October/November 2015 Ala Breve

ala breve The Official Publication of the Alabama Music Educators Association October/November 2015 Conference Issue Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser Chris Woodside Boston Brass www.alabamamea.org







ala breve October/November 2015 the official publication of the Alabama Music Educators Association Features... AMEA Governing Board Directory 8 2016 Conference Quick Facts 10 ABA Legislation 10 Phi Beta Mu “Tips that Click” 12 Campus Connctions 20 2016 Conference Clinicians 23 2016 Conference Featured Performers and Speakers 28 2016 Conference Performers 33 2016 Conference Schedule 39 AMEA Governing Board Meeting Minutes 44 Proposals to Revise the AMEA Constitution 45 Educating Those Ears by Nate Buonviri 46 The Smartest Thing I Ever Did... by Matthew Spieker 48 Schedule of Events 50 Creating a Positive Solo and Ensemble Experience by James Mick and David Pope 52 2016 AMEA Conference Pre-Registration Form 55 AMEA Industry Members 56 Straight Talk for Music Teachers... by Charlene Ryan 57 FAME Registration Form 59 Choral Reviews by Diane Orlofsky 60 Departments... Advertisers Index Samford University........................................19 American College of Musicians.................53 Smoky Mountain Music Festival ..............36 6 .....................President Arts Music Shop, Inc.....................back cover Tempest ..............................................................13 10 ..........................HED AU Bands - HS Honor Band ........................12 UA Bands...............................................................4 13 .............................AVA AU Bands - MS Honor Band........................38 UA School of Music.........................................61 14 ...........................ABA AU Music Department ..................................63 UNA Department of Music..........................27 14...........................Jazz AWB......................................................................21 University of Montevallo.............................15 16...........................AOA Gadsden Music Company...............................9 University of South Alabama Bands.......37 18 ..................Elem/Gen Group Travel Network ....................................2 University of South Alabama Music........54 18 ..........Past Presidents Huntingdon College Bands .........................62 Yamaha................................................................11 22....................Registrar John M. Long School of Music (Troy)........3 22 ...................Research ala breve 5

Carl Hancock, AMEA President committed music educators of Alabama. From the stimulating original articles to informative The 2015-2016 AMEA Governing Board, division announcements to the exciting resolute to put more professional into conference preview, every page represents our professional development. values and aspirations as an organization. The quarterly publication of the Ala Breve is a part Dear Friends and Colleagues, Keynote Speakers. By your request, we invited two of our culture and heritage. Not long ago, I keynote speakers. On Thursday morning, you decided to read past issues from as far back as It’s hard for me to contain my enthusiasm for will experience the entertaining insights of the 1984, and it is clear to me that throughout our our upcoming Professional Development legendary “Dr. Tim” Lautzenheiser. If you have journey as a profession, the Ala Breve has been Conference. Since joining the National ever had even a moment of doubt about being there to chronicle our progress and forecast Association for Music Education as a college a music educator or need a reminder of the joys upcoming challenges. It is a valuable resource student 27 years ago, I’ve participated in of teaching music, he can easily reignite your that can be used to inform our present-day conferences as a learner, panelist, clinician, and passion and purpose. On Friday morning, decisions. When you think about the hours of speaker. Whatever my role, I leave conferences political and advocacy guru, Christopher labor that go into producing the pages found in primed, connected, and knowledgeable of the Woodside, from the National Association for just one issue of the Ala Breve, it is easy to remarkable strides our profession has made. So, Music Education, will “walk us through” the overlook the fact that this quality publication my excitement for the 2016 AMEA brilliance of NAfME’s Broader Minded™ has been compiled by one person, our Professional Development Conference (January music advocacy campaign and present an Executive Director and Editor, Garry Taylor. 21-23, 2016, in Montgomery, Alabama) should update on our progress with lawmakers in not come as a surprise, especially in my current Washington DC. Background. Our association has not always role as president. enjoyed the privilege of a dedicated Executive. New Music. Our publisher-sponsored reading In the 1980s, the AMEA struggled with the So, let’s talk about our upcoming conference! band will return this year under the baton of notion that we needed an employee to assist our composer Brian Balmages, who will also meet organization; after all, music teachers are Highlights of the 2016 Professional with winners of our Young Composers renowned for putting in extra hours. At the Development Conference, “We are all Competition and present a session on selecting time, we were a small association struggling teachers, we are all students!” literature for bands and orchestras. Speaking of with the growing pains of exploding excitement, I am excited to announce that the membership and demands for superior Alabama’s Music Educators are renowned for AOA arranged for a publisher-sponsored professional development. Also, we were participating in professional development. reading orchestra, which will be conducted by directly involved in significant legislative efforts Whether attending organized clinics or noted composer, pianist, actress, and conductor in Montgomery. Our forbearers realized that participating in informal dialog, we have a thirst Soon Hee-Newbold. while our elected AMEA officers were excellent for learning and collegiality, which is why, at our leaders, as full-time educators, they needed 2016 conference, we are inviting everyone to Featured Clinicians. In addition to these someone to attend to the daily needs of our celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Alabama spotlights, our division presidents invited association in order to truly achieve the Music Educators Association! There has never clinicians from across the country to participate organization’s goals. So, they consulted with been a better time to reach out to our in our conference. Joining us this year are Dr. other state music education organizations colleagues, especially those who have not Jeffrey Benson, Director of Choral Activities at across the country, especially in the South, and attended our conference in a while. The AMEA San José State University; renowned Canadian found kindred groups that were experiencing has changed significantly, and the 2016 music specialist, Denise Gagné; and former similar growing pains. Many decided to employ conference illuminates the future of our AMEA President and distinguished educator, a staff dedicated to carrying out logistical organization and honors our past accomplishments. Becky (Rodgers) Warren. demands. Many more decided to employ a full- time executive manager. After much debate, Professional Performances. The world-renowned This provides a small snapshot of what the and assurances from the AMEA leadership, we professional brass quintet, the Boston Brass, 2016 AMEA conference has to offer. Many of decided to employ a part-time Executive will headline our conference. On Thursday our friends and colleagues are preparing Secretary, which, in the 1990s, transformed into (January 21), they will dazzle us with an sessions and performances that will make you our present-day, part-time, position known as opening-night concert for all registered proud to be a music educator. I encourage you the Executive Director. The ED serves to carry conference attendees. Additional tickets will be to take a moment to read the conference out the duties assigned by the Governing available to schools and other organizations. On schedule in this issue and make plans to attend Board, facilitates the preparation of our Friday (January 22), they will present a clinic the 2016 Professional Development Conference. professional development conference, and return to the stage as guest performers with Online registration is conveniently located on our administers the business affairs of our the Oak Mountain High School Band and website. Visit http://www.alabamamea.org for organization, and serves as the “go-to” person Alabama Wind Ensemble. Hosting our first more information. for all members of our association. world-class professional ensemble at our state conference is a testament to the growth of our For your consideration…a new AMEA We are a large and active association. Today, the organization. I hope you will join me in AMEA is a celebrated and much larger welcoming the Boston Brass to Montgomery. position, the Executive Director. organization than it was in the 1980s. According to active member data from As I peruse this issue of the Ala Breve, I cannot NAfME, seven out of every ten Alabama music help but feel a sense of pride about the pages stitched together especially for you, the 6 October/November 2015

teachers hold membership, which means we relations machine, and so on. Historically, the Development Conference. I think you will agree have the third highest percentage of market AMEA Executive Director was considered a that this proposal is proactive and designed to penetration of all NAfME state affiliates (70%)! part-time position, yet, present-day demands ensure the stability of our organization. It is In addition, a rank order of active NAfME reveal the ED carries full-time responsibilities. exciting to think about how far we’ve come as members across the US indicates we are the 19th When I spoke with the leaders of other state an organization. Please feel free to contact me largest state music education organization. When music education organizations, many were with your thoughts, ideas, feedback, and we look at indicators compiled by the AMEA, shocked to learn we accomplished so much suggestions. I can be reached at 205-657-2624 or we see that over the past five years, our without a dedicated staff. by email at [email protected]. professional development conference has grown at an astonishing rate. Last year, our conference The problem and proposed solution. So, we have a Conclusion was the largest we have ever hosted as an problem. And it is one that is easy to fix, but it organization with more performing groups, will require some courage and your support. I want to thank you again for the opportunity to sessions, vendors, and attendees than previously Here is the problem. Each of our divisions has serve as your President. It brings me great recorded. And yet, all of this growth is managed a president and a president-elect, which in my pleasure to represent our association and music by one incredibly competent person, our mind, is a healthy redundancy. Interestingly, the educators of our great state. I’m looking forward Executive Director, Garry Taylor. most important managerial position in our to seeing you in Montgomery! association, the Executive Director, does not Assessment of Executive Director workload. A couple have a comparable backup to rely on. After Carl B. Hancock, President of months ago, the Governing Board asked the talking with the Governing Board, we concluded Alabama Music Educators Association ED to log everything he does for the AMEA, that we need an “understudy” who can assist in and needless to say, the list of daily tasks and the management of our association and serve as responsibilities we saw was overwhelming. From a “backup” in case of an emergency. We also negotiating contracts with vendors, to editing need to provide the ED with additional support our state journal, to maintaining records for our to facilitate the continued growth of our organization, to organizing our annual in-service Association. On page 45 of this issue of the Ala conference, to coordinating matters with the Breve is a description of our proposed Assistant national office, to maintaining membership Executive Director position and associated records, to implementing the initiatives constitutional amendments. As an organization, developed by the governing board, the ED is a we will vote on these additions to the one-person administrative office, public- constitution at the 2016 AMEA Professional ala breve 7

AMEA Governing Board 2015-2016 PCUrBaTen(roscu2liixhvs0dHcae58eanar)n7slncoi0t3octo34yocs68kcoa6-k@,f6AA3b3Llaa5m3b5aam4.u8aa7.edu s(aB23rE0ai0GrS5tl0Pmwera)emaVrio4ynasmei3stglWnt9lhPaoat-caaognr3kmrmeee2y@s0,SaiS0AdctgcrkemLehneoa5ttoi2ll.4c2om PSSr6uMea0sssisa1niomdn0tneJiStVtngahmamot@u-miEgethsshelternjSycwc,RteAhoboLa.ood3lrg6116 a(mC21G5ue6EE6ala0dl)@rxm0ir6etyaMboc3neTur6,a,lat-lAnAiy2svool7lLeoaru5r3tDD4Bh5ri.r0.rnee5Nevc5teEtor SMMcPhoriouceohnslietdaaielnnHBto,rAlomoBekAsJunior High RC2eTa1Tc(rr2cr3oologa3rySyad4G,mUl)[email protected] t(hB22e0it0ru55mb) aOi8nm7vg1aehn-ra3b@m5ro1,coA6hkaLxrR8t3e5d5r.2.2n51et3 PSPraF.(eOrob3sa.lu3eihBrd4ykoSe,)axcAn7rh2Ltt2r,_28a3sA2d-a6O21re58Aar3h56@5 yahoo.com pMsPAtPOueTMagsrtcBaeElSlaoelAt@sxeSugR3hmra3eoelsr8galc/l5isRss.,tkerAa1gtL2iiso.t3anrl5.au6rs61 j(wU2TaP0nhl5rkiav)eedesr6ir1W3ds46ieat@-nyl0ktfo7e,oAf5rr6uMMmoE.nmAteoCvnatolellvloeagllioa.teedu PCDr1aDee0(rsc2cle1ia5adc1Drt6aeluPabt)nruvret5oriHt,,[email protected] e(hM2DoS0UofaTt5fAanvnem)ttidiMi6esvaov6HenMnEa5s@ol6iA-ultf66oyfmsC6m7,icoo6A0oafn8BlLnlMteue3gvio5liadna1litl1tneoe5gv.eaA3dll0duo8visor PJraemsiedseZnitn,gHarigaher Education IBnA3edMr03cubt33ksose04yntMcr/tkEL2gyuy7aioslgR1sm@ihtc-e2teBpafS7rorlryh8tvoe,so7dAstmpe.Lunst3iac6ts1ihv1oe6p.com U2BA3(j2i1zBr0imHn5gi)una9lgrs3ahe4@ya-m7Cu3,aeA7bn6.Lteedr3u5294 c3lMi31fL45TfoCoh-5Phn4wul0erti6cgfeePfkM2osrea-HimSd3orbru7ceneeychrn9etygko@0Ht,oa,oAibmEglllLemCleeRer3aamyo6milaA1/.pGdc0cuo6easmndemy 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 - February/March (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. 8 August/September 2013





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Phi Beta Mu Tips That Click Balance David speaks very candidly about his philosophy about maintaining proper balance and the Band Director and offers some specific suggestions to assist us: “The following three things are items I The focus of this issue’s article is to provide and be sure to keep your values in order by wish I had focused on early in my career but some techniques to help maintain a proper not taking every opportunity that comes now feel are the foundation to my marriage balance of work and “life”. Every year it along.” with Regina. Note: Both Regina and I had seems we lose too many promising music failed first marriages for different reasons. teachers in this state. Often, the ones that Dr. Mark Walker is the Director of Bands at The following items were not present in my choose to leave are successful or on the verge Troy University where he oversees and plays a first marriage: of reaching big pinnacles in their careers. The very active role in all areas of that dynamic reasons for this phenomenon are varied, but band program. Previous to his work in higher 1. Christ is at the center of our marriage. We frequently the underlying reason has to do education, he was a very successful teacher in know that when we work long hours and with burnout or lack of personal satisfaction. the public schools of Texas, so he become frustrated with the circumstances Having a properly balanced lifestyle would understands the demands of a high school concerning our jobs we have a foundation of probably help many to keep a healthier and middle school teacher and the need for trust and forgiveness that is rooted in our perspective on their teaching and give them balance. He shares some very useful faith. more years in their chosen profession. I asked information: “While the job and your band is three highly regarded directors to share some important, you have to put your family first. I 2. To not include your partner with your work, thoughts with us and there were glad to give struggled with that early in my career and only which is a large part of your life, can become some great counsel. lately have I been able to find a better balance. toxic to a marriage. Most of our jobs require You also have to have time for hobbies and long hours and without including your spouse Dr. David Spencer recently retired after other interests outside of your job. That way, they soon become an outsider to your life. serving as the Band Director of the highly you can recharge your batteries from time to accomplished Huntsville High School Band time and remain fresh for your band. Finally, 3. Utilize time together when you are not for thirty-four years. He also performs in the you can't get everything done in one day. If working. Find a hobby you both can do like Huntsville Symphony and serves as the you don’t finish something up, it will be there riding motorcycles or playing tennis and plan Artistic Director and Conductor of the tomorrow. Take time for yourself and your to do those things every moment you have acclaimed Brass Band of Huntsville. His loved ones.” available. Allow yourself an opportunity to advice to us is very simple, but sometimes enjoy your spouse as much as you enjoy hard for us in the profession to execute: “You David Raney is the Director of Bands at teaching music. have to learn to say NO and when to say it. Sparkman High School in Madison County. When we first moved to Huntsville, I played This program is one of the largest and most I am very blessed to have married up to a with a big band and the symphony. With active in the state and has outstanding person that is faithful enough to trust me rehearsals for these groups plus my band achievements in both ensemble and individual during the long hours, forgiving enough obligations, it was not unusual for me to be assessments. David has been a District during the stressful times of year, and smart away from home at least three evenings each Chairman and has also served ABA as the web enough to be a mentor to me in my own week, leaving my wife alone at home with master of ABAfest.com. His wife, Regina, is profession.” young children. This was not a very fair the Band Director at Cedar Ridge Middle situation and fortunately things played out to School and an outstanding teacher in her own These are very wise and powerful words from where I was able to adjust the schedule of right. three music educators that have had a great these outside activities and find more time for deal of success in their careers. I hope we can my family! You have to look at your priorities all follow their example and strive for balance in building a career and our lives outside of teaching. Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmaster Fraternity is committed to the improvement of bands and band instruction in this state. Comments on this column and ideas for future columns are welcome! Please email: [email protected] 12 October/November 2015

Carl Davis- President, Alabama Vocal Association I hope your year is off to fine start. We communicate if you have extras that can be allowed us more provided a quality in-service experience at used to complete a quartet. performance slots. I the Fall Workshop. Dr. Debra Spurgeon encourage you to think presented four sessions that addressed 1) Dr. Jeffrey Benson of Diablo Valley College this year, as concerts Improving the Sound of Your Chorus; 2) will present three sessions. His sessions will approach, of making Selection of Literature; 3) The Arrangement address: Saying What We Mean, Not Just quality recordings of of Ensemble Members; and 4) Reading Saying What We ‘Say’ -Feedback in the your ensembles and use Session. I also want to thank Dr. Marvin Choral Rehearsal; Conserve, Love, them to apply for an Latimer for providing a really thought- Understand, Teach: Doable Masterworks for AMEA conference performance. provoking session concerning physical Your High School Chorus; and a Reading expression during performance. I want to Session. Communication within our organization is also thank Mr. Chip Colee and First Baptist important. Interact with your district Church for hosting the Fall Workshop. I congratulate all who submitted an chairman, communicating with him/her any application to have ensembles perform at the needs you have. I look forward to seeing you All attendants were given an opportunity, AMEA conference. We are testing a new in Montgomery. during the in-service, to enter their performance venue in Ballroom A. This has biographical information on the AVA allowed flexibility in the scheduling and has Membership Database—an activity that is required this year before you can participate in an AVA event. If you have not registered yet, please go to the AVA website and enter your biographical information. Click the “Member Enrollment” link on the home page. Registrations are processed in the order received and your registration is not considered received until you register on the database. This will provide us a yearly up-to-date mailing list which we can use to more effectively communicate with the membership. Thank you in advance for all the time you are spending in preparation for the upcoming All-State Show Choir and All-State Choir Auditions. The All-State Slide Show that was presented at the Fall Workshop is available on the AVA All State page on the website. Pay special attention to the eligibility of your students when registering them for the particular ensembles. Conductor- submitted links to YouTube performances, as well as technical instructions of eligibility, and part splits contained in the PowerPoint are also on the website and can be accessed with a provided link. Pre-registration is now open for the winter AMEA conference. Dr. Tucker Biddlecombe from Vanderbilt, who served as a clinician last year, will serve as the conductor of the AVA Honor Choir. I encourage you to give your students the opportunity to participate in the AVA Honor Choir. Should you need help filling out a quartet, please communicate with your district chair. Also ala breve 13

Micheal Holmes - President, Alabama Bandmasters Association The Process: Marches, Sinatra, an Alabama-born clarinet Moving Forward soloist, and “Lincolnshire Posey” were all on the menu, and we all left full. This was definitely taxpayer money well spent. (stay in step) We all have different perspectives on where My high school diploma is a vocational “The President’s Own” Marine Band we are at varying times throughout the year. diploma with an emphasis in carpentry. But performs at Homewood High School Beginning band members are mastering that didn’t matter. I so loved my experience opening a clarinet case without spilling in band that a couple of months before This issue of Ala Breve will be filled with instrument parts all over the floor. They are graduation I knew I wasn’t ready for it to schedules, biographies, registration forms, learning how to enter the band room, where end. So, to whom did I go for direction? My and all manner of information needed to to put their stuff, how to sit, breathe, and band directors, Johnny Jacobs and Michial prepare you for the AMEA In-Service hold an instrument properly. Excitement and Mayhall. They made a call and by the middle Conference in January, 2016. Please make enthusiasm levels are high for both students of the next week, I was auditioning for a every effort to attend. As you read this issue, and instructors. Second and third year scholarship with Dr. Jimmy Simpson who you will become better informed of all that students are getting back in shape; some was then band director at The University of is offered in the way of clinics, business preparing for pep rallies or the occasional North Alabama. The rest is history. You meetings, and performances. ABA will have middle school football game, Veteran’s Day mean the world to your students. If you numerous performances and clinics to programs, and holiday concerts. They really work as hard as they do and are honest and present. Renew your NAfME membership love those pep rallies. Visit any high school fair with them, they will never let you down. now if you have not done so. Please do not campus for a little ESPN, a variety of If things aren’t always working out as wait until the AMEA Conference in January to “show” music, and you may even have an planned, take a look in the mirror. It’s usually renew as this creates delays in the on-site opportunity to “Stand Up and Get Crunk” on us and our students are counting on us to registration and pre-registration pick-up process. (that one always makes me cry). Many of my right the ship when needed. And we will colleagues have also been working on music because we are band directors, and that is our Check the AMEA/ABA website regularly. for their Fall Concert during band class while “Super Power.” You will find needed forms, All-State Band “cleaning” the marching band show in the audition requirements and etudes, afternoons. This time of year working 40, What a great month September has been in Cumulative Music list, ABA Directory, 50, 60+ hours a week are routine for Alabama. Two “President’s Own” District and State Calendar, and other useful directors and students alike. Homework, performances on school campuses at and needed information. Check the after school practice, part-time jobs, and all Florence and Homewood. Thanks to the abafest.com site weekly for announcements of the other activities available keep our band staffs (should that be staves?) at both and calendar updates. Your ABA state students busy from breakfast to bedtime. schools for hosting. I had the pleasure of officers and district officers will be using this Both student and teacher love the band attending the concert at Homewood High site to keep you informed as well as have you experience. That’s why we keep coming back School the night before I completed this register for events such as All-State and for more. article. Those Marines did not disappoint. MPA. We are just getting started. I hope to see you at Midwest and AMEA. Keep it From Mark Foster, Jazz Chair... going for your students and DON’T FORGET THE SUNSCREEN! Please check the ABA website for audition requirements and registration information for the 2016 All-State Jazz Bands. We will have three high school bands again this year (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) and one middle school band. We had 177 students audition for the bands last year, and I would like to see this number grow substantially this year. Please encourage your students to audition for the band. Students perform a recorded audition on CD, which consists of two jazz standards (including some improvisation), an etude, and several scales. They should be able to improvise with just a few scales, so please don’t let your students get intimidated by the improv component. Remember to allow enough preparation time to get recordings completed and mailed by November 6, 2015. 14 October/November 2015

COLLEGE of FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT of MUSIC COLLEGE of FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT of MUSIC AUDITION DATES: NOV , JAN , MARCH , For more information, visit www.montevallo.edu/music AUDITION DATES: NOV , JAN , MARCH , For more information, visit www.montevallo.edu/music ala breve 15











major accomplishments, the School of Music is The University of Alabama Adams, viola; Jeremy Crawford, tuba/euphonium; launching a new Steinway Artist Concert Series to Kevin Chance, piano; Edisher Savitski, piano; Amir showcase musical excellence at the highest level. The University of Alabama School of Music is Zaheri, composition; Rob Alley, jazz studies; Joshua proud to announce the completion of one major Mailman, music theory, and Benjamin Crofut, New Faculty construction project and the beginning of another. string bass. We are very pleased to have these new The newly renovated and redesigned Butler faculty members joining the dynamic and Professor John (Jeff) Lee has joined our School of practice field (the classroom for the university’s professionally engaged faculty already active in Music faculty. Specializing in audio sound design & famed “Million Dollar Band”) was opened in Tuscaloosa. concert production, Professor Lee’s responsibilities August 2015, affording the marching band a state- include teaching upper division audio techniques, of-the-art environment in which to rehearse. Our faculty remain highly engaged as performers mixing, mastering, recording studio techniques, & and researchers in every aspect of music study and live concert production skills. Professor Lee is one Immediately following the conclusion of that application across a comprehensive spectrum. This of the original creators of the Tony and Emmy project, work began on a new 26,000 ft. addition year will see over 250 public concerts along with Award winning show Blast!, and has served as the to the existing Moody Music complex. The new many more presentations, symposiums, workshops Music Director for Mason Entertainment Group addition will house two new rehearsal spaces (one and clinics. I encourage you to investigate all that is (creators of Blast!, Shockwave, CyberJam, M.I.X, large and one medium-sized), new faculty offices, happening at the University of Alabama School of & various other projects). student locker room and storage facilities, common Music by contacting any of our faculty members spaces and additional conference room and or investigating our website: music.ua.edu. New AMEA Reception classroom facilities. Although primarily dedicated to the university band program, this new addition We look forward to the opportunity to share The John M. Long School of Music will host an to the existing facility will serve the entire School of additional news with you in the future as we Alumni Reception at the 2016 AMEA In-Service Music at large. Completion is slated for July 2016 continue to grow in every capacity and realize the Conference. All alumni are invited to join us on and we anticipate full use of the facility by fall completion of these exciting projects. Thursday, January 21, 2016 from 5:45-6:45 p.m. in semester 2016. This will give us a much-needed Riverview 2 at the Renaissance Hotel and increase in space to match our growing numbers Convention Center. and evolving program needs. Additional information about the John M. Long In addition to new and enhanced facilities, we are School of Music may be found at music.troy.edu. very proud to announce the appointment of eight We invite you to visit us online or in person soon. new additions to our faculty. They are: Jacob ala breve 21

Pat Stegall, AMEA Treasurer/Registrar Remind your colleagues to join, include the new music teachers, and new teachers. If you would like to serve as a volunteer in our campaign, please complete invite the inactive music the survey by following the link: teachers and be involved as a http://tinyurl.com/ameavolunteer mentor to the young The AMEA is working on a collaborative Once we have finalized our volunteers, you will music teachers. membership drive with NAfME HQ for the be contacted with the next step in the process next few months and we would love to have and be guided and trained on the marketing like the AMEA Conference, the Elementary your help. Our goal is to increase membership messaging and calling/emailing scripts. At this Division Fall Conference, and the All-state and by 5% by February 1st. The campaign will have time, if you know of anyone who should be a Musical Performance Assessments. Joining a direct mail and email marketing component. member of AMEA/NAfME, and is not NAfME secures your membership in AMEA currently a member, forward their contact and in your division. As a current member, you know well the information to me at [email protected] . benefits of membership and would be an Volunteers are the lifeblood of AMEA and Register now for the 2016 AMEA conference excellent resource in helping us achieve this thank you for your consideration. I look online at www.alabamamea.org. You will find it goal. We have recently made a “Call for forward to the success in this campaign and I is easy and it will save you time and money. Volunteers” and have a terrific group of hope you will be part of our volunteers! Reunite with friends and colleagues from all volunteers ready to begin the work of growing over the state in January. Rejuvenate your our membership. It is not too late to volunteer! Remind your colleagues to join, include the new music energy and renew your enthusiasm for the rest Your specific involvement will be to teachers, invite the inactive music teachers and be of the school year! supplement the mail and email campaign by involved as a mentor to young music teachers. directly contacting a selection of non-members Renew your membership now at www.nafme.org. Membership in NAfME is required for participation in state MEA sponsored events Jane Kuehne, AMEA Research Chair ALABAMA MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION CALL FOR RESEARCH ABSTRACTS The Alabama Music Educators Association, SUBMIT PROPOSAL HERE: Deadline. Submissions must be received by Higher Education Division invites research http://amea-research.org 11:59 p.m. CST on Monday, November 16, poster submissions from all levels of music 2015 for full consideration. scholars and practitioners. Submissions may Conference Days and Location. The include completed and in-progress research AMEA conference will be Thursday, January Process for Review & Notification. All ab- studies involving any aspect of music (edu- 21, 2016 – Saturday, January 23, 2016 at the stracts will be peer-reviewed and authors will cation, therapy, history, psychology, per- Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Con- be notified of acceptance by email on Mon- formance, music in higher education, etc.). vention Center in Montgomery, Alabama. day, December 7, 2015. When accepted, at Research based on issues facing music edu- See http://www.alabamamea.org for more least one of the authors must register and at- cators, musicians, and music students in the information. tend the AMEA Conference to present the Southeastern United States are especially wel- poster. come, though this is not a requirement. Poster Session Day and Time. The poster session will be on Friday afternoon. Check Poster Dimensions. Posters should be pro- All submissions should meet the Code of the conference page of the AMEA website fessional in appearance and have poster di- Ethics found in the Journal of Research in Music for more information about the schedule. mensions of dimensions no larger than 36 Education. inches by 48 inches. Presenters are expected Proposal Submission. Interested re- to bring 15-20 copies of their research ab- Research presented at other conferences will searchers should submit a detailed abstract stract to the session. be considered. However, previously pub- of the research project (up to 1000 words) as lished work will not be accepted. a Word or PDF document through our on- More Information. Contact Dr. Jane line submission website: http://amea-re- Kuehne at Auburn University by phone at search.org. (334) 844-6852 or by email at [email protected]. 22 October/November 2015

AMEA 2016 Clinicians All-State Middle School Jazz Band Clinician Mr. David Allinder will be directing the middle school jazz band. Mr. Allinder is the band director at Shades Valley High School in Birmingham where his symphonic, marching, and jazz bands have received statewide and national acclaim. Mr. Allinder was previously the band director at Gresham Middle School in Birmingham where he had a tremendously successful program. He is an active bass player throughout the Birmingham area. He holds a bachelors and masters degree from the University of Alabama. David was a 2009 district finalist for state teacher of the year. He is a member of the Phi Beta Mu honorary band fraternity and the National Band Association. David currently resides in McCalla, Alabama with his wife Jennifer and their children, Tanner and Mackenzie. Brian Balmages is an active composer, conductor, producer, and performer. His fresh compositional ideas have resulted in a high demand for his wind, brass, and orchestral music throughout the world. He received his bachelor’s degree in music from James Madison University and his master’s degree from the University of Miami in Florida. Mr. Balmages’ compositions have been performed worldwide at conferences including the College Band Directors National and Regional Conferences, the Midwest Clinic, the International Tuba/Euphonium Conference, the International Trombone Festival, and the International Trumpet Guild Conference.. His music has been performed by members of leading orchestras including the St. Louis Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, National Symphony, and others. He has also had world premieres in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and performances at the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Day Parade and abroad. Currently, he is Director of Instrumental Publications for The FJH Music Company Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He resides in Baltimore with his wife, Lisa and their sons, Jacob and Collin. Dr. Jeffrey Benson is currently Director of Choral Activities at San José State University in San José, California. Previously, Dr. Benson served as Director of Choral Activities and Fine Arts Department Chair at H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program in Arlington, Virginia. The Washington Post hails his choirs for singing “with an exquisite blend, subtlety of phrasing, confident musicianship and fully supported tone…that would be the envy of some professional ensembles.\" Benson received his Masters degree and his Doctorate in Choral Conducting/Music Education from The Florida State University and his Bachelors degree in Music Education from New York University. Alabama Honor Choir Clinician Tucker Biddlecombe is associate professor and director of choral activities at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music, where he serves as conductor of the Vanderbilt Chorale and Symphonic Choir, and teaches courses in choral conducting. In addition, he serves as director of Blair's five-year bachelor of music/teacher education degree (Ma5) program offered in conjunction with the Peabody College of Education at Vanderbilt. Biddlecombe holds a Ph.D. in music education and M.Mus. in choral conducting from Florida State University, and a B.Mus. in vocal performance and music education from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. He is a native of Buffalo, N.Y., and resides in Nashville with his wife, Mary Biddlecombe, who is artistic director of the Blair Children’s Chorus program. George R. Boulden holds the rank of Associate Professor of Music and is the Associate Director of Bands at the University of Kentucky, where he serves as the conductor of the Symphony Band. Additionally, he teaches conducting, music technology, and supervises student teachers. Previously, he taught for nine years in the public schools of South Carolina and Florida, and was the recipient of the ASBDA-Stanbury Award as the outstanding young band director in Florida -and- the Southeastern region of the United States. In 2011, George was selected as the Kentucky Music Educators Association College/University Teacher of the Year. In February of 2014 George received the Outstanding Bandmaster Award from the Psi Chapter of Phi Beta Mu, international bandmasters fraternity. Active as an adjudicator for Bands of America, Drum Corps International, and Drum Corps Japan, George has also served as a clinician and guest conductor throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan. George also serves as editor of the Bluegrass Music News, the official journal of the Kentucky Music Educators Association. George resides in Richmond with his wife, Shelly, daughters, Jenna and Julianna, and sons, Bob and Jonah. ala breve All-State Show Choir Choreographer Kye Brackett is a native Floridian who, via Los Angeles, is currently residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, his self-proclaimed \"City of Dreams\". Throughout his 30 year career his many talents have taken his life into many areas of the entertainment field. As a singer/dancer Kye has been in Broadway, LA and West End productions of Five Guys Named Moe (for which he garnered a NAACP Image Award), Dreamgirls and Rent as well as the internationally acclaimed command performance for the Queen of England called, “Hey, Mr. Producer”. As a choreographer Kye has choreographed for The Miss America Pageant, Walt Disney World, The Muppets, and Holland America Cruise Lines. He also choreographed and starred in the musical revue “Could It Be Magic”, the Barry Manilow Songbook which played at The Mercury Theater in Chicago. Recently Kye toured with Manilow in his “Final Farewell” tour in which he served as both background vocalist and staging director. 23

AMEA 2016 Clinicians Joe Brennan is the director of the string program at Haverford Middle and High Schools, located in suburban Philadelphia; a position he has held for the past 29 years. He directs five orchestras at the secondary level and teaches general music at the Middle School. In addition to his teaching duties, Joe is the Music Department Co-Chair for the School District of Haverford Township. While at Haverford, Joe has brought many string chamber ensembles and orchestras to perform at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) annual state convention. In 2006, Joe was recognized by PMEA with the Citation of Excellence Award. The Haverford High School Orchestra has participated in a “Side-by-Side” rehearsal and performance with the Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as having represented the State of Pennsylvania by performing in America’s 400th Anniversary, a national event, with President Bush in attendance, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first permanent English settlement in the US, namely Jamestown. Joe lives in Hainesport, New Jersey with his wife and children and enjoys doing many DIY homeowner projects. Since being a kidney donor, Joe, has been an advocate for organ donor awareness. Jon Bubbett is in his 34th year of teaching, having served as band director at Thompson High School since 1993. The Thompson Wind Ensemble performed for the AMEA In-Service Conference in 2014 and the National Concert Band Festival in 2015. Bubbett is a five-time recipient of the NBA Citation of Excellence Award. The Thompson Wind Ensemble was awarded the NBA Programs of Excellence “Blue Ribbon” Award for 2014. Bubbett is the recipient of the Phi Beta Mu, Rho Chapter 2015 “Bandmaster of the Year” Award. He has served as panelist for both AMEA In-Service Conference and Midwest Clinic. Dr. Frank Buck served as a band director, principal and central office administrator during a career in education spanning almost 30 years. He was band director at Goodwyn Jr. High school and Pizitz Middle School. Both programs were recognized as \"Band of the Month\" in the United States by Bandribbons, Inc. Frank has been named to Who's Who in American Education, Outstanding Young Men of America, and has numerous honors in the field of music education, including the National Band Association Citation of Excellence. He holds degrees in music education and flute performance from Jacksonville State University, a Masters in music education from the University of Alabama, Educational Specialist degree from the University of Montevallo, and Doctorate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Currently, Frank provides sessions all over North America on organization and social media techniques made easy for music educators. Gene Butler is in his 6th year as Director of Bands at Trinity Presbyterian School in Montgomery, AL. Mr. Butler received his Bachelor of Music Education and Masters of Science in Music Education degrees from Troy University. Under his leadership the Trinity Band Program has grown from 39 students to over 80 students. At Trinity, Mr. Butler teaches 5th Grade Beginning Band, Middle School Beginning Band, Middle School Concert Band, Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and Music Technologies. Mr. Butler currently serves as the Vice-Chairman for ABA District VI and was awarded the Outstanding Young Music Educator of the Year for 2015 from AMEA. Randall Coleman is currently the Associate Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at the University of Alabama where he serves as the conductor of the Alabama Symphonic Band, the Associate Conductor of the Alabama Wind Ensemble, and the Co- Director of the Million Dollar Band. He also teaches graduate and undergraduate conducting and wind band literature classes. Additionally, Professor Coleman serves as Conductor and Artistic Director of the Alabama Winds, an all-adult community wind band based in Birmingham, Alabama. Prior to his appointment to the faculty at the University of Alabama, Mr. Coleman enjoyed a successful 25-year career as a high school band director and supervisor in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education at Jacksonville State University (AL), and the Masters of Music Education degree from Georgia State University (GA). Professor Coleman has served as a guest conductor of the Sabina Wind Orchestra in Rieti, Italy, and has presented a Rehearsal Lab clinic session at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. He has conducted All State and Regional Bands across the country, and has conducted the University of Alabama Million Dollar Band in performances at the Southeastern Conference Football Championships, and in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California and the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, where the Crimson Tide won the 2009, 2011 and 2012 BCS National Championship Games. All-State Silver Jazz Band Clinician Dr. Chip Crotts, a world-class jazz trumpet player, is the director of jazz studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia where he directs the jazz ensemble and assists with the marching band. He has worked with numerous groups (including several top 12 drum and bugle corps) and professional musicians throughout his career. Dr. Crotts holds degrees from East Carolina University, Penn State University and a doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin. 24 October/November 2015

AMEA 2016 Clinicians Jim Cude serves as Band/Fine Arts Director of Whitesburg High School in Whitesburg, Texas. His bands have consistently received the UIL Sweepstakes award and have advanced to the State Marching Contest in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2013. The band was a finalist in 2004 and 2013. In 2013 they were named the Class 2A State Marching Band Champions. Mr. Cude is active as a clinician and adjudicator both in Texas and in Oklahoma. He previously served as a member of the Executive Board as the 3A representative to the ATSSB and on the State Board of TMEA as Region 2 President. He is currently serving as President-Elect of the Association of Texas Small School Bands. He is a member of TMEA, ATSSB, TMAA and Phi Beta Mu. Dr. Ellary Draper is Assistant Professor of Music Therapy at The University of Alabama. Dr. Draper has worked as a music therapist with a variety of ages and populations and as an elementary general music teacher. Currently she serves as the Chair of Multicultural and Special Education Committee for the Alabama Music Educators Association. Her research is published in the Journal of Music Therapy, Journal of Research in Music Education, General Music Today, and Ala Breve. She holds degrees in music education and music therapy from Westminster Choir College, Florida State University, and The University of Texas at Austin. Beth A. Fabrizio holds a Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music in Clarinet Performance and a Masters of Music in Conducting, Education and Performance from Ithaca College. She has studied conducting with Rodney Winther and Dr. Donald Hunsberger and Clarinet with Michael Webster, Richard Waller, Stanley Hasty, William Osseck, Carmine Campione and performed in master classes with Richard Stoltzman. Ms. Fabrizio maintains a private clarinet studio with numerous students pursuing careers in music education, therapy, recording and performance. She herself performs as the principal clarinetist and personnel manager with The Greater Rochester Music Educators Wind Ensemble, and former Eb clarinet with The Perinton Concert Band. Beth is a freelance performer with operas, orchestras and musicals. Ms. Fabrizio is an active artist/ clinician for The D'adarrio Corporation. Denise Gagné is a music specialist with 35 years of experience teaching band, choir and classroom music from pre-school to university levels. She has degrees in music and education, as well as Level 3 training in both Kodály and Orff. Her choirs and bands have won many awards at Music Festivals and have performed for local and national sporting events, on national radio and even for the Queen. She has been a workshop presenter in every Canadian province and territory and more than 43 states. She presents regularly for Orff and Kodály chapters, music educators conferences and preschool and kindergarten conferences in Canada, the USA, Asia, Europe and Australia! Denise is currently the managing editor of Themes & Variations. Dr. Denise A. Gainey is Associate Professor of Clarinet and Instrumental Music Education and Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Music at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. A Backun Artist/ Clinican, Gainey is the Secretary of the International Clarinet Association, and is an active clinician and recitalist throughout the United States. Gainey has compiled and edited a collection of clarinet solos, Solos for Clarinet, published by Carl Fischer in 200. She received the BME from Florida State University, the MM in Clarinet Performance from The University of North Texas, and the DMA in Clarinet from The University of Kentucky. Andrew Gekoskie is The Music Director of the fully professional Winchester Orchestra and its new music ensemble The Orchestra X Project. With over 35 years of experience as a performing pianist and 27 years as a conductor, Gekoskie has conducted throughout the U.S. and has been recognized by colleagues, performers, international organizations, and leading professionals. Making his Carnegie Hall conducting debut in 2003, Gekoskie has conducted performances in many major venues in the U.S. and Europe. Other achievements include: Guest on National Public Radio's Desert Island Disks, published and featured in Music Industry Magazines, recognized with national awards including the Citation of Excellence, producer of professional and educational concerts with guest artists the Hartt Symphony Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, the University of Michigan Symphony Band, the Dennis DiBlasio Quartet, the Chris Vadala Quartet, and the Hartt Wind Symphony. A Pennsylvania native, Gekoskie is the founder and former Music Director of the Lehigh Valley Youth Wind Orchestra and former Assistant Conductor of the Sparta Symphony Orchestra in New Jersey. He has served as the Artistic Director, Resident Conductor, and Music Director for Campus International Music Festivals, held Artistic Director positions in Pennsylvania and Texas, and regularly guest conducts orchestras, and wind orchestras. Dr. John Ginocchio is the Director of Bands and Music Program Coordinator at Southwest Minnesota State University where he directs all the bands and teaches conducting and instrumental music education courses. Dr. Ginocchio holds Doctor of Arts and Master of Music degrees from Ball State University and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Indiana University. Prior to accepting the position at SMSU, he was a doctoral assistant director in the band department at Ball State University, and before that he was the Director of Instrumental Music for the Adams Central Community Schools in Monroe, Indiana, a position he held for ten years. ala breve 25

AMEA 2016 Clinicians Otto Gross is a cum laude graduate of Berklee College of Music with a degree in Music Education. He has taught General Music, Band, Chorus, Jazz Band, Percussion and private lessons in Massachusetts, Maryland and Tennessee. He has performed with artists including Bobby McFerrin & The Marsalis Brothers. Otto has toured internationally with EMI artists as a music director, pianist, bassist and drummer. Otto is currently a Training Representative and songwriter for QuaverMusic.com and has a passion to see children excited to learn about music! Alabama All-State Show Choir Clinician Paul Gulsvig taught vocal music for 33 years, and retired in 2006 from Onalaska High School in Onalaska, WI, where he taught for 28 of those 33 years. Paul’s desire to positively inspire all teachers and their students led him into a retirement career that he refers to as More Than Music. This career includes serving as retreat presenter, show doctor, motivational speaker, as well as conducting leadership and in-service workshops for school districts. He has assisted a wide variety of schools, including elementary, middle and high schools, college and graduate programs. Paul also serves as a show choir adjudicator and clinician, as well as All-State and Honor Choir clinician. His varied expertise and encouraging love of students and teachers has taken him to at least 30 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, California, as well as his home state of Wisconsin. He is most proud of his three children who have college degrees in music, two of which are choral conductors. In his spare time you will find Paul on the golf course, working out at the fitness center, or spending time with his grand twins, Hailey and Riley and their baby sister, Lily. Timothy Heath is a doctoral student in music education at The University of Alabama. He is graduate teaching assistant for the university bands and assists with undergraduate music education courses. He has taught in North Carolina at Spring Creek High School, EE Smith Middle School, and adjunct at the University of Mount Olive. Timothy holds degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Dr. Edward C. “Ted” Hoffman, III, is Assistant Professor of Music and Head of Music Education at the University of Montevallo, where he coordinates the undergraduate music education programs, teaches graduate coursework in the Master of Education program, directs tuba/euphonium studies, administers the summer Young Musicians’ Camp, and is faculty advisor to the University of Montevallo chapter of NAfME-Collegiate. He is a member of the Executive Governing Board of the Alabama Music Educators’ Association, State Advisor for AL-NAfME Collegiate, Chair of the Alabama Teacher Education Committee, and serves as the Alabama representative to the National Board of the NAfME Society for Music Education. Dr. Kelly Hollingsworth currently serves as the music specialist at Auburn Early Education Center and is in her sixteenth year teaching elementary music. She has also been an adjunct instructor at Southern Union State Community College and Troy University-Phenix City. Years after completing her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Mobile, Kelly earned her M.Ed. and Ph.D. from Auburn University. Her research interests include music literacy, early childhood music education, and teacher efficacy. She has presented posters of her research at AMEA. A longtime member of AMEA, Kelly has served as the hospitality chair and District V co-chair for the elementary/general division. Kelly has been Teacher of the Year at three Auburn City elementary schools, was the 2013-2014 Auburn City Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year, and a sweet sixteen finalist for the 2013-2014 Alabama Teacher of the Year. All-State Bronze Jazz Band Clinician Mr. Bryan Hooten, a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School in Birmingham, is director of bands at Collegiate High School in Richmond, Virginia. Previously on the faculty of Virginia Commonwealth University, Bryan taught the Jazz Ensemble II, jazz trombone, and theory. Mr. Hooten is a member of the nationally acclaimed group, No BS Brass Band, and he maintains an active schedule as a professional trombonist in Richmond, Virginia. He holds degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi and Virginia Commonwealth University. Gene Inglis, a graduate of Jacksonville State University, has completed his 42nd year teaching and his 12th year as Director of Bands at Saks High School in Anniston, Alabama. He retired as Director of Bands for Rome City Schools June 30, 2003, completing his 11th year at Rome High School, which was created in 1992. Prior to that, he was director for 12 years at West Rome High School and 6 years at West Rome Junior High School. His first position was at Scottsboro Junior High School in Scottsboro, Alabama. Gene received the national award; the “Legion of Honor” presented by the John Phillip Sousa Foundation and the National Band Association, and was recognized at the Midwest Band Clinic in Chicago, IL, December 2002. Inglis received the “Citation of Excellence” presented by the National Band Association in 2007 and was listed as the Alabama recipient for the “50 Directors Making a Difference” in Band and Orchestra Magazine. Gene is married to the former Shenley Back of Gadsden, Alabama. They have three children, Tony, Allison Brown, & Gena Inglis Nix; and four grandchildren, Taylor and Emma Nix, T.J. Brown, and Claire Inglis. 26 October/November 2015



For 29 years, Boston Brass has set AMEA 2016 Featured Performers and Speakers out to establish a one-of-a-kind musical experience. From exciting Boston Brass classical arrangements, to burning jazz standards, and the best of the original brass quintet repertoire, Boston Brass treats audiences to a unique brand of entertainment, which captivates all ages. The ensemble's lively repartee, touched with humor and personality, attempts to bridge the ocean of classical formality to delight audiences in an evening of great music and boisterous fun. The philosophy of Boston Brass is to provide audiences with a wide selection of musical styles in unique arrangements, provided in a friendly and fun atmosphere. Through over 100 performances each year, the members of Boston Brass play to audiences at concerts, educational venues and jazz festivals. In addition to solo performances, Boston Brass regularly performs with orchestras, bands, organ, jazz bands and a variety of other ensembles. They have performed in 49 states and 30 countries and have conducted master classes around the world including sessions and residencies at the Eastman School of Music, The Julliard School, Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, Peabody Conservatory of Music, University of North Texas, Royal Academy of Music in London, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory at the National University of Singapore and Mahidol University in Bangkok. Dr. Maribeth Yoder-White has taught choral and general music education in Pre-K through university settings at public and private institutions. She has a distinguished record as a choral clinician and has conducted state and regional elementary, middle, and high school honors choruses throughout the country. The North Carolina American Choral Directors Association awarded Yoder-White the Lara Hoggard Award for distinguished service in choral music in North Carolina. An active educational consultant, Yoder-White presents professional development for teachers through workshops, demonstration lessons, and arts-integrated curriculum design. Dr. Yoder-White is a recognized Orff-Schulwerk specialist who teaches Orff-Schulwerk teacher education courses and presents professional development sessions for school districts and at state, regional, national, and international conferences. Dr. Yoder-White has served in leadership with many professional organizations including serving as President of the Southern Division of the National Association for Music Education, President of the North Carolina Music Educators Association, and President of the North Carolina American Choral Directors Association. Christopher Woodside returned to the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) in August of 2010 to assume the position of Assistant Executive Director heading the association’s Center for Advocacy and Constituency Engagement. In his current capacity, Christopher manages NAfME’s advocacy staff, directs, controls and oversees all issues with relation to the development and implementation of the association’s large-scale advocacy and public affairs agendas, serves as NAfME’s primary lobbying presence on Capitol Hill, and facilitates music education’s newest collaborative advocacy venture: The Music Education Policy Roundtable. Previously, Christopher served as the Policy Coordinator for The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, in his first tenure with MENC, as the Director of Government Relations and Outreach, and as a Legislative aide to Representative Chris Van Hollen from Maryland’s 8th district. Christopher received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Miami University. Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser began his teaching career at Northern Michigan University. He then moved to the University of Missouri, and from there to New Mexico State University. During that time, Tim developed highly acclaimed groups in both instrumental and vocal music. In 1981, Tim created Attitude Concepts for Today, Inc., an organization designed to manage the many requests for teacher inservice workshops, student leadership seminars, and convention speaking engagements focusing on the area of effective leadership training. After thirty-plus years of clinic presentations, some three million students have experienced one of his popular sessions. Tim presently serves as Vice President of Education for Conn-Selmer, Inc. He is a nationally recognized voice touting the importance of arts education for every child. His books, produced by G.I.A. Publications, Inc., continue to be bestsellers in the educational community. He is also co-author of popular band method, Essential Elements, as well as the Senior Educational Consultant for Hal Leonard, Inc. Tim is also the Senior Educational Advisor for Music for All, and NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants). He holds degrees from Ball State University and the University of Alabama. He is presently the Chair of the National Association for Music Education Music Honor Society (Tri-M). 28 October/November 2015

AMEA 2016 Clinicians Stuart Ivey is serving in his second year as Director of Bands at Huntsville High School. Mr. Ivey was born and raised in Huntsville and is a graduate of Grissom High School. He received a Bachelor of Music Education from Auburn University and a Master of Music in Trombone Performance from the University of Missouri in Columbia. Mr. Ivey began his teaching career as the Associate Director of Bands at Baldwin County High School in Bay Minette, AL, where he also taught 7th and 8th grade. He also served as Director of Bands at Vinemont High School and Middle School for one year, where he taught grades 6-12. Throughout his teaching tenure, Mr. Ivey's bands have received consistent Superior ratings in both marching and concert settings. Mr. Ivey has been involved with many other teaching opportunities, including the Macy's Great American Marching Band, Auburn Marching Leadership Camp, and Camp Fasola, a shape note singing camp for all ages. He has also taught private lessons on all brass instruments as well as drum major lessons. Stuart and his wife, Courtney, reside in Madison, AL, and are expecting their first child in August! Gail Kopetz joined the music department at Mississippi State University in 2014 where she directs the Women’s Chorale, supervises student teachers, and teaches piano. Prior to joining the faculty at MSU, Mrs. Kopetz directed the Women’s Chorus at Capital University and served as Choral Director and Music Coordinator at Columbus School for Girls (OH). Mrs. Kopetz holds a Bachelor in Music Education from The Ohio State University, a Master of Music from The University of Utah, Orff-Schulwerk certification (I- post Level III), and administrative licensure. She has served on the AOSA board of trustees, has been a Levels instructor, has spent many years teaching music K-12 in both pubic and private institutions, and provided both undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation instruction at the following institutions: Furman University, Utah State University, and the University of Utah. She has been active as a presenter and clinician with professional invitations from many organizations including: OMEA, UMEA, OAIS, Midwest Kodály Conference, and AOSA. Anna Kozlowski has worked in the Educator Preparation section of the Alabama State Department of Education since 2006 and leads the effort to revise the program review process. She has also served on review teams for the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP). Dr. Jane M. Kuehne, Associate Professor of Music Education at Auburn University, teaches undergraduate and graduate music education courses, coordinates/supervises labs and internships, supervises graduate research, and is academic advisor for undergraduate and graduate music education students. She earned bachelors and masters degrees from the UT San Antonio, where she was named Outstanding Alumna in music in 2009, and a Ph.D. from FSU. In 2008, she established the Beethoven & Me project, for which she received the 2010 Robby D. Gunstream Award from the College Music Society. Her main research interests are sight-singing and teaching music with at-risk/disadvantaged students. Dr. Kuehne’s research and writing has been published in Journal of Research in Music Education, Update: Applications of Research in Music Education, Southern Music Education Journal, Journal of Technology in Music Learning, Ala Breve, Mississippi Music News, New Jersey Tempo, and others. Current research projects include analysis of undergraduate music education students' attitudes when teaching at-risk high school students for which she currently has a paper under review. Mildred Lanier received her Music and Business education in the United States and Europe. She holds a B.A. degree from Samford University, a Masters Degree in Music from The University of Oklahoma, and a Masters in Public and Private Management from Birmingham-Southern College. She has studied at the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, and the E.M. Lyon Business School in Lyon, France. Because of her education, Ms. Lanier has been blessed with many wonderful opportunities to use her education and her talents. As an Instructor at Jefferson State Community College, Ms. Lanier has taught 8 years in the Business and Information Systems Department and was honored in 2010 by the Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System with the Alabama Community College System Award of Excellence. Because of her broad academic credentials and degrees, Ms. Lanier was recently selected to become the full-time Music Instructor for the Shelby-Hoover. She continues to teach Management and Marketing in the Business Department. Chosen by her peers, she is the newly elected member of the Planning Council for the Shelby-Hoover campus for Jefferson State. Dr. Marvin E. Latimer, Jr. is Associate Professor of Choral Music Education, Chair of the Music Education Department, and Assistant Director of the School of Music at the University of Alabama. He has published research in numerous journals and is a frequent presenter at state, national, and international music conferences and symposia. Dr. Latimer is President of the Alabama Choral Directors Association and Chair of the Organizational History Subcommittee of the ACDA Research and Publications Committee. Andy Meadows is the Arts Education Specialist in the Instructional Services division under the Office of Teaching and Learning at the Alabama State Department of Education. This position includes the responsibility for coordinating and implementing fine arts education programs and curriculum in all disciplines as well as staff duties and responsibilities. He is a native of Alabama where he received his undergraduate degree at Huntingdon College and his Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Alabama. He has served as a visual arts educator and fines arts administrator for the past 20 years. Andy has exhibited his work in national and international shows and his work has been collected by museums and private collectors. ala breve 29

AMEA 2016 Clinicians Soon Hee Newbold was born in Seoul, Korea and adopted as an infant by the Newbold family. She spent her childhood, along with two sisters, in Frederick, Maryland. Soon Hee began playing piano at age five and violin at age seven. As a soloist and in professional orchestras throughout the world, Ms. Newbold has appeared in venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap, Disney World, Aspen, and Tanglewood and in countries like Scotland, England, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. Ms. Newbold received her Bachelor of Music degree from James Madison University where she concentrated on film scoring, orchestration, and audio production. As an actress, Soon Hee expanded her experiences to film and television. She got her first break in the film, “The Waterboy,” starring Adam Sandler, and first television role in the family comedy, “Camp Tanglefoot.” Sadly, Ms. Newbold’s mother was diagnosed with Huntington's disease, a terminal, devastating genetic neurological illness for which there is little treatment and no cure. Soon Hee wrote the popular song “Endless Dreams,” and dedicated it to those affected by Huntington’s to spread awareness and hope. Published through the FJH Music Company, Soon Hee’s compositions can be heard around the world in film, orchestras, and other performing groups. Outside of work, Ms. Newbold enjoys martial arts and weapons training and has black belts in Taekwondo, Hapkido, and Kigumdo. Caroline Nordlund is a lecturer at Samford University where she teaches string methods, instrumental pedagogy, and plays in the Samford University Faculty String Quartet. She is also Coordinator of Strings of the Samford University Music Academy. Caroline teaches violin at the Alabama School of Fine Arts and serves as the President for the Alabama chapter of the American String Teachers Association. Caroline earned a Master of Music in violin performance and pedagogy from Northwestern University as a student of Gerardo Ribeiro. At Northwestern, she was awarded the Richard and Helen Thomas Fellowship while a graduate assistant to Stacia Spencer and Dr. James Kjelland. Caroline is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, American String Teachers Association and Music Teachers National Association. Originally from South Carolina, she graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Music in violin performance. Bruce Pearson grew up in Bloomington, Minnesota. He has taught at the elementary, junior high, high school and college levels for over 40 years. In December of 1998, Dr. Pearson was awarded the prestigious Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor in recognition of his outstanding contributions to music education. In 2007, he was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni award at St. Cloud State University. Also in 2007, he was recognized as the first Patron for the Maryborough Conference in Queensland, Australia. Dr. Pearson continues to serve as a guest lecturer, clinician, and conductor in addition to his work as a composer, arranger, and author. Scott L. Phillips is Associate Professor of Music Technology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He frequently makes scholarly presentations, leads panels and reading academic papers at top music, education, and technology conferences. His book Beyond Sound: The College and Career Guide in Music Technology was released in 2013 and has sold around the world. He is a former middle school and high school music teacher, and is often called upon by major music technology companies to serve as a trainer, clinician, and consultant in schools, churches, theaters, and recording studios. David Pryor has been teaching for 26 years. He is a graduate of Loyola University. He has taught in Louisiana, Missouri and Alabama. He is Director of Instrumental Music/ Music Department Chairman at Faith Academy in Mobile. He is on Staff of Mobile Singing Children. He is a member of ABA, AMEA, NAfMe, NBA, AISBA and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He has served as ABA District 7 Chairman and is presently District 7 Vice-Chairman. He was awarded the “Citation of Honor” in 2005 and in 2015 from the NBA and awarded Faith Academy “Teacher of the Year” in 1998. He was honored by the “Fiesta-val” Invitational Music Festival in Atlanta, GA with the “Award of Distinction” in April 2013. Phillip Riggs is currently a music instructor at the North Carolina School of Science and Math in Durham, NC. Phillip is a recipient of the Exceptional Contribution in Outreach Award presented each year by the University Of North Carolina Board Of Governors for his work with music education programs throughout North Carolina. Prior to joining the NCSSM faculty, he was the first band director and fine arts chair at Ronald Reagan High School in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System. Before assuming that position, Mr. Riggs taught in Davidson County for sixteen years. Twelve of those years were with the Ledford Bands. During his tenure, the Ledford Middle and High School Bands and High School Choirs under his direction received numerous Superior Ratings at the state concert festival (MPA). He received his undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University and his master’s degree from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Mr. Riggs is a Past President of the North Carolina Band Directors Association. Roger Sams retired from the music classroom in 2013 after 31 years of teaching music in public and private schools. He has served as adjunct faculty, teaching methods courses and supervising student teachers at Cleveland State University and has been on the faculty in teacher education programs at the University of St. Thomas, Cleveland State University, Akron University, the University of Montana, University of Missouri-St. Louis, and other venues throughout the US. Roger is a regular presenter at state, regional, and national conferences, has served on the AOSA National Board of Trustees, and has worked with teachers in Canada, China, Indonesia and India. He currently serves as Director of Publications and Music Education Consultant at Music is Elementary (www.MusicIsElementary.com). Trained in Gestalt therapy, Roger is interested in the power of choice in the artistic process, teaching, and life. He is the co-author of “Purposeful Pathways: Possibilities for the Elementary Music Classroom” with Beth Ann Hepburn. He has published works for children’s choirs in the “Crooked River Choral Project” series and a collection of rounds and partner songs entitled, “A Round My Heart.” 30 October/November 2015

AMEA 2016 Clinicians Jeanette Shorey has been a general music teacher and choir director for 17 years. She has also directed the Florida Singing Sons. Jeanette currently teaches at Oak Mountain Intermediate School and Shelby Elementary School. Jeanette earned her undergraduate degree at The University of Florida and has also earned a Masters degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Literacy. Jeanette is a National Board Certified teacher and integrates literacy skills into every lesson. Charles G. “Skip” Snead serves as Director of the Music School and Professor of Horn at the University of Alabama. He has performed internationally as a soloist and chamber musician and is a founding member of the widely acclaimed TransAtlantic Horn Quartet. He has solo recordings available on the Centaur and MSR Classics Labels, and serves on the Board of Advisors for The International Horn Competition of America. He also serves as an on-site accreditation evaluator for NASM. He has performed with many orchestras throughout his career and has been principal horn in the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra for 27 years. All-State Gold Jazz Band Clinician Mike Steinel is a jazz trumpeter, pianist, composer and arranger. He is presently Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas where he teaches jazz improvisation, Jazz Artist in Residence at Bethel College and was on the faculty of Northern Illinois University. Internationally recognized as a jazz educator Mike is the author of Building a Jazz Vocabulary and Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble both published by Hal Leonard Music Corporation. Mike is an active clinician and guest artist and has performed throughout the US, Canada and in Europe. He has performed as soloist at the MENC and IAJE national conventions and at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. His playing experience includes work with Clark Terry, Don Ellis, Bill Evans, Jerry Bergonzi and recordings with the Chicago Jazz Quintet and the Frank Mantooth Big Band. Honors received include an Illinois Arts Council Chairman's Grant and a jazz fellowship grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Mr. Steinel has served as Co-Chair of the Jazz Advisory Panel for the National Endowment for the Arts and holds a BME degree from Emporia State University and a MME degree from the University Daniel Stevens currently serves at the University of North Alabama as an Associate Professor of Music / Conductor of the Shoals Symphony Orchestra, and Director of the Peery Center for Orchestral Studies. His roles include conductor and artistic director of the Shoals Symphony Orchestra and teacher of applied violin/viola. As a conductor, he has been the guest clinician/adjudicator for the Kansas Music Educators Association Large Ensemble and Solo & Ensemble contests, at the Northeast Oklahoma All-District Honors Orchestra, and the Tulsa Metro Honors Orchestra. He had served on the faculty of Southwestern College (Winfield, KS) for eight years as the Mazie Barnet Kilmer Chair for String Education and conductor of the South Kansas Symphony. He has also served as Visiting Professor at the University of Tulsa as conductor of the University Orchestra. Daniel is regularly invited to clinic/present at universities, recently including the Georgia Institute of Technology, Florida Southern College, Northern Arizona University, the University of Tulsa, and Idaho State University. Daniel wishes to thank Anton Krutz, Misha Krutz, and KC Strings Violin Shop for their generous support of sponsorship. Daniel’s violin and viola are premiere custom instruments made by Anton Krutz and family. Gary Stith has authored numerous articles and penned chapters in The Drum and Percussion Cookbook published by Meredith, the Conductors Anthology published by The Instrumentalist, and served as Contributing Editor for a recent compilation entitled Classic Beginning Solos for the Complete Percussionist published by Kendor. He is active percussion adjudicator and has played with the American Wind Symphony Orchestra and the Columbus Symphony. He is currently Professor/Conductor Emeritus and former Coordinator of Music Education at the Greatbatch School of Music, Houghton College in Houghton, NY, where he was the recipient of the 2010-11 Excellence in Teaching Award. Gary is also the author of Score & Rehearsal Preparation: A Realistic Approach for Instrumental Conductors published by Meredith Music Publication. Tiffani Stricklin has taught elementary music for 13 years at Greenwood Elementary and Minor Community Schools in Jefferson County, Alabama. She graduated in 2002 from the University of Montevallo with a Bachelor’s of Music Education. In 2015, she graduated with a Master’s of English as a Second Language from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher. She has served in many positions on the board of the Alabama Chapter of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association. She is currently a District Chairperson for the Elementary Division of the Alabama Music Educators Association. Dr. Matthew D. Talbert is currently Assistant Professor of Music Education/Music at Berea College, in Berea, KY, where his duties include overseeing the Music Education program, directing the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble, and teaching applied lessons. Prior to his appointment at Berea, Talbert was a band director in the public schools of North Carolina. Dr. Talbert is a member of NAfME, the Kentucky Music Educators Association, the National Band Association, and Pi Kappa Lambda. Dr. Talbert earned Music Education degrees from Appalachian State University, and a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of South Carolina. ala breve 31

AMEA 2016 Clinicians Becky Rodgers Warren is currently an associate band director at Mandan Middle School. Her duties include recruiting for beginning band, coordinating the 6th grade band program, and director of the Marching Braves. Mrs. Warren's clinic presentations include AMEA, NDMEA, SDMEA, and Midwest. She served two terms on the Board of the ABA and was President-elect. She served as President of AMEA and founded FAME. She is a member of NAfME, NBA, and Phi Beta Mu-having served a two year term as the President of the North Dakota Chapter. She has also served on the Board of NDMEA. Ben Watson has been employed for the Dale County Board Of Education for the past six years. He currently teaches general music kindergarten through sixth grade. At the High school level he is in his second year of teaching guitar. Mr. Watson is 1987 graduate of Susan Moore High School in Blount County Alabama 15 miles north of Oneonta which is 45 miles north of Birmingham. He received his bachelor’s degree (1994) and Masters of Music Education (2001) from Jacksonville State University. Mr. Watson has served as a Music Educator for seventeen years and currently resides in Enterprise, AL, and has been married to his high school sweetheart Shelia Wilemon Watson for over 28 years. Conrad Weber lives in Bratt, Florida with his wife, Leslie, and their three children. He studied piano performance at the University of West Florida, and completed his Master’s Degree with Eugene Pridonoff at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. During college, he vowed he would never get into music education, and years later in 2008 he began his teaching career in Atmore, AL, where he was hired to start a piano lab. He re-started the choir program several years later, and continues teaching at Escambia County Middle and High Schools in Atmore with 140 students in the choir program. Dr. Susan Williams, soprano, is Assistant Professor of Voice at the University of Alabama. In March 2015, she traveled to Havana, Cuba to teach and research at the Instituto Superior de Arte. In December and January of 2014-15, she traveled to Kolkata, India to perform concerts at the Oberoi Grand Ballroom, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the U.S. Consulate, Kolkata. She is a RYT 200 certified yoga instructor, and her scholarly interests include using body movement systems and the use of virtual anatomy to enhance student learning in the studio. Dr. Williams received her DMA from the Cleveland Institute of Music. Joshua Wine is currently the Director of Bands at Auburn Junior High School in Auburn, AL, where he directs and oversees three concert bands, percussion ensemble, jazz band, music study club, and teaches music appreciation. Furthermore, Mr. Wine assists with instruction of the marching band at Auburn High School. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Wine was recently appointed Director of the Summer Band Camps at Auburn University sponsored by the National Band Association. A native of Wetumpka, Mr. Wine attended Troy University in Troy, Alabama, where he served as a section leader and drum major for the renowned “Sound of the South” Marching Band. While at Troy, Mr. Wine studied conducting with Dr. Mark Walker, trumpet with Dr. James Zingara and Dr. Mike Huff, and Voice with Dr. Diane Orlofsky and Albert R. Lee. Dr. Anne C. Witt is a Music Education faculty member at the University of Alabama. She taught middle school and high school orchestra for fourteen years in Austin, Texas, and played cello in the Austin Symphony. In 2005, she founded the string program in the Tuscaloosa City Schools. Dr. Witt is known for “student tested” presentations for teachers, and her book A Rhythm a Week is widely used by orchestra and band directors. Leadership roles include being President of the American String Teachers Association and President of the Texas Orchestra Directors Association. She earned degrees at the University of Alabama and the University of Texas. Dr. James Zingara is currently Assistant Professor of Trumpet at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where his responsibilities include applied trumpet and brass methods, brass ensembles, performing with the UAB Faculty Brass Quintet and coordinating the annual UAB Brass Symposium. He has performed in 34 states as well as England, Latvia, Germany, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Singapore and China. From 1989-1996 he served as principal cornet/trumpet soloist with the US Air Force Heritage of America Band. Dr. Zingara currently represents Conn-Selmer as a Bach Trumpet Artist and also serves as a trumpet faculty member at Blue Lake International Fine Arts Camp. 32 October/November 2015

AMEA 2016 Performing Groups The Alabama Wind Ensemble is a select group of the finest wind players and percussionists from within the University Band Program and the School of music. The ensemble has been invited to perform at prestigious events such as the College Band Directors National Association Convention, the Southern Division of the Music Educators’ National Conference and the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference. The Alabama Wind Ensemble has commissioned and premiered works by noted composers such as Donald Grantham, Nigel Clarke, and Richard Saucedo. The Auburn Junior High Mixed Choir is comprised of students from the three mixed choirs of the AJHS choral program. These students have been a part of recent AMEA lobby group performances and regularly participate in the Fall Choral Festival in Dothan, Alabama All-State Chorus and various state and national choral assessments. All AJHS choral students set goals to earn superior scores and top three placements in all choral ventures – having recently earned first in division at the Fall Choral Festival, superiors with distinction at state choral performance assessments, and caption awards such as best vocals. This year, these students will produce their triennial “Merry Madrigals.” The Boaz Intermediate School Honor Choir was formed in 2006. It is an auditioned group of fourth and fifth grade students which rehearse once a week after school. This choir presents an annual Christmas and Spring Concert as well as performs at various local events throughout the school year. They have performed in conjunction with the Gerhart Chamber Music Festival since 2007. The Honor Choir performed at the 2012 AMEA Conference. The group currently has 100 members and is under the direction of Miriam Richey. The Birmingham Seven (B7) is a straight-ahead jazz septet (four horns and three rhythm) patterned after the small groups of the hard-bop era led by Chris Kozak and co-led by Daniel Western. Comprised of some of the finest and most sought after jazz performers in the region as well as current faculty and alumni of the University of Alabama, their live repertoire consists of transcriptions and adaptations from iconic recordings by artists such as Duke Ellington, Oliver Nelson, Gigi Gryce, Sun Ra, and Lee Morgan as well as original arrangements and compositions by Chris Kozak, Daniel Western, Tom Robinson, and Tom Wolfe. While following the trajectory and tradition of hard bop ensembles, there is an air of uniqueness in the flexibility of the performers to improvise in a variety of styles. The B7 has a familial quality as the personnel has remained unchanged since its inception in 2006 and that is evident in their live and recorded performances. The Crimson Jazz Quaret is a Professional Contemporary Jazz Quartet featuring the Jazz Studies Faculty from the University of Alabama and was formed in 2005. They are Professor of Jazz Studies Tom Wolfe on Guitar, Professor of Saxophone/Woodwind Area Coordintor/ Jazz Studies Dr. Jonathan Noffsinger on Saxophones, Professor and Director of Jazz Studies Christopher Kozak on Double and Electric Bass, and Instructor of Drum Set/Jazz Studies Mark Lanter on Drum Set. The repertoire of the group ranges from traditional Jazz Standards to more contemporary arrangemenst of popular music as well as original compositions. They have been featured nationally and internationally at Jazz festivals in the Southeast and around the world. They are currently in the studio recording their sophomore effort to be released in Spring of 2016. The Faith Academy Choral Program is a member of the AVA and the AISA. With Elementary, Junior, Senior, and Chamber Choirs, the Choral Program has a total number of 127 members. In 2015, 27 members of the Junior and Senior Concert Choir participated in the Alabama All-State Choir. All choirs received superior ratings at AISA with the Senior Concert Choir and Chamber Singers receiving superior ratings at the AVA State Choral Performance Assessment as well as the Fiesta-Val Invitational Festival in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. ala breve 33

AMEA 2016 Performing Groups The Symphonic Band II from Grissom High School is made up of students enrolled in grades 9 - 12. About 60% of the band is 9th and 10th graders. They are selected to be a member by audition and meet every day for 50 minutes. They have two after school rehearsals during concert season for 2 hours each. The band presents four concerts a year at the school; a Fall Concert, a Christmas Concert, a Symphonic Band Camp Concert, and a Spring Concert. This ensemble consistently performs grade 5 and some grade 6 literature. In 1994, the Symphonic Band II was selected by audition as one of fifteen bands to perform at the 3rd Annual Bands of America National Concert Band Festival in Chicago, Illinois. Grissom was the first high school to have 2 bands invited to perform at this prestigious festival. The band recently participated in the Dixie Classic National Adjudicators Invitational Festival in Chattanooga, TN. Bands are invited to this festival based upon their previous years of superior ratings at their state’s MPA. This year the band received all superior ratings and were awarded the only flute and trumpet soloist awards of the day. The percussion section received the only outstanding percussion section award of the day. The Symphonic Band II has rarely received less than an overall superior rating in any adjudication. In recent years at the state’s Music Performance Assessment the band has received superior ratings with distinction. It is an honor to have been selected to perform at the 2016 Alabama Music Educators Association’s Conference! James Clemens High School opened in August of 2012. In its first year, the JCHS Marching Band fielded 87 members, earning superior ratings at all marching competitions as well as Best in Class Band and Best in Class Percussion awards. The following Spring, the Symphonic Band earned Superiors with Distinction at State Music Performance Assessment, performing an A class program. The Symphonic Band also competed in Atlanta, GA, receiving a superior rating, outstanding brass, and outstanding woodwind awards. In its second year, the band grew to almost 130 members in the marching band, and was able to divide into a Wind Ensemble and Concert Band in the spring of 2014. Performing a class A program, the Wind Ensemble received Superiors with Distinction, and was the only band in the Madison City School system to earn this rating. In the fall of 2014, the marching band grew to almost 160 members and continued its reputation of superior ratings and Best in Class Awards. In the spring of 2015, the band performed a class AA program, receiving straight superior ratings, and once again was the only band program in the system to do so. The Wind Ensemble also competed in St. Louis, MO and received a superior rating and the Outstanding Instrumental award, given to the highest scoring instrumental ensemble at the event, regardless of class. The James Clemens High School Wind Ensemble strives to “Be the Example” in all areas. From programming quality literature to performing that literature with excellence, the ensemble’s goal is to be a standard bearer for music education. The Kitty Stone Singers elementary choir, under the direction of Lisa Gillespie and Cheryl Wight, consists of fourth through sixth grade students who meet once a week after school. The ensemble has been a fixture in the Jacksonville City School system throughout the school’s history. The choir maintains a membership enrollment of 60-80 singers yearly. The Kitty Stone Singers perform in a variety of community events including the Jacksonville State University Honor Choir Festival, the annual Lighting of the Jacksonville Christmas Tree and the JSU David L. Walters Department of Music holiday program. The choir enjoys performing both traditional repertoire as well as show choir style musicals. The Jacket Singers are McAdory Middle School’s top female choral students. This group represents their school at various functions, including concerts, fine arts galas, pep rallies, festivals, and various community events. The Jacket Singers routinely receive superior ratings on stage and in sight-reading at adjudicated performance assessments, earning the Alabama Vocal Association’s Distinguished Musicianship Award in 2015. Founded in 1977, Mobile’s Singing Children (“MSC”) has been the premier youth chorus on the northern Gulf Coast. Performing choral music of the highest quality drives our children and teens toward excellence in song, spirit and studies. Organized into four age and skill appropriate ensembles, MSC provides opportunities for a diverse group of dedicated music students. Headquartered in Mobile Al, students are drawn to the program from many locations within a 60-mile radius. “MSC” performs regularly with Mobile Opera and Mobile Symphony Orchestra. Over its 39 year history, MSC has performed in hundreds of venues including the White House, Governor’s mansion, Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, and appeared on National Public Radio’s “From the Top”. Our performances for the 2015 -16 season include Veterans Day with Mobile Pops Band, Governor’s mansion, Annual Christmas Concert at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Mobile, and a spring performance with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra. We are honored to be a part of the 2016 AMEA Conference. 34 October/November 2015

AMEA 2016 Performing Groups The Oak Mountain Wind Ensemble is made up of fifty-nine ninth through twelfth grade students at Oak Mountain High School. Membership in the band is determined by individual audition. Since the school’s inception, the ensemble has continued to push the boundaries of high school musicianship by performing literature in the advanced realm of the wind band repertoire. Students in this ensemble regularly pursue roles in the Alabama All-State Bands and Orchestras. From 1999 to 2012, the ensemble was under the direction of Jim Duren. Now, under the direction of Kevin Ownby, the OMHS Wind Ensemble has continued a tradition of excellence by never receiving a score less than superior at any adjudicated competition or assessment. Recent accomplishments include, performing at the 2014 CBDNA Southern Division Conference in Jacksonville Florida, 2014 GNAI Honor Band Recipient, and a 2015 performance in New York’s Carnegie Hall. The Oak Mountain Middle School Advanced Symphonic Band is the premiere ensemble for the Oak Mountain Middle School band program. This is an auditioned group of 7th and 8th graders. The Advanced Symphonic band performs at pep rallies, home football games, assemblies, the Fall Concert, the Holiday Concert, the Pre- MPA concert, MPA, and the Spring Concert. This group consistently receives Superior ratings at the state and national level. Advanced Symphonic Band students are strongly urged to participate in the Solo and Ensemble festival, various honor bands and to audition for the Alabama Middle School All-State Band. Oak Park Middle School Choir, UNITY, is under the direction of Stacy Owens, who has been teaching for twenty years. Unity is an auditioned group, which meets daily and participates in Alabama All-State Chorus, State Choral Performance Assessment, as well as concerts during both semesters. The Oak Park Choral program has four choirs: Beginning Girls’ Choir, Treble Choir, Phoenix, and Unity. Each of the various choral groups is consistently awarded superior ratings in the assessment process. The Randolph Upper School Concert Choir is the non-auditioned, elective choral ensemble of Randolph School’s Upper Division (grades 9-12). Since 2011, the Upper School Concert Choir has grown from an enrollment of 16 singers to 35 at the conclusion of the 2014-2015 school year. Visibility in the greater Huntsville community has increased with such initiatives as concert collaborations with the choirs of the University of Alabama Huntsville in 2013, and the Huntsville Youth Orchestra in 2015. Singers in the Randolph Upper School Concert Choir are routinely accepted into the Madison County Honor Choir Festival, the Alabama Honor Choir, and the Alabama All-State Choir Festival. Since 2011—the ensemble’s first participation in many years—the Randolph Upper School Concert Choir has garnered 2 overall Excellent and 2 overall Superior ratings (including Superior ratings, every year, in Sight-Reading) at State Choral Performance Assessment. Since their founding in the fall of 2008, the Randolph School Middle School Percussion Ensembles have been a staple of the instrumental music program. This program serves to enrich the student experience in band through the performance of chamber ensemble literature. The ensemble consists of three groups- the 6th Grade Percussion Ensemble, the Middle School Percussion Ensemble, and the MS Honors Ensemble. These ensembles regularly perform at campus concerts and assemblies. In addition, this ensemble has had numerous showings at the North Alabama Percussion Ensemble Festival. The Shoals Symphony at UNA is a partnership organization under the auspices of the University of North Alabama and supported by the Shoals Symphony Association. The Association is funded by the generosity of individual and corporate sponsors, contributions by alumni and friends, grants, and ticket sales. The Symphony encompasses the perfect balance of UNA faculty and rising students (majors and non-majors), as well as area professional musicians. Dedicated, enthusiastic musicians are selected by open audition. The Shoals Symphony at UNA began as a group of local players wanting to make music together. It has grown and evolved into a semi-professional regional orchestra and is recognized as such by the Alabama State Council on the Arts. We invite you to enjoy this year’s performances as we welcome Dr. Daniel Stevens to the podium for the Symphony’s 33rd season. ala breve 35

AMEA 2016 Performing Groups UAB Concert Choir is the select choral ensemble at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Most recently, the choir competed in the 2014 Interkultur 8th World Choir Games in Riga, Latvia, winning a gold and two silver medals in three categories (Youth Mixed, Musica sacra with accompaniment, and Spiritual). The choir’s first CD project, “Unceasing Love,” is available at digital outlets including iTunes and Amazon, and via the department’s online store. Additional activities include a World Premiere performance of Glenn McClure’s Voices of Freedom, a work commemorating the anniversaries of the Civil Rights movement and the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 2013, and K. Lee Scott’s Gloria for MorningStar Publications in 2012. The choir tours annually, and has given concerts in Philadelphia, PA, Knoxville, TN, Greenville, SC, and Virginia Beach, VA, and at the AMEA In-Service Conference in 2012. The choir has built a strong reputation of choral excellence, and has performed at past conferences of the American Choral Directors Association(ACDA), and in international choral competitions, including the Fleischman International Trophy Competition in Cork, Ireland and the 34th annual Florlilege Vocal de Tours in Tours, France. UNA Chamber Choir - An elite group of singers, this ensemble appears on and off campus at events such as the Renaissance Faire in Florence, on tour with the UNA Collegiate Singers, in collaboration with other groups such as the UAH Concert Choir and Huntsville Youth Orchestra, and as part of the Alabama ACDA Collegiate Choirs Festival. In the spring of 2009, they had the privilege of representing the University of North Alabama on the Department of Music & Theatre’s first international tour to Italy. Since then, the group toured to Costa Rica in the spring of 2011 and Ireland in spring 2013 as part of UNA’s Study Abroad program; they completed a second tour to Italy in the spring of 2015. They have been featured performers at the AMEA conference in 2006 and 2013. UNA Vocal Jazz Ensemble - A small group chosen from among the members of the UNA Collegiate Singers, this ensemble explores the uniquely American idiom of jazz as well as pop and world music, often arranged by its members. They have been featured at the W.C. Handy Music Festival in Florence, at the Panoply Festival of the Arts in Huntsville, on tour with the Collegiate Singers, and regularly at special UNA events. The percussion ensemble at The University of An educational festival for North Alabama is dedicated to exciting performances elementary, middle, and of both new and historic repertoire for percussion high school students in ensemble. Consisting of both percussion majors and band, choir, and orchestra non-majors, the UNA percussion program features 3 percussion ensembles annually: The Percussion Group, 2016 dates: Percussion Ensemble and Percussion Orchestra. Each April 22-23, April 29-30, May 6-7 of these groups vary in size to cover a wide range of repertoire as well as to provide performing 2017 dates: opportunities to as many percussion students as April 21-22, April 28-29, May 5-6 possible at UNA. Members of the percussion ensembles are also active as performers in the 2013 Percussive Arts Society Drumline Battle winning www.SMMFestival.com Pride of Dixie Drumline, The Shoals Symphony at UNA, The UNA Studio Jazz Band, UNA Wind Ensemble and UNA Concert Band. The UNA Percussion Group is a smaller group selected by or call:1-855-766-3008 audition annually. This group specializes in the highest level of chamber works for percussion ensemble, as well as commissioning new repertoire as well. The Percussion Group has recently been selected to perform at the 2015 NAfME National Conference and the 2016 AMEA State Convention. 36 October/November 2015



38 October/November 2015

5:00-7:00 PM 2016 Conference Schedule 5:30 - 6:00 PM 6:00-9:00 PM Wednesday, January 20, 2016 7:15-9:30 PM 7:15-9:30 PM AMEA Governing Board Meeting - Renaissance, Riverview 2 7:15-9:30 PM All-State Show Choir Registration - Exhibit Hall C 7:15-9:30 PM All-State Show Choir Rehearsal - Exhibit Hall B ABA Governing Board Meeting - Renaissance, Riverview 1 7:45-8:45 AM AOA Governing Board Meeting - Renaissance, Riverview 3 AVA Governing Board Meeting - Renaissance, Riverview 4 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Collegiate Division Governing Board Meeting - Renaissance, Riverview Boardroom 9:00-9:30 AM 9:00-9:50 AM Thursday, January 21, 2016 9:00-9:50 AM AMEA Leadership Breakfast - Renaissance, Ballroom CD Keep Calm and Lead On: Celebrating Excellence and Serving 9:00-9:50 AM Featured Speaker: Maribeth Yoder-White - President, Southern Division NAfME Conference Registration - Renaissance Registration Booth 9:00-9:50 AM Alabama Honor Choir Registration - Exhibit Hall A Interest Session - Renaissance, Montgomery 5 9:00-9:50 AM What to Expect When Expecting a Lab or Intern Student - Jane Kuehne, Clinician AVA Reading Session - Renaissance, Ballroom A 9:00-9:50 AM Jeffrey Benson, Clinician Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom E 9:00-11:00 AM Finding Notes Among the Notes: Being the Catalyst for Cross-Curricular Teaching and Integration of 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Music in Your School. Joshua Wine, Clinician 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Interest Session - Embassy Suites 10:00 AM Ostinati, Descants, and Other Musical Marvels - Roger Sams, Clinician Interest Session - Renaissance, Riverview 3 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Picking the Perfect Piece for Your Concert - Soon Hee Newbold, Clinician Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom B 12:00-1:00 PM Essential Elements - Tim Lautzenheiser, Clinician 12:00-1:00 PM Alabama Honor Choir Rehearsal - Exhibit Hall A 1:00-2:00 PM All-State Show Choir Rehearsal - Exhibit Hall B FAME - Riverview 1 Grand Opening of the Exhibits - Renaissance, Exhibit Hall C - Open until 5:00 PM Featured Performance by the Birmingham Seven AMEA General Session - Montgomery Performing Arts Center Choosing Excellence is Easy: Maintaining it is the Key to Success - Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, Keynote Boaz Intermediate School Honor Choir - Miriam Richey, Conductor AMEA Past President’s Luncheon - Renaissance, Riverview 2 HED Luncheon - Renaissance, Riverview 4 AVA Performance Session - Renaissance, Ballroom A Randolph School Concert Choir - Christopher M. Walters, Conductor Oak Park Middle School Unity - Stacy Owens, Conductor ala breve 39

Thursday, January 21, 2016 1:00-2:00 PM Interest Session - Embassy Suites Rhythm Instrument Fun - Denise Gagne, Clinician 1:00-2:00 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom CD A Successful First 5 Years in the Classroom - Gene Butler, Clinician 1:00-2:00 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Riverview 3 We All Perform On the Same Stage - Improving the Ensemble Skills Of Your Secondary String Players Joseph Brennan, Clinician 1:00-2:00 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom E Music Teacher Educator Roundtable - Ted Hoffman, Moderator 1:15-2:00 PM ABA Performance Session - Montgomery Performing Arts Center Grissom High School Symphonic Band II - Theo Vernon, Conductor 1:30-5:30 PM Alabama Honor Choir Rehearsal - Exhibit Hall A 1:45-2:45 PM All-State Jazz Bands Registration/Check-In - Renaissance, Montgomery 7 2:00-5:00 PM All-State Show Choir Rehearsal - Exhibit Hall B 2:15-3:15 PM Interest Session - Embassy Suites Listening Fun with Scarves, Tennis Balls and More! - Denise Gagne, Clinician 2:15-3:15 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom B The Proof is in the Process: Concert Band 101 - Randall Coleman, Clinician 2:15-3:15 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom CD The Frenzied Instrumental Conductor's Guide to Score Preparation - Gary Stith, Clinician 2:15-3:15 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom A Movement to Make Your Choir Come Alive - Jeffrey Benson, Clinician 2:15-3:15 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom E The Musician/Performer As A Sole Proprietor - Mildred Lanier, Clinician 3:00-5:00 PM All-State Jazz Bands Rehearsal Silver Band - Renaissance, Montgomery 1 Gold Band - Renaissance, Montgomery 7 Middle School Band - Renaissance, Riverview 7 Bronze Band - Renaissance, Montgomery 6 3:30-4:20 PM AOA Performance Session - Montgomery Performing Arts Center Shoals Symphony at UNA - Daniel Stevens, Conductor 3:30-4:20 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom A Sight-Singing: You Can Teach Them To Read - Jane Kuehne, Clinician 3:30-4:20 PM Interest Session - Embassy Suites Stories That Sing - Integrating Literacy Skills into the Music Classroom - Jeanette Shorey, Clinician 3:30-4:20 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom E Sound Use of Space: Ensemble Seating - John Ginocchio, Clinician 3:30-4:20 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom B Building Success in the Small School (or any sized school) Band Program Jon Bubbettt, Gene Inglis, Jim Cude, Clinicians 3:30-4:20 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom CD iPad and iPhone Apps for Music Education - Scott Phillips, Clinician 4:30-5:30 PM HED Recital - Renaissance, Ballroom A 4:30-5:30 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom E 40 Maximizing the Potential of Your Middle and High School Horn Players, Do's and Dont's Charles G \"Skip\" Snead, Clinician October/November 2015

4:30-5:30 PM Thursday, January 21, 2016 4:30-5:30 PM 4:30-5:30 PM Interest Session - Embassy Suites Ukulele and Guitar in the Elementary Music Classroom - Denise Gagne, Clinician 4:30-5:30 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Montgomery 5 5:45-6:45 PM Programming with Passion - Jeffrey Benson, Clinician 5:45-6:45 PM 7:00-9:00 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom CD Shut the Front Door: Recruitment and Retention for Beginning Band 7:00-9:30 PM Rebecca (Becky) Rodgers Warren, Clinician 7:30-8:30 PM Sponsored by Gadsden Music Company and Burns Travel. 7:30-8:15 PM 7:30-9:30 PM AOA Reading Session - Montgomery Performing Arts Center Soon Hee Newbold, Clinician 7:30-10:00 PM Sponsored by JW Pepper. Bring your instruments! 8:30-9:30 PM Troy University School of Music Alumni Reception - Renaissance, Riverview 2 7:30 AM-1:00 PM 8:00-9:00 AM HED Reception - Renaissance, Riverview 4 8:00-9:00 AM All-State Jazz Bands Rehearsal Silver Band - Renaissance, Montgomery 1 8:00-9:00 AM Gold Band - Renaissance, Montgomery 7 Middle School Band - Renaissance, Riverview 7 Bronze Band - Renaissance, Montgomery 6 8:00-9:00 AM 8:00-9:00 AM All-State Show Choir Rehearsal - Exhibit Hall B 8:30 AM-5:00 PM 9:00-11:30 AM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom CD ala breve Sensational Singing Games and Folk Dances for K-6 Classrooms - Denise Gagne, Clinician ABA Performance Session - Montgomery Performing Arts Center James Clemens High School Wind Ensemble - Keith Anderson, Conductor AVA Performance Session - Renaissance, Ballroom A Mobile’s Singing Children - Susan Hoitt, Conductor Faith Academy Senior Concert Choir - Amanda Goins, Conductor Auburn Junior HS Mixed Choir - Teresa Rhyne, Conductor McAdory Middle School Jacket Singers - Ben Cook, Conductor Alabama Honor Choir Rehearsal - Exhibit Hall A Featured Performance - Montgomery Performing Arts Center Friday, January 22, 2016 Boston Brass Conference Registration - Renaissance Registration Booth ABA Performance Session - Montgomery Performing Arts Center Randolph School Middle School Percussion Ensemble - Andrew Kruspe, Conductor University of North Alabama Percussion Group - Tracy Wiggins, Conductor Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom CD The Singing Voice – Our Primary Instrument - Roger Sams, Clinician Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom E Classroom Management 201: Handling Minor Confrontations with Skill and Confidence Anne C. Witt, Clinician Interest Session - Renaissance, Montgomery 5 Making Music Together: Teaching Strategies for Inclusive Music Classrooms - Ellary Draper, Clinician Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom A Technology for the Modern Choir Director - Scott L. Phillips, Clinician Exhibits Open - Exhibit Hall C Alabama Honor Choir Rehearsal - Exhibit Hall A 41

Friday, January 22, 2016 9:00 AM-12:00 PM All-State Jazz Bands Rehearsal Silver Band - Renaissance, Montgomery 1 Gold Band - Renaissance, Montgomery 7 Middle School Band - Renaissance, Riverview 7 Bronze Band - Renaissance, Montgomery 6 9:00 AM-12:00 PM All-State Show Choir Rehearsal - Exhibit Hall B 9:15-10:15 AM Interest Session - Renaissance, Montgomery 5 Vocal Warmups and Energizers - Denise Gagne, Clinician 9:15-10:15 AM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom E Branding Made Easy: Using Social Media to Promote Your Program - Frank Buck, Clinician 9:15-10:15 AM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom CD HED Discussion Panel 2016: The Breakdown Between the Higher Ed Classroom and First Year Teacher Experiences - James Zingara, Moderator 9:15-10:15 AM Interest Session - Renaissance, Riverview 3 The Publishing Process: How it Works and How to Submit - Soon Hee Newbold, Clinician 9:15-10:15 AM AVA General Meeting - Renaissance, Ballroom A 9:15-10:15 AM ABA General Meeting - Renaissance, Ballroom B 10:30-11:45 AM General Session - Montgomery Performing Arts Center AMEA Awards Think Beyond the Bubbles - Chris Woodside, Keynote Kitty Stone Singers - Lisa Gillespie and Cheryl Wight, Conductors 11:45 AM-1:00 PM Collegiate Luncheon - Embassy Suites 11:45 AM-1:00 PM Phi Beta Mu Luncheon - Renaissance, Ballroom CD 12:00-1:00 PM ACDA Luncheon - Renaissance, Riverview 2 1:00-3:00 PM HED Research Poster Session - Exhibit Hall Lobby 1:15-2:15 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Riverview 3 Bow Games and Twinkle and Solfege, Oh My! - Caroline Nordlund, Clinician 1:15-2:15 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom A The Singer's Body: Addressing Common Tensions Through Virtual Anatomy - Susan Williams, Clinician 1:30-3:30 PM Alabama Honor Choir Rehearsal - Exhibit Hall A 1:30-4:30 PM All-State Jazz Bands Rehearsal Silver Band - Renaissance, Montgomery 1 Gold Band - Renaissance, Montgomery 7 Middle School Band - Renaissance, Riverview 7 Bronze Band - Renaissance, Montgomery 6 2:00-5:00 PM All-State Show Choir Rehearsal - Exhibit Hall B 2:30-3:20 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom B NO MORE LIMITATIONS! Composing and Choosing Band Music Regardless of Level Brian Balmages, Clinician 2:30-3:20 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom E Inspire Excellence in Your Young Band: Achieve the Most in Every Lesson - Bruce Pearson, Clinician 2:30-3:20 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom A Why am I Singing this Song? Choosing Repertoire for Developing Choristers - Marvin E. Latimer Jr., Clinician 2:30-3:20 PM Interest Session - Embassy Suites New Teachers, Veteran Teachers: We All Have a Role in the Mentoring Process Matthew Talbert & Phillip Riggs, Clinicians 42 October/November 2015

Friday, January 22, 2016 2:30-3:20 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Montgomery 7 2:30-3:20 PM Ten Lessons In Jazz Improvisation - Mike Steinel,  Clinician 2:30-3:20 PM 3:30-4:15 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Montgomery 5 3:30-4:30 PM Teaching Can Be Fun Again with Quaver! - Otto Gross, Clinician 3:30-4:30 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom CD 3:30-4:30 PM Music and Language Learners - Tiffani Stricklin, Clinician 3:30-4:30 PM 3:30-4:20 PM ABA Performance Session - Montgomery Performing Arts Center 3:30-4:20 PM Oak Mountain Middle School Advanced Symphonic Band - Heather Holmes, Conductor 4:30-5:30 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom A 6:20-6:45 PM Bridging Cultural and Racial Divides to Start a Choir Program from Scratch: The Ups and Downs of One 6:30-8:00 PM Teacher's Story - Conrad Weber, Clinician 7:00 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Montgomery 5 7:00-8:00 PM Using Social Media in the Applied Studio - Denise Gainey, Clinician 7:00-9:00 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom E 7:30-9:00 PM Teaching Guitar is Easy and Fun with ChordBuddy - Ben Watson, Clinician 9:30-11:00 PM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom CD Creating an Interactive Notebook in General Music Classes - Kelly Hollingsworth, Clinician 7:30-8:45 AM 8:00-9:00 AM Interest Session - Embassy Suites 8:00-9:00 AM Survival Strategies: Thriving in your First Year at a New School - Stuart Ivey, Clinician ala breve AOA General Meeting - Renaissance, Riverview 3 General Session - Renaissance, Ballroom B Rewired: The Incredible Benefits of Getting Back to Basics....... Maybe it's Time for Your Band! Boston Brass, Clinicians Alabama Honor Choir Dress Rehearsal - Montgomery Performing Arts Center All-State Jazz Bands Rehearsal Silver Band - Renaissance, Montgomery 1 Gold Band - Renaissance, Montgomery 7 Middle School Band - Renaissance, Riverview 7 Bronze Band - Renaissance, Montgomery 6 All-State Show Choir Rehearsal - Exhibit Hall B (if determined necessary) Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom CD Play Parties Plus! - Roger Sams, Clinician ABA Performance Session - Montgomery Performing Arts Center Oak Mountain High School Wind Ensemble -Kevin Ownby and Travis Bender, Conductors Alabama Wind Ensemble - Ken Ozzello, Conductor AVA Performance Session - Renaissance, Ballroom A University of North Alabama Chamber Choir and Vocal Jazz Ensemble - Ian Loeppky, Conductor UAB Concert Choir - Brian Kittredge, Conductor Alabama Honor Choir, Tucker Biddlecombe, Clinician President’s Reception - Renaissance, Ballroom B Featured Entertainment by the Crimson Jazz Faculty Quartet Saturday, January 23, 2016 All-State Show Choir Dress Rehearsal - Montgomery Performing Arts Center AVA Executive Board Meeting - Renaissance, Ballroom A ABA General Meeting - Renaissance, Ballroom B 43

Saturday, January 23, 2016 8:00-9:00 AM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom E Injury Prevention for the String Studio - Daniel Stevens, Clinician 8:00-9:00 AM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom CD The Music Education Majors TOP TEN: What You Need To Do NOW Before You Start Your First Job George R. Boulden, Clinician 8:00-9:00 AM Interest Session - Embassy Suites Hand Drums, Rhythm Sticks and other Untuned Percussion - Roger Sams, Clinician 9:00-10:00 AM All-State Jazz Bands Rehearsal Silver Band - Renaissance, Montgomery 1 Gold Band - Renaissance, Montgomery 7 Middle School Band - Renaissance, Riverview 7 Bronze Band - Renaissance, Montgomery 6 9:15-10:15 AM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom B Teaching in a Rural Setting-Keys to Success! - Timothy Heath, Clinician 9:15-10:15 AM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom E Perform Internationally: A Comprehensive Talk about Touring and Performing Internationally Andrew Gekoskie, Clinician 9:15-10:15 AM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom A Upgrading Your Ensemble by Strengthening the Clarinet Section - Beth Fabrizio, Clinician 9:15-10:15 AM Interest Session - Renaissance, Ballroom CD Got Strings? - David Pryor, Clinician 9:15-10:00 AM AVA Performance Session - Montgomery Performing Arts Center All-State Show Choir 9:15-10:15 AM Interest Session - Embassy Suites Exploring to Knowing: Defining the Path to Music Literacy through Orff Schulwerk - Gail Kopetz, Clinician 10:30-11:30 AM Interest Session - Embassy Suites Improvisation in the General Music Classroom - Roger Sams , Clinician 10:30-11:30 AM Lightning Round Session - Renaissance, Ballroom CD Ready? Set? Go! You have six minutes and 40 seconds to share your brilliant idea or vision for music education! Carl Hancock, Moderator 10:30 AM-12:00 PM ABA Performance Session - Montgomery Performing Arts Center All-State Jazz Bands 1:00-3:00 PM AMEA Governing Board Meeting AMEA Governing Board Meeting Minutes Secretary, Carla Gallahan. The minutes were NAfME to increase our AMEA membership by August 1, 2015 amended and a motion was made to approve the 5% by the end of the 2016 Conference. He is minutes as amended (Smith, Womack). Passed. seeking volunteers to assist with the membership Embassy Suites Hotel, Montgomery, Alabama Officer, Representatives, and Division Reports may drive. The AMEA Governing Board met at the Embassy be viewed online by visiting our website, Breakout Session – the Board participated in Suites Hotel in Montgomery, AL on August 1, www.alabamamea.org Breakout Sessions on the following topics: 2015. The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. Committee Reports • “Ideas for increasing membership: incentives, by AMEA President Carl Hancock. Board Teacher Education – discussed the addition of a volunteers, reason to return, targets? members present at the meeting: Carl Hancock, roundtable discussion at the 2016 AMEA • Ways to celebrate our 70th: conference, Ala Sara Womack, Susan Smith, Garry Taylor, Carla conference on specific music education areas of Breve, website, activities Gallahan, Michael Holmes, Sarah Schrader, Carl interest. • Lightning round: names of rising stars, have Davis, Ted Hoffman, Pat Stegall, Becky Lightfoot, Historian – 2016 will mark the 70th Anniversary something to share, unique” Doug Fariss, Cliff Huckabee, Phil Wilson, Becky of AMEA . Frank Buck discussed some ideas for The Board reconvened to discuss the ideas shared Halliday, Frank Buck, Andy Meadows, and Thad promoting this anniversary and requested the in the Breakout Session. Walker. Guests included Mai Yamane, Allie Glover, Board to consider additional ideas. Unfinished Business and Mildred Lanier. Membership – Pat Stegall, Chair, is working with Job Position Description - Garry Taylor created a The minutes of the June 8, 2015 meeting of the list of responsibilities included in the position of AMEA Governing Board were read by Recording 44 October/November 2015

AMEA Executive Director highlighting areas that Music Education Day at the Capitol – the date for Two motions were madeto revise the AMEA could be the responsibility of an Assistant this event will be decided upon in November. Contsitution. (See below). Executive Director. This information was Once the date has been set, information will be Announcements: discussed by the Board. A motion was made to available in the Ala Breve. The 70th Anniversary • AMEA Tri-M Music Honor Society Alabama create the position of AMEA Assistant Executive will be incorporated in this event. Coordinator needed by Sept. 1. Director and request Garry Taylor continue to Website Redesign Update – the Board discussed • Southern Division NAfME Leadership meeting develop the job description (Womack, Huckabee). having a new website design for AMEA that will 9/13/15 – 9/14/15 in Atlanta, GA. Passed. allow Division use as well. President Hancock has • NAfME In-Service Conference in Nashville, TN. Conference Planning – Garry Taylor presented and been communicating with Cogent Path on this October 25-28, 2015. discussed a draft of the 2016 Conference schedule. topic. A motion was made for the Board to accept • AMEA Board Meetings: Pre-conference A review of the schedule and discussion occurred. the proposal from Cogent Path for AMEA website 1/20/16 at 5:00 p.m., post-conference 1/23/16 at The Board addressed planning issues involving the redesign and for President Hancock to continue 1:00 p.m. 2016 AMEA conference including the 70th negotiation of an AMEA logo (Womack, • Ala Breve Column Deadlines: 9/15 of October Anniversary, sponsored clinics, the Boston Brass Schrader). Passed. 2015, 1/15 for February 2016, 4/15 for may 2016. performance, FJH and Brian Balmages addressing New Business The AMEA Governing Board meeting was the Young Composers, FAME student participants AMEA Award nomination materials were adjourned at 3:00 p.m. attending entire Conference, the inclusion of distributed and reviewed. These awards will be Respectfully submitted, Lightning Round Sessions, and creating a location presented at the 2016 Conference. Dr. Carla Gallahan, AMEA Recording Secretary for members, performers, etc. to pose for a picture with the AMEA sign. Special Session of the AMEA Governing Board Media as the recording company for the 2016 Announcements: August 29, 2015 AMEA Conference (Womack, McAfee). Failed. • Southern Division NAfME Leadership meeting MOTION 2: A motion was made to move the 9/13/15 – 9/14/15 in Atlanta, GA. Sheraton Hotel, Birmingham, Alabama AMEA Conference to the Birmingham Jefferson • NAfME In-Service Conference in Nashville, TN. The AMEA Governing Board met at the Sheraton Civic Center for the 2018-19 Conferences October 25-28, 2015. Hotel in Birmingham, AL on August 29, 2015. The (Womack, Holmes). Passed • AMEA Board Meetings: Pre-conference meeting was called to order at 11:20 a.m. by AMEA New Business: 1/20/16 at 5:00 p.m., post-conference 1/23/16 at President Carl Hancock. Board members present 2016 AMEA Hall of Fame - The Board reviewed 1:00 p.m. at the meeting: Carl Hancock, Sara Womack, Susan and voted upon nominees. • Ala Breve Column Deadlines: 9/15 of October Smith, Garry Taylor, Carla Gallahan, Michael The Board conducted a preliminary discussion on 2015, 1/15 for February 2016, 4/15 for May 2016. Holmes, Pat Stegall, Sam Nordlund, Cliff the topic of “cross – division participation” within The AMEA Governing Board meeting was Huckabee, Harry McAfee and Jim Zingara. the AMEA Divisions. adjourned at 12:13 p.m. (Homes, Zingara). Present via conference call: Sarah Schrader, Ted Respectfully submitted, Hoffman, Becky Lightfoot. Dr. Carla Gallahan, AMEA Recording Secretary Old Business: MOTION 1: A motion was made to accept Box5 Motion 1: Motions to Revise the AMEA Constitution (to be voted on at the 2016 AMEA Conference) Motion 2: Article 4, Section 3 - Currently Reads Article 4, Section 3 - Change to Read: Add to Article1, Duties of the Officers, Section 7 Governing Board. The Governing Board shall be Governing Board. The Governing Board shall be Assistant Executive Director. It shall be the duty composed of the President, Past-President, composed of the President, Past-President, President- of the Assistant Executive Director to aide and President-Elect. Recording Secretary, Elect, Recording Secretary, Treasurer/Registrar, the assist the AMEA Governing Board in planning Treasurer/Registrar, the Collegiate Faculty Advisor, Collegiate Faculty Advisor, and the President or professional development programs for the and the President or Chairperson of each of the Chairperson of each of the Divisions. association and assist the Executive Director in Divisions. Ex-officio members shall be the Music Ex-officio members shall be the Arts Education implementing those plans. He/she will serve as the Consultants of the State Department of Specialist of the Alabama State Department of AMEA liaison to the State Department of Education, the Editor of Ala Breve Magazine, the Education, the Editor of Ala Breve Magazine, the Education and maintain the AMEA Constitution, Executive Director of the AMEA, the Industry Executive Director of the AMEA, the Industry Bylaws, and Executive Handbook in cooperation Member Representative, the AAAE Representative, Member Representative, and the State Collegiate with the President and Executive Director. the State Collegiate President, and the Executive President, who shall serve in a non-voting capacity. He/She will assume the duties of the Executive Director of the Alabama Association of Secondary Additional ex-officio, non-voting members of the Director in the case of disability or absence of the School Principals, who shall serve in a non-voting governing board may be appointed and serve at the Executive Director. He/she shall maintain capacity. Additional ex-officio, non-voting discretion of the Governing Board. membership in AMEA and perform such other members of the governing board may be Advisory members shall be the Presidents-Elect duties as may be required by the Constitution and appointed and serve at the discretion of the and/or Vice-Presidents of each of the Divisions By-Laws, the Governing Board, and the Executive Governing Board. and shall serve in a non-voting capacity. Director. Advisory members shall be the Presidents-Elect of each of the Divisions and shall serve in a non- voting capacity. ala breve 45

Educating Those Ears! by Nate Buonviri Editor’s Note: This article appears as one of a series written especially for Ala Breve by experts in the field of music education. When I describe my research in aural skills emphasis on visual activities and learning tools, history might involve particular connections pedagogy to friends and colleagues outside of some emphasis on kinesthetic activities and between composers and authors, or music, I tell them it entails training students’ ears tools, and relatively little emphasis on aural compositions and world events. Again, these are for better musicianship. They often reply “Well, activities and tools. Note, for example, that helpful for students, but can be studied without isn’t that basically everything in music elementary and middle schools tend not to offer hearing a note. The important question is not education?” with a surprised look. even the basic requirement classes in foreign “What are we teaching, and what connections “Well…yes…” I respond, knowing that all too language that high schools offer. Therefore, are students making?” but “How are we teaching often the ears ironically get crowded out of special attention to developing students’ aural it, and how are students making those curriculum by other musical topics. The purpose skills may be even more important at these connections?” of this article is to explore the role of the ears in educational levels; music teachers can help. Examining Your Approach the wider school curriculum and specifically in Ears in Music Curriculum If we wish to highlight the ears more in music music curriculum, and to highlight ways music Putting out a call for stronger advocacy for class, the best place to start may be in the teachers can help students create and maintain music programs in our nations’ schools is not activities we are already doing. I present here focus on their aural skills while they grow as the focus of this article; I would be “preaching some representative applications and musicians. to the choir.” We all know that more and better accompanying examples. I hope they will serve Ears in the School Curriculum music programs would benefit our students. I to spark your imagination about similar activities Consider for a moment some of the courses will instead put forth a call to music teachers you may currently offer and to illustrate how just students take in high school: geometry, English, who already have at least some classes in place. a bit of adjustment can produce a dramatic biology, physical education, world history, art Please do not neglect those ears while teaching change. appreciation, chemistry, and algebra, for music! We have a responsibility in our classes to Since I alluded to a couple of interdisciplinary example. None of these courses typically prompt students to use their ears in ways they connections already, we will begin with those. In contains much emphasis on students’ ears. do not use them during the rest of the day. many cases, the easiest and most effective way Students may be hearing instructions from the Not all K-12 students will go on to become to exercise students’ ears is simply to reverse a teacher or listening to audio as they watch a professional musicians but all of them can given learning sequence. Take the example of a video demonstration, but they are not focusing benefit from getting a real glimpse into what chart showing the division of a whole note into on their ears as the fascinating natural tools they musicians actually do. What musicians actually two halves, and the two halves into four quarters, have been given, or maximizing the potential do is use their ears to create, perform, and so forth. The summary information is that lies within them. understand, and enjoy a very special art. Some already laid out. I would suggest that our job is Foreign language courses can provide students would say this is a biased opinion, but one to help students arrive at that information with specific focus on nuance and variety of cannot fairly judge a statement to be biased until through their ears rather than presenting the sound by virtue of spoken communication that one has tried it. Thoroughly. This is the problem. chart and explaining it away. For instance, can does not match the native tongue. Unfortunately, Students who do not have the opportunity to students listen to a short piece without any visual many schools require only two years of these really flex and exercise their ears in exciting ways aid, find the pulse, discover the number of courses, and students begin them relatively late can never fully understand as adults why it would pulses in a cycle, determine whether the pulse is in life. Furthermore, foreign language courses in be important for the next generation of students breaking down into twos or threes, and high school often are taught and learned mostly to have that same opportunity. To repeat and determine how each of those divisions is further visually; students might read from a book, clarify my call: for those of us lucky enough to broken down? Can they do that several more memorize a chart of endings for verb be teaching music classes, and who understand times with contrasting examples? All of these conjugations, study the order of words for the unique beauty of an aural art, we need to steps require them to discover musical math sentence structure, and compose phrases, make the most of the opportunity to help through their ears, not from a chart. Once the sentences, and short stories. All these activities students focus on developing their ears in special aural work is finished, the chart serves simply as can be accomplished without the ears! Quality ways. a reminder. pronunciation and acute attention to aural You may be thinking “Aren’t we already doing The second example I mentioned previously was nuance frequently take a backseat. that?” You probably are, to a certain extent. My helping students make connections between Among all the classes listed above, students have aim in this article is to prompt you to review how music and world history. These connections help ample time to exercise their visual and you approach students in daily music activities; them understand chronological developments kinesthetic faculties. For example, math classes considering how to develop their aural skills in a both in music and in the world in general incorporate formulas, shapes, and graphs, and way that takes into account the lack of focus on prompting them to reinforce knowledge in both history classes offer charts, maps, and timelines, those skills across the general curriculum. fields reciprocally. If we push them to do this all of which students study in visual layout. Many of our advocacy efforts tend to focus on with their ears, we help them develop a part of Chemistry entails measuring, pouring, and how music relates so well to other subjects, their mind that otherwise would idle. Instead of mixing, and physical education introduces supporting at the very least better standardized mapping events on a timeline or showing images stretching, exertion, and body control, all of test scores and at best a more integrated or videos illustrating a composer’s life and world which students study kinesthetically. Music curriculum with interdisciplinary flair. The events, we can approach the summary classes can, and should, provide students the problem is that many of these connections information through sound. Helping students opportunity to explore their aural capabilities in involve material apart from the ears. For arrive at realizations through gradual aural steps special ways, an opportunity not afforded them example, transfers from music to mathematics can make all the difference. by most of the rest of the curriculum. might involve understanding metric structure For example, can students listen to recordings The example courses above are typical of high with its corresponding beats, divisions, and of Louis Armstrong’s Hot Five and Duke school curriculum, but elementary and middle subdivisions. This can be, and all too often is, Ellington’s big band and draw comparisons in school classes offer much of the same. A broad understood without the ears; it can be explained the sounds, textures, and form, followed by look at classes at these levels also reveals heavy with a chart. Transfers from music to world educated guesses and resultant discussion about 46 October/November 2015

the musical influences, surrounding events, and not have to be costly or complicated. In class, a new concept for music students in practically available resources that made these musics what shifting the emphasis to students’ ears may any class: the triplet. You will probably guess they are? Many teachers could easily tackle these require simply encouraging them to use their from the preceding paragraphs that I would topics on the spot, and could present students voices freely or to listen before looking, for recommend students discover the triplet through with an accurate and compelling description example. Establishing and maintaining an their ears first. Of course! That may seem within just a couple of minutes, but the process environment in which students expect to use obvious, but take a closer look to review the of helping students discover these concepts their ears differently in your room than they have points presented so far. through sound is what really matters. the rest of the day is crucial. Following are The core concept of a triplet is rather simple: Many times the difference lies simply in when practical tips to help generate this routine. Again, dividing something into three instead of two. students hear the music in relationship to the these are simply a couple of specific examples Math teachers use side-by-side pie charts, spoken or written knowledge. Give them a that I hope will spark your own creativity. overlaid line graphs, or the ratio 3:2 to illustrate chance to hear for themselves before anyone, Players and Singers this same concept easily. In an ideal curriculum, including you, tells them what’s what! Consider, Instrumentalists and vocalists may experience they might even help students make connections from both the math and world history examples very different music educations especially as to music by showing how a pair of eighth notes how convenient and efficient it may be to regards daily training of the ears for musical and an eighth-note triplet look beside each other. “teach” concepts in a directed fashion, and how growth. Many instrumentalists learn to read The music teacher’s job, though, is to introduce lasting and powerful it can be for students to scales, arpeggios, etudes, solos, and ensemble or reinforce the same concept through the ears. learn concepts in an active, aural way instead. parts without necessarily hearing internally what Students need to hear many triplets in many Let’s explore one more example: performing they will play prior to executing it. Some of them contexts, decode the information through ensembles. Most ensemble directors would agree will cruise through several years of band or tapping, patting, clapping, singing, or sketching, that “good ears” generally help students play and orchestra without truly engaging the aural part and arrive ultimately at the understanding of sing better. We must ask ourselves, constantly, of the musical performance cycle. A saxophonist how triplets function in order to be able to use whether we are helping students to develop can simply push down the right keys and blow a them to perform other music or create their “good ears” or simply giving them what they steady stream of air without aurally imagining own. Again, that may sound obvious to many of need to make momentary progress. Do we tell the pitch, duration, or sound quality desired. A you, but too often teachers show this musical our clarinetists they are cheating the fourth beat violist can hold down the right fingers and use concept first and then play, sing, or lead some or help them discover and determine it kinesthetic memory to approximate the position examples of it. Notice the subtle, but incredibly themselves? Do we instruct our sopranos to needed to produce the right note, but again powerful difference. I am recommending that simply “Wait for my cue; it will be crystal clear” perhaps without actually engaging the ears fully teachers help students to gradually reach or help them aurally understand the preceding in the process. Instrumentalists tend to receive concepts through their ears rather than to material on which their entrance is based? Do lots of valuable technical and musical gradually reach their ears through concepts. This we tune the drums for our young timpanists or information in their training but sometimes they slight shift in approach can change everything. take the time to teach them the skills they need do not combine that information with trained In Conclusion to do it themselves? How about violinists? ears. I hope this article has sparked your interest in Guitarists? Many vocal students run exactly the opposite the role of students’ ears in your own In a recent meeting of my Percussion Methods risk. They can use their ears directly to find their classrooms. Our students do not have the chance course, I mentioned in passing that performing way through a passage but may not have to use their ears in special, sophisticated ways musicians all know that we don’t look up at the understood the context in which it occurred. As very much in typical school curriculum. We have conductor all the time, and sometimes relatively an illustration, singers can stumble into rehearsal ample opportunities to help them use and enjoy rarely. My colleague, a fabulous choral late and still join right in on the ascending scale these amazing natural tools in our music classes conductor, happened to be in the room warm-up without having any idea what pitches and rehearsals. Take a few moments to search observing my class that day. The students all they are singing. In that situation, they too are your own curriculum for additional ways you can giggled and looked in his direction a bit missing a piece of the musicianship cycle; they educate those ears! apprehensively. I followed with “Yes, your have survived the exercise but may not have Nate Buonviri is director is in the room today, but he knows it’s learned anything lasting to apply to future Assistant Professor true. If he expected that you would take every situations. of Music Education bit of musical information only from his The solution to both problems could be rather at Temple University gestures, your choir would be in big trouble.” simple. Teachers can emphasize the missing link in Philadelphia. He Emphatic nods all around, including my for each group. Instrumental students can play has presented colleague. We want our musicians to trust their their warm-ups and scales according to vocalized research and ears and listen to each other; we have to give examples; they can spend lots of time practicing workshops on aural them the opportunity to develop those skills apart from their written music; and they can skills development which will help them grow as independent improvise within certain parameters appropriate across the United learners and musicians. Ultimately, those to the repertoire or instructional unit. Singers States and around the experiences come back to reward our programs can ascend and descend through their warm-up world. Buonviri is as our students gain confidence in their patterns with notation of those patterns in hand; published in the musicianship. they can sight-read rhythmic patterns graduated Journal of Research Getting Started in difficulty; and they can analyze recorded or in Music Education, Update: Applications of Some readers may find these ideas to be fairly spontaneous singing for pitch, rhythm, key, Research in Music Education, Journal of Music new; others may be doing these things regularly mode, or meter information. The goal is to get Teacher Education, Percussive Notes, The already. In all cases, periodic review of the ways each “camp” to understand how the other Instrumentalist, and Music Educators Journal. you are approaching the materials in your classes functions; musicians who have substantial His book, Building Better Dictation Skills, is and rehearsals is worth the effort. In music, experience in both instrumental and vocal available as of August 27th from Rowman & educating the ears should play a key role in ensembles would attest to the benefits this Littlefield. Buonviri is principal percussionist organizing and planning those instructional approach can yield. of Utah Festival Opera and drummer for sequences. The Triplet Philadelphia-based Polkadelphia. He recorded The good news is that educating the ears does Consider one more example—likely to be two CDs with the Dallas Wind Symphony introduced in a general music class, but possibly under the direction of Jerry Junkin and Frederick Fennell. ala breve 47

Smartest Thing I Ever Did – Using Smiley Face Stickers by Matthew H. Spieker Editor’s Note: This article appears as one of a series written especially for Ala Breve by experts in the field of music education. Holding students accountable in a middle communication, and an accountability tool for months of hard work, Suzuki felt he made no school music program is an on-going all interested parties. Most importantly, the progress and eventually decided he was challenge for music educators. In cards helped students celebrate their without talent. “Without talent, trying so hard, collaboration with another music colleague, in accomplishments and plan future work, every day – ‘it’s not worth it,’ I told myself. I a middle school setting, we developed a making them accountable for their music felt that I had no ability, and wanted to die” communication tool that helped students, learning. (Suzuki, 1983, p.35). Suzuki eventually learned parents, and teachers keep track of this thinking served as an excuse for avoiding individualized goals, progress, and Cards were collected on Mondays and work. He later writes, “Every child can be achievement. We discovered that small returned to students on Tuesdays. Progress educated; it is only a matter of the method of steps—accompanied with positive made during the previous week was recorded education. Anyone can train himself; it is only feedback—contributed to engaged students, in the computer and then marked on the card a question of using the right kind of effort” satisfied parents, and clear, daily lessons. with a “smiley face” sticker if a student earned (p.36). The Pass-Off card served as a tool that full points, or a number of acquired points for helped keep students on track and use the Several years ago I was privileged to work with lesser achievements. There is something “right kind of effort.” Scott Schlup; he directed the bands and I encouraging about filling out a card with these directed the orchestras. This rewarding work visual reminders of a job well done, and the Practice was due, in part, to having a creative colleague middle school students seemed motivated by The first section on the Pass-Off card who enjoyed the challenge of pursuing new a smiley face. displayed nine lines for the nine weeks of ideas as much as I did. Such an energized practice the student was to complete for the environment shaped us both into mature Figure 1 quarter (see Figure 2). Students were required directors and impacted the quality of our to commit a minimum of 30 minutes per instruction. Becoming a Musician weekday and 30 minutes over the weekend I emphasized to students the importance of resulting in three hours of weekly practice. If Pass-Off Cards acquiring points as a way to accomplish music a student didn’t accomplish the three hours, Among the creative, unique ideas we tried was skills. Everybody started with nothing and the then points were awarded incrementally based a smart, practical management tool that goal was to build up their grade. I often on how much they practiced. The information helped us implement the curriculum. compared this to acquiring musicianship skills. letter to the parents asked them to keep a Concepts developed in my previous position As musicians, we start the journey with little in record of their student’s daily practice, and to and refinements added by Scott massaged the terms of talents, but through hard work and only give credit for actual daily practice. idea that eventually became known as a “Pass- dedication we acquire the necessary skills to Bunching together all three hours of practice Off ” card, (see Figure 1). In addition to their become accomplished. This adventure does on Sunday afternoon defeats the purpose of ability to communicate, hold students not happen overnight. Nobody is born with the critical, daily discipline of practice. accountable and show progress, the cards great skills, but rather every good musician Students earned points based on the total supported individualized learning plans. commits himself or herself to work daily and amount of practice for that week and smiley repetitively on those skills until they become faces were reserved for more than three hours. Pass-Off cards were printed onto cardstock accomplished. Parents had to sign the card every week using school colors to represent the different acknowledging they had seen the card and ensemble levels. Cardstock was important for As a young man, Shinichi Suzuki (1898-1998) their child had practiced for that time amount. two reasons. The heavier paper could studied violin in Berlin, Germany. When Next to the specific week of practice, I asked withstand repeated handling and use during reminiscing about those early days, he often students to fill in skills I wanted the class to an entire semester, and it conveyed to students wrote about his lack of ability. Despite many accomplish that week. Sometimes, I would that this was an important document. On the have students identify their own issues such as first day of class, Pass-Off cards were technique they needed to work on or Pass- presented to the students with their Offs still to be completed. Individualized handbook, method book and other materials. learning was a buil One side of the card included expected first- t-in element of the plan. quarter accomplishments and the other side included second-quarter skills, thus making Figure 2 the Pass-Off card good for an entire semester. The Pass-Off card became a snapshot of a student’s progress throughout the semester. The teacher, student, and parent(s) handled the Pass-Off card every week, making it a weekly progress report, an important 48 October/November 2015

Skills performance (theirs or others), reading Engagement and Accountability The next section on the card, called Pass-Off, assignments, etc. Engagement and accountability are common reflected skills the student was expected to educational buzzwords. We expect teachers to learn during the quarter (see Figure 3). Listing Other Issues keep children involved and parents informed. the basic curriculum elements also kept me on Different classes have different needs I agree. A teacher’s responsibility is to be task with my instruction. Young teachers tend throughout the semester of which the Pass- engaging and accountable, but it can be to focus on literature with the goal of having Off card accommodates. My younger challenging to do this every day. Pass-Off good performances, which makes sense, as students were allowed to play in graduation, cards do both. The German’s have a saying, often that is how a teacher’s success is judged. but only as an honor given them for hard “Zwei Fliegen mit einer Klappe schlagen.” Effective teachers have good concerts, but work throughout the year and if they could Translated this means to kill two flies with one this is the result of thorough teaching of skills play the music. The Pass-Off card reflected a swat. Pass-Off cards accomplish exactly that rather than repetitive rehearsing of sheet section labeled Graduation Music (see Figure and this is why I feel it was one of the music. Master teachers rehearse skills— 4). Under this labeling were lines, “Excerpt smartest things I ever did. Truthfully, the especially foundational ones—with a constant, #1, Excerpt #2,” etc. I didn’t label specific smiley face stickers only helped. concise, and systematic approach that allows excerpts as different ensemble sections had students to transfer those skills to the different difficult passages. If a student didn’t References literature, and they do all of this with an acquire full points, I would make quick Brand, M. (1990). Special focus: The making intense sense of urgency (Brand, 1990; remarks about where to focus their attention. Hamann & Gillespie, 2013). These comments helped focus their practice of a master music teacher. Music and reminded me each student’s individual Educators Journal, 77(2), 23. Pass-Off cards were given that name as credit improvement needs. The excerpts section was assigned to the student after he/she proved useful for regular concerts as well and Hamann, D. L., Gillespie, R. (2013). Strategies showed mastery of a skill. The reward on the in some classes was a regular section on the for teaching strings; Building a successful card was a smiley face sticker. For many Pass-Off card. string and orchestra program. New York: students, this mastery was demonstrated Oxford University Press. during class when playing that week’s Pass- Figure 4 Off. For students not demonstrating mastery Suzuki, Shinichi. (1986). Nurtured by love: The during class, there were other opportunities to Chamber music was an important aspect of classic approach to talent education. Van prove themselves. Pass-Off simply meant they my program as well. Most of my classes went Nuys, Alfred Publishing Co., Inc. needed more practice on the skill. This through a chamber unit in the third quarter, process provided an opportunity to discuss culminating in a performance at Solo and how musicians learn at different speeds, which Ensemble. Specific concepts were delineated we emphasized as normal and expected. and assigned a set of points. These concepts “Test” or “Playing Test” terminology was included rhythm, intonation, musicality, group never used because a test suggests a one-time grade, and final performance (see Figure 5). event of success or failure while the rest of the class marches on. Pass-Off means “keep Figure 5 working and show me you can play it later.” Before school, lunch, and after school times were often busy, but became valuable one-on- one times with students needing extra support to master Pass-Off skills. Figure 3 Information Matthew H. Spieker has been a music The final section on the Pass-Off card gave educator who has taught all levels of orchestra Written Assignments information including concert dates, and general music in U.S. school districts of Written assignments were designated on the reminders of assignment due dates, extra South Carolina and Colorado, and next section on the card. In my classroom this assignments or practice ideas, etc. I simply internationally at the John F. Kennedy Schule often meant music theory assignments, usually labeled it “Comments” (see Figure 6) and used in Berlin, Germany. He now works at the theory worksheets to be completed it to be information specific for that student. University of Arizona teaching violin, and throughout the quarter and, naturally, smiley When the class size is large this section helps music education courses and he conducts the face stickers were put on the card when a me to remember specific issues for each Philharmonic Orchestra. student received a grade of an A. Other topics student. could also occupy this space such as history Dr. Spieker guest conducts honor orchestras assignments, reflective writings on Figure 6 and lectures at music education conferences through various organizations and events in Arizona, Colorado, South Carolina, and in cities abroad including Brussels, Vienna, Geneva and Beijing. ala breve 49

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