Join Us! (Share this application with non-MENC member colleagues and tell them the benefits of joining MENC.) For today’s students to succeed tomorrow, they need a comprehensive education that includes music taught by exemplary music educators. When your colleagues join MENC: The National Association for Music Education, they automatically become a member of Alabama Music Educators Association. From local activities to national issues, MENC and AMEA offer the combination of services and benefits music educators need! 0(1&0HPEHU%HQHÀWVDQG)HDWXUHV 2QOLQH-RXUQDOVIRU0HPEHUV2QO\\ Advocacy—MENC informs legislators of the importance of an General Music Today—Dealing specifically with the concerns of education that includes music, supports National Standards for the general music educator. Music Education, and sponsors programs such as Music In Our Journal of Music Teacher Education—Focusing on issues of Schools Month® and Advocacy Groundswell. importance to the music teacher educator. Music Educators Journal—Articles on teaching approaches, UPDATE: Applications of Research in Music Education— current issues, classroom techniques, and products and services. Practical applications for music education research findings. Teaching Music—Practical teaching ideas for all specialty areas. Discounts on Resources—25% off all MENC publications, videos, 2SWLRQDO0(1&3HULRGLFDO and specialty items. In-Service Conferences and Meetings— Opportunities to exchange ideas with colleagues; member discounts Journal of Research in Music Education—The latest findings in on registration fees. Leadership Opportunities—Participation on music education research. MENC task forces and committees; sponsorship of collegiate and Tri-M Music Honor Society chapters. Automatic State Association Additional Features —MENC credit card, professional liability Membership—All the benefits offered at the state level, including insurance, medical protection program, and more. the state journal and access to local meetings, festivals, and more! There’s More! Take the MENC Membership Tour at www.menc.org/about/view/tour-of-menc-membership 0(1&0(0%(56+,3$33/,&$7,21 S Yes, I want to join MENC and Alabama MEA. IIuunndderstand tthheatmmemembebresrhsihpipyeeaxrtbenegdisnfsoJruolyne1 yaenadr efrnodms Jtuhneed3a0t.e dues are received. Credit card holders may join by calling MENC Member Services 1-800-828-0229, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time. Please contact MENC Member Services for spousal or retired dues. Rates expire 5-31-2012. SNew or SRenewal Name: ____________________________________________________ Home Address ______________________________________________ MENC ID# _______________________________________ Membership SActive membership dues (national and state) $ _1_0_7_* City/State/Zip ______________________________________________ Options Phone/E-mail ______________________________________________ SSociety for Research in Music Education $37 $ ____ School Name _______________________________________________ (includes subscription to Journal of Research in Music Education) School Address _____________________________________________ City/State/Zip ______________________________________________ MENC membership is a prerequisite. Phone/E-mail ______________________________________________ S Tax deductible contribution to the Fund for the Advancement of Music Education to support (select one): $ ____ SMusic in Our Schools Month Preferred? Address: SHome SWork SAdvocacy E-mail: SHome SWork STeacher Recruitment and Retention SStudent Programs Professional Areas SWherever it’s most needed! Teaching Level Teaching Area TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $ ____ Payment: SCheck enclosed, payable to MENC S Preschool S Choral/Voice S Teacher Education S Jazz Charge: SVISA SMasterCard SAmEx SDiscover S Elementary S Band S Technology/ Theory/ Name of Cardholder:_________________________________ S Junior/Middle SchoolS Orchestra Composition/ Card No. _________________________________________ S Senior High School S Show Choir S College/University S Guitar Exp. Date _________________________________________ S Administrator/ S General Music History Signature __________________________________________ Supervisor S Special Learners S Marching Band *Includes $10 each for Music Educators Journal and Teaching Music. S Private/Studio S Research S Mariachi 5HWXUQWKLVIRUPZLWKSD\\PHQWWR 0(1&5REHUW)XOWRQ'ULYH5HVWRQ9$ )D[ (PDLO PEUVHUY#PHQFRUJ ala breve 51
AMEA Immediate Past President Legislative Issues Pat Stegall How long do you plan to teach? This is Another $30 increase will take place if you retire past that date. a very important question for all of Jan.1, 2013; 2014; 2015 and 2016. At Alabama’s teachers. If you are a young this time, no one is able to project how Also, in the next legislative regular teacher or a more experienced much more after that period, but there is session they are discussing making teacher…keep reading. As the state no guarantee that this will be the end of changes to the retirement benefit legislature continues to ramp up its the increases. When you do the math, it calculator. The bottom line is that the efforts to help our state’s economic really adds up. For example: $360, legislature plans to make you pay more woes, teachers all across Alabama need $720, $1080, $1440, $1800 add up to a into the system, but receive less in to be vigilant at following the changes total increase over the next five years of retirement benefits. There are several that are taking place. Let me encourage $5400. This, along with increased points up for discussion that will directly you to make contact with the RSA and retirement costs will dramatically reduce affect anyone that teaches past January inquire about the future…your future. every teacher’s actual take home pay. 1, 2012, including only paying There are no foreseeable pay raises, so retirement benefits for eleven years; I find myself at a major crossroad much you really do need to take a look at how forcing everyone in the system to place sooner than I thought I would. First, I it affects you and your family. their RSA money into a 401K retirement have had to consider how the changes in According to one source, there are account; increasing insurance health insurance costs will affect my 10,800 public school employees that are premiums; doing away with RSA and family. On January 1, 2012, there will be eligible to retire from now until taking it over with an appointed board a $30 per month increase in my December 1, 2011…that’s which will be under the Governor’s premium, which is for single coverage. right…December 1, 2011 is the last day control. We can only expect things to you can retire under the old system. In get worse before they get better. You order to avoid the insurance increase need to stay in touch with your you will need to file your paperwork legislators and keep up with the drastic with the retirement system no later than changes that are going to affect us all November 1, 2011. After that, the new financially. insurance rates will take effect along with the retirement rate increase and you How will this affect our music will pay more out of your pocket book programs? Certainly, there are music 52 October/November 2011
teachers among those eligible that will pruning…new growth takes place. I Consider that your insurance through make the choice to “get out while the have hope that the growth will be in the PEEHIP is only good until age 65, then gettin’ is good!” I only hope they have right direction for the music programs of Medicare/ Obamacare will take over in studied the facts and make a wise Alabama. it’s place. Remember, inflation is decision about their future. The loss of If you are vested with 25 years or more between 3-4% per year so include a the experienced and seasoned music of service, you need to contact the RSA projection that allows for that each year. teachers of Alabama due to “earlier than immediately to find out your options Your retirement check will be reduced planned” retirement because of this about retirement. You aren’t required to by Federal Income tax withholdings and financial fiasco could be detrimental to retire, but you need to look at the whole Insurance costs and any other many programs. Will there be enough picture. You may not be ready to retire, deductions you choose. You no longer time for administrators to find adequate but you need to know the facts so you will pay state income tax, or FICA. replacements? The time frame could know you have had the opportunity to leave many programs without a music make the best decision for you and your Step Four: Look at your income from teacher for a period of time. Will the family. Time is short…so if you haven’t Social Security and the options you will CFO’s take this opportunity to cut more started looking at the problem, it would have with that program…hoping it is music programs? This is serious stuff! be in your best interest to start right still there when you become eligible. now! When the revolving doors start moving Step Five: Talk to a financial planner/ Step One: Determine your situation advisor to help you with any questions and the hiring process begins, will (years of service,age) you have. programs be able to find the best person Step Two: Contact RSA and look at Step Six: Make a wise decision based on your options if you retire under the a few questions like: for the job? Teachers are already under current system. Ask about your options under the new system and compare with “Can I afford to retire?” contract for this year and may find how long you plan to teach. “Am I ready to retire?” “What can I do during my retirement themselves at odds with their local Step Three: Make long term projections years?” for your financial security. Make an “Will I need to work in my retirement school system if they are interested in Excel file and calculate your income and years? If so, what are my options?” what it will cost you to live on for the filling one of the new vacancies. Much next 20 years…30 years…40 years. Step Seven: If you decide to retire, make sure you meet the deadline of wisdom is needed in this time of November 1 to get your paperwork to the Retirement System of Alabama to adjustment and I can only hope that retire by December 1, 2011 or you will miss the opportunity to retire with your there will be adjustments and best benefit package. allowances that will enable the music programs to continue to thrive during this pruning process. My encouragement is in knowing that after Finally, do not be afraid to contact your state senator and representatives and express your concerns and interests. If you don’t communicate with them…they will not know how you feel. Many of the parents of students we teach are unaware of the serious nature of this time we are experiencing regarding education funding. Tell them what is going on and ask them to help. ala breve 53
AMEA Division Events 2011 - 2012 Alabama Bandmasters Association AMEA In-Service Conference/All-State Jazz Band All-State Band Festival January 19-21, 2012 - Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center April 12-14, 2012 - Mobile Summer In-Service Conference All-State Solo Festival June 27-28, Hilton Garden Inn, Orange Beach April 11, 2012 - Mobile District I All-State Band Auditions January 28...........................................Brewer High School District Honor Band February 17-18...............................Bob Jones High School District II State MPA February 23-24............................................................TBA District III March 15-16......................................................Decatur HS District IV Solo & Ensemble Festival March 31.........................................Liberty Middle School April 21............................................Hartselle High School District V All-State Band Auditions District VI State MPA January 14..................................Jacksonville High School District VII February 29-March 2................Gadsden City High School District VIII District Honor Band March 9-10.........................Gadsden State Comm. College Solo & Ensemble Festival April 30...............................................Oxford High School May 1......................................................Arab High School All-State Band Auditions January 28...............................Muscle Shoals High School District Honor Band February 17-18.................................Cullman High School State MPA March 6-8................................Muscle Shoals High School May 5......................... Muscle Shoals Middle School Solo & Ensemble Festival January 14...........................................Hoover High School All-State Band Auditions March 30-31.................................Homewood High School February 28-March 1...................Homewood High School District Honor Band March 6-8.....................................................................TBA State High School MPA April 24....................................Homewood Middle School State Middle School MPA May 5.........................................Thompson Middle School Solo & Ensemble Festival January 28..........................................................Tuscaloosa All-State Band Auditions February 22-23..................................................Tuscaloosa State MPA February 24-25...................................................Livingston March 15...............................................................Prattville District Honor Band April 24..............................................................Tuscaloosa Solo & Ensemble Festival January 28..........................................Opelika High School All-State Band Auditions February 24-25...................................Auburn High School District Honor Band March 6-8...........................................Auburn High School State MPA March 3..............................Smiths Station Jr. High School April 21............................................Montgomery Catholic Solo & Ensemble Festival January 14.......................................Davidson High School All-State Band Auditions March 7-8.........................................Saraland High School State MPA April 28.........................................Semmes Middle School May 5......................................Spanish Fort Middle School Solo & Ensemble Festival January 28.................................................Troy Elementary All-State Band Auditions March 7-9.......................................Enterprise High School State MPA March 16-17..............................Eufaula, Lakepoint Resort April 21...........................................Rehobeth High School District Honor Band Solo & Ensemble Festival Alabama Orchestra Association Final Date for live auditions for all levels All State Results Posted AMEA Conference October 15, 2011 November 16, 2011 January 19-21, 2012 Consult the info guide for your district on the All State Orchestra Acceptance Deadline Renaissance Montgomery Hotel web for specific dates! December 1, 2011 All State Financial Aid Deadline Begin To Contact Alternates All-State Orchestra Festival October 15, 2011 December 2, 2011 University of Alabama Videotape District Mailing Deadline Begin mailing music February 9-12, 2012 October 16, 2011 December 5, 2011 For AOA All-State audition dates and district info go to www.alabamaorchestraassociation.org 54 October/November 2011
Alabama Vocal Association Fall Workshop - September 9-10 - UA Moody Music Building, Tuscaloosa All-State Show Choir Auditions - September 29-30 - Wallace State, Hanceville September 30-October 1 - Huntingdon College, Montgomery All-State Show Choir Festival at AMEA Conference - January 19-21- Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center Honor Choir Festival at AMEA Conference - January 19-21- Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center FAME - January 19- Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center All-State - March 7-10, 2011 - Samford University, Birmingham OCS/OA at All-State - March 7-10 - Samford University District I Honor Choir Screening Decatur High School............................................October 13 All-State Auditions First Methodist Church, Florence.......................November 6 District II Central United Methodist Church, Decatur.....November 7-8 District III Music Ed Scholarship, OA & OCS Decatur High School........................................November 29 District IV State Choral Performance Assessment First Baptist, Decatur..............................................March 14 District V Florence, TBA.........................................................March 15 District VI Spring S&E First Methodist, Florence............................................April 5 District VII Honor Choir Screening Tuscaloosa High School...........................................October 4 All-State Auditions Northport Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa..............November 2-3 Tuscaloosa County High School........................November 29 Music Ed Scholarship, OA & OCS Tuscaloosa County High School.............................February 7 Spring S&E University of Alabama...........................................April 12-13 State Choral Performance Assessment Honor Choir Screening Mortimer Jordan High School................................October 11 All-State Auditions Northport Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa..............November 2-3 Mortimer Jordan High School............................November 29 Music Ed Scholarship, OA & OCS Mortimer Jordan High School..................................March 27 Spring S&E Mt. Vernon Methodist, Gardendale.................February 27-29 State Choral Performance Assessment Honor Choir Screening Oxford High School...............................................October 27 All-State Auditions First Baptist Church, Oxford.............................November 4-5 Fall S&E Gadsden City HS................................................September 27 Oxford High School..........................................November 29 Music Ed Scholarship, OA & OCS Gadsden City High School...................................February 23 Spring S&E Gadsden City High School...........................................April 5 State Choral Performance Assessment Honor Choir Screening Huntsville High School.........................................October 25 All-State Auditions Central United Methodist Church, Decatur......November 7-8 TBA....................................................................November 29 Music Ed Scholarship, OA & OCS Columbia High School, Huntsville...........................April 2-3 State Choral Performance Assessment Willowbrook Baptist Church, Huntsville........February 27-28 Spring S&E Honor Choir Screening Montgomery Academy...........................................October 12 All-State Auditions St. James School, Montgomery............................November 9 Tallassee High School........................................November 30 Music Ed Scholarship, OA & OCS First Baptist Church, Tallassee.............................February 28 Spring S&E First Baptist Church, Tallassee.............................February 28 State Choral Performance Assessment Honor Choir Screening UMS Wright...........................................................October 18 All-State Auditions Springhill Baptist Church, Mobile................November 10-11 UMS Wright..........................................................December 1 Music Ed Scholarship, OA & OCS Spring Hill Baptist................................................November 1 Fall S&E Spring Hill Baptist.................................................February 9 Spring Hill Baptist.........................................................May 1 Spring S&E State Choral Performance Assessment Elementary/General Division October 7-AMEA Elementary Music Festival with Dena Byers at the Wright Center, Samford University. October 8-AMEA/AOSA Joint Workshop with Dena Byers at Samford University. November 9-12-AOSA 2011 Professional Development Conference in Pittsburg, PA. January 19-21 - AMEA In-Service Conference, Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Convention Center ala breve 55
Alabama Music Educators Association Young Composers Competition The AMEA Young Composers Competition has been created to encourage Alabama's developing student composers by providing professional level review and consideration. By recognizing outstanding student compositions, this process will support Alabama music teachers by recognizing their efforts to incorporate the MENC standards. It is also hoped that this kind of professional recognition will provide a showcase for the composition talents of these young Alabama musicians. Competition Guidelines and Regulations Eligibility: Open to students grades K-College Requirements: Compose a solo, song, string quartet, concerto, or any medium of choice in one of the categories. Score Format: TWO copies of an original score must be sent with the entry form. Hand-written and computer- generated formats are accepted. Measures MUST be numbered on each score submitted. Tape, CD or computer-generated recordings are encouraged but not mandatory. Contest Rules and Procedures: 1. Sponsoring teacher must be AMEA member. 2. Entries must be original unpublished compositions. No transcriptions or arrangements will be eligible. 3. The purpose of the competition is to encourage student composers. Therefore, the compositions must be conceived and constructed by the composer. 4. Entries shall be between 1-8 minutes in length. 5. Adjudication comments will be available after all entries have been reviewed. 6. Compositions must be submitted with a full score. Recordings are welcome but not mandatory. Please do not send parts with you score. 7. The composer's name must appear on the score and recording (if available). The date of the composition must appear on the title page. 8. All entries must be postmarked by OCTOBER 29. 2011. Entries received after the deadline will not be considered. 9. Finalists will be selected from each Division and Category, the judges will determine how many finalists will be selected. 10. All rights, including copyrighting, remain with the composer. 11. Submitted materials will not be returned. 12. Compositions submitted must not be published and must not have won any other competitions. 13. The panel of judges may include qualified university composition faculty, members of the music industry, composers and other music educators. Their decision will be final, with the right to withhold awards in the event that no entry is judged worthy. 14. Each composer may submit one entry. 15. Finalist(s) will be recognized at the annual AMEA conference. Judging: Entries will be accepted in the following divisions and categories: Division 1 - Elementary (K-5) Division 2 - Middle (6-8) Division 3 - High (9-12) Division 4 - College Composers may enter a piece from any of the FIVE categories below: Category A: Solo composition (including song with accompaniment; orchestral instrument with accompaniment, e.g. violin sonata). Category B: Chamber piece for duo, trio, quintet, etc. (other than string quartet). 56 October/November 2011
Category C: Orchestral/Band/Choral. (large ensemble work) Category D: String Quartet. Category E: Jazz - a piece for jazz ensemble.(combo or large ensemble) Points (100): 30 points - structure, musical creativity, and development. 30 points - compositional technique; use of instrument(s). 30 points - melodic, rhythmic and harmonic consideration. 10 points - presentation (to include correct musical notation). Judging: All entrants will receive a written critique from the judging panel. The decision of the judging panel is final. Prizes & Awards: Composition finalists will be recognized at the AMEA conference. Entry fee: $20.00 Checks should be made payable to Homewood Middle School. Deadline: Postmarked on or before October 29, 2011 Entry: Send composition and completed entry form to: AMEA Young Composers Competition c/o Chris Cooper Homewood Middle School 395 Mecca Ave. Homewood, AL 35209 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2011-2012 APPLICATION FORM NAME________________________________ BIRTH DATE____/____/____GRADE_________DIVISION_________ ADDRESS______________________________________CITY___________________STATE_______ZIP___________ TELEPHONE________________PARENT/GUARDIAN__________________________EMAIL___________________ TITLE OF COMPOSITION__________________________________________________________________________ CATEGORY(A,B,C,D,E)_______DATE OF COMPOSITION____/____/____ SCHOOL_________________________________________ SCHOOL ADDRESS______________________________ MUSIC TEACHER_______________________________________ PHONE#_________________________________ MUSIC TEACHER EMAIL___________________________________________MENC#_________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE OF COMPOSER ___________________________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE OF PARENT/GUARDIAN ___________________________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE OF TEACHER ENTRY FEE(S) $_________ CHECK # _________ 57 ala breve
Concerts H UAHuntsvilleTHE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE Streamed Live Online 256-824-6436 [email protected] uah.edu/music/live www.uah.edu/music Admit One MoUnDA4trH:g.3ouE0mnrpAitnmeMsrvCEy~iloAlPFelwerCCirdiofthoazna,ryfmem,CrJboienaenngnrdcuAuCeacrhrttyosoi2rrC0enterAdmit One Music October/November 2011 Scholarships Available 58
Music Industry News... Quaver’s Marvelous World of Music the PSD400 Series of professional digital His list of past students is impressive with recording systems. Loaded with features, superstars such as Beyoncé, Solange, Nashville – June 3, 2011 – There’s a new flexibility, and multiple file-sharing Mario, Demi Lovato and Ray J, all having music program designed to bring added options, the PSD430 is an advanced studied with him during the course of their excitement to the way music is taught to portable digital recording system for careers. school children – Quaver’s Marvelous music practice and recording. World of Music. Combining the latest When speaking about the serious student, The PSD430 has three available media Tom says, “Superscope becomes a vital technology in web design with interactive types for recording and playback – plug in part of their talent development. To have white boards and high definition a miniSD card, connect an external flash the ability to record yourself and play it production on DVDs, Quaver’s Marvelous drive or hard disk drive via USB, or record back without having to go to a studio is World of Music is the place where or playback audio on the built-in CD invaluable. They’ll go to the studio when learning music is seriously fun. Quaver’s recorder. they’re ready and hopefully lay down a hit School Program is a comprehensive record.” And in the meantime, Tom will classroom DVD series, Teacher Guides The PSD430 also features simultaneous continue to use Superscope in his practice and website designed to help music real-time control of tempo and key as a vocal techniques instructor. “I send teachers inspire children to learn and love changes, and play-along options include my students home with practice music. The DVD program features 30 A-B looping for practice sessions and instructions for our next session on their high-energy and entertaining episodes, voice reduction for singers who wish to thumb drive. They also get to take their each covering an essential music element: sing-along with their favorite recordings. recordings from the session with them. theory, instruments and ensembles, Advanced features include overdubbing, The benefits of Superscope, along with composers and music history, and music punch-in/out recording, reverb and delay, proper instruction, have allowed many of styles. A full-color Teacher Guide panning, editing and three-band my students to begin their careers in such including guidelines for teaching tips, parametric equalization. major markets as New York City, Los hands-on student projects, and other tools Angeles and Chicago. As their teacher that accompanies each episode. In addition, A 15-year veteran vocal techniques makes me very proud.” teachers will receive one-year full access instructor, Texas-based Tom McKinney is to the Online Quaver Classrooms that currently focused on the user-friendly “The tools on the PSD430 help teachers contain Teacher Only resources. In PSD430. A teacher for students of all and students stay organized,” says addition to the school program, students levels and genres – country, pop, rock, Superscope’s Market Development will be introduced to QuaverMusic.com, opera, R&B, blues, gospel – Tom uses his Manager Tim Smyth. “Our products are the premier online destination for kids to Superscope on a daily basis. designed to not only give students explore music, which will provide several immediate feedback, but also help music creation tools and games to support “With this model, my students can record educators track progress by storing a music education in the classroom. The directly to an SD card or USB drive. I’ll student’s lesson material and recordings in school program follows the standards of have my students record their vocals on a folder or playlist. The practice material NAfME the National Association for the PSD430, and then we’ll play it back. If is then shared with students using SD Music Education (formerly known as we need to, we’ll change the key of the cards, USB devices, CDs, etc. The MENC - The National Association for accompaniment and re-record. It’s proven PSD430 really makes music lessons more Music Education) and the National extremely helpful for them to take home efficient.” Standards for Arts Education and what they’ve learned in their session with incorporates input from some of the me,” Tom explains. Other Superscope models include PSD450 nation’s best music teachers. and PSD410. The PSD450 includes all Tom’s students range from age ten to playback and record features found in the Superscope Technologies, Inc. adults, all at various levels in their careers. PSD430 and adds a 160 GB hard drive for direct recording with plenty of file storage Geneva, IL – Superscope Technologies, for archiving and tracking students’ Inc. is announcing its newest addition to progress. The PSD410 records directly to SD media, USB flash drives or an external hard drive and includes all playback features found in the PSD430. Superscope Technologies, Inc., develops and markets audio products to meet the needs of professional and amateur musicians, music educators and their students, and vocalists throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.superscopetechnologies.com. ala breve 59
THREE CRITICAL CONCERNS (Part 2) by Jim Smisek Choice of literature is perhaps the most important professional beautiful tone and timbre? decision we make for our programs. I believe that we must find 7.an emotional impact? a balance between what will challenge our students and what will benefit the constituency. The constituency is the music program, When considering literature for your ensembles, here are a few school program, school district, and the community outside the suggestions: school that supports our programs. We must do our “homework” I. Concert Band to discover what will educate our students and also educate our constituency. We must be careful not to “over educate” with A. State lists are a fantastic resource for you to use. literature that is not reaching to all members of this community; Obviously we must pick music from the Alabama list however, we have an obligation to establish/support the validity for Music Performance Assessment (MPA). However, of music education and build the relationship with the we may use the other state lists as a resource that may community for their support. A major area of support especially include repertoire not on our state list. considers money! Without the financial support of our 1.AL (http://www.alabamamea.org/bandmasters/) community, we will not be able to purchase the music or Click on Cumulative List instruments needed to perform. It is common sense! 2.Texas (http://www.uil.utexas.edu/music/pml.html) 3.Florida (http://www.flmusiced.org/fba/dnn/) The choice of literature directly relates to our philosophy of 4.Georgia (http://www.gmea.org/Divisions/Band/Band.htm) music education. We must establish our philosophy and abide by Click on LGPE Music List. what we have determined. Ray Cramer suggested that we should consider, “What comprises music of artistic merit?” He gave us B. Books are another excellent resource for us to use. a list of 7 items to consider: The list below highlights a few that I have found DOES THE MUSIC HAVE… extremely helpful during my career. 1.Teaching Music Through Performance in Band 1.a well conceived formal structure? compiled and edited by Richard Miles, GIA 2.creative melodies and counterlines? Publications. 3.harmonic imagination? 2. The Works of John Philip Sousa by Paul E. Brierly, 4.rhythmic vitality? Integrity Press. 5.contrast in all musical elements? 3. March Music Notes by Norman E. Smith, Program 6.scoring which best represents the full potential for Note Press. 4. Band Music Notes by Norman Smith and Albert Membership Questions Stoutamire, Program Note Press. Address Changes 5. Music for Concert Band by Joseph Kreines, Florida Music Service. Add an Email Address 6.Guides To Band Masterworks by Robert J. Garofalo, Meredith Music Publications. Contact NAfME 1-800-828-0229 C. Colleagues are perhaps your BEST RESOURCE! [email protected] Contact those directors who have “been around the block”. These educators can help you understand the importance of choosing the appropriate level music for your specific ensemble. You may have a group that has no double reed instruments and the level of your players is an average beginner player. What will you do? Ask that colleague what he/she would do! They have been there and done that! You want your students to have a successful experience that is rewarding both on the stage and in the classroom. Ask those college guys because they have a lot more 60 October/November 2011
II. “score-study” time and fewer band parent meetings! 2. Our Colleagues are an invaluable asset and this was A. Many of your colleagues would be glad to come to discussed above. In addition, reach out to those who a your rehearsal and “lend an ear” to help you and the are actively involved in Drum & Bugle Corps. These students. Call on them! professionals are “up-to-date” considering matters of drill design and the field of marching arts. Many of Marching Band my ideas come from my experiences with this activity There are very few State Lists that exist for marching and associations with those involved in the activity. band; however, there are several resources that we In summary, the literature we chose identifies both the may consider. program and the director. Who we are and what we 1. Books written by accomplished band directors desire to accomplish is evident in this decision. There throughout our country are available. These texts are are times that we must acquiesce to the desires of the valuable tools to help us consider ways of teaching. school community and that is when we must adjust to Here are several texts that I am confident will be “play the game”. However, do not accept lower helpful: standards of performance with your ensembles. Maintain your high expectations because that is what a. The Complete Marching Band Resource is vitally important to the continued success of your Manual: Techniques and Materials for students. They must accept the idea that every Teaching, Drill Design, and Music Arranging performance is important. The pep rally in the by Wayne Bailey and Thomas Caneva, gymnasium, the Friday night football game, District University of Pennsylvania Press. MPA, and the International Marching Band Competition are all important! In my final installment b. Marching Bands and Drumlines: Secrets of of Three Critical Concerns, I will focus on jazz Success from the Best of the Best by Paul education. I will discuss the philosophy of teaching Buyer, Meredith Music. jazz, choice of literature and other concerns related to jazz education. c. Marching Fundamentals (a video DVD) by Greg Martin, Alfred Publishing. Dr. James J. Smisek is director of bands and chairman of instrumental studies at Samford University. d. The Marching Band Handbook, by Kim R. Holston, Mcfarland & Co., Inc., Publications. e. The Marching Band Program: Principles and Practices, by Bentley Shellahamer, James Swearingen, and Jon Woods, C. L. Barnhouse Co. Online Professional Development! Got music education questions? Want some expert advice? NAfME offers this exciting free benefit to members throughout the school year. NAfME members visiting the band, orchestra, chorus, and general music networks can get expert advice in answer to their questions. Our mentors rotate on a monthly basis and respond to your questions every few days. If you would like to be a mentor or make a recommendation regarding the mentoring website, please contact Susan Lambert at [email protected]. Visit www.nafme.org/mentors ala breve 61
62 October/November 2011
Award Winning Service and the winner is YOU, OUR CUSTOMER! • Award winning first class service • Delivery service second to none • Full line of educational aids and services • Experienced assistance in recruiting programs • Full inventory of band and orchestra instruments • Acoustic pianos and digital keyboards • Large print music department • All major brand names. 334/271-2787 334/793-1284 205/995-8376 3030 East Blvd. 1861 West Main Street #1 4647-O Highway 280 Montgomery, AL 36116 Birmingham, AL 35242 Dothan, AL 36301 PRSRT STD 800-341-2787 www.artsmusicshop.com US POSTAGE PAID Dothan, AL 36303 Permit No. 623
Search
