Centre Park Drive, Suite A Austin, Texas 78754

#

T imes

Special Pre-convention Issue

News You Can Use NEW TODA Pre-Convention Magazine – pass on to a colleague.

Renew membership and register for Convention NOW. Make hotel reservations NOW to receive contract rates (deadline June 22).

NEW Handy Convention Guide given on-site First-year teachers joining TODA receive 50% convention discount NO High School Leadership Day at convention this year!

No TODA Composition Contest this year (returning in 2019)

Photos from the 2017 TODA Convention