May/June 2019 Ala Breve

May/June 2019 ala breve The Official Publication of the Alabama Music Educators Association Inside: Improving Show Design with Virtual Collaboration Keith Anderson Finding Alabama’s Voice Brady McNeil William Denison’s Legacy Michael Bird A Call for Collaboration and Reflection Matt Leder Planning for the Final Days of the School Year Jim Knight and Greg Gumina (Phi Beta Mu) www.myamea.org







ala breve the official publication of the Alabama Music Educators Association May/June 2019 Features... 7 AMEA Governing Board Directory 13 AMEA Industry Members 14 General Music Reviews by Deanna Bell 20 2020 AMEA Professional Development Conference 20 AMEA Awards 25 Improving Show Design with Virtual Collaboration by Keith Anderson 28 Finding Alabama’s Voice by Brady McNeal 32 William Denison’s Legacy by Michael Bird 35 A Call for Collaboration and Reflection by Matt Leder 36 Campus Connections 36 News from NAfME 37 Band Music Reviews by Randall Coleman 38 Phi Beta Mu Tips that Click 40 Choral Music Reviews by William Powell Departments... Advertisers Index... 8 .....................President American College of Musicians ...............36 UA Bands .................................................43 13 ..........Past Presidents Arts Music Shop, Inc ..................back cover UA Crimson Camps..................................24 15 ..................Elem/Gen Band Front Camps......................................9 UAB Bands...............................................12 16 ...........................ABA Gadsden Music Company.........................22 UAB Music...............................................33 18 .............................AVA Huntingdon College Music.......................45 UAH Music ..............................................23 26...........................AOA John M. Long School of Music (Troy).....47 UNA Department of Music.......................11 NAfME Collegiate Summit......................10 University of Montevallo .........................21 NAfME National Conference.....................6 University of South Alabama Bands ........34 Samford University ....................................2 University of South Alabama Music ..........4 Smoky Mountain Music Festival..............27 Yamaha.......................................................3 ala breve 5

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AMEA Governing Board 2018-2019 President-Elect Treasurer/Registrar David Raney Pat Stegall President Sparkman High School AMEA Registration Greg Gumina 2616 Jeff Road PO Box 3385 Shades Valley High School Harvest, AL 35749 Muscle Shoals, AL 35661 6100 Old Leeds Road 256-837-0331 [email protected] Irondale, AL 35210 [email protected] (205) 956-4638 President, ABA [email protected] Recording Secretary Doug Farris Carla Gallahan Brewer High School Immediate Past President 113 Long Hall 59 Eva Road Susan Smith Troy University Somerville, AL 35670 104 Smith Hall Troy, AL 36082 (256) 621-0540 Troy, AL 36082 (334) 670-3502 [email protected] (334) 670-3322 [email protected] [email protected] President, Elem/Gen President, AVA Phil Wilson President, AOA Megan Jones Ogletree Elementary School Guy Harrison Decatur High School 737 Ogletree Road 218 Goodwin Music Building 1011 Prospect Drive Auburn, AL 36830 Auburn University, AL 36849 Decatur, AL 35601 [email protected] (334) 844-8192 (256) 552- 3011 [email protected] [email protected] President, Higher Education Mildred Lanier President, AMEA Collegiate AMEA Collegiate Advisor Jefferson State Community College DeLee Benton Edward (Ted) Hoffman (205) 983-5309 [email protected] University of Montevallo [email protected] Station 6670 Industry Representative Davis Music Building 308 Alabama Department of Education Becky Lightfoot Montevallo, AL 35115 Arts Education Specialist Arts Music Shop (205) 665-6668 Andy Meadows 3030 East Blvd. [email protected] 50 North Ripley Street Montgomery, AL 36116 Montgomery, Alabama 36104 334/271-2787 Assistant Executive Director (334) 353-1191 [email protected] Rusty Logan [email protected] 2020 Janabrooke Lane Executive Director Auburn, AL 36830 Editor, Ala Breve (334) 663-1702 Garry Taylor [email protected] 1600 Manor Dr. NE Cullman, AL 35055 (256) 636-2754 [email protected] Cover Photo: Greg Gumina 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. Subscription for members is $4.00 per year as part of annual NAfME/AMEA dues. Subscriptions for non-members is $15.00 per year. Bulk rate postage paid at Dothan, Alabama. ala breve 7

Greg Gumina, AMEA President Finish Strong! Hello AMEA! NAfME Monthly Update Highlights pursued education as a career. Since 2013 A grassroots action alert has been that number has dropped to 4%. I hope you have had a very productive activated for members to write to Teachers who entered service after 2013 school year full of high quality, Congress in support of fully funding are only staying in the teaching sequential, standards-based units of Title IV, Part A of the Every Student profession for an average of 5 years. instruction, and wonderful Succeeds Act following the release of the 2013 is the year that the Tier II performances. We are the protectors and President’s budget for FY20, where he Retirement plan was put into place. The advocates of our beautiful art form, and zeroed out appropriations for this teachers in Alabama who were hired after we also possess a noble profession. section of the education law. Title IV, Closing down a school year can be both Part A is known as Student Support and We all see the finish enjoyable and sorrowful at the same Academic Enrichment (SSAE) and is a line together, but we time. So let’s make the best out of the block formula grant with a wide range of can’t win the race if time we have left in this academic year. I allowable uses. It allows States, LEA’s, have chosen to share some information schools, and local communities to we stop short ... with you in this article from both the provide students with access to a well- state and federal levels. My hope is that rounded education, improve school Let’s be great you will read through, get motivated, and conditions for student learning, and examples to our take action where necessary. improve the use of technology in order students, and finish to improve academic achievement and Arts Alliance Meeting digital literacy. I encourage you to contact strong! I recently had the opportunity to your Federal Representatives in participate in the Alabama Arts Washington and encourage them to fully Education Alliance Pre-Summit fund Title IV, Part A. In other news, Conference. Representatives from NAfME membership numbers are Theater, Visual Arts, Dance, and of strong and growing. Active Members, course Music were present and we Retired Members, Collegiate Members, discussed many topics throughout the TRI-M Chapters, and TRI-M Members day. Our organization was the largest and all showed growth from 2018 to 2019. most organized of the Professional Organizations represented at the Teacher Shortage and Teacher Raises Summit, but the other areas were well There is a nationwide teacher shortage represented by distinguished coming, and depending on which data professionals and contributed great ideas you look at, it could be disastrous for to the discussions. The meeting was schools and students. Alabama is no administrated by Andy Meadows, Arts exception. Many, including our state Specialist with the Alabama State Superintendent Eric Mackey, are calling Department of Education. Some of the it a crisis. This situation is not expected topics of the day were organizations’ to drastically impact our profession, but strengths and weaknesses, Artistic we must always be vigilant. According to Literacy Consortium, advocacy, Arts in the Director of Human Resources with Alabama Schools Month, Arts Signing the Jefferson County School System, Day, certification pathways, On-line arts prior to 2013, there were approximately courses, Arts Mega Conference, and next 12% of high school graduates who steps for each area of discussion. 8 May/June 2019

2013 have no option for early retirement Education at all grade levels has also been development opportunity this summer to at 25 years of service, cannot retire until shown to support the development of both increase your effectiveness in the 62 years of age, have a lower percentage essential 21st-century skills, such as critical classroom and benefit your students. Our donated to their retirement accounts, and thinking, collaboration, and creative students deserve the best “us” that we can cannot accumulate sick leave time towards problem-solving. When students are be. retirement credit. Recently a plan was denied a quality music education, they are introduced to allow Tier II employees to denied the ability to hone skills valuable Finish Strong opt into a new Tier III plan which allows for success in life. I have a feeling your As we close down this school year, I employees to serve for 30 years, and they Alabama Advocacy Team will be would encourage you to get plenty of rest, would have the same percentage donated advocating for the GAAME Act on take care of your own health, and finish toward their retirement as Tier I Capitol Hill when we visit Washington, strong. Teach as hard as you can all the employees. While Tier III would be an D.C. in June. way through your last opportunity to see improvement over Tier II, it is still not your students. We are all tired and weary equivalent to Tier I. Let’s hope that our Summer PD Opportunities at this time of year, as are our students. Tier II generation teachers are afforded Almost every day I receive an email (or We all see the finish line together, but we the opportunity at a better future. In other ten) about a summer professional can’t win the race if we stop short of the news from Montgomery, Governor Kay development opportunity, some of them finish line. So let’s be great examples to Ivey has proposed a 4% pay raise for in very desirable locales. Music Educators our students, and finish strong. school employees next year. PEEHIP is might be the best education professionals also fully funded in the Governor’s plan, at seeking continuing education and Music Education is AWESOME in so there would be no insurance increase professional development. We are also a Alabama! for teachers. group who is typically very willing to share what we have learned with others in Respectfully Submitted, GAAME Act our beloved field. So whether you plan to Greg Gumina, AMEA President Last Summer Congresswoman Velazquez travel or stay more local, I would and Senator Testor introduced the encourage you to seek a great professional Guarantee Access to Arts and Music Education (GAAME) into discussions on Capitol Hill. The National Association for Music Education applauds the introduction of and wholeheartedly endorses the GAAME Act (H.R. 1676 and S. 885). If passed, this legislation would provide language articulating the ability for school districts to use their Title I, Part A funds to improve access to sequential music and arts education for disadvantaged and low-income students, including programs taught by certified music educators. The GAAME Act’s reinforcement that Title I’s school-wide and targeted assistance funds can be used to support music and arts education aligns with NAfME’s mission, which is to advance music education by promoting the understanding and making of music by all. Studies have shown that in-school music programs are highly valuable in engaging students by improving their overall participation and attendance, especially for students deemed at-risk. Furthermore, the benefits of music programs transcend typical quantifiable markers of academic achievement. Music ala breve 9

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AMEA Industry/Institutional Membership 2018-19 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! Arts Music Shop, 3030 East Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36116 Bailey Brothers Music Company, 4673 Highway 280 Suite 7, Birmingham, AL 35242 Halftime USA Band Front Camps, P.O. Box 66, Wetumpka, AL 36092 John M. Long School of Music, School of Music, Troy, AL 36082 JW Pepper, 9053 Riverside Pkwy, Lithia Springs, GA 30122 Kaleidoscope Adventures, 7081 Grand National Drive Ste. 110, Orlando, FL 32819 Landmark Tour and Travel, 704 37th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222 Marchmaster Inc., P.O. Box 73379, Newnan, GA 30271 QuaverMusic.com, 1706 Grand Ave., Nashville, TN 37212 Thomas Tours, Inc., 2405 12th Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37204 University of South Alabama, LPAC 1072, 5751 USA Drive South, Mobile, AL 36688 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 ala breve 13

General Music Reviews by Deanna Bell “Welcome in the Spring” Morris and Sword Dances for Children Compiled, annotated and arranged by Paul Kerlee Sword Dancing in Elementary School? Yes! This book is filled with exciting dances from the English countryside that were brought to America at the turn of the century. These dances include the clashing of swords, clapping, shouting, and dancing. The book has a CD with accompaniment tracks and Orff arrangements for fifteen songs. The easy step-by-step instructions include photos for additional help. I learned about this book during Orff Level III at Samford University. During movement class, Jennifer Donnovan taught us the “North Skelton Sword Dance.” It was one of my favorite activities and I was so excited to share it with my students. So, I spray-painted twenty-five yard sticks and taught the dance to my kids. They LOVED it! The goal was to clash swords, dance, and then weave the swords together to make a star. I taught this to third graders and they performed it at their grade level program. I used the Orff arrangement and featured a third grader on cello performing the melody. It was a hit! In 2017, Kate Donaldson, Trudye Confessore and I attend the AOSA National Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. There, we attended a session with Kris Olson about Morris Dances. She was dressed in an elaborate costume and she shared many reading and math connections to the songs in this book. Next time I do the dance, we will add costumes! I have learned so much from my Orff and Kodály Levels. I hope you will consider this a part of your professional development. Samford University is offering Levels II and III June 17-28, 2019 and the University of Montevallo is offering Kodály Levels I, II, and III July 8-19. Please follow @AlabamaAosa and @AlabamaKodaly on twitter for up to date information on Levels courses Wishing you all the best this summer!! Deanna Bell Music Teacher, Vestavia Hills Elementary East Adjunct Professor, UAB 14 May/June 2019

Phil Wilson -  President, Elementary/General Division For Good In the final act of the Broadway musical hit Wicked, Elphaba and October 18, 2019 at the Eastmont Baptist Glinda bid farewell to each other by singing the song “For Good”. Church in Montgomery. Melissa McIntyre, our One phrase expresses my feelings for this moment. new festival director, has already been hard at work securing clini- cians, preregistering schools and a host of other things. We are very “I’ve heard it said fortunate to have as clinicians Dr. Madeline Bridges from Belmount That people come into our lives for a reason University, and our own Dr. Becky Halliday from the University of Montevallo. Please see our Facebook page for the clinician’s biogra- Bringing something we must learn phies and to sign-up. For more information, contact Melissa McIn- And we are led tyre [email protected]. Also, please make plans to attend our joint workshop on Saturday, October 19, 2019 where Dr. To those who help us most to grow Bridges and Dr. Halliday will continue to instruct us. If we let them Remember that our 2020 AMEA Professional Development Con- And we help them in return ference is moving to back to Montgomery and will occur on Janu- Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true ary 16-18, 2020. Please consider applying for your choral group to perform at the 2020 conference. The deadline is June 1st. Also, we But I know I’m who I am today want to know about the great things you are doing in your class- Because I knew you.” room. Consider applying to present a session. Click here for both -Glinda applications https://www.myamea.org/2020-amea-professional- development-conference/. Over the past two years, you trusted me to lead the Elementary Di- vision and while I hope I earned and sustained your trust, some- Thank you for all you do to make sure the students in Alabama are thing unique happened: YOU changed me. Whether through our receiving the best music education possible. For questions or up- talks, our countless hours of singing and dancing alongside each dates, please contact us at [email protected]. other, or our sharing of great ideas, I believe we became better to- See you in October, gether. My personal growth is more apparent in how I teach my Phil R. Wilson, President classes, seek out meaningful professional development and even Elementary/General Division how I interact with my colleagues and it’s all because of you. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to learn and grow with you. I Elementary Calendar of Events truly have been changed For Good! 2019 Young Voices Festival As the school year draws to a close, know that what you have done April 26-27, 2019 for your students, school and community has not gone unnoticed. Your dedication to the music discipline is apparent in everything University of Alabama you do, and you are thought of highly for it. How many times this Contact: [email protected] year have you received emails from parents thanking you for what you do? How many kid notes and drawings have you found hidden World Music Drumming Level I in the strangest places in your room after a long and hard day? How Crestline Elementary, Hartselle many former students still run to hug you in public or send you so- cial media messages of thanks? I’m sure these instances are innu- June 3-7, 2019 merable, all because you came in to lives and changed them. How Contact: [email protected] many students can you say changed you? Over the summer as you recharge your batteries, ponder these questions, remember these Orff Level II and III students, cherish each moment and prepare for the next school year Samford University as a new group of students will come into your life and change you June 17-28, 2019 For Good. Contact: [email protected] Speaking of For Good, I hope that you will continue your support Kodály Levels I, II & III of the 2019-2021 Elementary Board of Directors. University of Montevallo President: Betty Wilson July 8-19, 2019 President-Elect: Sarah McLendon Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church in Mountain Brook Treasurer: Lori Zachary Secretary: Rob Lyda Contact: [email protected] Hospitality: Kristi Howze Past-President: Phil Wilson East Alabama Music Workshop Festival Director: Melissa McIntyre Grace United Methodist Church, Auburn Please continue support our Elementary Music Festival on Friday, August 24, 2019 Contact: [email protected] ala breve 15

Doug Farris - President, Alabama Bandmasters Association WE ARE ABA! We are ABA! As cliché as it seems, that is 4th place Theo Hornsby, Trinity New ABA President Terry Ownby and the phrase that is stuck in my head Presbyterian; 3rd place Anna Grace Outgoing President Doug Farris coming home from the 2019 All-State Hargett, Spain Park HS; 2nd place Band Festival. In my time on the board, Samantha Trentacoste, Oak Mountain we have striven to make the organization HS; 1st place and winner Henry Otts, stronger, moving in a forward direction to Fairhope HS;. This year in addition to the serve our membership and their students. Alabama Bandmasters' Association award With this festival, there were numerous of $500.00 to the winner, several acts of teamwork, professionalism, and universities awarded scholarships to the evidence of the undeniable importance winner and all the other finalists. The of music education in the state of scholarships are as follows: Alabama. University Winner Finalist I would like to first commend and congratulate Regina Raney and Emily Auburn $2500 per year $1000 per year Parker, chairman and vice chairman of District I. Their organization and forward UNA $4000 per semester $3000 per semester thinking created an experience of professionalism and teamwork. The University of Alabama $1000 per year $500 per year directors of District I did an outstanding job stepping up with great attitudes UAB $2500 per year $1000 per year whenever needed. Huntsville was truly welcoming for ABA considering all the Alabama State $2000 per year (music major) $1000 per year (music major) activities of the week. Vicky Yates and her staff at the VBC were truly great. Alabama State $1000 per year (Wind Ensemble) $500 per year (Wind Ensemble) Our All-State Festival began with the I would like to thank these universities for possible with their tireless work and super solo festival at UAH on Wednesday. Close to ninety participants signed up for their generous offers to promote this effort. As the first notes began it was the competition. Our judging panel of Dr. Meghan Merciers, Dr. Jimmy event. obvious that the concert on Saturday was Simpson, Dr. Rusty Logan, Dr. David McCullough, and Dr. Grant Dalton had going to be spectacular. Our clinicians; the daunting task of listening, adjudicating and scoring the finest On Thursday we began the day setting up Dr. Cynthia Turner Johnston, Dr. musicians in our state. Dr. Merciers and Dr. Simpson began at 8:00 am and judged bands, moving percussion equipment, and Catherine Rand, Dr. Dennis Llineas; and until 7:00 pm. After a long day of great music, our eight finalists were chosen. preparing for auditions. Keith Anderson Dr. Liz Jackson Kirchhoff began The finals concert was amazing! It is proof that music education is alive and was outstanding in serving as percussion rehearsals with some very high well in our state. The finalist were 8th place Brooke Bailey, Hewitt Trussville HS; coordinator. Organizing the long lists of expectations of our students. From 7th place Caroline Habig, Hoover HS; 6th place Emily Warren, Hewitt-Trussville percussion from four different schools is Carmina Burana ringing from the Blue HS; 5th place Jackson Hanks, Hoover HS; an enormous task. Many directors from band, Longford Legend from the Middle District I arrived early to set up and School Band, Amparito Roca from White moved right into judging chair Band and Red Band’s Of Our New Day placements. Emily Parker's organization Begun,the buzz was going around. Our of the chair placements made for one of students were engaged and ready for the the quickest audition days. There were task before them. While the bands were approximately 640 students auditioned in beginning rehearsals, the ABA board was three hours and fifteen minutes. Many working in a board meeting. Discussion, thanks to Emily and the staff at First evaluating and planning on how we can Baptist Huntsville. Next came clinicians make our organization better in every way. arriving and meeting hosts and preparing It has been my privilege and goal that as a to make great music with the enormous board, we are here to serve, evaluate and bands in two days. Our band hosts; James grow as an organization. Champion, Red Band; Mike Guzman, White Band; Heather Henson, Blue Band; This year, our Friday night concert was and Connie and Tim Hammond, Middle the UAH Wind Ensemble under the School Band made the impossible direction of Dr. David Ragsdale. What 16 May/June 2019

an amazing end to the days of rehearsal. excellence was what I had hoped for at contribution and dedication to our From auditions through beginning notes the end of my term as president. This organization has been a model to us all. of the All-State bands and finishing the only sets the stage for other great We thank him for his service and will be day truly hearing what a university band performances and experiences for our celebrating his time with us at the summer is capable of achieving was a great directors and students. As the concert conference. We all owe Harry a debt of example of how music education works. closes and we all began our travels home, gratitude for his years as executive From the heights of joy to emotions of it is important to reflect, evaluate, and secretary. remembrance of loss, the UAH Wind begin preparations for what is next. I Ensemble took listeners on a roller have been so honored and humbled by As we begin to look coaster ride with some unexpected the members of the ABA Board for fireworks thanks to Panoply Arts Festival. supporting, guiding, and encouraging me forward, we must With all the activities on Friday at the during my term. Becky Rodgers Warren VBC, the set up for the rehearsals and instilled in me the ideal of servant continue to look for concert had to happen at 6:00 am. A leadership. It has served me well and I team of our directors came to the arena thank her. Following Mike Holmes as ways to promote and in a little over 30 minutes, the arena president has been a great experience. floor went from a blank floor to an All- His wisdom, patience, and forethought is and better the State set up of four bands. Teamwork what I have always admired in him as a and cooperation were prevalent along teacher and a fellow member of the organization and with the fun we had working together. board. Our organization is in very capable hands with Terry Ownby and Joel music education. As the concert approached there was Henson. I look forward to serving with much excitement from students and them for two years. At this event, our As the ABA Board Thank you Harry directors. The concert was inspiring and executive secretary Harry McAfee moves forward McAfee for your years provided more evidence that instrumental announced his resignation effective the music education is thriving in Alabama. end of June. Harry has been our please read the of leadership and service The professionalism, teamwork, and lighthouse throughout the years. His to ABA! emails, search out the bylaws, become familiar with how the organization works and above all else, SERVE. Whether it is your students, those from across the state, or your organization, roll up your sleeves and let’s see what is possible for our membership, our state and most of all, our students. All-State Middle School Band - 1st Chair Players Flute: Jaxon Dunlevy, Liberty Park Middle School; Oboe: Alyson Goodwin, Simmons MS; Bassoon: Grace Greer, Auburn JH; Bb Clarinet: Jones Preg, Hewitt-Trussville MS; Alto Clar: Matthew Cornelius, Trinity CA; Bass Clar; Alto Sax: Seth Hickman, Hewitt-Trussville MS; Tenor Sax: Jackson Alexander, Auburn JH; Bari Sax: Elijah Putman, Cullman MS; Trumpet: Noah Bender, Hewitt-Trussville MS; French Horn: Will Hertz, Simmons MS; Trombone: Luke Pappalardo, Pizitz MS; Baritone: Dustin Powell, Elmore Co. HS; Tuba: Marlan Zha, Phillips Prep; String Bass: Ethan Walton, Causey MS; Percussion: Timothy Zhu, Discovery MS State Solo Festival Finalists 1st Place: Henry Otts, Fairhope HS; 2nd Place: Samantha Trentacoste, Oak Mountain HS; 3rd Place: Anna Grace Hargett, Spain Park HS; 4th Place: Theo Hornsby, Trinity Presbyterian; 5th Place: Jackson Hanks, Hoover HS; 6th Place: Emily Warren, Hewitt-Trussville HS; 7th Place: Caroline Habig, Hoover HS; 8th Place: Brook Bailey, Hewitt-Trussville HS All-State Red Band - 1st Chair Players James Champion and Phi Beta Mu Flute: Anna Hogan, Covenant CA; Oboe: Rebecca Keith, Thompson HS; Bassoon: Scholarship Recipient Alyssa Ledlow Gabrielle Smith, Huntsville HS; Eb Clar: Smantha Howard, Hazel Green HS; Bb Clar: Solomon Sigmon, Covenant CA; Alto Clar: Andrew Tillman, Trinity CS; Bass Clar: Jay ABA President Doug Farris and Zayas, Sparkman HS; Contra Clar: Lauren Love, Tuscaloosa Co. HS; Alto Sax: Ashton Solo Festival Winner Henry Otts Jah, Bob Jones HS; Tenor Sax: Jackson Lanier, James Clemens HS; Bari Sax: Reagan Bonner, Hewitt-Trussville HS; Trumpet:Audra Campbell, Spain Park HS; French Horn: 17 Chiraag Samal, Oak Mountain HS; Trombone: Isaiah Vasquez, Sparkman HS; Baritone: Sam Kinsaul, Lee-Scott Academy; Tuba: Caroline Habig, Hoover HS; String Bass: J.T. Matthews, Vestavia Hills HS; Percussion: James Bright, James Clemens HS ala breve

Megan Jones - President, Alabama Vocal Association NEWS FROM AVA All-State Workshop clinician. I enjoyed getting to watch Dr. Fox work Thank you again to everyone who contributed to making this with our students and I believe he will bring some great insight year’s All-State Choral Festival a success. This event would and motivation to us this fall. Please go ahead and mark your not be possible without so many of you being willing to serve. calendars for September 6 and make plans to join us! I hope the festival was a wonderful experience for your students and that they brought their enthusiasm back to your In my follow-up email from All-State, I mentioned that we are choir rooms. interested in continuing our mini break-out sessions at Fall Workshop. If you have anything you would like to present or Thank you also to Eric Mathis and Kenny Gannon for their if you have ideas for sessions, please let me know. help in hosting us at Samford University again this year. We have loved our years of All-State on their beautiful campus. AMEA We will be returning to Montgomery for this year’s AMEA Fall Workshop Professional Development Conference. Our guest clinician We had a wonderful time this past year at Huntingdon College will be Dr. Tim Seelig who serves as Artistic Direction or the and we are so excited to return there this fall! We are also so San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. Dr. Seelig is also the author thrilled to have Dr. Derrick Fox, who conducted the SATB of The Perfect Blend,  The Perfect Rehearsal,  The Perfect Choral choir at this year’s All-State, return to Alabama as our Fall Workbook,  The Music Within  and  Quick Fixes. I’m looking All-State Show Choir All OCS, OA, ME Winners High School SSA All-State Choir High School SATB All-State Choir 18 May/June 2019

forward to hear what Dr. Seelig has in may nominate up to 2 balanced quartets Summer Board store for us! consisting of their best sight-readers. This year’s Summer Board meeting will be held on June 3-5. If you have feedback Please consider submitting to present a ASSC or any items you would like me to add to session or to have your choir perform at Thank you so much to you all for your our agenda for discussion and review the conference. The deadline to apply is input and thoughtful consideration about during our meeting, please provide that to June 1 and the application may be found the future of All-State Show Choir. At me through written feedback prior to June on the AMEA website under the All-State, the membership voted to 1. You may do that by emailing me at “Conference” tab under “Information.” remove the requirement that ASSC [email protected] or by We have continued including recordings students participate in the All-State completing the membership survey that of your SCPA performances for you to Choral Festival. We will continue to was sent out during and after All-State. use for the performance application. evaluate the purpose and effectiveness of this event in the future. I hope you all have a wonderful summer Honor Choir and are able to find some time to reflect During this year’s AMEA Professional Thank you to Jane Powell who has on this school year and to rest and refocus Development Conference we will have graciously served as our Show Choir for this coming fall. If I can be of help to our Honor Choir Festival for 10th-12th Coordinator for numerous years. We are you in any way, please let me know. grade students. Dr. Deanna Joseph from so very grateful to her and her efforts in the Georgia State School of Music will be making ASSC a meaningful and I look forward to seeing you all at Fall joining us as our clinician. Instead of memorable experience for our students! Workshop! selecting students based on district For 2020, Ginny Coleman will be screenings on the Honor Choir music, assuming the role of Show Choir Meg students will instead be selected on their Coordinator. Please contact Ginny if you sight-reading ability, as this year’s choir would like to assist or serve in any will be a sight-reading choir. Directors capacity with the ASSC festival. State OCS Rebecca Wilson Middle School All-State Mixed Choir High School All-State TTBB Choir TTBB Conductor Jacob Narverud ala breve 19

2020 AMEA Professional Development Conference January 16-18 Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center Book a room: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1553886248538&key=GRP&app=resvlink Submit a Session Proposal (Deadline June 1): https://form.jotform.com/50583708668164 Submit a Performance Application (Deadline June 1): https://form.jotform.com/50583844531154 Apply to Present a Lightening Round Session (Deadline October 1): https://form.jotform.com/71234052484956 Submit a Lobby Performance Application (Deadline November 1): https://www.myamea.org/lobby-group-application/ Nominate a Deserving Music Educator or Administrator for an AMEA Award (Deadline July 15) AMEA Hall of Fame http://www.myamea.org/hall-of-fame-nomination/ AMEA Outstanding Administrator https://www.myamea.org/outstanding-administrator-award/ AMEA Lacey Powell Outstanding Music Educator http://www.myamea.org/music-educator-nomination/ AMEA Ed Cleino Outstanding Young Music Educator https://www.myamea.org/edward-h-cleino-outstanding-young-music-educator-award/ AMEA Barbara Odom Distinguished Service Award https://www.myamea.org/barbara-odom-distinguished-service-award/ 20 May/June 2019









Keith Anderson, AMEA Techology Chair Improving Show Design with Virtual Collaboration As we begin to look toward the end of him or her on the document as well so upcoming rehearsal plans, especially those the spring semester, you might be visual ideas can be included from the early after-school rehearsals when that might be beginning to put some thoughts together stages.   the only time additional staff can be there concerning your fall marching show. to assist. You can even share that rehearsal Whether you’re still in the brainstorming Once you have music selected, use plan with your students! stage, or your concept is already decided Google sheets to “storyboard” your show. and it’s time to get started with the actual  Whether your show intends to tell a story, And speaking of sharing with your creation of the show elements, there’s a or it’s just great music with a common students, create a Google classroom to good chance that regardless of the size of theme, put your ideas down for what you use as a resource throughout the season. your program, there’s at least one other see happening in each song and maybe Post videos of rehearsals and/or person that will have some role to play in even from moment to moment in your performances and include a Google form bringing that show to life on the field show.  Do you want the band standing still for each student to fill out with areas they besides you, the director.  Whether you’ve from measures 24-32? Are you thinking think sound/look good and areas that got a staff member for every section in about inserting a 16 count pit transition need improvement.  Assign video pass- your band (don’t we wish!) or it’s just you between these two songs? What offs that can be uploaded from a and a college buddy, you’re going to have equipment ideas do you or your guard smartphone and graded quickly. to collaborate with them to make sure instructor have for this song?  All of these everyone is on the same page, working to parts of show design are what we do Just like the band programs across our achieve your goals for your band. every year regardless of style of show; state, there is not a “one size fits all” getting everyone on the same design page technology tool that works for everyone. Thankfully, technology makes at each step of the process can be a  If you have a system that works for you collaborating more efficient whether it’s lifesaver when trying to put together all and your program, by all means, keep it between two people or twenty people. the moving parts in the most effective way up, and be sure to share that with other The Google suite of online products is a possible. directors!   But hopefully, all of us are great way to get started with some basic continually reflecting on our teaching collaborative tools to help you And don’t forget the input from your practices and searching for ways to communicate with your staff and make students!  Google forms make it easy to improve, whether that be how to get our sure your show achieves its design collect data when needing to ask students clarinets to get those throat tones to potential. Try these suggestions with your almost anything.   Are you planning to sound better, or how to make sure we stay group to help streamline the design have a featured soloist or small ensemble “on task” with our goal of a cohesive process and keep communication flowing during the show? Use a Google form to theme in our fall productions.  Hopefully, smoothly throughout the season. collect names of those who might be these suggestions will help everyone find interested in auditioning.   And while a way to make their jobs a little easier, Create a Google doc and make sure all maybe outside the scope of show design, which is always a good thing no matter stakeholders in the design and/or using Google forms for things like meal what season we find ourselves in. instructional process have access to it and choices at the concession stand you plan can edit it. Start with using it as a virtual to support at an away game, shirt sizes for Keith Anderson serves as poster board to which everyone can add those show shirt orders, or nominating AMEA Technology their ideas. If you’ve got a concept in representatives for competition award Chair. He is Director of mind, put that at the top and let everyone ceremonies can be a big time saver.  Post Bands at James Clemens contribute music ideas that come to mind a linked QR code around your band room High School. and encourage them to post links to the and the students can scan on their arrangements that can be purchased or smartphones and fill it out in a manner of even to YouTube videos if you plan to minutes. have it arranged for you. Let your auxiliary instructor(s) paste links to uniform ideas Once the design process is done and your that they think support the theme. If a rehearsal, performance, and competition separate drill writer is being hired, include season begins, use a Google doc or sheet to keep everyone informed about your ala breve 25

Guy Harrison- President, Alabama Orchestra Association What a Great Year It Has Been! Only a few short weeks remain before As of the writing of this article, the Discord by Nabil Abad. Mr. Abad is an school lets out for the summer break. AOA has concluded its activities for up-and-coming composer who is A chance for us all to hopefully relax the year with another wonderful All- currently studying at Baldwin Wallace and unwind… and start preparing for State Orchestra Festival and our 4th University. His work was chosen from another jam-packed school year! As stand-alone Music Performance more than 30 entries from all over the you begin to reflect on your successes Assessment event. Our 2019 All-State world. It is always interesting to hear and those moments that didn’t quite go Orchestra Festival was held at the student’s perspectives on these works as planned, consider sharing your University of Alabama from February as it is, for some of them, their first knowledge with our membership by 7-10. We had almost 250 students exposure to modern orchestral music. submitting a session proposal for the across 3 ensembles successfully Some don’t like it at the first read- 2020 AMEA Conference. We know audition for the opportunity to work through and their opinion does not that our teachers have different with our fabulous clinicians – Dr. change even as they become more perspectives and unique areas of Raphael Jimenez (Oberlin College), Mr. familiar with the work. Others interest and we would love to see your Bryan Buffaloe (Clear Lake HS, TX), absolutely love it from the get go, and insights shared with our membership! and Dr. Gail Barnes (USC). Each year, some grow to like it as they spend While you’re at it, also consider the AOA holds a composition contest more time with it. It always helps to applying to have your ensemble that is open to both domestic and hear from the composer both during represent the AOA as one of our international composers. The winner’s rehearsals and at our dedicated Meet lobby performance groups and help us work is then premiered by our Festival the Composer session. I would like to increase the orchestra presence in our Orchestra. This year we premiered thank the AOA Board, our Executive state. Director – Julie Hornstein, our District 26 May/June 2019

Chairs, section coaches, UA staff, and Gadsden City High School Titan An educational festival parent volunteers for all the hard work Symphony Orchestra for elementary, middle, they put in to making the festival a and high school students in resounding success. I would encourage Baldwin Magnet School Advanced band, choir, and orchestra you all to stay tuned to both our Orchestra Facebook page and our website for 2019 dates: some potential updates regarding next Alabama School of Fine Arts String April 12 year’s audition procedures and the Orchestra April 26 festival itself. The AOA will release All- May 3 State audition material by August 2, Dunbar Magnet School Guitar 2019. However, please keep checking Ensemble 2020 dates: our Facebook page for any updates or April 3 changes to this date. We will be posting the complete results April 7 to on our webpage soon. Dates and April 24 The AOA’s 4th stand-alone MPA event locations for next year’s event will be took place at Gadsden City High School posted by the end of July. Please www.SMMFestival.com on April 5, 2019. One of the judges for consider bringing your ensemble to this the event commented that he had judged event in 2020. or call:1-855-766-3008 at our first ever event and was pleased to see the progress being made in our state I hope these last few weeks bring you over the last 4 years. The following great success as you wrap up spring ensembles were awarded a Superior concerts and finish out the year. As rating with straight 1s on-stage and a 1 always, if there is anything that the AOA in sight-reading: can do to help you and your program please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Gadsden Middle School Symphony Strings Regards, Decatur Youth Symphony Chamber Guy Harrison Strings President, Alabama Orchestra Association ala breve 27

Finding Alabama’s Voice: The Process of Developing a Statewide Choral Ensemble Brady McNeil Throughout history, music is well established unification of communities because often community choir/band” as a professional, as an essential contributor to the cultural they represent individuals of different ages though still non-paid, auditioned ensemble fabric that weaves communities together. with diverse backgrounds, political affiliations, who may exist to represent the state on a Gregorian chant fostered a shared sense of occupations, ethnicities, musical experiences, larger scale, to promote social justice, or to religion in the Roman Catholic Church in the and so much more (Veblen et al., 2013). These purely serve as an outlet for professional Middle Ages (Marier, 2014); Chopin reflected ensembles serve as a vital part of the cultural musicians to continue performing. his strong Polish roots with his nationalistic and social tapestry that represents each of mazurkas (Loeffler, 2015); and bandstands their respective communities (Langston & Why We Do What We Do became an avenue for amateur bands to Barrett, 2008). Community ensembles exist for a variety of provide a sense of shared community (Battisti, reasons. Veblen et al. (2013) states, “while 2002). Today, in the music world, we tend to Despite the growing emergence of state some programs are geared toward qualify cities by the existence of a professional community ensembles, Alabama seems to be marginalized and disadvantaged orchestra, opera, or theatre. With the behind. Instrumental music is well populations…others are intended to celebrate explosion of community bands and choirs in represented by Alabama Winds, a premier and entertain. A variety of alternative the last century, the modern musician has community band comprised of band directors structures, formal and informal, planned and innumerable opportunities for continuing and other professional musicians across the unplanned, exist to teach, experience and amateur or professional participation in a state of Alabama. The vocal and orchestral perform music” (p. 4). Town community music ensemble throughout adulthood (Bell, facets of continuing music performance are choruses are vital to establishing arts culture in 2004). Some of the smallest towns are still still lacking. Bell (2008) states that statewide their respective towns, and often provide a represented by community music ensembles ensembles differ in overall scope and more casual rehearsal atmosphere for who exist simply for the sake of making formality than traditional community individuals who wish to join for personal music. On a slightly larger scale, performing ensembles, but explains that confining these musical fulfillment (Bell, 2004). Many ensembles formed to represent the whole community ensembles to a particular community groups allow singers to join with state have grown in popularity as these groups definition can be limiting. Simply to avoid little to no previous experience, but what if are typically comprised of professional confusion, I have defined “town community there were more avenues for continued choral musicians across the state in which the choir/band” as a performing ensemble of participation past college that we could offer ensemble resides. Community music non-paid, amateur members that represents a those who wanted to be challenged at a higher ensembles are essential to culture and the particular town or city. I have defined “state level? Why should college choirs be the peak 28 May/June 2019

to a vocalist’s musical performance? University Chamber Choir and are also now Each was willing to drive to Birmingham to Professional symphony chorales and other music teachers. Despite living in more rehearse and pay a minimal $50 per semester elite, competitive vocal ensembles do not metropolitan areas, all agreed there was not in dues. This was the moment we knew we have to be the only routes for continuing an outlet for them to challenge themselves were doing something worthwhile and that performance. The inspiration for Alabama as much as they wanted in their choral our purpose was important to others. Voices originated as a result of this desire to performance. Collectively we decided the provide an outlet for trained choral group should be the choral counterpart to Establish a Board of Directors musicians to continue their musical learning Alabama Winds and our name, Alabama As interest in the group blossomed, the by performing advanced choral repertoire Voices, would reflect that. unofficial board continued forward with with other choral musicians across the state. establishing roles and delegating Philosophical questions addressed during Find Your Purpose responsibilities for the continued the development process of the ensemble What is the point of doing something development of Alabama Voices. We met included: without purpose? Regardless of what your informally over the summer where we could purpose may be for your organization, it all discuss what we envisioned for the group. 1. Why does the state of Alabama needs to be well thought out and formulated During this meeting, I was appointed as the need this ensemble? so that it can guide all decisions made President; Ryan Gonzales, Vice-President; regarding your group. My colleagues and I Sarah Coleman-Gonzales, Secretary; 2. What benefits will members had many ideas to harness the potential of Rebecca Rogers, Treasurer; and Tyler-Davis reap from participation in this ensemble? Alabama Voices. By taking on the large Pilz, Director of Public Relations. Harris responsibility of representing the entire state Gessner was unanimously selected as our 3. What are the purpose and goals of Alabama through the performance of first artistic director and conductor. Harris of Alabama Voices that differentiates it choral music, we wanted to make sure we is the Director of Choral Activities at James from other existing community and represented the state and art form well. We Madison High School, and we selected him professional choral ensembles in the state? chose to do so with an auditioned group of for his fine professional reputation as a singers rooted in volunteerism. My young, energetic, entertaining conductor and Based on my experiences living in higher colleagues and I decided in our first meeting master rehearsal technician. Due to the poverty areas, sophisticated musical culture that our multifaceted purpose for Alabama growing need for a liaison between the is often underdeveloped and practicing Voices would be as follows: members and the Board, Amanda Slay was music educators may be unaware of added as Member At Large during the spring opportunities for continued participation in 1. To provide an outlet for music semester. a music ensemble. As an instrumentalist educators and adults with extensive choral turned choral educator, I sought out ways of experience to continue their own musical Financial Planning exposing myself to the choral world and learning and artistic expression. One of the most critical components of furthering my knowledge of choral literature creating and sustaining a successful and resources. I yearned for performance 2. To promote the appreciation of volunteer-based organization is ensuring opportunities to develop my own choral choral music and connect with Alabama efficiency with the finances of the singing, to introduce myself to new communities through the performance of organization (Brooks, 2006). Mismanaging literature, and to refresh my perspective on relevant choral literature at the highest level money is a fast way to put your group in the standard pieces. Unfortunately for me, of musical artistry. major financial and legal trouble. Creating a there was no choral ensemble nearby that fit budget is an essential first step in the my needs. The initial concept for Alabama 3.To provide concerts that feature development process. The group likely Voices was born out of my desire to a variety of repertoire that spans all time cannot function without money. However, continue learning about choral music. I periods and styles. there are many legal rules by which non- sought out a way of creating an experience profit organizations must abide. It is for other musicians, like me, that would push 4.To represent the state of imperative that you become familiar with the them to be a better version of themselves. Alabama through performance on the state, Through discussions with other choral regional, and national level. music educators across the state, I discovered I was not the only one with this 5.To sponsor and/or promote interest. young Alabama choral musicians in their pursuit of choral education and Although the long-term success of a non- participation at the secondary level. profit organization takes time to come to full fruition, my purpose is to document the We chose to continue pursuing Alabama creation and emergence of Alabama Voices, Voices by first surveying general interest of the first non-profit statewide choral other choral music educators in the state. I ensemble in Alabama. Topics include created a Google Form shortly after the establishing our purpose, the logistics and conclusion of the 2018 AMEA In-Service financial necessities of beginning a non- Conference that presented all of the details profit organization, planning rehearsals, and we knew so far such as rehearsal locations developing community within the ensemble. and times, dues, and a general purpose for our ensemble. The form was circulated to Where to Begin? our personal friends through social media. I introduced the idea for Alabama Voices to We decided we would begin rehearsals the a group of colleagues during the 2018 following fall of 2018 and would continue Alabama Music Educators Association working toward the process of chartering Conference in Birmingham, all of whom I our organization in the meantime. After the had sung with while in the Auburn Google Form circulated online for a couple of months, we had collected contact information of 57 interested participants. ala breve 29

guidelines respective to your type of Search for Applicable Grants constitution can be daunting, but with an organization to ensure you are not off to a There are many different foundations that active, high-functioning Board and strong bad start with the IRS. NOLO features many offer grants for a vast variety of organizations. community support, it is completely resources on their website to help guide Chorus Connection offers some free manageable. inquiring organizations on how to achieve resources to choral organizations searching nonprofit status (https://www.nolo.com/ for grants including a list of grants by state, Delegate legal-encyclopedia/forming-nonprofit- grants by region, and national grant Delegating well is a useful skill set for corporation-alabama-36041.html). opportunities https://pages.chorusconnection.com/ organizing tasks to complete the large amount 1000-grants-for-community-choruses). From of paperwork required to apply for nonprofit Limit Your Purchases my experience, most federal funds require that status. Fortunately, our outstanding treasurer New non-profit organizations typically have non-profit organizations acquire 501(c)(3) Rebecca Rogers was well organized, and the minimal, if any, start-up funds. Therefore, you federal tax exemption status to be eligible for Board divvied up the responsibilities. We were must utilize expenses wisely; it is tempting to award money. If your organization is eligible required to establish an initial set of bylaws to want all of the shiniest toys and tools for a for 501(c)(3) status, I highly recommended govern how the group would continue to choir; but, remember that the only items that you complete the application process to function for years to come. We used a required to be a successful choir are a space procure financial aid that will help sustain your template created by Nonprofit Ally to rehearse, music, and voices. We selected program. Many grant agencies offer project (https://nonprofitally.com/start-a- half of our fall repertoire for Alabama Voices funding grants, which is valuable for any nonprofit/articles-of-incorporation) to ensure from the Choral Public Domain Library educational outreach, service project, we had all of the business legalese required by (CPDL) to minimize our costs. We also commissioning project, professional the state, and also to ensure that we did not required members to purchase their music for development, or clinic that you plan to offer. leave out anything relevant and vital to the the selections that were not in the public There are also grants such as the Mockingbird purpose of our group. The Board domain. Foundation that even award money for apportioned the articles and we each selected overhead (mbird.org). Note that most grant two for initial drafting, followed by a Board Utilize Your Resources agencies require your organization to exist for meeting at which we meticulously reviewed Our board decided from the first meeting that at least two years before you are eligible to every word to collectively finalize how we we wanted to maximize the resources available apply. Some grants, like the National wanted each article verbalized. to us. While we did pay to rent our initial Endowment for the Arts, only offer matching rehearsal space, all subsequent rehearsals were grants. Tasking our Development Committee Plan Rehearsals held at Hoover High School, which was with seeking out grant opportunities is Every level of teaching requires planning to offered to us free of charge by our Member at another way we delegate work, utilize our present thoughtful, clear, and effective Large who is one of the choir directors at resources and give ownership to members. instruction. A statewide group like Alabama Hoover. I highly recommended asking for Voices that require members to travel from all help from your members. While it may be Getting Organized parts of the state must meet much more difficult to expect volunteer members to give The most grueling part of the process was infrequently than traditional community music you their trust from the beginning, it is completing all of the paperwork required to ensembles. We meet monthly on the third important to be as open and transparent with become a non-profit organization. A fee is Sunday barring any holidays that may cause us them about all of the workings of the board. required, and because there are many to shift our rehearsal date. For us, inefficiency Find out if anyone has experience writing stipulations about finances for non-profits, it is not an option. Having an inefficient grants and make it part of your financial is crucial to handle this fee carefully. The rehearsal could delay musical progress and committee to seek out opportunities to take paperwork required is not difficult to damage the group’s motivation. The Board in money for overhead costs. complete, but somewhat tedious. Creating a agreed a three-hour monthly rehearsal would purpose and drafting by-laws for a be adequate for progressing musically while avoiding an adverse time commitment. Our members understand that, due to our limited meetings, they must come prepared and familiar with their individual voice parts, text, and diction so we can focus our time on refining our ensemble sound. Preparing a written plan for rehearsal, pacing, and offering constructive but concise feedback are some of the most useful means of getting the most out of our limited rehearsal time (Countryman, 2007, p. 46). Creating Community Arguably the most important aspect of cultivating a community choir is in the name itself. Typically building community within an organization takes time (Kramer, 2011). But there are steps you can take from the beginning to create an inclusive community within your organization. If members feel like their presence is unappreciated or unnecessary, they will likely leave the group. 30 May/June 2019

Socialization is also vital for members in a volunteered their efforts. You are sitting on a in joining for the fall 2019 semester. For more music ensemble (Langston & Barrett, 2008). goldmine with your members—they have a information on audition requirements, contact We all work toward a common goal, and it is variety of backgrounds and experiences that the Board of Directors at board@ so much easier to move toward this shared you can utilize to the group’s advantage. If alabamavoices.org. goal when we know who we are sharing it you create an atmosphere of preparedness, with. We allow our members to arrive early inclusivity, and transparency within the group, References and stay after rehearsal to have time to members will want to help in bigger ways. Battisti, F.L. (2002. The Winds of Change. Delray fellowship with one another. We have also Giving them an important role, such as Beach: Meredith Music Publications start every rehearsal by having each person tell serving on a committee, designing graphics or the group one great thing that happened to digital media, or even planning social events Bell, C.L. (2004). Update on community choirs and them since the last time we met. This is a offers them a stronger feeling of validation singing in the United States. International Journal of unique way to get to know each other, and inclusion in the ensemble. Research in Choral Singing 2(1), 39-52. Retrieved from cultivate support for each other, and to align http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10 members emotionally and mentally for Sustaining Your Program .1.1.476.5694&rep=rep1&type=pdf rehearsal. Building up our members shows You can take every step, think through every them how much we value their time and decision, and complete all of the legal Bell, C.L. (2008) Toward a definition of a community membership. We can do this socially, but also minutiae to get an organization off the choir. International Journal of Community Music 1(2), by being prepared for rehearsal, maintaining ground and running—but how do you keep 229-241. doi: 10.1386/ijcm.1.2.229/1 transparency with business and finances, and the forward momentum? That is something giving them opportunities to express their we are in the process of figuring out as we are Brooks, A.C. (2006). Efficient nonprofits. The Policy opinions and help make decisions. just now entering that stage of development. Studies Journal 34(3), 303-312. doi: 10.1111/j.1541- Sustaining the organization, pushing the 0072.2006.00174.x Be Transparent potential, harnessing enthusiasm, and seeing One of the biggest initial reservations the that your musical and community goals are Chorus Connection. Board held in developing the concept of achieved are all equally important as the Alabama Voices was how a group of twenty- business side. Countryman, J. (2007). Getting the most for the least: somethings tackling such a massive project Ideas on planning, preparing and conducting would be perceived. We worried that Alabama Make Goals...and Keep Them stimulating and productive rehearsals. Canadian Music choral music educators would not entertain Our Board established goals for Alabama Educator 49(2), 46-47. the idea of joining an ensemble led by young Voices during our first official Board meeting. adults that proclaims to be professional. Some were simple and easy to meet; others Fengler, C.. (2017). How to Build a Development However, we knew that no aspect of creating were not. Our short-term goals were to get Committee that Rocks! Chorus America. Retrieved this ensemble was about our own pedigree. the group off the ground and running from https://www.chorusamerica.org/management- The point of this ensemble was to create an smoothly; establish a consistent rehearsal and governance/how-build-development-committee-rocks outlet for practicing choral musicians to performance schedule; and complete the perform so we focused on the grunt work to paperwork necessary to become a non-profit, File Articles of Incorporation. (n.d.). Retrieved from make that happen and hoped everything else federally tax-exempt organization. Within https://nonprofitally.com/start-a-nonprofit/articles-of- would fall into place. We were transparent eight months, we completed all of these goals. incorporation/ about our plans for this ensemble with all Our ongoing short-term goals include interested participants and asked for their educational outreach through collegiate and Grants. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.arts.gov/grants trust along the way. We are fortunate that so high school performance tours; continued many agreed to put their trust in us and have recruitment to seek out any other musicians Grants (2019). Retrieved from http://mbird.org/grants/ become the best members we could possibly who have not yet found that performance ask for. We maintain further transparency outlet they need; and to start building a Kramer, M.W. (2011). A Study of Voluntary with our members by showing them exactly financial cushion by seeking out grant Organizational Membership: The Assimilation Process where their fees go, and asking their opinion opportunities. Our long-term goals include: in a Community Choir. Western Journal of on any large decisions that come along. larger scale performances at state, regional, Communication 75(1), 52-73. doi:10.1080/ national, and even international platforms, 10570314.2010.536962 Give Ownership and to be able to offer scholarships to high We are constantly informing the members of school students in financial need in order to Langston, T.W. & Barrett, M.S. (2008). Capitalizing on Alabama Voices about the different ways they participate in choir past high school. community music: a case study of the manifestation of can get involved with the developmental social capital in a community choir. Research Studies in aspect of the group. For example, we have Relax Music Education 30(2), 118-183. doi: created a committee just for this purpose. Our Remember why you chose to do what you do 10.1177/1321103X08097503 Development Committee gives members the when all of the minutia and chaos running an opportunity to use their talents to serve the organization starts to wear you down. Loeffler, J. (2015). Promising harmonies: the aural group in finding funding and any other Remember your love for music, remember politics of Polish-Jewish relations in the Russian aspects regarding the overall financial, musical, your love for teaching, and remember your Empire. Jewish Social Studies 20(3), 1-36. Retrieved and social sustainability of the group. Fengler love for performing. Two things are shared from EBSCO Host. (Accession No. 103377828). (2017) suggests, “The viability of every universally: laughter and music. If you have nonprofit chorus depends on the success of both, also remember to consider yourself Marier, T. (2014). Gregorian chant, a liturgical art form. its development committee and the blessed. Alabama Voices meets every third Sacred Music 141(2), 5-14. Retrieved from EBSCO effectiveness of the committee chair” (p. 1). Sunday of the month from 2-5 PM at Hoover Host. (Accession No. 97490867). We have also delegated our website and High School in Hoover, Alabama. Video graphic design to members of our group who auditions will open soon for those interested Veblen, K.K., et al. (Eds.). (2013). Community Music Today. New York: Rowman & Littlefield Education. Brady McNeil is currently entering his second year of PhD studies in music education at Auburn University where he serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the AU Music Department. He earned his Bachelor of Instrumental and Choral Music Education at Auburn and his Master of Music in Music Theory from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Prior to his appointment as a GTA at Auburn, Brady taught band and musical theatre, and was responsible for starting the choral program at Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama. ala breve 31

AMEA Hall of Fame Member William Denison Left Legacy for Generations of Musicians by Michael Bird Dr. William Rae Denison, Director Emeritus of Troy University Director of Bands Emeritus Dr. Johnny Long on the the John M. Long School of Music at Tr l sidewalk, and after I pulled my car into a spot I walked with my former University and director of the Collegiate Singers band director into the church that was filling to capacity. That was for over 30 years, passed away in February after surreal enough; it seemed wrong, somehow, to see Troy faces past and a brief battle with cancer. present for this unexpected and sad event. His quiet demeanor belied the musical gentle The quiet grace with which Dr. Denison led his life was on full display giant within; Dr. Denison was a talented at this service, and Troy music professor Dr. John Jinright’s tour de musician and gifted teacher, but his humility force performance was just right for the occasion. The windows of St. would never let anyone know how great he truly was. Mark’s Episcopal Church were rattling as Dr. Denison’s chosen hymns were performed on the organ he’d played until only a few weeks before; The man was smart, too – he was the valedictorian of his high school I cannot imagine how emotional it must have been for Dr. Jinright to graduating class at Port Huron High School in Michigan out of a class be playing it, having worked so closely with Dr. Denison over the years. of around 500 seniors. He attended the University of Michigan and was a part of the world-renowned Michigan band under the direction The readings were so well-chosen, too. It seemed they all of Dr. William D. Revelli. He was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate and communicated the love of music and the importance of kindness. earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Pipe Organ Performance. The Collegiate Singers, under the direction of Dr. James Brown, Upon his college graduation, he moved to Huntsville, Alabama, to gathered near Dr. Denison’s casket and performed. I surveyed the become the organist at the Church of the Nativity. He began teaching congregation, trying not to look at the former students or professors I at Athens State University, where he met his wife of 54 years, Jane. knew up there, but the tears couldn’t help but flow at the beauty of the moment. As I sat there crying in the church while the Collegiate Singers In 1967, Dr. Denison was offered a job at Troy University, where he performed, all I could think of the younger version of myself, sitting taught theory and conducting and served as the accompanist for the in that man’s office complaining about something or other - usually, my Collegiate Singers, directed at the time by Dr. Charles Farmer. The grades or a bad night of fraternity foolishness - and how he always president of Troy University, Dr. Ralph Adams, suggested that Dr. managed to talk me off the ledge. Or the hours he spent trying to teach Denison further his education at Florida State University, and indeed he me how to play the piano – he truly was a patient man! did; he is a 1969 graduate of FSU with a doctorate in Music Theory. I also thought of all those days in Collegiate Singers rehearsals where Over the next 50 years, Dr. Denison taught just about everything at he demonstrated that patience like no one I have ever known. He could Troy, from music theory to conducting, from teaching methods to piano take people who knew nothing about the subject, who even were against and organ lessons, to conducting the opera and musical workshop it, and before long turn them into dedicated musicians. His calm and performances, and of course serving as the director of the Madrigals caring demeanor made a difference. I even got to sit next to him in the and the Collegiates. trombone section of the Southeast Alabama Community Band for several years, and his self-deprecating humor was always on display He was a recipient of Troy University’s highest teaching honor, the when he referred to his unpolished “green trombone.” Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award and was chairman of the Academic Council. He presided over a period of growth and change at the He also showed his impressive skill in conducting classes, as well as the University, culminating in Troy’s accreditation by the National music career-related ones that we took toward end of our degree Association of Schools of Music for the first time. programs. I would argue that the personality of the music department at Troy today, now occupying a brand new multimillion dollar facility, Throughout his career, he was a part of reflects Dr. Denison’s influence than he was probably ever willing to the Troy Arts Council and the Troy Music admit or recognize, but it is a legacy all the same. Study Club. After retirement, he and his wife Jane ran an antique store in Troy. Dr. For those of us who attended Troy Denison served as both organist and during any of the 50 years that Bill choirmaster for both St. Mark’s Episcopal Denison was around, I think we Church and First Presbyterian Church for can all agree that we are better 50 and 40 years respectively. musicians – and better people – because of him, and that’s the And that brings me to the funeral, the one greatest gift he could have left time any of us witnessed an opportunity behind. for this man to be thanked publicly for his hard work on our behalf. Michael Bird is a choral director and assistant band director for Tallassee City The funeral for Dr. Denison was the most Schools and the author of meaningful, moving celebration of life I’ve “FANFARE: The 75-Year History ever had the privilege to attend. Shortly of the Troy University Bands.” after driving up to the church, I spotted 32 May/June 2019





A Call for Collaboration Matt Leder and Reflection Todd Stoll is the current JEN (Jazz Education Network) President / Vice President of Education for Jazz at Lincoln Center and he recently stated in his President’s message, “As we finish our school years, our semesters, our concerts, and move into the summer, let’s all take a moment to reflect and appreciate this transcendent music that we love and serve. Jazz teaches us about America. The music contains the stories of our nation, good, bad and ugly. Duke Ellington at Carnegie Hall in 1946 making a statement about race with his “Deep South Suite”. Benny Goodman integrating his band a full decade before Major League Baseball. Mary Lou Williams getting off a train, following an assault, and recording her masterpiece “Night Life”. John Coltrane writing “Alabama” following the horrific murder of four little girls in church in Birmingham. The stories go on. This music, our music, is so rich and deeper than the notes”. While jazz provides a feeling, it isn’t the only reason to study this music. remember being a military musician and observing my colleagues. I Lessons of inspiration and courage, of overcoming, or coming gigged a great deal while in the military bands and many asked me why together are perhaps more important than the technical requirements I gigged on the “outside” or I why I attended so many live concerts. it takes to play this music. Educational concepts include creativity, If you play with the same individuals all of the time and don’t push collaboration, communication, and critical decision-making. Music each other, it is very easy to become complacent. I still gig today to makes us human and to swing, one must sacrifice for the good of the push myself and so that I can keep an eye on the “big picture”. I greater community. We as an educational community could do a better personally practice, gig, and attend concerts to facilitate growth. One job in this spirit through collaboration. of my students asked me the other day, “Hey Doc, what do you have left to learn…you have your doctoral degree”! Well, the beautiful thing April was Jazz Appreciation Month and there were numerous festivals, about education is that it never stops. We should all strive to continue concerts, lectures, and jam sessions celebrating this genre. Many of us in our own educational pursuits. Try to learn something every day! are probably unaware of everything going on within our great state. Jacksonville State University hosted their 8th annual jazz festival with Music is prevalent throughout our region, yet not everyone collaborates guest artist Jeff “Tain” Watts, Troy University hosted their annual jazz or takes advantage of the resources available within the state. Everyone festival with guest artists Dr. Tina Claussen and Dr. Matt Hoormann, deserves the time off, but lets use this time to self evaluate. Try to the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame hosted it’s annual jazz festival in reach to one another to collaborate, “shed” some this summer, go hear Birmingham, Shelton State Community College hosted their HS jazz some live music, and work on plans to make students aware of the festival, the University of Alabama and Hoover HS collaborated on a “big picture”. Bringing in guest artists or bringing students to festivals concert, Samford University collaborated with the US Air Force or concerts is one of the best ways to do this. These actions leave Academy “Falconaires” for a concert, Gadsden State Community lasting impressions. Remember why we got into music in the first place, College featured guest artist Tim Leahey from the Airmen of Note, self evaluate, and work from a place of inspiration. and there are numerous of other events that occurred within the state. UAB hosted it’s annual Jazz Summit in February with guest artist The Jazz Education Network is a system in place that we could use to Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, so jazz doesn’t have “connect the dots”. This is an organization where we can collaborate to just occur in one particular month. As a matter of fact, looking and share ideas throughout our local region and nationally. Did you ahead the annual Gadsden State Community College Jazz Festival will know that if you are a high school or middle school director, you could occur November 7th and will feature “Women in Jazz”! There are jam sign up ALL of your students for FREE if you start a JEN Chapter at your school? This gives you access to FREE charts, subscriptions to sessions all over the state where Downbeat and Jazzed for your students, access to JEN Jazz2U grants we can collaborate on the for clinicians or performances, opportunities to participate at the bandstand. I will be working with annual JEN conferences, etc.? I am currently the Alabama JEN Unit the JEN Board of Directors to Leader / President and I would be happy to help anyone with creating develop an online calendar for a secondary or collegiate school JEN Chapter. Please let me know if our state so that we have a one- you would like more information about JEN or if you would like to stop source of information. Stay volunteer your time towards improving jazz education and tuned for those details! performance throughout our region. I’d also be open to discussing the possibility of a clinic with your students while we create your local It is no fault of our own that our school JEN Chapter. My number is (256) 549-8394 or profession requires countless [email protected]. In the spirit of swing, Dr. Matt Leder. hours of preparation and work. It is difficult to carve out time to look at the “big picture”. It is much easier to manage the immediate world we live in. I ala breve 35

Campus Connections Colleges and universities are encouraged to submit newsworthy material and announcements for publication in Ala Breve The University of Alabama and your students. I encourage you to To nominate students (No tuition fee for investigate this opportunity as it could provide participation) , please follow this link: Important News for you and your students: an experience for your students (and you) that https://universityofalabama.az1.qualtrics.com Nominations are open for the Alabama Blues could be deeply enriching in many ways. This /jfe/form/SV_cHDgrJmIMhPgbw9 Weekend on July 12-13 hosted at The will be, in effect, an “honor band weekend University of Alabama! experience” dedicated to the study and Alabama Blues Weekend is a collaborative performance of “the blues”. And, for all event planned by the College of Continuing As we here at the University of Alabama students who are nominated and accepted, Studies, UA School of Music, Tuscaloosa School of Music seek to provide the strongest attendance at this event is FREE. Tourism and Sports Commission, and the level of support for you and your students in Alabama Blues Project. a variety of activities, I want to make you The weekend will include workshops for aware of an outstanding opportunity that is voice, percussion, keyboard, guitar, bass, Chosen participants will need a plan for coming up this summer. In addition to our trumpet, trombone, and sax as well as transportation to and from the event on both well-established Crimson Music Camp concerts in which students may have the Friday, July 12th and Saturday, July 13th. experiences which will take place in the month opportunity to perform with guest artists and of June, there is the tremendously exciting faculty. Chosen participants will also attend If you have any questions or would like opportunity that is The Alabama Blues intensive masterclasses and breakout sessions further information about this event, please Weekend, scheduled for July 12th and 13th. led by Blues experts and UA faculty. As the feel free to contact me. I will be happy to offer The Alabama Blues Project Weekend person nominating, you will receive a VIP you more information about this outstanding Workshop will feature some outstanding badge for the event. opportunity. Thank you for considering this “one-of-a-kind opportunities” for both you event for both your students and yourself! News from NAfME More Than 65 Years of Research in Music Education Now Available to All NAfME Members Digital Access to Journal of Research in column (p. 353), he stated, “Making research Morrison continues, “It opens doorways to Music Education Now Open available to the entirety of the NAfME new resources and opens avenues for community helps everyone to know what discussion, application, brainstorming, and RESTON, VA (April 3, 2019)—As of April questions are being asked, what methods are problem-solving.” Removal of barriers to 2019, the flagship Journal of Research in being used, and what conclusions are derived. published research will benefit researchers and Music Education (JRME) is accessible It allows new finding to be considered and teachers alike. electronically by all members of the National questions to be posed.” Association for Music Education (NAfME). All members can now log on to the website at bit.ly/JournalResearchMusicEducation to read cutting-edge research on a wide range of music education categories. (A print edition of the JRME will continue to be available for an additional fee.) Launched in 1953 under the editorship of Allen Britton, the JRME includes peer- reviewed research on music teaching and learning. Topics include various aspects of music pedagogy, history, and philosophy. Articles address vocal, instrumental, and general music at all levels, from early childhood through adult. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are used. According to current JRME editor Steven J. May/June 2019 Morrison of the University of Washington in Seattle, knowledge must not only be gained through research; it must also be shared. In the January 2019 JRME issue’s “Forum” 36

Band Music Reviews Randall Coleman I sometimes fall down the “rabbit hole” Grundman uses very colorful scoring timely gesture. Many of our students on the internet of reading the various along with a very interested have never had the opportunity to visit quotes about life, loss, love and accompaniment line to create a quality another country, and music makes those living…it’s sometimes difficult not to and educational musical experience for faraway lands seem closer to home. spend hours reading those quotes and young band members. The piece exposes Darius Milhaud’s monumental Suite thinking about how the various quotes young musicians to both major and minor Francaise was composed in 1945 and impact your life. I ran across a quote not tonalities, along with dotted rhythms, and premiered by the Goldman Band in the too long ago that was focused on how the provides a somewhat healthy percussion same year. The composition was later past has impact on our future…it read score for music written during this time transcribed for orchestra and this version something like this “Remember the period. Kentucky 1800 is approximately was premiered by the New York stories of our past, they will help propel 4 minutes in length and is a wonderful Philharmonic. Written in five you into the future”. This article is teaching tool for your grade 3 or 4 movements, the movement titles are traditionally focused on new wind band ensemble. actual provinces in France with each literature and we all know we have an movement based of off popular melodies enormous supply of new literature. It is The music of Vincent Persichetti is of the day in the different regions of incredible how much new music has been certainly unique. Persichetti is one of the France. The piece contains a variety of added to our repertoire over the past 5 major figures in American music of the tonal centers, including both major and years. I’m “seasoned” enough to 20th century, both as an educator and minor tonalities, along with various tempi remember waiting with great anticipation composer. His music draws heavy and styles, which varies from movement for the new music album/cassette influence from the music of Stravinsky, to movement as one might imagine. tape/CD to be delivered by “snail mail” Bartók, Hindemith and Copland, along There are specific challenges for piccolo to my school each fall. When it arrived, I with big band music. His own style was and alto saxophone, along with technical would spend hours listening to each piece marked by the use of two element he challenges for all instruments with over and over again. Required Music Lists refers to as “graceful” and “gritty”. He numerous exposed sections for most were only updated every other year, at frequently uses polytonality in his writing every section. Studying this colossal work most…sometimes every 5 years…to put and was one of the first composers to has numerous cross-curriculum the newest literature on the state required treat the percussion choir as an equal to opportunities for your ensemble and list. Today, our world is quite different the woodwind and brass choirs. would provide a very current and practical with new music and new composers Persichetti composed Pageant in 1953 bridge to expose students to the folk making their marks very rapidly. I and it was his third work for wind band. music of another country and would thought it might be appropriate to It is in two-part form, with the opening provide an enjoyable experience for “remember the stories of our past” in this being at a slow tempo with solo horn students in strong programs. article as we close another school year, to playing a recurring three note theme, remind us of those pieces that sometimes followed by a chorale section. The second I hope you will take some time over the get forgotten in the masses of new music part is quick and lively, which Persichetti summer months to remind yourself of a that we are inundated with today. I hope likened to a parade. The second part is “seasoned” band piece that today’s you will find something that you will want full of Persichetti’s characteristic stylings, students are rarely exposed to. There’s to program when the new school year including articulate counterpoint and much music to be remembered! I hope opens. contrasts of texture. Pageant is an you all have a relaxing and rejuvenating excellent piece to introduce Persichetti’s summer. As always, please don’t hesitate Clare Grundman is one of our compositional style to your high school to contact me if I can ever be of profession’s greatest treasures. His ability band, as it is one of his most accessible assistance to you or your program. to score and arrange folksongs for our pieces. The piece contains solos for horn, young bands is unparalleled. I teach a trumpet and piccolo and also contains Randall Coleman course at the University of Alabama on exposed soli sections for all instruments. Grade 3, 4 and 5 wind band literature. Written during the “golden age” of wind Associate Director of I’m always amazed at the number of my band literature, as the Eastman Wind Bands, graduate students who aren’t familiar with Ensemble was founded and composers University of Grundman’s works and what a wonderful of international acclaim began writing for Alabama and pedagogically sound writer he was. wind band, this piece provides students One of his best-known pieces that isn’t with accessible challenges and many Conductor and Music heard as much as you would think is his teaching moments for the conductor. Director, grade 3 work Kentucky 1800. Published Alabama Winds in 1955, Kentucky 1800 is a setting of With the recent tragic fire in the Cathedral three American folk songs, The Promised Notre Dame de Paris, programming Land, I’m Sad and I’m Lonely and Cindy. works of French composers would be a ala breve 37

Tips That Click Planning for Final Days of the School Gordo High School, McGill-Toolen High detailed information about your Summer Year School and Briarwood Christian School. program or pre-school events to insure     good participation and attendance. If you The topic of Tips That Click this month He has some very good reminders of are taking the students away from school, is helping directors plan appropriate important tasks that should be covered at make sure that the parents have all the activities for the final days of the the end of the year. “Make sure that you paperwork necessary to make this semester. We are all searching for get an accurate addresses for all the happen”. intentional activities that will engage students that you teach that are returning   students in meaningful learning and set and especially any incoming students Jim usually checked his instrument the stage for the next school year. While it from feeder schools. The contact inventory personally. “I felt like I could is true that this is a time of year that has information that you had at the beginning get best idea of what repairs might be many interruptions and diversions, careful of the year may not be current, and it is needed, and had the best eye to catch planning and orderly procedures can lead vital that you have every student (and things that a student might miss. If I to  positive and non-chaotic closing days. parent) review it and acknowledge that it could get a store repairman to come by, I   is accurate. This is the primary way that would have things laid out and we could Jim Knight is a past president of Rho you have to make sure that you are get this knocked out in a morning. I could Chapter and a veteran teacher of over 40 planning adequately for your instructional leave for the Summer knowing that things years. Jim taught many years in Florida, (music, handouts, etc.) and logistical would be ready when I got back to start where he developed the band at Pace (uniforms, chairs, stands) needs for the the new season!” High School into one of the finest in the Summer and beyond.” He added:” Make state. He has also taught in Alabama at sure that the parents and students have Mark Foster (Sponsor) and New Member A.B. Baggett John Bradley (Sponsor) and New Member Jerell Horton Outgoing President Jim Knight and New President Gene Inglis Terry Ownby (Sponsor) and New Member David Waters David Allinder (Sponsor) and New Member Greg Gumina 38 May/June 2019

Greg Gumina is current President of the Assessment. I have this overhaul assigned spend my time at the end of school Alabama Music Educators Association by section to keep everyone involved and wrapping up paperwork and planning for and has been a band director for 24 years accountable. Once everything is clean and the next year instead of being in this state. He has served 22 of those organized, it will be simpler to keep it that overwhelmed!” years as Assistant Band Director at Shades way until the year is over. Another activity   Valley High School, where his bands and that requires a special day is a period near These are some great ideas on using the percussion ensembles have achieved the end to inspect instruments and get final weeks of school to take care of your many honors. Greg is a newly elected them ready for repair. I specifically target students and your inventory in a very member of Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu. the students that are responsible for two efficient and effective manner.   school instruments (French Horn/   Greg says: “ I have a philosophy of “get Mellophone, Euphonium/Marching Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu ready to be ready”, and a set of regular Baritone, and Tuba/Sousaphone) and do International Bandmaster Fraternity procedures that help my students get the a careful inventory to insure that we can is committed to the improvement of year closed out in a way that gives me less give the repairman an accurate idea of bands and band instruction in this stress during post-planning. I begin in what needs to be done to get both state. Comments on this column and April, after Spring Break. I talk to the instruments ready for the Fall so we don’t ideas for future columns are welcome! students and have them understand that waste any time when we sit down to play. Please email: [email protected] the next few weeks will go by a lot faster I also find that a critical day is the day after   than we think! I make sure that they the final concert. I make sure that we take realize the importance of keeping on top up and file all outstanding music, so we — of deadlines for their academic work and are not chasing it down later. My students Phil Min other testing activities so that we can use are eager to play and read music until the 3797 Raceway Park Road the few hours of band time we have left. last day, but we have a procedure in place Mt. Olive, AL 35117 I set aside a time to get the band room where we just read a piece or two every 205.718.2799 thoroughly organized and cleaned – we day and then take it up at the end to avoid [email protected] have usually let some things slide during problems. As a result of having the preparation for Music Performance students help me the last few weeks, I can Jim Duren congratulates Outstanding Jim Duren congratulates Outstanding Young Band Director Kevin Ownby Band Director David Waters Ski Winter (center) created wooden plaques for Hall of Fame inductees Jim Duren and Rusty Logan Johnny Jacobs and Johnny Jacobs and Hall of Fame Inductee Jim Duren Hall of Fame Inductee Rusty Logan ala breve 39

Choral Music Reviews William Powell In recognition of our recent observance of and published for specific voicings and divisi, to which later choral arrangers such as African-American History Month, I am giving instrumentation, when applicable—is intended Moses Hogan cites as one of his major attention to at least two “tried and true” octavos, to be performed as choral art music, and not as influences. The ostinato and the actual notes and plus one other that might be of considerable pop music. rhythms of this last section are not inherently interest to some directors and choirs. Many of difficult. However, the layering, articulation, the old classics are overshadowed by newer Those who are well-acquainted with the stamina, and required energy are what make this releases, and I fear that young choral leaders performance practices and conventions of the section of the piece difficult, in my opinion. might not be as exposed to some choral settings spiritual will note that the solo in Johnson’s Dawson’s setting of this spiritual as a whole is, that truly deserve attention. There are several old “Ain’t Got Time to Die” gives room for some indeed, intended for the advanced choir. The arrangements and compositions from which to interpolations or minor deviations from the dedication written in the score is to Dr. J. Finley choose, so it was very difficult to limit my notes and rhythms. However, the singer should Williamson and the Westminster Choir. choices. refrain from over-gospelizing the solo with runs and other pop devices. Again, Johnson Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child It is worth mentioning that there is much, much articulates something to this affect in some of (SATB divisi) more to the choral music of African-Americans his writings, particularly in his collection of Arranged by Rosephanye Powell and of African peoples from around the globe, spirituals for solo voice and piano. Gentry Publications past and present, than what can be found in spirituals and other folk songs. Anthems, motets, The choral notation is quite accessible to most Finally, I would be remiss if I did not take large-scale works, songs inspired by poetry, choirs of mixed voices, and it is in classic call- advantage of this opportunity to present a children’s songs, game songs, and many other and-response strophic form as spirituals are spiritual arrangement by Rosephanye Powell. genres are well worth exploring. However, the commonly described. While this inclusion is justified by her strong focus of this article is upon a few classic credentials and undisputed reputation as a spirituals that may be forgotten or overlooked. Ezekiel Saw De Wheel (SATB divisi, tenor composer, arranger, and choral conductor, this is Here are three that reach the top of my list of solo) also a shameless plug because she is my wife. personal favorites. Set for chorus by William L. Dawson However, only a small amount of research Neil A. Kjos Music Co. reveals that Rosephanye is considered to be one Ain’t Got Time to Die (SATB, tenor solo) of the most published African-American female Hall Johnson Alabama is home to one of the largest composers of choral music of our time. G. Schirmer populations of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States. In her arrangement of the well-known and often Hall Johnson (1888-1970) was considered to be Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) quoted spiritual “Sometimes I Feel Like a quite an influential composer and arranger of was, perhaps, one of the most recognized names Motherless Child,” Powell uses harmony and choral music, as well as conductor of his self- among those Alabama colleges due to the rhythm to give a sweeping and eerie affect to named ensemble, “The Hall Johnson Choir.” renown of Booker T. Washington and George intensify the mournful quality of her musical During his career, Johnson’s ensemble could be Washington Carver. In music circles, the name setting of this spiritual. Her intent is to show the heard on radio, in film, on stage, and in William L. Dawson of Tuskegee Institute rises unmistakable despair one encounters when commercial recordings. With his ensemble and to the top half of the list of choral arrangers of feeling abandoned or hopeless. She interweaves in his choral settings, Johnson was committed to the African-American spiritual. jazz harmonies into the support voices while preserving the authenticity of the spiritual, songs maintaining the rhythmic momentum as the that he heard first-hand from his grandmother, Although a respected composer known for his melody travels among all voice parts. an ex-slave. His arrangements detail the Negro Folk Symphony and other works, Dawson’s articulation and other expressive elements that choral arrangements gained him popularity and Unique to this setting, Powell also interweaves promote elements of authenticity. prominence within the choral community. West African phrases as “tags” at the ends of the Ezekiel Saw de Wheel is one of his most English verses. Among other things, this device “Ain’t Got Time to Die” is arguably one of recognized choral settings, and it finds its due helps to connect the spiritual to its West African Johnson’s best known choral octavos. It is often place in standard choral repertoire. In classic roots while adding to the intensity of the mistaken as an arrangement of a spiritual. “Dawson” style, he meticulously includes arrangement. This is another choral setting that However, it is clearly an original composition as multiple articulations (accents, staccato, is intended for advanced choirs, not only due to indicated in the publication: “words and music sforzandi, etc.) in the musical score. He its divisi, but also to other musical elements that by Hall Johnson” that are intended to be alternates between homophonic texture and are not as easily accessible to developing choirs. performed “in the style of a Spiritual.” Unlike imitative lines that cleverly travel among each The arrangement was published in 2004 and it is many other composer-arrangers of his time, voice part. Adding to the interest and variety of dedicated to Philip Brunelle and VocalEssence Johnson includes performance notes that are the setting is the regular contrasting of dynamics (Minnesota) on their 35th anniversary. certain to quiet any doubts regarding the when, if followed appropriately, ensures a very composer’s intent. stimulating performance. Also, careful William Powell serves as observation of the written dialect adds to the Professor of Music and Johnson was also very emphatic about proper overall affect. Director of Choral performance practices for the concert spiritual. Activities at Auburn While gospel music is closely related to the The latter third (or fourth) of Dawson’s setting University. He conducts spiritual, they are not the same genre. The of this spiritual is devoted to what choral the Chamber Choir, spiritual is the nineteenth-century sacred rural directors of the ages affectionately refer to as the Men’s Chorus, Concert song of the slave. Gospel music grew out of “doom-a loom-a” section, which is 6-7 pages of Choir, and Gospel Choir. spirituals and blues, and developed in the early multi-divisi (one-system-per-page). The vocal 20th century in urban settings. Johnson insists effect that Dawson creates in this section could that the concert spiritual—songs that are notated be considered as the bedrock of rhythmic choral 40 May/June 2019