August/September_2020_AlaBreve

ala breve August/September 2020 The Official Publication of the Alabama Music Educators Association Inside this issue... Rethinking Basic Lip Slurs Reflections on Dr. John M. Long Preventing Injuries in Marching Band Selected Extended Choral Works by Black Composers Remembering Dr. Edd Jones From the “Woodshed” to the Classroom No Child Left Behind in the Music Classroom www.myamea.org

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ala breve the official publication of the Alabama Music Educators Association August/September 2020 Features... 8 AMEA Presidents - Past to Present 9 AMEA Governing Board Directory 13 Industry/Institutional Members 17 General Music Reviews by Deanna Bell 18 No Child Left Behind in the Music Classroom by Jackson Vaughn 23 Selected Choral Works by Black Composers by Dr. William Powell 24 Remembering Dr. Edd Jones 26 What Can I Do For You? Reflections on Dr. John M. Long 30 Rethinking Basic Lip Slurs by Dr. Thomas Lukowicz 32 From the “Woodshed” to the Classroom by Dr. Matt Leder 35 Noteworthy: Alabama State Council on the Arts Fellowship 35 Noteworthy: All-National Honor Ensembles 36 AMEA and Division Schedule of Events 40 Preventing Injuries in Marching Band... by Robert Glasscock 41 2021 AMEA Professional Development Conference Departments... Advertisers Index Arts Music Shop, Inc ..................back cover 6 .....................President AU Composition & Technology ..............21 8 .....................Registrar AU New Faculty.......................................41 10 ...........................AVA AU Piano Studies .......................................3 13 ..........................HED Huntingdon College Bands.......................42 14 .............................AOA John M. Long School of Music (Troy).....12 16 ..................Elem/Gen Landmark Tour and Travel.........................2 18 .....................cNAfME Samford University ..................................15 20 ...........................ABA University of Alabama Bands ..................43 UAB Music...............................................33 UNA Department of Music ......................34 University of South Alabama Bands ........22 University of South Alabama Music ..........4 Yamaha.....................................................11 ala breve 5

David Raney, AMEA President Expect It, Accept It, and Cherish It I am humbled and honored to write my have to seek out challenges to overcome; We will promote and first article as the AMEA President. however, we must constantly remind share the successes Please forgive me if I make claim to the ourselves that challenges are what make and achievements of most unique start of a presidency since us stronger and better at what we do. our amazing 1946. Despite the unique start of my Challenges are uncomfortable but also educators in order to term, I am most certainly excited to give us an opportunity to appreciate inspire and recruit work with the amazing team of AMEA what we had and will have in the future. those that will one Staff and Governing Board. I am well For some, this year may create your day take our place. aware the foundation of this association most fond memories with your students was established by the great leadership or your most proud moments as an of those that came before me. I would educator. I challenge you to open your like to thank Greg Gumina and Susan mind and allow those moments to Smith for providing me with the happen. Expect it, accept it, and cherish mentorship and guidance as I step into it. this position. Spring/Summer Activities As I write this article, I am still unsure Watching everyone jump into action how the fall semester will look for our during the onset of this pandemic was students. By the time you read this nothing short of an amazing site to article, my hope is that we all have a witness. Greg quickly gathered the clear understanding of how to approach leadership and started collaborating the challenges that lie ahead within our ideas and brainstorming for solutions. own unique situation. Although the Over the coming months, complete plans have changed and your curriculum websites were developed, Town Halls may have been altered, one thing that were organized, resources were has not changed is the commitment our gathered, the Advocacy Leadership educators have towards their student’s Force was established, and constant education. collaboration with NAfME and other state leaders became daily events. A truth that is evident in our band Identifying everything that transpired program is that adversity can be a great over the summer is more than can be motivator. Adversity is often the tool mentioned in this article. that bring students together to work as one and overcome enormous obstacles. Although the opportunity to advocate A beloved former director of mine was for music education at the annual “Hill once overheard saying, “Students must Day” event in Washington, DC was have a problem to overcome and if they cancelled, NAfME hosted an don’t, I will make one up for them”. outstanding virtual National Assembly that exceeded our preconceived One thing is clear, we currently do not expectations with an online event. August/September 2020

2021 AMEA Conference Division Leadership AMEA. These goals will continue the Of all the plans AMEA has made over Our Division Leaders have done an path my predecessors have established in the summer, none have been as difficult amazing job going above and beyond the advancement of music education in as addressing the upcoming conference. the call of duty this summer. We have our state. The AMEA staff has always provided met as a board more this summer than outstanding conference experiences with we typically meet for the entire year. We must promote unity between our each year progressively improving They have eagerly worked to provide divisions by communicating often and technology, performances, and back to school guidance documents, share ideas of successful practices. professional development sessions. emergency “Essential Standards” for Despite being called “Divisions,” we Evidence of these improvements can be programs that must teach virtually, and must be united to provide a stronger found in the consistent growth of they remain on standby for any requests association that is more efficient in attendance each year. received at a moment’s notice. Please providing opportunities for our students. help me thank your Division Leaders for The foundation of our conference is the work they have done, and will We will enrich our advocacy efforts to based on providing experiences that will continue to do, as we navigate through provide more resources for members by expand and promote your professional these times. adding tools to promote music growth. This year our conference may education in your own school system. look different but the goal remains the Goals and Agenda We must all take an active part and speak same. We are committed to provide a As your president, I will focus my the same language to the system leaders conference experience that will be rich efforts to achieve a set of goals I feel across our state in order to be effective with learning experiences. will continue the forward progress of in our efforts. Support for our teachers should be established by building relationships with legislators and school leaders across our state. We know how essential music education is and we must invite everyone to be a part of the benefits we bring to the education system. The future of music education is dependent upon our emerging leaders and the recruitment of new teachers. We will promote and share the successes and achievements of our amazing educators in order to inspire and recruit those that will one day take our place. Most of these goals rely on our ability to improve communication with our membership. We will advance our technology to provide innovative ways to stay connected throughout the year as well as provide unique opportunities for professional development. I feel we have entered a defining moment for music education and you are a part of the history that is taking place. Write your story well and always remember to expect great things, accept the challenges, and cherish the rewards. David Raney ala breve 7

Pat Stegall - AMEA Registrar join, include the new music teachers, invite the inactive music teachers and be deliver to our administrators, ALSDE, involved as a mentor to the young music and law makers! teachers. Why? We all know that we need to be If it is possible, we REALLY need a Renew your membership now at members of NAfME and AMEA. It is face-to-face conference this year so we www.nafme.org .  Membership in part of being involved in our National can continue to share what we are doing NAfME is required for participation in and State professional organizations. and learning about meeting the state MEA sponsored events like the We know that we need to have challenges we are encountering due to AMEA Conference, the Elementary professional development opportunities. the Covid-19 pandemic. It may not be Division Fall Conference, All-state and We know that we have an AMEA board possible…we will have to see what the Musical Performance Assessments.  that plans the conferences and other next few months bring, but I for one am Joining NAfME secures your important activities for us. But have you looking forward to hearing about the membership in AMEA and in your considered WHY your membership is stories, solutions and new opportunities division. important? It should be very obvious at to be creative. this time that our support of these Watch the AMEA website and register organizations is imperative! NAfME is When you are joining or renewing your for the 2021 AMEA conference online providing excellent materials and membership, think of those music at www.myamea.org when it becomes resources for us. Our state AMEA teachers in your area that may not be available. You will find it is easy and will leaders are offering guidance and active members, and send them a save you time and money. Reunite with direction for each division. Our unity is message inviting them to join! You friends and colleagues from all over the more important than ever if we are to could send an email with their contact state in January. Rejuvenate your energy continue to have a consistent message to information to me at and renew your enthusiasm for the rest [email protected] and I will invite of the school year! I can’t wait to hear them!  about your experiences! Remember to remind your colleagues to AMEA Presidents - Past to Present 1946 Yale H. Ellis 1972 Frances P. Moss 1996 Johnnie Vinson 1948 Walter A. Mason 1974 George Hammett 1998 Michael Meeks 1950 Vernon Skoog 1975 Frances P. Moss 2000 John McAphee, Jr. 1952 John J. Hoover 1976 S. J. Allen 2002 Tony Pike 1954 Lamar Triplett 1978 W. Frank McArthur 2004 Becky Rodgers 1956 Carleton K. Butler 1980 Paul Hall 2006 John Baker 1958 Mort Glosser 1982 Lacey Powell, Jr. 2008 Pat Stegall 1960 Wilbur Hinton 1984 Johnny Jacobs 2010 Steve McLendon 1962 Lacey Powell, Jr. 1986 Merilyn Jones 2012 Sara Womack 1964 G. Truman Welch 1988 Ronald D. Hooten 2014 Carl Hancock 1966 Jerry Countryman 1990 Ken Williams 2016 Susan Smith 1968 Floyd C. McClure 1992 Dianne Johnson 2018 Greg Gumina 1970 Jerry Bobo 1994 James K. Simpson 2020 David Raney 8 August/September 2020

AMEA Governing Board 2020-2021 President-Elect Treasurer/Registrar Rob Lyda Pat Stegall President Cary Woods Elementary School AMEA Registration David Raney 715 Sanders Street PO Box 3385 Sparkman High School Auburn, AL 36830 Muscle Shoals, AL 35661 2616 Jeff Road 334-663-0898 [email protected] Harvest, AL 35749 256-837-0331 Recording Secretary President, ABA [email protected] Carla Gallahan Terry Ownby 113 Long Hall Florence High School Immediate Past President Troy University 1201 Bradshaw Drive Greg Gumina Troy, AL 36082 Florence, AL 35630 Shades Valley High School (334) 670-3502 (256) 768-2200 6100 Old Leeds Road [email protected] [email protected] Irondale, AL 35210 (205) 956-4638 President, AVA President, ELEM/GEN [email protected] Randall Fields Betty Wilson Bob Jones High School Deer Valley Elementary President, AOA 650 Hughes Road 4990 Ross Bridge Parkway Daniel Stevens Madison, AL 35758 Hoover, AL 35226 University of North Alabama (256) 772-2547 (205) 296-3311 One Harrison Plaza [email protected] [email protected] Florence, AL 35631 (256) 765-4708 AMEA Collegiate Advisor Michael Zelenak [email protected] Meghan Merciers Alabama State University University of North Alabama 915 S. Jackson St. President, AMEA Collegiate UNA Box 5040 Tullibody Music Hall Room 208 Jackson Vaughan 142 Music Building Montgomery, AL 36104 [email protected] Florence, AL 35632-0001 334-604-9187 256.765.4518 Industry Representative [email protected] Alabama Department of Education Becky Lightfoot Arts Education Specialist Arts Music Shop Assistant Executive Director Andy Meadows 3030 East Blvd. Rusty Logan 50 North Ripley Street Montgomery, AL 36116 2020 Janabrooke Lane Montgomery, Alabama 36104 334/271-2787 Auburn, AL 36830 (334) 694-4768 [email protected] (334) 663-1702 [email protected] [email protected] Executive Director Editor, Ala Breve Garry Taylor 1600 Manor Dr. NE Cullman, AL 35055 (256) 636-2754 [email protected] Garry Taylor, Editor & Advertising Manager ADVERTISING & COPY DEADLINES 1600 Manor Dr. NE Fall - August/September (Back to School) issue: July 15 Cullman, AL 35055 Winter - October/November (Conference) issue: September 15 (256) 636-2754 Spring - May/June (All-State) issue: January 15 [email protected] Summer - May/June (Digital Only) issue: April 15 Unless otherwise indicated, permission is granted to NAfME members to reprint articles for educational purposes. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of AMEA or the Editor. All announcements & submissions are subject to editorial judgement/revision.The Alabama Music Educators Association is a state unit of NAfME: The National Association for Music Education, a voluntary, nonprofit organization representing all phases of music education in schools, colleges, universities, and teacher-education institutions. Active NAfME/AMEA membership is open to all persons engaged in music teaching or other music education work. Ala Breve is published four times a year (August, October, February & May) by the Alabama Music Educators Association and printed by Hardwick and Son Printing in Dothan, Alabama. Bulk rate postage paid at Dothan, Alabama. ala breve 9

Randall Fields- President, Alabama Vocal Association our virtual general membership meeting as part of the Fall Workshop on the afternoon of September 10. Some highlights of our summer board meeting are as follows: July 23, 2020 Fall Workshop will be September 10. This year’s workshop will be virtual and will be offered to AVA Who would have thought five months ago that the opening of members free of charge. We are planning All-State the 2020-2021 academic year would be met with so many reading sessions, information for new teachers, uncertainties? I suspect that for most chorus teachers in a training for the All-State audition process, virtual “normal” year, the anticipation of our first days of school is lesson ideas, and the general membership meeting. filled with excitement over reconnecting with students and Please plan to attend the virtual general membership colleagues, picking literature for our ensembles, and coming meeting at 4:00 PM to vote on handbook revisions. up with engaging lessons. However, I have to admit that this Please look for future communications regarding year, my excitement is tinged with fear. What does the opening registration for the Fall Workshop. of school look like? How will I connect with my students? How will I prepare them for the next level? What is going to All fall AVA activities will be virtual. This includes All- happen to my program? In fact, we are all entering unknown State auditions; district-level Outstanding territory together and being challenged to make connections, Accompanist, Outstanding Choral Student, and Pat teach, and assess learning in ways we never imagined. I hope Blackwell Music Education auditions and interviews. your Vocal Association will be a valuable resource for you as we all navigate the unknown together. For now, we are remaining optimistic that the spring semester will look more normal. However, your board To meet the changing needs of our organization we have has worked on contingency plans for the spring formed a Task Force for Virtual Learning, chaired by Dr. events. Please look for a questionnaire from AVA to Chris Brown from Foley High School. This task force has help us plan for the best ways to serve you and your already spent many hours curating resources for virtual students. learning that you might find useful moving forward. These resources include engaging lesson plans, instructional videos, The deadline for submissions to perform or present and links to resources featuring best practices for virtual sessions for the AMEA winter conference has been instruction. Chris also created a guide for chorus to return to extended to September 1. Because most districts were face to face instruction based on the most current research not able to host SCPA last spring, you may submit a available. recording from the 2019-2020 school year. In the recent board meeting, we identified Essential Standards We have reinstated the Advocacy Committee. Dr. based on the Alabama Course of Study that are critical to Khristina Motley from Hillcrest High School will addressing the minimum skills needed for students to serve as chair. One of the goals of this committee is progress. Your board hopes that these will be helpful as you to connect with educators who may not be fully plan lessons for the school year. engaged with the opportunities AVA provides. If you know of personnel changes in schools in your area, will you please help your district chair by sharing contact information. We want to include every chorus teacher who wants to be a part of the organization. If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to renew your As we move forward, I hope that your vocal association NAfME membership so you and your students are eligible to remains as relevant as ever, providing resources for our take full advantage of AVA offerings. teachers and educational opportunities of the highest caliber for our students. Please check the AVA website for the most up to date calendar information. Wishing you the best as you begin your school year, Your AVA board has met virtually and face-to-face this Randall summer to plan for the upcoming year, and to revise the AVA Handbook. We will be presenting those plans and revisions at 10 August/September 2020



Troy University is a fully accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Michael Zelenak -Incoming President, Higher Education Division The New Abnormal I never thought that I would want to go even the most demanding Alternative A, and Class A Choral and back to school this bad. (That’s administrators. From a different Instrumental programs by the ALSDE. abnormal.) I’ve got plenty of work to perspective, more information is Every child in Alabama deserves to be do, and plenty of stress to deal with. But available on the American Choral taught by a highly qualified music to be honest, I miss my students and I Directors Association site at . To find educator. miss being a music teacher. If you’re online teaching strategies, my favorite reading this, you know what I’m talking site is . The K Patricia Cross Academy Researchers take note: Applications to about. A school is a unique microcosm presents numerous teaching strategies present research posters at the 2021 filled with its own relationships and with video recordings and instructional AMEA conference will be accepted until interactions. Throw music into the mix resources targeting college professors Nov, 2, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Go to the for and it’s a great place to be. Why would I that can also be modified for use with all more details. In addition, the American want to be anywhere else? I’m ready to grade levels. Finally, don’t forget about Educational Research Association rehearse! AMEA’s Alternative Music Teaching (AERA) is continuing its AERA Grants Resources folder at . There’s plenty of Program. This program provides small Our professional organizations have information to go around. grants and training for researchers who exceeded every expectation during these conduct studies using quantitative trying times. Normally large News for music education faculty: The methods. Apply before Sept. 10, 2020 at organizations move slowly, but the speed ALSDE has removed the Praxis Core . at which they have addressed this Basic Skills Exam from the list of pandemic has been amazing. (That’s requirements for students applying to Kudos to HED past-president Mildred abnormal.) Visit the NAfME COVID- enter Educator Preparation Programs. Lanier for encouraging Alabama 19 website at . You’ll probably stay (That’s “abnormal”!) Hopefully, more Governor Kay Ivey to proclaim March longer than you anticipated. NAfME has students will enter these programs and 2020 as \"Music In Our Schools Month.\" assembled a comprehensive collection reverse the growing teacher shortage. Ms. Lanier’s advocacy efforts can be an of resources that will benefit all music Let’s also congratulate faculty members inspiration to all us. Let’s set a goal to educators. In addition, everyone should from Troy University, Samford continue this tradition. Wouldn’t it be read the College Band Directors University, and the University of great if every school and municipality National Association’s report at . This Alabama – Huntsville who have recently celebrated MIOSM? Now, there’s an report will answer questions posed by earned approval for their Class B, “abnormal” to aim for! AMEA Industry/Institutional Membership 2020-21 AMEA would like to express appreciation to the following partners who have joined AMEA in our efforts to promote music education in Alabama. Please support these industry/institutional members who support you as music educators! Madison Band Supply University of North Alabama 1604-B Hughes Road, Madison, AL 35758 1660 Tune Ave., Florence, AL 35630 University of Alabama at Birmingham University of South Alabama 950 13th Street S., Birmingham, AL 35294 LPAC 1072, 5751 USA Drive South, University of Alabama in Huntsville Mobile, AL 36688 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL 35899 ala breve 13

Daniel Stevens - President, Alabama Orchestra Association “Music has the power of producing a certain effect on the moral character of the soul, and if it has the power to do this, it is clear that the young must be directed to music and must be educated in it.” – Aristotle, Politics Is it possible to feel exhausted before a new academic year has musical and educational achievement for started? For many classrooms, the prospect of a Plan A, B, C, the students of Alabama. and D can become reality at any moment. Virtual or hybrid instruction poses hundreds of technical logistics to overcome, Please refer to the AOA website at as music education incorporates so much tactile and www.alabamaorchestraassociation.org to engage with us. Let experiential learning. Fortunately, Alabama has some of the us help you find resources for your ensembles, classrooms, nation’s finest music teachers who are constantly innovating and virtual educational space. unique ways to connect students with the music curriculum. This year, we are excited to bring world-renowned clinicians to However, it is important to keep in mind that poor mental Alabama: health in ourselves and our students during the pandemic may stop the ability to learn at the front door. Early in the AMEA CONFERENCE – January 2021: semester, celebrate small victories along the way, and motivate students through discovery and wonder. Dr. Christopher Selby – author of Habits of a Successful Orchestra Director, Music Theory for the Successful String I am reminded of a 2-minute spot on a morning news show Musician, and co-author of the Habits of a Successful String that begins, “We leave you this Sunday morning with a Musician series, published by GIA. He is an active clinician moment of nature…” It’s interesting to see my family go and has presented sessions at two Midwest Clinics, the 2016 about a busy day, multi-tasking multiple electronic devices, NAfME National Conference, five American String Teacher work around the house, and calls from the office, but when a Association (ASTA) National Conferences, and he currently 2-minute moment like this reminds us to breathe, we pause directs the high school orchestras at the School of the Arts in and find stillness. Charleston, South Carolina. Take a moment yourself right now, and search for one of the ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA – February 2021: following five pieces to find a few moments of peace: Ms. Helen Cha-Pyo – is the Artistic Director of the + Samuel Barber – Adagio for Strings (9’) Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts and Principal + Amy Beach – Romance for Violin (6’) Conductor of the New Jersey Youth Symphony. For 16 years + Edward Elgar – “Nimrod” from Enigma Variations (4’) as Music Director and Conductor of the Empire State Youth + Ennio Morricone – Gabriel’s Oboe (4’) Orchestra, Ms. Cha-Pyo has inspired hundreds of young + Sergei Rachmaninov - Symphony No. 2 – III. Adagio (15’) musicians to perform at the highest levels, resulting in 3 prestigious ASCAP awards. Born in Seoul, Ms. Cha-Pyo To take a minute to find the center, we are reminded why we immigrated to the US when she was 12 and has studied music boldly owned music as a career. We all desperately yearn for at The Juilliard School, Oberlin College Conservatory of harmonious moments in front of our students and know that Music, and the Eastman School of Music. when our world improves, we will never take live music for granted again. Mr. Russell E. Berlin, Jr. – is inducted into the Missouri Music Educators Association Hall-of-Fame, for a nationally- I am honored to serve AMEA and AOA as President for the recognized 30-year career in the Lee’s Summit School District, next two years. I work with 22 talented colleagues that uplift in addition to a 20-year career as conductor with the Youth the AOA mission to “develop a comprehensive program that Symphony of Kansas City. Under his direction, Mr. Berlin’s will be of musical and educational benefit to string/orchestra ensembles have appeared at the Midwest International Band teachers and their students.” AOA hopes to provide a and Orchestra Clinic, Carnegie Hall, the International Youth, common meeting ground and clearinghouse for an exchange and Music Festival in Vienna. of ideas and methods that will stimulate professional growth among teachers that will, in general, advance the standards of Ms. Fariga Drayton – is an experienced educator in her tenth 14 August/September 2020

year in the Kirkwood, Missouri School District, teaching Welcome back to what I hope will be another great year! We beginning strings, and is the director for the Nipher Middle recognize each of you for your tremendous accomplishments School and Kirkwood High School Symphonic Orchestra. Out and know we have a dynamic year ahead. The Alabama of 18 years as an educator, Ms. Drayton’s ensembles have been Orchestra Association is looking forward to serving you and featured at the Midwest Clinic International Band and your students throughout the upcoming seasons.  Orchestra Conference and she has featured the youngest ensemble ever invited to perform at the Nation Youth Blessings, Orchestra Festival (Director’s Choice) at Carnegie Hall. Known as a 30-year professional cellist specializing in Daniel Stevens alternative music, she has been featured at multiple music educator conventions, and has performed with the Transiberian Orchestra, the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players Mid-West Tour, and the Southern Illinois Music Festival. Important AOA Dates for 2020-2021 All-State Audition Materials Available Online ……….........................................................................................……….August 5, 2020 All-State String Auditions (multiple locations).........................................................................................................…October 9-18, 2020 All-State Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Auditions ……….........................................................…….……November 6-15, 2020 AMEA Conference……………………….........................………………………….......……………………January 21-23, 2021 All-State Orchestra Festival………………….....................................……………..……….......…………….February 11-14, 2021 Orchestra Music Performance Assessment …………………..............................................…………….………..April 16-17, 2021 Samford University School of the Arts 15 Division of Music Welcomes Dr. Morgan Soja Assistant Professor and Director of Music Education Dr. Soja comes to Samford University with extensive experience teaching music education at all levels, and is poised to connect Samford music education students with the Alabama Music Educators Association. The Division of Music offers programs in commercial music, composition, music education, music and worship, and performance. For more information visit samford.edu/arts or email our arts recruiter at [email protected]. ala breve

Betty Wilson -  President, Elementary/General Division Lemons or Standards published in the Roadmap for Lemonade? Reopening Schools. The Essential Standards have been added to the Normally, this article would focus on field. We must bring the same thing Elementary AMEA Facebook page and getting back into the classroom and the when we show up at school or turn on they have been shared via email to our start of a brand-new school year. It the computer. membership. If you did not receive the would be filled with optimism and joy email, please check your spam folder about lesson planning and getting to see AMEA and NAfME have published and/or contact me or President elect our colleagues and students again. This several articles and have updated their Sarah McLendon to update your email year, not so much. This year many webpages to help teachers navigate address. Connecting through the virtual teachers are filled with anxiety and fear through these tough times. On the workshops offered by AMEA, NAfME about returning to the classroom. Many AMEA webpage, www.myamea.org you and others is a great way to keep in teachers are faced with the new can find Covid-19 resources contributed touch, as well as learn and collaborate challenges of social distancing, sanitizing by your fellow teachers. The National with your colleagues. instruments, and teaching online or Association for Music Education has teaching on a cart. To top it all off, more free resources at In closing, we are faced with a choice; Principals and Superintendents don’t https://nafme.org/covid-19/. This we can lament all the lemons that have have the answers to many of the website includes tips on instrument come along with COVID-19, or we can questions that teachers and parents have. cleaning, online learning and copyright, make lemonade. Our good friends We are all doing our best to address professional development resources and Randy Delles and Jeff Kriske once said, multiple scenarios that may arise due to lesson plans. In addition, to guide your “Whenever you’re feeling dismayed, Or COVID-19. planning for in-person, hybrid or virtual someone rains on your parade, learning, the Essential Standards for Remember this tip, Don’t give up the What we know: many school systems music education have been added to the ship, With Lemons you make have delayed the start of school. Several Alabama Roadmap for Reopening Lemonade!” I hope you choose to make have opted for virtual learning only, Schools which can be found the ALSDE lemonade this school year! while several have given the parents the webpage https://www.alsde.edu/. I option to choose in-person learning or would like to thank Dr. Rob Lyda, Dr. Musically Yours, virtual learning. Teachers will have to be Becky Halliday, Dr. Jeff Shultz and Betty R. Wilson, President, creative with their teaching and delivery Devon Lacey for their tremendous work AMEA Elementary/General Division options. Teachers also have a choice. in developing these essential standards. We can choose what attitude and skills East Alabama General Music we bring to the table. Will we bring our During this transitional time, we all must Workshop, best selves? Will we choose to continue to communicate, collaborate August 29, 2020, ONLINE collaborate with our fellow music and care for each other. Teachers must Register here: https://forms.gle/ teachers? Will we choose to adapt and address their own and their students’ aeP2DUM9XTHLR6Vz5 grow no matter what our Principals ask social and emotional wellness. Key of us? Our attitudes are a choice. components of music education include AMEA Choral Festival: Motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar says the way making music with others makes October 16, 2020: Cancelled/Postponed “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will us feel and think. Participating in music October 2021, Contact Melissa determine your altitude.” My son’s best ensembles enhances our social McIntyre, Festival Director baseball coach often told them “You awareness and allows us to build [email protected] can’t control what happens to you, but relationships. This connection can be you can control how you react to it.” He lost during virtual learning. There are AMEA/AOSA Fall workshop: didn’t tolerate any “fit pitching” after a several great resources for addressing October 17, 2020, Jeremy Howard, bad swing, dropped ball, strike out, etc. social and emotional learning (SEL) on online. More details to come! This coach expected your best attitude the NAfME webpage and in the and effort each time you came to the Alabama General Music K-8 Essential AMEA In-Service Conference Jan 21-23, 2021, Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Spa Details will be available soon at www.myamea.org 16 August/September 2020

General Music Reviews “My Music Book” By Deanna Bell, Music Teacher at Vestavia Hills Elementary East I have been doing a lot of research this summer about student materials. I want my students to have something that they can continue to use if we switch from in-person learning to online learning. So, I purchased the “My Music Book” series from West Music. (Item No. 867840) These worksheets contain sequential lessons based on American folksongs that correlate with “An American Methodology.” (Eisen, Ann and Lamar Robertson. An American Methodology: An Inclusive Approach to Musical Literacy. 2nd Ed. Lake Charles, Louisiana: Sneaky Snake Publications, LLC, 2010. Print). These worksheets focus on sequential skills beginning in first grade and continuing to fifth grade. Here are a few skills that are featured in each book: “My First Grade Music Book” features beat, rhythm, ta, ti-ti, rest, 2-beat meter, and so-mi. “My Second Grade Music Book” features ta-a, 4-beat meter, la, do, and re. “My Third Grade Music Book” features the pentatonic scale, tiri-tiri, ti-tiri, tiri-ti, low la, low sol, and do pentatonic. “My Fourth Grade Music Book” features syncopation, la pentatonic, dotted quarter notes, fa, half step, whole steps, B flat, and F major key signatures. “My Fifth Grade Music Book” features re pentatonic, low ti, la pentachord, F#, key of G major, ti, whole rest, ti-tam, upbeat, dotted half note, 3-beat meter, and tim-ri. Here are a few samples from “My First Grade Music Book.” The book includes a list of songs for each activity, “point and sing” pages, music notation writing, and staff paper to create their own songs. Students can color the title page of their music book and make it their own. Students can color the cover page of their music book. Students can practice writing on the staff. (sol-mi) Students can use “Point and Sing” pages to practice beat. Students can use the staff paper to create their own melodies and share with others. The worksheets in the books are reproducible and can easily be copied or scanned for a Promethean board. Many of the work- sheets include practice with rhythm instruments or barred instruments. You can even customize your own book for each grade. As we begin the most uncertain year of school, I would recommend that you join AMEA, the Alabama Chapter of AOSA, and SHAKE. These memberships can offer you amazing support and lesson ideas for your school year. Best Wishes for a Great School Year! Deanna Bell ala breve 17

Jackson Vaughan, President, Alabama cNAfME No Child Left Behind in the Music Classroom: A brief history of U.S. arts education legislation As we continue to navigate our way The history of NCLB is extremely to lack balance and neglected the through COVID-19 and what that interesting when looking at how quickly importance of many other subjects. means for our schools, it is important states lost the power to assess their own NCLB also changed the way we view that we find ourselves equipped with the students and determine how they define assessment. The act attempted to correct information to properly progress. This began in 1994 when The streamline examinations to assess in advocate for our arts classrooms. In Goals 2000 was passed. This was an what areas students were failing. order to do this, we must know the American education act with the plans Legislation required that all students be history of the United States arts to get the education system back on proficient in both reading and legislation in public-schools. Without track by the year 2000. This act was the mathematics but were vague in what the this information, it is nearly impossible first implication of the arts as “core term “proficient” means. This major to be able to represent ourselves and subjects” and really spearheaded the idea change in testing angered many advocate for arts funding in the rapidly into NCLB. By 2002 when NCLB was educators. Some educators even accused changing classroom. As a new school passed into law, the arts were officially the federal system of changing testing year approaches, now more than ever, “core subjects”, but did not have the because changing teaching was too we should know what legislation says legislation to support it. Through many difficult of a task. In my opinion, about music education. attempts to reauthorize NCLB, the teaching is something that is adaptable Obama administration tried to tweak and dependent on the individual teacher. On January 8, 2002, former President American assessment by giving control A good teacher is able to adapt their George W. Bush signed the No Child of scheduling and examination back to individual teaching to meet the needs of Left Behind Act (NCLB) into law. This the individual states. Though it failed their classroom while assessment is newly found education act focused both in 2007 and 2011, the Obama something that is much less flexible. heavily on standards and assessment. administration began a redesign to give Assessment is extremely valuable when Subjects such as mathematics and states flexibility in their own teaching. In collecting data, but when looking at reading were heavily stressed and 2013, NCLB was renewed by the House existing data and looking for ways to brought to the forefront of schools’ of Representatives with solely make a change, the teaching is the first curricula. With a testing centered republican support, but in 2015 the thing that needs to be assessed. system, many schools were labeled as Every Student Succeeds Act passes with “failing” under this mandate and placed legislation that allows music and arts With music education being deemed a under the magnifying glass of the education to be viewed as a valuable and “core subject”, music educators were federal eye. The goal was to move important subjects to build into optimistic and looking forward to the schools to a place of progress and felt curriculum. possibilities of teaching under NCLB, that the place where change was to be but through weak legislation, little made was in testing. For music Standards were heavily affected when change was made to ensure students educators, the question then became: No Child Left Behind was passed in were being held to appropriate standards Where do arts classes fit into this 2002. In general, NCLB put heavy to assess their basic musical system? emphasis on mathematics and reading. development. This caused a great debate To many educators, this system appeared about the possibility of a national music 18 August/September 2020

assessment. While many were in favor of passing of No Child Left Behind, the Sources a streamlined music exam, others were Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) worried about the lost qualities in a pen passed into law. This law labeled music Beveridge, T. (2009). No Child Left and paper exam. Standards and education as part of a “well-rounded” Behind and Fine Arts Classes. assessment of music were centered education. Unlike NCLB, ESSA had the Arts Education Policy Review, around progress and growth but did not legislation to support itself and began 111(1), 4–7. doi: examine important musical qualities such making changes to give states power 10.1080/10632910903228090 as communication, creativity, and critical within their own education systems. thinking. Without these key aspects of First, states had the ability to determine Elpus, K. (2014). Evaluating the music education, the student is merely how they define progress. Since not Effect of No Child Left Behind learning to make pretty noise. This every school and location across the on U.S. Music Course argument drove many music educators country is the same, it was important for Enrollments. Journal of Research in to despise NCLB and push for more states to individually define what Music Education, 62(3), 215–233. control of their teaching standards and progress means and how it is measured doi: 10.1177/0022429414530759 assessment in the classroom. All of this and assessed in the public-school system. can simply be put as: music education Second, states controlled educational Gilbert, A. D. (2016). The cannot fit in the established paradigm money within their own systems. Framework for 21st Century that NCLB sets up in the American Funding was no longer directly put into Learning: A first-rate foundation education system. core classes but was under direction of for music education assessment the states as to where it should go. With and teacher evaluation. Arts Funding was another aspect of No Child the states in control, money and time Education Policy Review, 117(1), Left Behind that caused much grief in were placed into the hands of music 13–18. doi: the music education classroom. Under educators. The Every Student Succeeds 10.1080/10632913.2014.966285 NCLB, funding was based on adequate Act gave music educators flexibility to yearly progress. This means, that if a teach music in a creative facet without Kos, R. P. (2017). Music education school does not meet certain standards fear of streamlined assessment and and the well-rounded education during the school year, the school will standards. provision of the Every Student begin to lose funding after one year of Succeeds Act: A critical policy grace. This creates an extremely The No Child Left Behind Act, while analysis. Arts Education Policy backward system where failing schools good in concept, impeded music Review, 119(4), 204–216. doi: never receive the funds to improve. educators from doing their jobs. Not 10.1080/10632913.2017.1327383 Instead, schools without the proper only were they held to very strict funding are found unable to adequately federally mandated standards, but they Klein, A. (2018, October 25). No educate their students. While NCLB is were forced to face budget and Child Left Behind Overview: often criticized as an underfunded scheduling problems head-on. Under the Definitions, Requirements, mandate, the majority of funds were Every Student Succeeds Act, music Criticisms, and More. Retrieved directed toward testing subjects such as educators are put in a much better from mathematics and reading. With funds position to teach and encourage https://www.edweek.org/ew/sec being funneled into math and reading, creativity. As we all know, music tion/multimedia/no-child-left- the arts were left to fend for themselves education is a place within a school that behind-overview-definition- and come up with their own ways to fosters creativity; therefore, it cannot be summary.html. keep their programs afloat. Already strictly confined to checking off existing budget deficits caused arts standard boxes. Especially as we find Team, U. (2019, October 17). The education to be placed lower on the ourselves advocating our way through a Difference Between the Every priority list than it already was. If a global pandemic, it is pertinent that we Student Succeeds Act and No school did not meet its adequate yearly understand the history of the United Child Left Behind. Retrieved progress, there was no hope in their arts States public-school music education from programs receiving any substantial legislation. The more we know, the https://www.understood.org/en funding. Music educators were placed in better equipped we are to advocate to /school-learning/your-childs- an interesting situation where they did local, state, and national officials to keep rights/basics-about-childs- not have the funds or time to support arts funding in our classrooms. Through rights/the-difference-between-th their classes and programs. ESSA, the arts are guaranteed a place in e-every-student-succeeds-act- the public-school classroom and it is our and-no-child-left-behind. In 2015, thirteen years after the initial duty as educators to keep it there. 19 ala breve

Terry Ownby- President, Alabama Bandmasters Association Stay Strong! In the last 5 months, there have been so with the best information that we have, do with all the decisions that your local LEA many opportunities for personal and the very best that we can for our students. makes, the AMEA leadership makes and the professional growth during this very The last three ABA PD sessions have been ABA leadership makes, but again we are uncertain time. We’ve seen people and great. One on ways to fund our programs human and this won’t be the case. But I do companies give of their time and resources without selling anything, and two that were know that if we allow ourselves the ability to to come together and help our programs and extremely motivational during a time when take a step back and soak in the reasoning our students in ways that we have never we need positive things to help propel us behind decisions, even if we disagree with seen. We have watched as many people have back to what we do as teachers. Last night, them, I bet we can then have the discussions put on their thinking caps and have not Jerell Horton made a great point that that need to take place to help pave the way given up, when that would have been easiest resonated with me again, one that I heard for decisions in the future. Also, to help thing to do, but have blazed a trail using very early in my career, we need each other to get these decisions before they are made, we various kinds of technology to show us that through the things that we are going through and we need to be advocates for music education we can do what we do in so many different are better when we lean into and learn from others that our administration and local school ways, and that brings us all to today. whose teaching styles, opinions, etc. may be different districts turn to for questions about the arts. than ours. This helps us grow as a person and as an This takes time to cultivate but is well worth Today we are looking at the new school year educator and will hopefully make us better for our the effort for you to put into being the calm and as I write this, there are still so many students. presence that has the well thought through questions. I know that ALL of us want plan, that is fact driven. If we want to have answers. We want them now. Actually, we I wish I could tell you there will not be our seat at the table, it takes ALL OF US wanted them five months ago. But the reality challenges in the days ahead, but there will cultivating the relationship at the local level is that we can only take each moment, and be. I wish I could tell you that you will agree being the go to person for the arts. Things to think about in the days ahead: 1. Plan for Fall activities – a. Plan for traditional with modifications, a hybrid option and a possible virtual option i. Remember, if you fail to plan you have planned to fail!!!! 2. Start now planning Concert Band literature your band for the next academic year – and how you might have to do Virtual concerts and live stream these or record these and make them available to parents 3. It’s not too late to recruit – put together a video of your leadership students encouraging younger students to be in band –AS- SUME THAT ALL YOUR UPCOMING STUDENTS ARE GOING TO BE IN BAND AND GO AFTER THEM!!!!!!!!! a. Go back and watch the Peter Boonshaft PD session and the Jerrell Horton PD session for some great ideas here 4. Use this time to market your program in a positive way!!! 5. Look at your finances and how you will manage them in the Fall since most of us missed a fundraiser this Spring Upcoming ABA events before we vote on the legislation. Hybrid, A and B days, Virtual. How can we give them the absolute BEST experience Solo and Ensemble - Our bylaws allow for AMEA has a Music Teaching Resource page whatever the platform learning takes this Solo and Ensemble to occur anytime from at myamea.us where we can all go to find Fall? October through May. Each district has been resources to help during this time. You can encouraged to offer two solo and ensemble also place your ideas and resources here to Stay strong!! events next school year for our students. help us build this site. Also, remember be This is something for each district to discuss proactive and positive as we move forward. This is your association. Let us all strive to and see what works best for your district. The future of our programs will depend make it better so that we can serve the upon how we handle this time with our students and the bands in our state better. AMEA 2021 - All legislation that was going students and their families. We are ABA and together we CAN do great to be voted on at the All State festival things!! (2020), will be moved to the 2021 AMEA Stay focused on what really matters, and conference so that the membership will have that’s the students!!! How can we do what we Terry the opportunity to discuss the legislation do for our students in whatever form teaching will take this Fall. Face to Face, 20 August/September 2020





Selected Extended Choral Works by demonstrate her skill as a composer who understood the voice and its interaction with Black Composers by William Powell piano. One piece in particular is The Negro Speaks of Rivers based upon the poem by Langston Hughes whose poetry she used quite often. As conductors seek to include more choral makes this requiem mass very appealing to Scenes from the Life of a Martyr compositions by black composers in their present-day choruses and orchestras. (to the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr.) repertoire, it is not uncommon to gravitate Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast Undine Smith Moore (1904-1989) toward exciting spiritual arrangements or Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912) A 16-part oratorio for SATB chorus, inspiring gospel compositions. It is equally words by H.W. Longfellow soprano, mezzo, and tenor soloists, narrator, exciting to reach back to some choral gems a cantata for tenor solo, SATB chorus, and and orchestra by the earlier black composers that are orchestra Theodore Presser Company written in a non-idiomatic fashion. This Novello & Company Ltd. Duration: approximately 40 minutes article is intended to encourage the director Duration: approximately 32 minutes to give consideration to including multi Having taught high school in her earlier movement works by black composers. An Afro-British composer of mixed birth, career where she composed works for her Trailblazers like William Grant Still, Coleridge-Taylor enjoyed great success as a chorus to compensate for the lack of funds Margaret Bonds, Undine Smith Moore, and composer in England and in the United to purchase music, Undine Smith Moore many others paved the way many years ago States. During his time, Hiawatha was later became a music professor at Virginia when professional opportunities and performed annually and was rivaled only by State University. Other than Scenes, she is national exposure were much more difficult performances of Mendelssohn’s Elijah to perhaps best known for her landmark setting for a person of color to achieve. Handel’s Messiah. Coleridge-Taylor was often of the spiritual “Daniel, Daniel, Servant of referred to as the “African Mahler” or the the Lord,” and her choral composition While there are several reasons why it might “Black Mahler.” “Striving After God.” not be possible to program any of these works during the COVID-19 era, they can The Ordering of Moses And they lynched him on a tree certainly be incorporated into a lesson plan R. Nathaniel Dett (1882-1943) by William Grant Still (1895-1978) and/or serve as major points of discussion, an oratorio for soli, chorus, and orchestra libretto by Katherine Garrison Chapin study, literature review, research, listening, Text from Scripture and folk lore (1890-1977) etc. The graduate students who were Alfred Music Publishing an oratorio for male speaker, mezzo-soprano enrolled in my African American Choral Duration: approximately one hour soloist, black chorus, white chorus, and Music course this summer are the inspiration orchestra (or piano) behind the focus of this article. Again, this Dett was born in Canada and taught at William Grant Still Music is a selected list of only six works, and they Hampton Institute where he founded the Duration: 17:24 are a very small representation of what you Hampton Institute Choir and other musical may discover from your own search for non- establishments. A prolific composer of Still is regarded as the “Dean of African idiomatic music by black composers from piano works and other mediums, Dett was American composers,” considering that he decades or centuries past. It is my hope that the first composer of African descent whose was the first black composer to have a work you will be inspired to dig further into some major work performed for a national radio performed by a major orchestra, the first to of the many other extended works by black broadcast. Often mistaken for a spiritual, conduct a major orchestra, and the first to composers, including additional choral music “Listen to the Lambs,” which is probably his have an opera performed by a major by these same composers. best known choral work, was actually company. Without question, his oratorio composed as a ‘religious characteristic in the about lynching was not without controversy. Requiem in D minor (Rio de Janeiro, 1816) form of an anthem.’ Regarding the performing forces of the José Maurício Nunes Garcia (1767-1830) rarely-performed And they lynched him on a tree, For SATB chorus, soloists, and orchestra The Ballad of the Brown King the white chorus represents the mob, the Associated Music Publishers Margaret Bonds (1913-1972) black chorus represents the community that also available on CPDL text by Langston Hughes (1902-1967) witnessed and reacted to the lynching, and Duration: Approximately 35 minutes a Christmas Cantata for SATB chorus, piano the mezzo represents the mother of the man (orchestration available), and soloists who was lynched. It is a Nunes Garcia was an Afro-Brazilian Sam Fox Publishing / Jubilate Music Group deeply moving and composer who was also a priest. Because of Duration: Approximately 25:00 emotionally disturbing his close association with the Catholic composition, but one Church, the vast majority of his works are Margaret Bonds published several works for that provokes thought sacred. They include motets, anthems, other mediums such as solo piano, voice and and encourages change. cantatas, masses, and other sacred piano, chamber ensemble, and others. Her compositions. His style resembles that of choral works, some of which are out of William Powell Mozart and other classical composers which print, are very singable, and they Director of Choral ala breve 23

Remembering Edd Jones Chapter President, and Jazz Educators Association Alabama Chapter President. In 1997, he joined his high school band director, Truman Welch, and his college band director, Colonel Carlton K. Butler, as a member of the Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame. Dr. Jones was a founding member of Shoals Area Big Band in 1979, along with Dr. Lyman Mitchell, Sr., Mr. Edsel Holden, Dr. Jimmy Simpson, Mr. George Ingram, Mr. Charles Wilson, Mr. Charles Rose, Mr. Harvey Thompson, Dr. Bob Garfrerick, Mr. Tom Risher, Mr. Bobby Terry, and Mr. Sonny Thompson, along with many other local musicians. Dr. Edd Jones was a teacher of music and years before moving home to Elmore From Nancy Frith... an advocate for music education. Dr. Jones’ County High School where he taught for six I came from a super small school in a tiny appreciation and talent for music was years with his mentor, Mr. Truman Welch. little town (Dr. Jones said you could dump a birthed at Elmore County High School in This is where Edd established the studio lab body in Winston Co and it would never be Eclectic, AL, under the instruction of his band concept that is still in existence today. found). I had a great high school director in mentor and friend, Mr. Truman Welch. Edd After teaching at Elmore County, he moved Ken Williams. He prepared this small-town was a five time all-state trumpet player his family to Hattiesburg, MS, where he girl to go to college and play in a college during high school and graduated as a completed his doctoral coursework to earn band. This was my only ticket to college so I member of the class of 1955. Upon his Ph.D. and served as an assistant took it. In my scholarship audition, I was graduation, he enrolled at the University of marching band director under Dr. Ray scared to death. Florence was the big city Alabama where he was a member of the Young at the University of Southern after all. I barely spoke to Dr. Jones. I was so Million Dollar Band under the direction of Mississippi. nervous. I suppose I did ok. Got all my Colonel Carlton K. Butler. While at the tuition paid. Otherwise, I would have gone University of Alabama, Edd was a In the fall of 1973, Dr. Jones was chosen as back to Arley. I had no clue what I wanted trumpeter, member, and leader of the the Director of Bands at Livingston to do but I took lessons with Dr. Jones. He Alabama Cavaliers. He was also a member University (now the University of West seemed nice. I wasn’t a music major at the of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. In 1962 he Alabama). He taught at Livingston for five time, but why not. I mean, me? A teacher? established the Edd Jones Orchestra, which years before accepting the Director of No way. Through making friends in band, I he led and performed with until the summer Bands position at the University of North got involved with Tau Beta Sigma and also of 2019. Many ballroom dancers throughout Alabama. Dr. Jones taught the trumpet started working for Dr. Jones in his office the Southeast and Midwest have appreciated students and served as the Band Director at through the university. I helped with the and enjoyed the music of the Edd Jones UNA for 21 years before retiring in 2000. music and the uniforms. I felt like he kind of Orchestra (also known as the Little Big Upon his retirement from UNA, he was took me under his wing. I sat in his office Band). bestowed the title of Professor Emeritus. and he would talk to me, tell me stories about his small town and how he got to After graduating with his Bachelor of Among his many accomplishments, Dr. college. I feel like we had a connection that Science and Master of Arts in music Jones served as President of the Alabama way. The way he talked about his high school education from the University of Alabama, Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu and college directors was the same way I felt Edd taught at Opelika High School for two International Band Directors Fraternity Rho about mine. Slowly and surely he brought me out of my shell. I know some of you may find it hard to believe I was ever in a shell but I definitely was. Once I was out, there was no going back. I loved coming back to Florence and spending time with Dr. Jones, which I did frequently. He was a HUGE part of my life and that hole will not be filled now that he is gone. What a tremendous legacy Dr. Lloyd Edward Jones II has left the UNA band program. His son took the baton years ago and is carrying on 24 August/September 2020

the tradition!!! I hope the University of From Roger Mills... Jones' leadership. North Alabama know what treasures they I was first introduced to Edd through an on- have with the Jones family. We are all proud campus visit at Livingston University (UWA) From Pat Stegall... alumni because of it. in 1975. He treated my parents and I to a Dr. Edd Jones set the standard on how to hearty lunch at the Livingston Inn clean a band! His knowledge of the history From Micheal Holmes... restaurant. Edd had the red hots! I liked him of bands in Alabama was incredible! I When Dr. Jones came to UNA in the from the start. I learned more about life in remember our excitement in 1978 when we summer of 1978 band members were both those years under him than any other time in learned he was coming to UNA to be the anxious and excited. During my three years school. He worked us like government mules band director. I remember moving him and with Dr. Jones much of the excellence I had but it always paid off in the making of some his family into their home in Florence. I experienced in the Minor High School Band incredible music of all kinds. Edd could remember Lloyd Jones when he was a little was reinforced. The UNA band clean a band better than anyone I’ve ever kid. I remember the fear Dr. Jones placed on immediately began to work harder in trying known. Although I didn’t have Dr Jones but us that first night at band camp. I remember to live up to Dr. Jones's high expectations for 2 years at Livingston, he left an indelible how hard it was to get a compliment from and demands. It didn't matter what role you mark, a positive role model, setting the bar him, but when you did...it was well earned played in the band the expectations were the so high you had to push and work in a way a and you knew he meant it. I remember the same for everyone. Some wouldn't make it lot of us had never done before. During my performance at MTSU when we received a back for year two, but those of us that short time as a band director, I used to call standing ovation from their crowd and appreciated how quickly the band began to Edd to pick his brain and to ask for advice thinking how much of a difference he had gain respect and recognition were all in. I but most of all just to talk to an old friend. brought to our program. I remember him enjoyed the opportunity to get to know Dr. His work ethic was incredible and the results sleeping at senior recitals and then telling the Jones on a personal basis as well. It was rare showed in his bands but most of all in the performers what a great job they had done. to walk by his office in the evenings and not kids he taught. The Alabama band world has Yes, I remember his speeches, too. Mostly I see him sitting at his desk. His door was lost, in my eyes, a giant of a man. Rest In remember the huge influence he made on so always open. Especially when Jeff Vaughn Peace my friend. Gone but never forgotten. many of us that became band directors. I and I would walk in with a plate full of food always had his voice in the background when that we had just cooked. He asked me on From David Raney... I rehearsed my bands and paid attention to several occasions \"how do you get these With no question, Dr. Jones is the reason I what he said. Thank you, Dr. Jones for your biscuits so soft?\" I am proud to say that I am had the opportunity and desire to be a band mentorship and delightful sense of humor one of the many band directors that came director. His relentless musical demands that kept your high standards in balance. RIP out of the UNA Band program during Dr. once seemed impossible to achieve; sir. You made a difference!! Jones's tenure. As a result there are however, for his students, those demands thousands of middle and high school band were the standard. I have never met a person From Rebecca (Becky) Warren... members that know what to do when that shared the same level of hard work and I have been blessed to have wonderful someone tells them to play \"do dot-do dot- commitment to the music profession as Dr. teachers and there have been none better dootin do dot! He will be missed. He was Edd Jones. than Dr. Edd Jones. We both came to UNA the UNA Band! in 1978. I was amazed that within just a day From Regina Raney... or two he knew the name of every student, From Missy Lindley... It was my first day of band camp as a where they were from, probably what their Super blessed to have learned how to be a freshman at the University of North parents did, and certainly who their high band director from one of the best. Dr. Alabama (UNA), when I realized that Dr. school director was. It did not take long to Jones was a perfectionist in every way, Jones had extremely high expectations for know exactly what his expectations were. demanding our best at all times. I find the band. The rehearsal began with few The goals he had for each of us was simple- myself doing or saying things he would use introductions and the down beat was given become the very best you can be and settle in rehearsal in my own classroom daily. The for the warmup. I remember thinking to for nothing less. Dr. Jones knew what all best story I have to share is when I accepted myself that we would never learn the music great directors knew- fundamentals are the a position as a Lionette and gave up my full if he was going to spend so much time on foundation upon which all great band scholarship for a semester. I explained that I articulations, EXACT releases and balance programs are built. He knew how to get loved to dance but more than anything I on the first note of the warmup. Finally after that “band sound” that we all strive for. The wanted the college danceline experience the lengthy warmup, Dr. Jones called up the greatest compliment that any former student since I was going to be a band director. Dr. fight song. Yay, we were finally going to get can get is to be told that our band sounds Jones looked at me and said “Well Missy, I to the music, but little did I know he would like an “Edd Jones/UNA” band. Dr. Jones can understand that and that’s pretty smart. spend the rest of the rehearsal demanding leaves a legacy of turning “confound, Your Momma and Daddy are gonna kill you musical perfection like I had never seen lollygagging, quasi-music majors” into for giving up your scholarship but it’ll be before. He didn't leave room for dedicated and successful teachers. His good experience for the future.” Little did I improvement during rehearsals. You didn't influence and legacy will live on for know I would go on to work with dancelines move on, unless it was exactly the style he generations of bands to come. Dr. Jones, my entire career! Im so thankful to Dr. Jones desired. Little did I know the amount of THANK YOU for helping to make me the for being supportive even when he didn’t musicianship and teaching strategies I would Band Director I am today! Roar Lions! really agree with our decisions! gain from the first night of band camp. I will always be grateful for my time under Dr. ala breve 25

What Can I Do for You? Larry Blocher Carla Gallahan Reflections on a Special Friend – Dr. John M. Long Peter Howard Robert W. Smith Mark Walker band director at Foley High School. I was the conductor for the concert band and we travelled to Troy to participate in District Contest (MPA now). Needless to say, I was terrified. Were we “ready”? Did I remember the music? Did the students remember to bring their instruments? Supplies? What would the adjudicators say about the performance? Dr. Long was on the adjudicator panel that year. I had heard of Dr. Long, he was a legend, but I had never met him. What would HE think of the ensemble? What would Dr. Long say about our performance? For the song of America is not finished; the last It means finding reasons for praise As we prepared to leave following our notes have not been played. In that spirit, in that and applause… Most of all, it gives performance, Dr. Long came down from the cause, now and always, let us lift every voice… people reasons to celebrate… balcony and introduced himself. That was Sincere praise brings out the best in the first time I talked to Dr. Long and it --- Jon Meacham us. made a tremendous impact on my life and career! He took the time to talk to a first- Reflections on a Special Friend Dr. Long had a rare gift for recognizing and year band director and make me feel Dr. Larry Blocher, Dean of the College of bringing out the best in people. I have asked welcome and supported. His kindness and Communication and Fine Arts and Director some of my favorite colleagues to share their genuine care remained constant throughout of the John M. Long School of Music, Troy special memories of Dr. Long, and how he my career. University made a difference in each of their lives. Their thoughts follow. Dr. Long had a way of making everyone His name was Dr. John M. Long. Johnny around him feel needed, a way of finding the Long to his friends – and he had many Dr. Long, YOU Were the Best! positive in what you were doing, and friends. He had a distinguished music Dr. Carla Gallahan, Associate Dean of the knowing that if needed, he was always there teaching career. His professional College of Communication and Fine Arts to help you along the way. accomplishments in music are well- and Associate Director of the John M. Long documented. But the story of Dr. Long School of Music, Troy University The answer to the question Dr. Long does not stop there. Dr. Long mastered As I reflect on the many memories of Dr. presented to me and countless others “What what Hal Urban, in his book, Life’s Greatest Long, numerous stories, conversations, can I do for you?” is simple. Dr. Long, you Lessons, calls a “powerful skill” – the ability to concerts, and meetings come to mind. His did it! Your model of unwavering support affirm others. Urban writes: mentorship and kindness were a guiding and kindness provided generations of force throughout my career. students and educators the knowledge and Affirm, in my opinion, is the most drive to strive for excellence in our powerful word in our language. It profession. I am forever grateful for that means looking for and finding first introduction and our continued good in people. It means building friendship. people up and encouraging them. Dr. Long, YOU were the best! From Popeyes to C Tubas; The Teacher was Always the Student Dr. Mark Walker, Director of Bands, Troy University Currently preparing for my 34th year of Writing about Dr. John M. Long is not an teaching, I think back to the first time I met easy thing to do. There are innumerable well- Dr. Long. February 20, 1988. It was my known, often repeated, beloved stories and first-year teaching and I was the assistant 26 August/September 2020

anecdotes about him that are told and retold Troy, I am most definitely a student of Dr. drinks, sat down, and gave him his money. by his legions of former students, Long. I regard him as one of my teachers The first thing he said to me after we were colleagues, and friends. That he gave of and mentors. I sat in his “class” at his house, settled was, “Why do you like C tubas in the himself to others selflessly is a given; that he in his office, on an airplane flying to Hawaii Symphony Band? Explain to me why they’re built the “Sound of the South” band into to judge marching bands with him, in my better – I need to know.” He was 90 years national prominence is a given; that he was office, and at Popeyes chicken. I have never old and still learning. The teacher was the the president of everything (as he was fond known, and probably will never again know, eternal student. I can’t think of a better legacy. of reminding me whenever we talked) goes any person with as much energy and a love Rest well, Johnny Long. without saying (unless he was saying it). of people and of band. Johnny Long wanted to be remembered as a Sixty Years Later; Don’t Ever Stop teacher. But he was more than a teacher – he Before Dr. Long’s health problems became Dr. Peter Howard, Chair and Professor, was a friend to everyone, no matter who too much for him to travel, he still came to World Language and Cultures, Troy they were or where they came from. He was his office at Troy University and attended University a friend to those who were not friendly to clinics and rehearsals at our SEUS clinic and him. A devout Christian, he took seriously at AMEA. He supported everyone. I asked I was a member of Dr. Johnny Long’s band Jesus’ command to love his neighbor and to him one time why he still attended clinics – at Robert E. Lee High School in help those who needed help, to forgive, and this was when he was in his mid-80s and Montgomery from 1960-63. As a faculty to turn the other cheek. His loyalty was could still get around pretty well. I thought I member at Troy University since 1974, I absolute and unconditional, as was his love knew the answer – that he wanted to served under Dr. Long for many years while for his students and friends, and of Troy support his friends. Instead, he said, “I still he was Director of Bands, Dean of the University. have more to learn about band.” That was a College of Arts and Sciences, Dean of the singular moment in my life – to hear those School of Fine Arts, and during his I came to Troy State University, as it was words. They resonated in my head and heart retirement as Founder and Director of the known then, in the summer of 2002 as the like a giant bell. Here was a towering figure – Southeast Alabama Community Band. assistant band director and low brass one that had “done it all” in many respects – instructor. I had heard of Troy State and and he wasn’t finished learning. He knew he Having spent the past sixty years working Johnny Long, but I wasn’t familiar with still had more to learn and more to do. closely with Dr. Long, I have numerous specifics. I did know that the “Sound of the When I am tired and down, I remember stories, so many in fact that it’s very hard to South” was a great band and Johnny Long that moment, and my resolve comes back. decide what to share here. I know of was important, but I did not know how I’m sure it happened, but Dr. Long never countless things he has done for people important. I grew up in Arkansas, went to seemed to be down or troubled by anything. without their ever realizing it, but these are college in Tennessee and Illinois and was a If there was a problem, a setback, an issue, stories that will never be told. Perhaps Dr. high school band director in Texas. Dr. or an aggravation, he just rolled up his Long’s greatest gift as a teacher was his Long’s name came up in all of those places, sleeves and pushed forward. I never saw him ability to affirm sincerely the personal worth but I had never met him personally. complain. He would just keep moving of each of his thousands of students. forward, or through, or around, or over, or Our first meeting was on a Sunday under, to get to where he needed to go. And, Identifying the single moment when Dr. afternoon when he and Mary Lynn took my he did it while taking people with him, Long transformed my life, I remember very wife, Jessica, and our daughter Emily, and pushing them out of the nest at the right clearly a Saturday in December of 1960 me to lunch at the Holiday Inn in Troy. I time, and supporting them as they took their when I was a sophomore at Lee High remember that we spent most of the time own flight. School. I was a member of the band and telling Dr. and Mrs. Long about our life to was also playing on the basketball team. I that point, detailing where we grew up, how The last few years of Dr. Long’s life, before was unaware, however, that on that we met, where we went to school, and most his last major health issue, I used to take him particular day I was going to make an importantly who our band directors were. to lunch at Popeyes, which was his favorite immediate and important decision. He talked little about himself at that point, place to eat. I cherished those times and and when he did, Mrs. Long would put her would try to take him at least twice a month The basketball team was playing in a hand on his hand and say, with perfect (although we didn’t always make it that tournament, and our games conflicted with Southern Gentility “Now John, they don’t often). At one of those first lunches, Dr. the band’s rehearsal schedule for the Blue- want to hear all that.” At that moment, the Long told me what I was going to eat, and Gray Football Game. I was at school that subject would change. It was obvious that then he ordered it. The poor young lady at day, but I was not playing in the rehearsal. Dr. and Mrs. Long were devoted to each the register had no idea what Dr. Long was other and had a very, very special bond. saying, so I “translated.” She was clearly Near the door of the band room was an old They were, and are, an example to Jessica relieved. Then, to pay the bill, he took out a metal garbage can with a crumpled lid. and me about what a long and devoted pocketful of coins and tossed them on the Whenever graduates of the band returned marriage can be. We both said at that time counter along with a $100 bill and said to the from college to visit, they always sat on that that we wanted to be like the Longs when young lady, “take it out of that.” She was garbage can to listen to the band, and Dr. we grew up. really confused by the whole encounter, so I Long would always stop the rehearsal to scooped up the coins and she was able to spend several minutes extolling their virtues. While I was not a formal student of Dr. take the cash and return the change. I got We already knew them, having often heard Long, in the sense that I wasn’t a student at Dr. Long seated, retrieved our food and his many stories about them as exemplary ala breve 27

band members. grandmother and I was determined to play. life as I very confidently stated, “Dr. Long, In my hometown of Daleville, a gifted I’m going to play in your band one day.” He On that particular day, I strolled down to the pianist by the name of Joan Marchman was smiled and said, “I know you will and you’re band room and perched myself on the teaching private piano. Although my mother going to be my first trumpet player!” hallowed garbage can, as if I were somebody had contacted her earlier about my interest important and special. He looked over and in music, Ms. Marchman agreed to accept Through my elementary, middle and high noticed me sitting there. The rehearsal me into her piano studio when I had reached school years, every single band stopped immediately, and I really don’t recall the age of five. I still remember that day as I director/teacher that I experienced was a much after that. What I do remember stood on her front porch and knocked on student from Troy State and Dr. John M. vividly, however, was the entire room the door. Little did I know that day would Long. Of special note were my “Ski spinning around me. I was being told in no be the beginning of my musical career. lessons”. Dr. Clifford M. Winter, known to uncertain terms that if I wanted to be a his friends as Ski, became the band director member of his band, I would get my Through those early lessons, Ms. Marchman at Daleville HS during my middle school instrument and sit down in the trumpet not only taught piano technique, but she also years. He and his wife Suzanne were both section where I belonged. I immediately ran opened up the world of music through in- recent graduates of Troy State University two miles all the way home, grabbed my depth theory lessons. Most important were and Dr. Long’s band program. I still trumpet, and ran back to school just in time her assignments and encouragement to write remember the day that I suggested our band for the end of the rehearsal. I eventually my own melodies, my own music that play an arrangement of “Wabash became the first-chair trumpet, and in my allowed me to express myself through this Cannonball” patterned after the incredible senior year I was elected captain of the amazing universal language. During that Jim Mahaffey chart we had heard that band. Now I may have given up basketball time, Ms. Marchman connected me with her weekend in Troy. Mr. Winter looked at me many years ago, but I have never stopped alma mater, a small college in Troy, AL, that and simply said, “Why don’t you write it?” playing in the band. was to be my musical home for most of my That “Ski lesson” in creativity, along with life. many others, opened up my life as a Some sixty years later, Johnny Long was still composer/arranger for band. As I reopen our teacher, and many of us were still Not many years later, and after experiencing those early writing lessons and experiences, I members of his band. Our hair may now be music in metaphoric “black and white”, my cannot help but realize that Dr. John M. gray or gone, our gait may have gotten a bit world turned to color as I joined the band Long was there guiding and directing the slower, but we continued to play very program at Daleville Elementary School. creation of that inspirational arrangement challenging music and he continued to direct Through the band program, I fell in love that literally changed the direction of my life. us. Dr. Long exemplified and taught us an with the tone colors and textures that were important lesson: “Do as much as you can, possible in larger ensembles. Once again, I During my high school years, Dr. Long as well as you can, for as long as you can. was connected with that small college in introduced me to a composer that he had You may be forced someday to slow down, Troy, AL, that was the center for band recently asked to join the faculty at Troy but don’t ever stop.” activity in our corner of the world. The State University. As I shook the hand of Dr. Troy State College Band was known Paul Yoder, I had no idea the impact that Reopen, Reflect and Resonate throughout the region as the “Sound of The meeting would have on my life. As I Robert W. Smith, Coordinator of Music South”. The band was under the direction prepared to go to college, I knew that I Industry and Professor of Music, Troy of a charismatic director by the name of wanted to be a composer/arranger and I University John M. Long. From my very young wanted to play in Dr. Long’s band. Dr. perspective, watching and hearing Dr. Long Yoder reviewed my arrangement scores from As I continue my life journey and reflect on perform with the Troy State Band was an my high school years and simply stated, the people and events that helped me to get indescribable experience. He was truly “Robert….You are going to be able to do to this time and place, I am reminded that all “larger than life” on the podium and the this. You can start writing for the proverbial humans are truly students for life. As sound was something I had never ivory tower or you can start writing for students, we experience and learn the lessons experienced. It did not take long for me to educational musical groups. I suggest you of those incredible teachers that inspire us realize that my teachers, those working with do the latter and grow with your music as to heights we could not have imagined in me every day in my life’s most impactful you learn to write for the various grade our early years. No matter who taught those moments, were all students of Troy State levels.” I took that advice and am eternally lessons or when those concepts registered, College and John M. Long. gratefully to Dr. Yoder for his teaching and we must be bold enough to not only learn wisdom. Yet again, Dr. John M. Long was the lesson but to reopen the experience years Through my teachers and my mother, I there, directing and guiding me along a path later. As I reopen the formative experiences began to regularly attend concerts at Troy that would become my life’s work. of my life, I am amazed at the impact that State University (formerly Troy State one teacher had on my entire life both College). During the fall season, I went to As I reopen the lessons of the past, I directly and indirectly. football games to hear and experience “that remember the thrill of playing trumpet in sound”. I clearly remember the day I was the “Sound of The South”. Dr. Long was My formal musical education began in personally introduced to Dr. Long. I was correct. I was in his band and I did become Daleville, AL in 1963. I was a precocious only 12 years old. He looked at me with his first trumpet player. The lessons we all five-year-old boy that had fallen in love with those piercing, yet very caring eyes and learned from him each and every day have music. I had experienced the glorious extended his hand to shake mine. That resonated through the years. Former sounds of the piano through my mother and handshake was another turning point in my students still share stories of “remember 28 August/September 2020

when” as we get together and talk about our laid to rest on the campus of Troy passionate about teaching and students. band days. However, two very short Dr. University. In the words of the classic song, During one of our “talks,” he looked at me Long lessons are particularly important to “I’m just a living legacy of the leader of the and said, “I believe you are a better band me. band.” director than I am, but I believe I am a I remember the day I was in his office and better teacher than you are.” I have thought he looked at me and said, “Robert, are you Close Encounters of a Special Kind about that statement a lot. I think he was with me?” I replied, “Of course Dr. Long. Dr. Larry Blocher reminding me that great teachers care about I’m with you!” He replied, “Are you with me their students, and as a result, they change even when I’m wrong?” I have thought My family and I moved to Troy, Alabama in lives forever. Dr. Long genuinely cared about that lesson so many times over the July of 2005. On one of my first days in the about his former students (and they cared years and realized that in life, leaders must School of Music office that summer, a deeply about him) and he cared about our make hard decisions. Those leaders must charter bus pulled up across the street. As I current students (and he meant a great deal make those difficult decisions with the best looked out the window to see who was to them). And Dr. Long changed lives information and context they can gather at getting off the bus, I saw an older gentleman forever. that time. Sometimes, those decisions do dressed in a suit running across campus not work out. However, those decisions towards the bus. Now seeing someone in a As the years passed, Dr. Long continued to were honest, thoughtful and kept the group suit running towards a charter bus in attend most of our concerts in the School moving forward. Alabama in July (I had recently learned of Music and almost all of our band “first-hand” what Alabama in July was like), concerts, including my Symphonic Band I also remember the day at the end of the especially on a relatively empty college concerts. He never failed to shake my hand fall football season in 1978. It was the “final campus in the late afternoon definitely following a concert and say “I believe that’s exam” for the band class. We arrived at the caught my attention. I remember asking my the best the band has ever sounded. The prescribed exam time of 8 am and found the secretary, “Who is that gentleman and who is School of Music just keeps getting better band hall to set up for a marching band he shaking hands with?” “That’s Dr. Long,” and better. What can I do for you?”Dr. Long recording session. We were all a bit she said, “and he is shaking hands with the always looked forward to talking to the surprised. Dr. Long stepped on the podium Governor of Alabama.” I will never forget Sound of the South marching band at the and let us know we would be recording a few that moment. beginning of band camp. Last summer, at songs for the new album “The Sound’s in Following the handshake and some the age of 93, Dr. Long was not able to visit Town”. The first chart he called was “Satin conversation with the Governor, Dr. Long the marching band in person at the start of Doll”, a marching band arrangement in a big walked across the street, walked into my camp. Before the first full marching band band style. I had the trumpet solo in that office, stuck out his hand and said, “I’m meeting, Carla Gallahan and I went to visit particular arrangement and the range was on Johnny Long. I think you’ll be the best thing Dr. and Mrs. Long at their home. I the high side with a high Eb concert. I had that has ever happened to this School of remember Dr. Long sitting on his couch not warmed up before the final exam and, Music. What can I do for you?” I smiled, talking. “I believe the School of Music has of course, chipped the high Eb concert on shook his hand, and muttered something never been better, the Sound of the South the solo. Dr. Long stopped the band and unintelligible. I did not know what to say. I has never been better, and Dr. Walker and asked me why I missed the note. I will never forget that moment. everyone working with the band are doing a proceeded to make excuses about how I great job. What can I do for you?” I looked at wasn’t ready or warmed up. Dr. Long As weeks turned into months, Dr. Long Dr. Long and said, “Dr. Long, you have looked at me with those piercing eyes and began to drop by my office regularly “just to done so much for all of us, we just came to said in no uncertain terms, “Robert, I don’t talk.” While it was obvious that he was say thank you.” I believe I saw him smile. I care if it is 8 am in the morning or 8 pm in passionate about music and Troy University will never forget that moment. the evening, you must always be ready to (he was now in his 80’s), I think he was most perform. The world is not going to wait on you to warm up!” I simply replied, “Yes sir.” Without any delay, he kicked off the recording again. With no warm-up and youthful vinegar flowing through my veins, I played the solo again and nailed the high Eb. That moment is forever etched in sonic bliss for me as remember that incredibly valuable life lesson that I have passed on over the decades. Simply stated, teachers create environments for their students to grow and be successful. Dr. John M. Long created an environment for countless thousands of students to grow not just as musicians, but as human beings and leaders. His relationship with me continues to this day, even after he has been ala breve 29

Rethinking the of the lowest three notes (low B-flat, F, or middle B-flat) due to range considerations for the developing player. Herein lies the challenge, we are teaching a vital skill with the two largest consecutive intervals in the Basic Lip Slurs harmonic series (again, excluding the fundamental/pedal note). Younger students will typically not have a developed ear to hear exactly where to place the descending fifth. Instead of placing the note properly, they will strive to “find the low note” on their Dr. Thomas Lukowicz instrument. If we are able to fill in the distance between the slur we can show exactly Lip slurs are a fundamental skill in brass playing. However, when how far away these notes are from each other introduced too early or without proper guidance they can lead to a and the student can start to develop an internal sense of pitch and flawed execution from the student. These flaws typically include too awareness of an even sound. much change in the embouchure and sound coming out of the bell. In my studio, we buzz the following exercise to even out the I have found the following exercises and concepts helpful in transition between notes. With lower brass, I will always recommend establishing a lip slur method that allows the students to be more them to buzz into some type of tube. This provides resistance flexible with an even sound through the slur. similar to that of the instrument, which allows them to not become Before we go any further, I would like to quickly review two points too tight in the lips when buzzing. I believe the trumpet and horn of focus, the embouchure and the aperture. I teach my students the mouthpieces inherently have enough resistance, although buzzing on the leadpipe is a good way to provide some extra cushion for the embouchure (coming from the French bouch, which translates to mouth) is what creates the structure for the mouthpiece. This would students. include muscles around the cheeks, “corners”, lips, and chin. A supported embouchure will allow the aperture (opening of the lips) Example 1 to freely vibrate and respond to the air stream it is being given. I have found that students will place priority on just getting the note out “by whatever means necessary” over the process of how to get the note out. Typically students with little guidance will change the structure by releasing the muscles and causing EVERYTHING to become loose. It is the lack of structure that creates an uncharacteristic sound and makes it difficult to transition in and out of the low register. Instead of changing the structure and leaving the air the same, the student should maintain the structure and blow a As you can see, we are filling in the lip slur with a 5-note pattern. As slightly wider and slower air column. Maintaining the structure will the notes move from quarters to eighths to sixteenths and eventually enable the aperture to open up and respond at the correct pitch to a gliss (thirty-second notes), we are not thinking about slurring because of the wide/slower air column. faster, instead we are thinking about holding the notes for a shorter You can use these visual and audio clues to check your brass players. amount of time. This allows us to maintain proper form going to the Visually, watch their faces and jaw as they go into the low note; how next destination, not just blowing in the general direction of the lip much do things change? You will see this very quickly if you watch low brass players play an F to a low B-flat. Audibly, the first cue is to slur. An analogy that resonates with my students is a series of stop listen to the quality of the low note. In my studio we use the analogy lights; you get to a stop light and you have to wait, the light turns of a “donut” sound; it is big and fluffy, but there is no center to the green and you move to the next stoplight as quickly as possible, sound. This is a great indicator that the oral cavity is too wide and where you wait until the green light again, and the process repeats. the air is moving too slowly. The second cue is to listen to how the This provides the concept of motion/travel (green light) and sustain student returns to the top note; is there a “pop” or “harsh bump” (stop sign...the car is running and can go in any direction it wants to when they return back to the top note? If the aperture is not getting move next). We are still traveling the same distance, but we are stuck smaller as we ascend, the “pop” or “bump” is caused by too much at a shorter light where the note is sustained for a short amount of lip being forced to vibrate at a higher frequency, typically by blowing time. During lessons, I insist that the “gliss” is treated as the same 5- too much air. note pattern, not a true gliss that has no interior tonal definition. Once this exercise is satisfactory, the last two bars can be sequenced As we know, lip slurs are notes that move from one note to another, down a half step to 7th position or the 1-2-3 valve combination. without the use of a valve/slide to help change pitches. If we exclude the fundamental (or pedal) note from this conversation, the The quality of the buzz is important as we descend. It is difficult for lowest note is a low B-flat, up a perfect fifth to the F, up a perfect younger students to self-diagnose if they are relaxing too much into fourth to the B-flat, up a major third to the D, and up a minor third the low register or if they are controlling the process. To provide the to the F. I always include the interval when describing these because students with more audible cues, we go through a set of steps to we need to understand how far we actually travel between notes. find the correct balance between airspeed and aperture change. To With younger students, we will typically start with some combination help reinforce tonal motion, we use scale degrees 7-1 for ascending 30 August/September 2020

examples and scale degrees 2-1 for descending examples. The three source, as the chromatic intervals may be more challenging for step process we use is as follows. Step 1) play the first note and use younger players. only your lips to get to the second note. This should produce a sound that becomes pinched/“oinky”/overly focussed. Step 2) play This is also a great exercise to utilize the half-valve concept, to the first note and use only your air to get to the second note. This ensure the coordination with the buzz and the length of the horn should produce an overly hollow sound that is louder. Step 3) play with the valve/slide change. As we change the “moving” note, the the first note and use the air and the lips equally to get to the horn is changing lengths based upon which valves are depressed or second note. This should produce a sound that maintains a similar which position the trombone slide is in. If we buzz an F, but our quality on both notes with a smooth transition between them. When instrument is set up to play an E, the quality of the E will be playing the first two measures of the exercise slowly, students should distorted. If we try to play an E-flat, but our buzz is an F and our be able to identify how they changed notes, usually saying “I can instrument is on E-flat, the sound will become even less resonant. hear how my second to third note was too much of a lip change” or This is the basic reason that students develop a break in the middle “I hear how the last note got really wide and it felt like my lips did register, their lips and air are set up for a narrow range and are not not change.” I believe the instructions coupled with an audible flexible enough to move in smaller increments. I like to use the change in quality is what allows students to begin to self-diagnose example of a piano, every note has a different set of strings to help and recognize what this causing the inconsistent tonal quality produce the correct pitch. The strings are varied in length and between notes. diameter as you move up and down the instrument depending on the pitch. Following this analogy, when we buzz, every note should A way to help bridge the gap between the mouthpiece and the have a unique and exact aperture size and air column. Finding the “normal” playing of the instrument is to half-valve the exercise. By correct balance between the aperture and air is the simple, yet pressing the valve half-way down, the partials on the instrument are difficult, task of mastering an even, resonant sound throughout eliminated and the player can become more aware of what multiple registers. “information” they are blowing into the horn. We can now go back to our aural examples from the previous exercise (oinky vs. hollow Both of the above exercises can be modified to help students work note changes) and listen for the sound quality as the pitches change. on a lip slur between any consecutive partials. Examples of these Every note should have the same sound quality and every note modifications are shown below. transition should also have the same qualities. It can be helpful to add a metered gliss between the notes of this exercise, as it shows Modification of Example #1 the student that they must travel farther in the same amount of time. The gliss will also allow the teacher and student to hear if the air- flow is stopping or pausing between notes, and appropriate corrections can be made. The next exercise provides a way to gauge the second audible cue Modification of Example #2 from above: is the student opening up too much to find the lower note? By placing a moving note between the outer “lip slur” notes, we can help develop a smoother transition in and out of the lower register. This exercise allows the student to develop an air stream that is moving forward without any jarring bumps or changes in their approach. Example 2 The key to this exercise is using the “moving” note to ensure change  Dr. Thomas Lukowicz is the Assistant Professor of Low Brass at is happening to travel down to the low note. I have found that the University of North Alabama, Tuba-Artist Faculty at the players will try to keep one setting for the upper notes, and shift for Tennessee Valley Music Festival, and has held the Principal Tuba the bottom notes, and then get stuck in the lower setting. In the early position of the Canton Symphony Orchestra since 2007. Additional stages of this exercise, the shift most likely occurs between notes performance appearances include the Cincinnati Symphony, two and three, while towards the end of the exercise the shift occurs Glimmerglass Opera Orchestra, Louisville Orchestra, Pittsburgh between notes one and two. As with the previous exercise, we can of Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh course buzz the exercise with a piano or other reference pitch Symphony Brass, the Chamber Orchestra of New York, the Naples Philharmonic, and the New World Symphony. In 2001-2002, he was a member of the North American touring cast of Blast!. ala breve 31

Jazz: From the “Woodshed” To The Classroom by Dr. Matt Leder As we approach the upcoming fall with a in their time. online call with them for your students. level of uncertainty, remember why you got 4 You don’t teach to get good reviews or into music in the first place. Our students Some of us may not be able to rehearse are going to need us now more than ever assessments to retain students. You large groups. Start jazz combos or a big and it is best that we are prepared. This past give honest advice and truth in the band. This is an excellent time to try March, our college moved to an online spirit of progression and love, not something different. There is so much that format like most schools. With restrictions worrying about the outcomes of those can be learned through the study of this in place, concerts and performances were that cannot handle the truth. music and they’re a lot of life lessons that canceled. Like several music programs, we 5 Long-suffering! True teaching is can be taught. If you are not sure where to scrambled and put together an online patient. What takes one person a day, start, pick up the phone or send an email to collaborative video from student phone may take the next a year. Be there for someone that can help you! We are all in this submissions. We did our best to stay both. together and I know many that would be positive and kept students engaged. excited to give advice or offer assistance. I We must truly go beyond the classroom as know I’m willing to help in any way that I To be honest, at the beginning of the many of us may be teaching coursework can! Here is my email summer I was feeling distraught and nervous online. As we attempt to teach during these ([email protected]). to what may happen to music programs unprecedented times, it will be crucial to across the country. I looked at myself and open up our hearts and spirits. Flexibility, Technology is going to be big this year. said I have two options, “doom and trust, understanding, accountability, and While many educators may be afraid of the gloom”/worry or try to be proactive and growth is something we must all embrace. learning curve, remember again that stay ahead of the curve. Education never education cannot happen without a sense of stops and it certainly can’t happen without Call a fellow educator, take a lesson with humility. Reach out to those that have accepting a sense of humility. This summer I someone, or enroll in an educational creative ideas. Don’t worry, your students found a new energy in “shedding” on my workshop. Participate in online forums and may catch on to the technology options horn and researching innovative ways to video chats. Jazz at Lincoln Center offered faster than you do. I have been watching teach and learn music. I find myself putting an intense FREE 2-week online jazz several workshops online on how to move 4-6 hours on my horn, reading research, and academy with members of the Jazz at forward with education during COVID-19. participating in online chats/listening Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. I have taken One particular workshop by Caleb Chapman sessions with some of the music giants like pages of notes from these sessions and it is really caught my attention. Our plan this Fall Wynton Marsalis and others. I know, this truly inspiring! Take a step back and re- at Gadsden State is to rehearse in a Hybrid sounds like a lot! Everyone is different and evaluate yourself and program. Reboot in a format so we can properly social distance. that is okay! However, don’t sleep on positive way. Despite the challenges, how Our Show Band will rehearse in three opportunity. can you take your students or program to different rooms simultaneously connected the next level? I’ve been thinking about this through audio/video equipment similar to a I think back to my own development and quite a bit this summer and I am fairly studio set up. We will also implement an can remember records and teachers that excited about the year ahead. Our students online component where students will made a profound impact on me. These will get to know more about the people submit recorded parts in their music for moments inspired me to follow a path into behind the music. Everyone gets busy with evaluation. This format will hold students the music profession. Think about those deadlines, but this year can be a great more accountable in the long run and moments in your personal upbringing. We opportunity to enrich our students like we honestly, we may retain some of these will need to create these moments for our have never had a chance to before. Do you practices after the COVID-19 crisis. students. We need to be there for our realize how many of the greats or masters students. I like to approach teaching like a are available right now? Reach out to these These are just a few examples of how we are mentor/mentee relationship. Sean Jones, the individuals and make them accessible to planning to make our program better during new JEN President, just wrote an opening students! Introduce your students to the these strange times. Every program is address speaking along these lines. Here are history of this music through the voices of different. Do you, but keep in mind growth some hallmarks, in his view, of great our legends. Instead of playing the starts with yourself. Remember, education is teaching relationships: “telephone game”, go to the source of the not restricted to a place. Let’s all go beyond information. What was Clifford Brown like the classroom. This is what we are being 1 They last. They go beyond the time and why is he important to this music? Who called to do as educators. parameters of lessons, classes, etc. was Art Blakey? Who was Charlie Parker? I can’t wait to see One can read about these things and everyone, on the other 2 They’re more about sharing and less perhaps your students should. However, side of better! about lecturing. what happens when your students interact with someone who knew Art Blakey or In the spirit of swing, 3 They allow time to be fluid. True Count Basie, etc.? Let’s be creative, sincere, Dr. Matt Leder learning incorporates time for and honest with our students. Reach out to discovery. Apprentices often do not the greats and to the individuals that worked “discover” the “how’s” in a particular with them and loved them. Schedule an time frame. They come to “knowing” 32 August/September 2020

DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC MUSIC THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR WORLD



Noteworthy Alabama State Council on the Arts Fellowship Montgomery, Ala. – At its June 4th quarterly meeting in Montgomery, the Alabama State Council on the Arts awarded twenty-one fellowships including a new fellowship category for arts educators with a total $105,000 in funding. Also awarded were five (5) Arts and Cultural Facilities grants totaling $137,850 for a grand total of $242,850. Fel- lowships are given to individuals working in arts education, dance, design, media/pho- tography, music, literature, theatre, visual arts and crafts. These awards recognize artistic excellence as well as professional commitment and maturity. Recipients may use funds to set aside time to create art, improve their skills, pursue professional develop- ment, or to do what is most advantageous to enhance their artistic careers. According to Jim Harrison III, Chairman of the Council, “Our state is fortunate to have so many artists from every artistic discipline producing works of the highest caliber. Arts educators are utilizing funds provided for the arts in schools programs to ignite the imaginations of students needed in today’s job force.” Megan Jones was awarded an arts educator fellowship in the amount of $5,000. Megan, the choir director at Decatur High School and Immediate Past-President of the Alabama Vocal Association, serves an increasingly diverse student body in her commu- nity. She uses music instruction to provide excellence and success for students who may be suffering from numerous anxiety disorders, trauma, homelessness and other social issues. She is intentional in her selec- tion of uplifting repertoire including music that instills hope in her students and others. Alabama had three students selected to the ANHE which will be held November 5-8 in Orlando. Iain Riordan from Enterprise High School - Concert Band Colby Batchelor from Sparkman High School - Concert Band Christopher Dutton from Hoover High School - Mixed Choir. The NAfME All-National Honor Ensembles (ANHE) represent the top performing high school musicians in the United States. So much more than a musical showcase, the ANHE program is a comprehensive and educational experience. The 2020 ensembles will meet at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, under the leadership of top conductors in the field of music education. The ensembles will be comprised of: Concert Band led by Rodney Dorsey Symphony Orchestra led by Nobuyoshi Yasuda Mixed Choir led by Frances Fonza Jazz Ensemble led by Todd Stoll, with Guest Soloist Terell Stafford Guitar Ensemble led by Chuck Hulihan Modern Band led by Tony Sauza ala breve 35

AMEA Division Events 2020 - 2021 Alabama Bandmasters Association District Event Location Date Deadline Statewide District 1 AMEA Montgomery, AL January 21-23, 2021 3/1/2021 3/1/2021 District 2 All State Solo Festival University of South Alabama April 14, 2021 District 3 08/17/2020 District 4 All State Festival Outlaw Convention Center April 15-17, 2021 10/23/2020 1/8/2021 District 5 Summer Convention Hampton Inn June 15-17, 2021 1/8/2021 District 6 1/22/2021 District 7 District Fall Meeting James Clemens HS August 24, 2020 1/22/2021 District 8 2/21/2020 36 Fall Solo and Ensemble Liberty MS November14,2020 3/20/2020 All State/ District HB Auditions Sparkman HS January 29 & 30, 2021 12/9/2019 1/22/2021 District Honor Band Grissom HS February 12 &13, 2021 1/22/2021 3/19/2021 MPA #1 James Clemens HS March 2-4, 2021 4/2/2021 MPA #2 Hartselle HS March 10-11, 2021 1/11/2021 2/2/2021 Solo and Ensemble #1 Priceville HS April 10, 2021 2/5/2021 4/12/2021 Solo and Ensemble #2 Meridianville MS April 24, 2021 1/15/2021 District Spring Meeting James Clemens HS May17,2021 2/5/2021 12/18/2020 District Fall Meeting Gadsden City HS Band room August 25, 2020 12/18/2020 4/2/2021 All State Auditions Albertville HS January 9, 2021 4/2/2021 District Honor Band Gadsden City HS February 5-6 2021 1/15/2021 2/5/2021 MPA Gadsden City HS Audiorium February 23-26, 2021 2/5/2021 Solo and Ensemble #1 Southside HS April 12, 2021 3/16/2021 4/8/2021 Solo and ensemble #2 Oxford HS April 26, 2021 10/30/2020 District Fall Meeting TBD TBD 1/8/2021 2/8/2021 All State Auditions Muscle Shoals HS January 30, 2021 2/12/2021 4/2/2021 District Honor Band Russellville HS February 12-13, 2021 10/16/2020 MPA UNA March 9-11, 2021 1/15/2021 2/5/2021 Solo and Ensemble Muscle Shoals HS May 1, 2021 2/19/2021 4/2/2021 District Fall Meeting Vestavia Hills HS September 14, 2020 1/15/2021 All State Auditions Hoover HS January 30, 2021 02/05/21 2/5/2021 District Honor Band Pelham HS February 26-27,2021 4/9/2021 MPA Week 1 Vestavia Hills HS March 9-11, 2021 4/9/2021 MPA Week 2 Thompson HS March 16-18, 2021 Solo and Ensemble #1 Thompson MS April 27, 2021 Solo and Ensemble #2 Bumpus MS May 1, 2021 District Spring Meeting Vestavia Hills HS May 18, 2020 District Fall Meeting Zoom Call August 31, 2020 All State/DHB Auditions Brookwood HS January 30, 2021 District Honor Band University of Alabama February 19-20, 2021 District Spring Meeting University of Alabama February 20, 2021 MPA University of Alabama March 3-5, 2021 Solo and Ensemble #1 Prattville JHS April 6, 2021 Solo and Ensemble #2 Tuscaloosa Co. HS April 29, 2021 District Fall Meeting TBA August 22, 2020 Fall Solo and Ensemble Auburn JHS November 21, 2020 All State Auditions Opelika HS January 30, 2021 District Honor Band Auburn HS February 19-20,2021 MPA Benjamin Russell HS March 1-4,2021 Solo and Ensemble Wetumpka MS April 24, 2021 District Spring Meeting TBA May 10, 2021 District Fall Meeting Davidson High School August 26, 2019 Fall Solo and Ensemble TBA November 14, 2020 All State Auditions Saraland HS January 30, 2021 MPA Baker HS March 9-12, 2021 District Honor Band Theodore High School March 18-20, 2021 Solo and Ensemble Spanish Fort MS May 1, 2021 District Spring Meeting Daphne High School May 24, 2021 District Fall Meeting TBA August 24, 2020 All State Auditions Coppinville JH Enterprise January 30, 2021 MPA Enterprise Performing Arts Center March 2-4, 2021 District Honor Band Enterprise HS March 5-6, 2021 District Spring Meeting Enterprise HS March 5, 2021 Solo and Ensemble #1 Daleville HS May 1, 2021 Solo and Ensemble #2 Greenville HS May 8, 2021 August/September 2020

Alabama Vocal Association Event Date Reg. Deadline Location Fall Workshop Thursday, September 10, 2020 Online ASSC Auditions Friday, October 16, 2020 Thursday, September 18, 2020 Online All State Auditions November 02-10, 2020 Thursday, September 17, 2020 Online AMEA January 21-23, 2021 See AMEA website Renaissance Montgomery ASSC January 21-23, 2021 Wednesday, December 02, 2020 Renaissance Montgomery All-State March 4-6, 2021 Wednesday, January 27, 2021 BJCC District Date OCS/OA/ME Location I Monday, November 16, 2020 Reg. Deadline Online II Tuesday, November 17, 2020 Thursday, October 01, 2020 Online III Friday, December 04, 2020 Thursday, October 01, 2020 Online IV Thursday, November 19, 2020 Thursday, October 01, 2020 Online V Tuesday, November 17, 2020 Thursday, October 01, 2020 Online VI Tuesday, November 17, 2020 Thursday, October 01, 2020 Online VII Thursday, October 29, 2020 Thursday, October 01, 2020 Online Thursday, October 01, 2020 District Date Location I Wednesday, February 24, 2021 Solo & Ensemble University of North Alabama (Tentative) II Fri-Sat, February 26-27, 2021 Reg. Deadline The University of Alabama (Tentative) III Saturday, February 20, 2021 Wednesday, January 27, 2021 Cahaba Heights UMC (Tentative) IV Thursday, February 18, 2021 Friday, January 29, 2021 Jacksonville State University (Tentative) V TBA (2/15-4/16) Friday, January 22, 2021 Hunstville FBC (Tentative) VI Tue-Wed, April 6-7, 2021 Thursday, January 21, 2021 Enterprise High School (Tentative) VII Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Wed-Thur, March 24-25, 2021 Springhill Baptist Church (Tentative) Tuesday, March 9, 2021 District Date Tuesday, January 26, 2021 Location I February 24 & 25 ,2021 UNA (Wed)/Decatur FBC (Thur) (Tentative) II Fri-Sat, February 26-27, 2021 SCPA The University of Alabama (Tentative) III Mon-Wed, March 29-31, 2021 Reg. Deadline Canterbury UMC (Tentative) IV Thursday, April 08, 2021 Wednesday, January 27, 2021 Gadsden City High School (Tentative) V Thur-Fri, February 25-26, 2021 Friday, January 29, 2021 Grissom High School (Tentative) VI Tue-Wed, April 6-7, 2021 Monday, March 01, 2021 Enterprise High School (Tentative) VII Thursday, March 18, 2021 Thursday, March 11, 2021 Springhill Baptist Church (Tentative) Thursday, January 28, 2021 Tuesday, March 9, 2021 Thursday, February 18, 2021 Elementary/General Division August 29, 2020 East Alabama General Music Workshop Online: https://forms.gle/aeP2DUM9XTHLR6Vz5 October 17, 2019 AMEA Choral Festival Cancelled/Postponed until October 2021 January 21-23. 2021 AMEA/AOSA Fall Workshop Online: More info to come AMEA Professional Development Conference Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Spa Alabama Orchestra Association August 5, 2020 All-State Audition Materials Released January 21-23, 2021 AMEA Conference February 11-14, 2021 All-State Orchestra Festival October 9-18, 2020 All-State String Auditions (Multiple Locations) April 16-17, 2021 Orchestra Music Performance Assessment November 6-15, 2020 All-State Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Auditions AMEA Collegiate Division TBA Collegiate Summit Online: October 25, 2020 1:30-4:30 pm January 21-23, 2021 AMEA Professional Development Conference Renaissance Montgomery and Convention Center ala breve 37

Preventing Injuries in to 384 directors using the Alabama Bandmasters Association’s Directory. This resulted in a total of 154 completed surveys. Marching Band: Survey of The research instrument used in this study Alabama Band Directors was an anonymous online survey created using Qualtrics. The survey was divided into Robert Glasscock four sections and included 45 questions that covered: (a) general demographic Each summer, marching bands across the beginning of the marching band season and information about the director’s marching country prepare elaborate shows for football then decrease as the season progresses. This band, (b) whether directors have ever games and contests. Often times directors is due in part to the decreased amount of completed any first aid training and if so are ill-equipped to handle situations that may time spent practicing at the end of the what type, (c) how confident directors are at arise from injuries that occur due to the season and the improved cardiovascular handling various student injuries, and (d) exposure to heat and continuous marching fitness and technical skills of the marching ways in which marching band directors (Vepraskas, 2002). Most of the injuries band members (Mehler, et al., 1996). promote injury prevention. associated with marching band take place during the beginning of the marching season The National Athletic Trainers’ Association Results around the months of August and (NATA) established a set of guidelines to Results from the survey were examined September (Mehler, Brink, Eickmeier, Hesse, promote the safety of those students who using descriptive statistics. One hundred & McGuire, 1996). participate in marching band. The first fifty-four marching band directors, resulting guideline from the NATA was that students in a response rate of 40%, submitted The injuries most often associated with should receive a general health exam prior to completed surveys. The largest group of marching band include dehydration and the activity to make sure they were fit to participants (37%) was within the first five upper and lower body injuries. Most of these perform. The next guideline was to start years of teaching. A majority of those injuries occur at the beginning of the preparing for the marching season about surveyed are male (74%), and teach at a rural marching season (Mehler, et al., 1996), four weeks prior to the first rehearsal by high school (57%). All seven divisions of the therefore, band directors should focus their walking 20 minutes each day and to gradually AHSAA classifications were represented in attention on conditioning programs during increase the time spent walking outside. The the survey, with 4A and 3A being the most the months of July and August, when most NATA also recommended that students use represented (18% each). Three marching marching bands start preparing for the appropriate stretches and warm-ups before band programs from the Alabama upcoming marching season. Band members and after practice. Guptill and Zaza state Independent School Association also most at risk for injuries are those with a that there is evidence that stretching may responded to the survey. Finally, a majority higher body mass index (BMI), little physical help reduce soreness when performing new (59%) of the participants’ direct programs activity outside of marching band, and those activities (2010). The final guideline from the with student populations between 51 – 100 with previous injuries (Knapik, 2007). NATA encourages directors and students to students, and most (62%) classified their According to the Centers for Disease “wear light or white colored shorts and t- program as “Corps Style – Competitive.” Control and Prevention, almost 34% of high shirts to avoid overheating during practice. Ninety-seven percent of participants also school students in Alabama are considered This is especially important for anyone stated that some of their students participate overweight or obese (2018). carrying heavy instruments for long periods in a school-sponsored sport in addition to of time” (2006, ¶7). marching band. Review of Literature Injuries are inevitable in any endeavor that According to Vepraskas (2002) “Most In questions 10 – 16, participants were asked requires physical effort from participants. directors receive little or no training in about band camp and rehearsal schedules. Prevention is the key to limiting the injuries health-related issues” (p. 237). It is the Seventy percent of the participants hold a associated with marching band. Previous responsibility of each director to know the two-week band camp prior to the start of studies have investigated the various injuries risks and have a basic knowledge of the the school year. Once the school year begins, suffered from participation in marching preventative measures associated with injury 59% of participants indicated that they do band, the effects of dehydration on band prevention in marching band. not rehearse their marching band outside members, heart rates of marching band during the school day. Fifty-eight percent of members, and even step counts during Methods and Procedures marching bands rehearse after school 3 rehearsals, but very few have focused on The potential target population for this times a week during football season, with preventing injuries (Kilanowski, 2008; study was marching band directors from the 42% stating that they spend more than 5 Knapik, et al., 2007; Mehler, et al., 1996; state of Alabama, who were also members hours a week rehearsing outdoors after Murray, 2007; Vepraskas, 2002). of the Alabama Bandmasters Association. school. In addition, 18% stated that they Data collection was conducted through an have held rehearsals on the weekend, and Injuries occur more frequently at the anonymous online survey. An email was sent 37% of those rehearsed for 2 hours. Medical training for band directors was the focus of questions 18 – 23. When asked if they had received any type of medical 38 August/September 2020

training in their preparation to become a arise that they did not feel prepared to participants indicated that they give students band director, or during their career, 77% handle. Having this information at their a 10-minute break and 39% take a 5-minute stated that they had received such training. disposal would mean that directors are aware break. Eighty-eight percent of the The majority (64%) received this training of potential problems that their students participants provide water during the breaks, through workplace professional may encounter or experience during the and 82% have an area near their practice development, while 24% took first aid marching band season. field to allow students to be shaded from the courses outside of the workplace. Thirteen sun during breaks. Allowing students to sit percent of the participants said they had a Questions 34 – 44 asked participants a series down when needed is crucial to the safety of school nurse available at home football of questions focused on ways they students during hot summer rehearsals. games, but 35% of participants stated that encourage injury prevention in their they did not have a nurse provided by the marching band program. Ninety-eight Question 45 asked for the opinion of the school at all. Sixty-two percent of percent of participants said that they participants as to what they felt was the participants said that they had not had a required a specific shoe for marching biggest factor for students missing or sitting medical issue arise that they were rehearsals. Of the choices offered, tennis down during outdoor rehearsals. They were unprepared to handle. Of those that said shoes were the most accepted shoe choice, asked to rank a set of possible responses that they had a medical issue arise, some of followed by running shoes, walking shoes, from 1 to 6, with 1 representing the biggest the examples given included serious, and cross trainers, boots, and other types. factor and 6 representing the smallest. The sometimes life-threatening situations such as factor that the majority of participants seizures, mental health issues, Type I Participants were next asked about earplugs picked as the leading cause for students to sit diabetes, and chest pains. Forty-five percent to help prevent hearing loss, and if they felt down during outdoor rehearsals was not of the participants felt confident in their it was their responsibility to encourage their drinking enough water (37%), and this was ability to handle student physical injuries. students to wear them. Sixty-three percent followed by students not eating before a of the participants felt that it was their rehearsal (24%). The final question asked Questions 29 – 33 examined director’s responsibility to encourage their students to participants how likely they would be to perceptions regarding injury prevention. use earplugs while participating in marching allow a student to sit down during an Fifty-seven percent of the participants band activities, but 47% felt that their outdoor marching rehearsal based on a series admitted that they do not have a physical students only wore earplugs some of the of situations. If a student complained about conditioning program in place for their time, while 45% said students never used feeling faint, 80% of participants were very marching band, but 32% said that they have earplugs. Ninety-three percent of likely to allow the student to sit down, while their students stretch before each rehearsal. participants felt that it was their an insect bite (16%) was the least likely to be Most of the participants (43%) felt that their responsibility to encourage students to wear a reason to allow a student to sit down students had some understanding of the sunblock while practicing outdoors. during an outdoor rehearsal. risks involved with marching band, and However, 45% said they felt that their when asked how often they instruct their students only wore it some of the time. Discussion students on injury prevention, 48% said Question 40 asked if participants required The NATA guidelines recommend that “sometimes.” Seventy-nine percent of students to wear specific clothing at outdoor students should receive a general health participants indicated that their students rehearsals, and 91% said that they did exam prior to the start of marching band were not required to complete a physical require specific clothing. season to make sure they were fit to before participating in marching band, and perform, but participants of this study 67% said that their students were still Questions 41 – 42 inquired about directors’ indicated that the majority of them do not required to take a physical education class attitudes toward injuries and injury require their students to complete a physical while in high school. Of the 67% of prevention. When participants were asked before participating in marching band. What participants that stated their students were how often they allowed a student to sit down is unclear from this study is whether this is a still required to take a physical education and rest during a rehearsal if the student choice from the band director or the school class, 45% of those said that marching band complained about not feeling well, 58% of administration as to whether band students did count towards the PE credit. Though participants said that they allow students to are not required to receive a physical. marching band is not sanctioned as a sport sit down and cool off no matter what the by the Alabama High School Athletic situation, 35% said it depends on the The NATA also recommended that Association, many of the items found on the situation as to whether they can sit down, directors have a plan to start preparing for physical form that each high school student- while 7% said they would let the student sit the marching season about four weeks prior athlete must have completed by a doctor down, but only if they felt it was absolutely to the first rehearsal by walking 20 minutes would also pertain to marching band. For necessary. The participants were asked if each day and gradually increase the time example, the physical form asks students if they encouraged students to rest and seek spent walking outside. This type of physical they have ever passed out during practice, treatment after an injury, and 68% said they conditioning program may be very helpful in had prior heart conditions, had seizures, and did so immediately, while 31% indicated that acclimating students to outdoor marching if the students have had any prior injuries to it depended on the student. rehearsals; however, the majority of bones or joints (Alabama High School participants said that they do not have such a Athletic Association, 2015). These are some Sixty-five percent of participants stated that conditioning program in place. of the very same items that band directors they take breaks every 30 minutes while had listed in the survey when they were rehearsing outdoors in high heat conditions The implementation of stretching and the asked if they had ever had a medical issue (90+ Degrees). Forty-nine percent of the use of warm-ups before and after band practice would be beneficial to students. ala breve 39

“Athletic trainers in the past have claimed students to take breaks out of the direct Kilanowski, J.F. (2008). Marching athletes: that stretching improves performance and sunlight. Injuries and illnesses at band camp. reduces injuries in athletes” (Guptill & Zaza, The American Journal of 2010, p. 29). Guptill and Zaza state that Implications Maternal/Child Nursing. 33(6), 338- there is evidence that stretching may help This study holds several implications for 345. reduce soreness when performing new marching band directors. These implications https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NMC. activities (2010). The majority of marching can best be illustrated by one key 0000341252.95674.9f band directors that responded agreed with participant’s comment when asked if there this and indicated that they always have their had ever been a medical issue that arose that Knapik, J.J., Jones, S.B., Darakjy, S., Hauret, students stretch before rehearsal, but some they felt unprepared for: K.G., Nevin, R., Tyson, G., Jones, said that they only stretch sometimes or not B.H. (2007). Injuries and injury risk at all. The majority of participants also said We have had numerous medical issues factors among members of the that they are spending more than five hours arise and I always feel that there is very United States Army Band. American a week in rehearsal time over the course of a little that I can do other than assess the Journal of Industrial Medicine, 50(12), three-day period. This is usually spent situation and contact the paramedics. 951-961. performing repetitive marching maneuvers, https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.2053 and having students move from set to set Ultimately, it is up to the individual director 2 learning drill. This is a large amount of time to decide what types of injury prevention having students stand in the position of will be used in their program. Too many Mehler, A.S., Brink, D.S., Eickmeier, K.M., attention, holding instruments, and young directors are put into situations that Hesse, D.F., McGuire, J.W. (1996). marching. This causes a lot of stress and place a high demand on them regarding Marching band injuries: A one- possible soreness in their back, lower legs, injury prevention and basic first aid. The season survey of the University of feet, and ankles. All directors need to have guidelines from the National Athletic Michigan marching band. Journal of their students take time to stretch before and Trainers’ Association should become first- the American Podiatric Medical after rehearsals to help relieve the soreness. hand knowledge for band programs Association 86(9), 407-413. throughout the country. https://doi.org/10.7547/87507315 Shoes are one of the most important articles -86-9-407 of clothing for marching band members. The majority of participants had a favorable According to previous research, the cross opinion about their abilities to handle Murray, B. (2007). Hydration and physical trainer shoe is the shoe best suited for medical situations that may arise, however, performance. Journal of the American marching band. Requiring students to wear a over a third of participants were not College of Nutrition, 26(5), 542S- specific type of shoe seemed to be of confident in their ability to handle medical 548S. greater importance to directors than any issues. The majority of participants also https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724 other aspect of injury prevention. Ninety- stated that they instruct their students about .2007.10719656 eight percent of directors said they require injury prevention some of the time. Injury their students to wear a specific shoe, while prevention and basic first aid knowledge National Athletic Trainers’ Association 91% said they require specific clothing at should become a priority in band director (2006). Tips to keep marching rehearsals. Wearing a specific shoe even education programs to prepare band bands healthy and hydrated on the seemed to be more important than directors to be successful in injury field. Retrieved July 21, 2017, encouraging their students to wear sunblock prevention and medical situations. from (93%) or wear earplugs (63%). http://athletesandthearts.com References Hydration is another cause for concern for Alabama High School Athletic Association Vepraskas, C. (2002). Beat the heat: marching band directors. It has been Managing heat and hydration in suggested that directors should always make (2015). Preparticipation Physical marching band. The Journal of School sure that band members have sports drinks Evaluation Form. Retrieved Nursing, 18(4), 237-243. and water available during rehearsals and at November 20, 2018, from https://doi.org/10.1177/10598405 performances. Participants indicated that http://www.ahsaa.com 020180042001 most provide water for their students at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. rehearsals. (2018). National Center for Robert Glasscock is Chronic Disease Prevention and pursuing his Ph.D. in When rehearsing outdoors in high heat and Health Promotion, Division of Music Education at humid conditions, it is recommended that Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Auburn University. He students be able to take breaks in shaded Obesity. Data, Trend Maps. earned his Bachelor of areas out of the direct sunlight. If a student Retrieved November 20, 2018, Music Education degree is suffering from dehydration or even heat from from Troy State stroke, the first step to help them is to move https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dn University in 2000, them to a cool, shady area (Vepraskas, 2002). pao/data-trends-maps/index.html Master of Education in It is encouraging to note that the majority of Guptill, C., & Zaza, C. (2010). Injury Music Education from participants stated that they had an area of prevention. Music Educators Journal, Alabama State University in 2005, and shade near their practice fields to allow 96(4), 28-34. Specialist Degree in Music Education from https://doi.org/10.1177/00274321 Auburn University in 2018. Mr. Glasscock is 10370736 currently the Director of Bands at Tallassee High School. 40 August/September 2020



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