Bandmasters Review An Educational Publication of the Texas Bandmasters Association September 2019 • Volume 21, Issue 1

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14-Full Pg_Performa_UBD Ad_061819.indd 1 6/18/19 3:07 PM Bandmasters Review Mission Statement An Educational Publication of the Texas Bandmasters Association The purpose of the Texas Bandmasters Features TBA News Association, Inc. is to:

7 Music is a Place for Everyone 2 Remembering Why We Love What Continually assist its by Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser We Do! membership in achieving by Phillip Clements, 2019-20 TBA President 9 Mentors Help Lead the Way to the highest standards Success 4 Making an Eternal Impact on Your of instrumental by Lynne Jackson Students music education. 12 Strategies for Success: Thoughts for by Christopher Yee, 2019-20 TBA New (and Veteran) Teachers Sergeant-at-Arms uuu by Dr. Charles T. Menghini 5 In the Rearview Mirror Promote the place and 15 Recruiting, Retaining, and by John Morrison, 2019-20 TBA Past President value of music education Motivating Your Title 1 Students 6 TBA News in our society and the by Eric Jimenez by Michael Brashear, TBA Executive Director important role instrumental 17 Balancing Your Band WITH Your 25 TBA Honorary Life Membership, music plays in our cultural, Personal Life 2019 Bandmaster of the Year, 2019 intellectual, and social lives. by Fran Kick Malcolm Helm Scholarship Winner uuu 19 Single Reed Success (Part 1) 26-27 2019 TBA Prestigious Honors Foster goodwill, by Greg Countryman 28 2019 TBA Business Members fellowship and a collegial, 23 Excellence Defined by Dr. David W. Montgomery fraternal spirit among its members. Professional Development Outreach Program uuu Provide its membership Creating a Culture of Excellence The Seven Deadly Sins with an annual in Your Band Program of Music Making Convention/Clinic which introduces new music, Monday, Oct. 14 • 8:30 am-4:00 pm Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020 • 5:30 pm-8:30 pm tried and proven teaching Dawson High School, Pearland ISD Richardson ISD methods and materials Frank Troyka Richard Floyd as well as instruments n n n Demo group: Richardson ISD Band and equipment. Creating a Vertically Aligned n n n Curriculum and Staff and Pedagogy from the Podium uuu Promoting Director Longevity Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 • 9:30 am-3:00 pm Provide educational Tyler Junior College, Jean Brown Theater publications of instructional Monday, Nov. 11 • 5:30 pm-8:30 pm Fred Allen Paschal High School, Ft Worth ISD methods and materials Brian Merrill Earn CPE hours. Register on-site. Updates will be posted online. for TBA members and aid them with their personal development TBA publishes these educational articles for your use in the classroom and rehearsal hall and to share with your students as you wish. The opinions and teaching methods are those of the authors and leadership. and not necessarily shared by all members of the TBA staff and Board of Directors. uuu BANDMASTERS REVIEW is an educational publication of the Texas Bandmasters Association. The magazine’s purpose is to assist TBA members in achieving the highest standards of instrumental Provide information for music education. BANDMASTERS REVIEW is a quarterly publication and is mailed to current the university music student Active/Retired and Business Members of TBA. If your address has changed, please contact the Texas Bandmasters Association office: 1002 Central Parkway South, San Antonio, TX 78232 preparing to become Phone: (210) 492-8878 Fax: (210) 492-8996 a band director. www.texasbandmasters.org

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 1 Texas Bandmasters Association TBA Remembering Why We Love Board of Directors 2019-20 What We Do! Phillip Clements Phillip Clements, 2019-20 TBA President President Texas A&M University-Commerce P.O. Box 3011 Commerce, TX 75429 The beginning of the year is a wonderful time to 903-886-5285 [email protected] remember why you love what you do. Why is it that you enjoy teaching? Why do you love music? Why is it Roland Sandoval President Elect important that students have the opportunity to learn Department of Music-UTSA 1 UTSA Circle music and experience the wonderful culture we call San Antonio, TX 78249 TEXAS BANDS? 210-737-8929 [email protected] When the sounds have faded and the contests and concerts are over, you want your students to love what they have experienced in your program, but to also have Daniel Allen Vice President developed a life-long love of music. At the end of their time with you, the most Franklin High School 900 N. Resler important thing they can learn is a passion and a true love for music! Music education El Paso, TX 79912 is not only teaching them about music and how to perform music, but why music is 915-236-2266 [email protected] central to our lives as human beings. Taking time to reflect on your own passion for music can be a helpful reminder of George Little Treasurer what you can share with your students every day. Consider the following ideas you can Lufkin High School use in your teaching to guide your students towards their own love of music: 309 South Medford Drive Lufkin, TX 75901 1 Talk with your students about why you love music and why you love sharing it 936-630-4134 [email protected] with them. Remind them that they are fortunate to have the opportunity, talent and ability Reagan Brumley 2 Secretary to create music every day. This will do wonders for your own attitude as well. Highland Park High School Tell them about your favorite pieces and why you enjoy certain composers’ 4220 Emerson 3 Dallas, TX 75205 music. 214-780-3737 [email protected] 4 During rehearsal, take the time to share with your students why you selected a piece of music, what you like about it, and what they will learn from it. Christopher Yee Sergeant-at-Arms 5 Describe for them why the composer wrote the piece and what they were trying Cedar Park High School to portray or say through the music. Remember, even a march is trying to portray 2150 Cypress Creek Road Cedar Park, TX 78613 a feeling. 512-570-1200 [email protected] 6 Describe for them how a piece makes you FEEL and ask them about their feelings about the music. John Morrison Celebrate successes in rehearsal in a way that makes them realize that only music Past President 7 Cypress-Fairbanks ISD can make them feel this way. For example, say: “I love the way we arrived at that Secondary Music 10300 Jones Road, Suite 724 final chord-what a moment!” Houston, TX 77065 8 Describe to them what the composer did in the music to evoke a certain feeling. 281-897-4042 [email protected] “Notice how the composer changes keys and brings back the theme in major to make us feel that everything is okay.” Michael Brashear Executive Director 9 Remind them you care about them and that making music with people we care Texas Bandmasters Association 1002 Central Parkway South about is better than making music alone. San Antonio, TX 78232 10 Remind them that in a world where bad news seems to be all around us, music 210-492-8878 [email protected] can make them feel safe, connected to others, and feel a way that words cannot. They need to know WHY they need music in their lives.

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 2 Texas Bandmasters Association We are fortunate in Texas to have a culture of band that exists nowhere else in the world. THANKS, FROM THE Even though we all have bad days, bad rehearsals, and issues we must PRESIDENT: work through, it is important to remember we have the privilege to teach We all owe a “round of applause” wonderful students about music through band every day. Talking to your to 2019 Presidents John and students about your passion for music and helping them understand the Dena Morrison for the wonderful feelings that music can provide as we prepare outstanding performances is work they did preparing for a wonderful way to ensure that they carry with them a love for music. You this year’s convention. I would may also notice that by remembering why you love what you do, the “bad” also like to thank our Board of rehearsals don’t seem quite as bad. Directors, Executive Director I look forward to continuing to serve all of you this year as President Mike Brashear and his wife of TBA. The TBA Board has already begun preparing for the 2020 Priscilla and the TBA staff, convention and are very excited to have Kevin Sedatole, Director of Bands Robin Tovar and Justin Young for at Michigan State University as our Featured Clinician and Steven Bryant their tireless efforts on behalf as our Featured Composer. A partial list of our concerts includes the Air of our association. Thank you Force Band of the West and the Kasesart University Wind Symphony also to Brian Merrill, Richard from Bangkok, Thailand. Herrera, Chuck and Sue Kuentz, If there is anything that I or any of the Board of Directors can do and Charlie Munsell for all their to assist you or make your convention experience better, please don’t contributions behind the scenes hesitate to ask. I wish you a wonderful year full of success for you and to making 2019 such a success. your students and look forward to seeing you at the 2020 Convention. Making an Eternal Impact on Your Students Christopher Yee, 2019-20 TBA Sergeant-at-Arms

On behalf of my extraordinary band directing wife, In addition, my directors Jenna, and our two sons, Noah and Ashton, please accept were genuine. Young people our family’s thanks in advance for the opportunity to serve have the incredible ability to see straight through teachers Texas band directors and students through our membership who put up walls… teachers who try to be someone they on the Texas Bandmasters Association Board of Directors. are not. When we are vulnerable enough to be our true Over the course of the next several years, we will invest selves in our classrooms, our students see that. They feel our full efforts to honor the incredible opportunity we’ve that. They respond by doing the very same. been given. Lastly, my directors were positive. They affected change In 1993, I began 6th grade band on the trumpet at through encouragement, motivation, building us up, and Doerre Middle School in Klein, Texas. The soft-spoken seeing the best in us. Yelling, berating, and hurtful sarcasm young man who entered that band hall had very few weren’t a part of their vocabulary. They didn’t teach us to friends, little to no confidence, and poor self-esteem. My avoid mistakes or perform with fear. When we see the best middle school years were full of teasing, taunting, and in our students and coach them to aggressively pursue academic struggles outside the band hall. Yet inside Susan excellence, they create beautiful music. Scarborough’s band hall, I was given a voice. I was given How did my directors know to do these things? I believe a family. I was given a safe place to learn how to express they knew to do them because their teachers showed them. myself, push myself, and unlock aspects of my personality That’s how this works. Masterful teaching is passed down I didn’t know existed. through generations. It’s our job to keep our eyes and ears It continued throughout high school as I transitioned open, study those who have gone before us, lock arms with into the Klein High School Band under the direction of others doing the same, and then turn around and influence Mr. Randy Vaughn. Between the years of 1996 and 2000, the next generation through our own teaching. If we’re Randy and his staff provided an engaging and dynamic lucky, we’ll have a handful of students who turn around musical environment in which I was able to discover and pass it along themselves. what would become my life’s dream… to become a band To quote my older brother and Leander ISD band parent, director. I wanted to provide students with the very same “What you [band directors] do is eternal.” —Peter­ Yee experiences that I was so fortunate to receive when I So, as you find yourself sitting in professional needed them most. development sessions while the emails pile up and the I frequently ask myself what made these band programs school year schedule quickly replaces your slow summer feel like families. What made them feel safe? What about days, work to remind yourself of the masterful teaching them encouraged me to leave my comfort zone and push that likely brought you into our profession. Remember myself to grow and expand in the ways I did? that it’s your job to turn around and pass it to the next I believe one of the biggest reasons why, was that both generation so they can do the same. Know that your band halls were filled with directors who viewed their impact is eternal. students as people first. They developed me as a person And when the school year comes to an end, rest with first, musician second. When we develop our students as your family and friends and we’ll see you at the 2020 Texas people, they become fantastic musicians along the way. The Bandmasters Association Convention/Clinic! There’s no music will always take care of itself if we develop people better place to connect with those who have masterfully first. gone before us, learn from them, and turn around to pass it along.

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 4 Texas Bandmasters Association In the Rearview Mirror John Morrison, 2019-20 TBA Past President

The road ahead looks great. There is so much to look Charlie Munsell manages forward to in this upcoming school year for you and your the Lila Cockrell performance band students. The responsibility you have influencing hall. With our community the lives of your students through their band experience is bands, featured clinicians not to be taken lightly. Teamwork/sectionals, cooperation/ and composers, as well as ensemble, acceptance/balance, grit/technique are just some our “feature concerts”, Charlie stays quite busy backstage of the traits that we teach in our music classes. Maintaining keeping the hall running smoothly for our performers. high standards in your program for your students to Charlie also pitched in between performances this summer develop as individual student performers and ensemble and presented a clinic session on retirement planning. I’m not members not only produces fine performances, but great sure that managing Lila Cockrell was in Charlie’s retirement community members as well. plan, but this former TBA past president continues to give As I scan my mirrors, I would like to reflect on our most back through his service to our members in this way. recent TBA convention. Just like your home campuses, Our fearless “Academy for New Teachers” leader, there are many people working behind the scenes seeing to Brian Merrill, has taken his passion for mentoring young it that we all have the best summer convention and clinic teachers to another level by designing a curriculum and experience, and I’d like to introduce you to a few of them. programming during our convention that targets teachers Our fantastic office and exhibit hall manager, Robin that are new to Texas or new to teaching. Brian’s years Tovar, keeps the day to day operations of our association of planning and curriculum development has become a running smoothly as she works with our membership source of pride for TBA. To date, over 1000 new teachers and vendors to provide the best TBA experience. Robin’s have benefited from this TBA past president’s servant heart! partnership with our exhibitors is vital for creating the best Our 2019 Bandmaster of The Year, Frank Troyka, manages convention floor experience because these partners are a curriculum and staff that serves 1,500 student leaders providing us the materials, we all need to be effective in annually. To date, this program has impacted close to 15,000 the classroom. One can only imagine the task of designing student leaders from Texas. Frank continues to inspire our the show floor and organizing move-in and move-out of students and teachers with his dynamic approach to student the exhibit hall for over 600 vendors for our convention. leadership training. Where else can you get content and Justin Young is our website support and registration curriculum like this in a venue like TBA? area manager. Justin manages all things “registration”, both Mike Brashear has just completed his 10th year of service online and onsite for our members and attendees. Justin to TBA as our executive director. Mike’s steadfast leadership has just completed his 10th year of service to TBA and we for our association has helped us continue to provide a top- are thankful for his contributions. Justin is assisted onsite notch convention experience for our members. Priscilla by his wife Kim, Gary Fair and Sue Kuentz. This team has Brashear has continued to serve alongside Mike as our been a constant source of professional customer service to spouses’ board liaison. This constant connection to our our members for many years. spouses’ board has continued to provide an outstanding Our clinician support team for TBA is led by Chuck experience for our TBA spouses and families. Kuentz. Chuck plays a vital role each summer seeing to it We are so appreciative to our past presidents that that our clinicians are happy by supporting them with clinic continue to step in and serve our association. A big thank handouts and audio-visual support. Chuck also manages the you also goes out to our clinicians, monitors and other “Red Shirts” from UT San Antonio. These music education volunteers for helping to put on another fantastic show! majors from UTSA act as valuable support staff seeing to it Finally, special thanks to our staff photographer Michelle that percussion equipment, music stands, and many other Gorden for chronicling our annual event. tasks get handled for our many convention spaces. Have a fantastic year and we look forward to seeing you next July at #TBA2020.

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 5 Texas Bandmasters Association TBA News Michael Brashear, TBA Executive Director

Thank YOU for attending TBA 2019! I am happy to and everyone left inspired to report that our attendance was up compared to 2018 with achieve even higher musical over 2700 active and retired members, spouses and family standards with their bands in attendance. Add the student day attendees, boosters, this year. TBA directors spent performing bands and demonstration groups and TBA’s over 18,000 hours attending total was over 5500. Including the exhibitors and choir and clinics, concerts and exploring products in our exhibit hall. orchestra attendees, we had over 10,500 attend the summer We appreciate our business members and exhibitors and music conventions! Texas music educators are dedicated to count on your support each year. Please review the list of improving their skills and our students will reap the benefits! TBA Exhibitors on pages 28-29 and support them with Our Board of Directors is committed to offering you the your business. I offer a huge thanks to all our sponsors very best possible summer convention. We appreciate all and special recognition to our Premier Sponsor Perform who took time to complete our survey. Your feedback is America/Ultimate Drill Book, and our Patron Sponsors valued and will help as we plan for next year. If you have TMF Tour & Travel and Conn Selmer. an idea for a clinic, visit our website and submit your TBA is proud to partner with YBDT to meet the needs suggestion. We want to hear from you so we can best meet of young band directors. Several articles published in this your needs for professional development. magazine focus on topics that should be helpful to young Thanks to all our wonderful clinicians for your directors. I encourage all of you to find your special mentor. outstanding presentations this summer. We appreciate One of the reasons that Texas bands are the envy of the world schools who brought demonstration groups to share their is that experienced directors are always willing to share ideas talent with our attendees. The concerts were spectacular, and to serve as mentors. Have a great fall semester!

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R conn-selmer.com Music is a Place for Everyone Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser

As a music educator/band to the music community? What will requisite disciplines of success to the director, my philosophical focus/ convince an administrator to support ensemble experience. Music learning foundation has always been: music within the school schedule?” for the sake of music; and music MUSIC FOR THE SAKE OF MUSIC! If there is a shred of reasoning in learning for the sake of life. What While it is obvious there are many the above thoughts, then the discourse better way to prepare for a successful additional benefits generated via the (WHY MUSIC? WHY BAND?) takes future? music learning and music making on new meaning. We often tend to WHY MUSIC? WHY BAND? process, these all stand a far distant answer these questions from an artistic (from the non-musician’s point of view) second in comparison to the priceless position: Who should study music? Who value of learning and expressing the • Music lifts our spirits. should be in the band? language of MUSIC. As musicians we • Music helps us share our inner Music is a place for everyone. inherently know we MAKE MUSIC to thoughts and feelings with a Our traditional music programs have MAKE MUSIC. The intrinsic payoffs vocabulary beyond the common inadvertently promoted a false concept are beyond measure. To justify the word. of: Music is for the musically talented importance of MUSIC in any other • Music avails us to emotions we students. This elitist view has found fashion seems less-than-authentic and otherwise will suppress or ignore. its way to more people than we might (in a sense) diminishes the one-of- • Music is a universal language. expect. The study of music actually a-kind experience only MUSIC can • Music makes life worth living by breaks down societal barriers from deliver. touching our souls. race to socioeconomic strata. Music No doubt we have all trudged These are all well and good and a often reaches the students who are through the frustration of trying to resounding “AMEN!” is extended by struggling with their other academic explain the intrinsic joy and positive this author. studies. Advanced brain research worth of being involved in the world of The only way one can explain continues to verify and confirm all music to someone who has never been music is with music. If we are to brains are “wired for music.” Eric a music-maker. Music is a language convince non-music makers about the Jensen, research author on brain- unto itself. I’m reminded of this bit importance of music learning, we may based learning, writes, Music is part of wonderful wisdom: People hear have to step off our podiums and put of our biological heritage and is (and listen to) what is of interest the recruitment spotlight on the hard-wired into our genes as a to them. If we are touting the value extended human needs and essential survival strategy. (Jensen, E. 2001, of “participating in band/music” to a human qualities: Arts with the Brain in Mind, p.15.) group of parents, let’s make certain • Music has a direct impact on Do parents, administrators, the message is crafted and presented academic achievement. community leaders, and teachers in a fashion it resonates with THEIR • Music creates a forum for healthy of other disciplines understand wants and needs. With that said, it human exchange. (even know) this information? Are would be advantageous to express • Music enhances perceptual motor we (as music educators) sharing the unlimited benefits of learning/ skills. this extraordinary news with our making music from every possible • Music supports the qualities educational partners? Music is NOT angle including both the intrinsic needed to survive and thrive in for the “chosen few,” but music is and extrinsic rewards. Ultimately, the modern-day society. for all those who want to pursue “What will get and keep the listener’s Music is NOT a frill subject or a this exciting pathway of learning, and attention? What will compel parents fringe activity, but music-study is a shouldn’t that be everyone? to take action and connect their child microcosm of society bringing the (continued) Bandmasters Review • September 2019 7 Texas Bandmasters Association Music is a Place for Everyone

Why study music if my child isn’t going to society, they want to see their sons and daughters have be a musician? every possible advantage in their educational climate, So many parents (at the point of registering a student their chosen profession, and their selected community of for music) do not understand the extended value of living where, once again, the cycle will repeat itself with learning music. There’s far more to this than investing in and for the next generation. The complexity of society’s an instrument, scheduling lessons, driving to and from evolutionary standards (some favorable, some not) puts rehearsals, and/or attending concerts. The responsible parents “on alert” 24/7. What discipline of music making is transferable Instead of being is the best use of their child’s time and to every learning situation in and outside overly cautious about energy, both in the classroom and outside the academic community. We have pointed emphasizing the the classroom? Might I suggest the study to music students as “the smartest and ...benefits of of music is a cultural imperative fulfilling most responsible students in the school.” music learning and all the wants, needs, and wishes of every We now understand it is really the study music making, caring-sharing parent. of music that puts them in this favorable we might consider Instead of being overly cautious about posture alongside their non-musical SHOUTING this news emphasizing the “off the podium” benefits counterparts. We must be cautious not of music learning and music making, we to suggest “music makes you smarter,” but we certainly might consider SHOUTING this news to every accountable can point to the overall accomplishments of the students parent, and to every administrator who seeks a better of music and find a similar high level of achievement in school environment, and to every student who wants both academic and non-academic arenas; this is NOT an to enjoy a life of happiness and success. This is not to accident or a coincidence. Arguably no other discipline replace or overshadow “music for the sake of music,” but in school can better prepare the mind and spirit for to reach out to all students so they can avail themselves the challenges of, medical study, law school, classes in to the rewards of MUSIC. We know we have the most engineering, education/teaching, business college, etc. convincing recruitment information available to bring them Ultimately, don’t we want MUSIC to be a part of every to our rehearsal rooms: MUSIC CREATES SUCCESSFUL person’s life? From singing in the church choir to playing in PEOPLE. The “learned outcome” of music study is a certain the community band, music should not be relegated to the success blueprint. What parent could say NO once he/she school environment, but music becomes our trusted friend understands the immeasurable value of music study? of expression forever. Why music? Why band? It might be more appropriate to Framing the message for the welfare of the ask: Why NOT music? Why NOT band? It is evident music child. education should be experienced by every student. We, as What is the most important priority for all parents? THE a culture, will be best served if the hearts and minds of our FUTURE HAPPINESS OF THEIR CHILD! Mothers and youth are filled with the knowledge and the understanding fathers around the world dedicate their lives to creating an of MUSIC. The time has come, the time is now! even better life for their children. In a highly competitive STRIKE UP THE BAND!

Following his tenure in the college band directing world, Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser 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. To date, 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. 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. In 1995 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the VanderCook College of Music. He continues to teach as an adjunct faculty member at Ball State University, Indiana-Purdue/Ft. Wayne University, and Butler University. In addition, he is a member of the Midwest Clinic Board of Directors and the Western International Band Clinic/American Band College Board of Directors. He is presently the Chair of the National Association for Music Education Music Honor Society (Tri-M). Bandmasters Review • September 2019 8 Texas Bandmasters Association Mentors Help Lead the Way to Success Lynne Jackson

How long does it take to get really Don’t Judge • Give your respect: A teacher must good at what you do? According to A mentor must not impart a self- always be perceived as an expert in Malcolm Gladwell, famed author of fulfilling prophecy upon a mentee. I front of students. Always keep this Outliers: The Story of Success, it takes believe it is impossible to determine in mind while observing classes and about 10 years or the equivalent of how good a teacher can become based be sure to save your criticism and 10,000 hours of earnest practice at on the early years of teaching. It is personal remarks for a private time. your craft to achieve extraordinary unreasonable to say or even think, • Give hope: There must always be greatness. While we might not all be “This teacher will never be any good.” hope. Thoughts like this will get in the way aiming for that level of exceptionality, The Mentor as Sherpa of the mentor’s effectiveness and can we can still recognize the importance become projected on a new teacher. There will certainly be mountains of dedicated practice to develop Those new to the profession should to climb for anyone to become a expertise in our field. Given that, continually be aware that becoming master teacher. A mentor might it’s no wonder that in their early a seasoned educator is a process. consider themselves as a Sherpa—one years teachers aren’t always equipped Through this process, teachers must who has made the climb, faced the with the skills needed to be effective, give themselves permission to fail, obstacles, encountered the pitfalls, successful, and comfortable. to succeed, to stumble, and to fly. A and often taken the longer, much Over the past 15 years, I’ve had mentor teacher’s role is in great part harder route. As a mentor teacher, I the opportunity to mentor a variety to provide hope and encouragement must remind myself that new teachers of teachers new to the profession to their mentees and to celebrate their must make the climb themselves. That and college students seeking degrees victories—no matter how small! climb can often be painful to watch, in music education. Primarily, I A first-year teacher can be a good and the mentor will be motivated have learned that teaching is about teacher. Think about it! For what a new to jump in and rescue. However, relationships. What follows are some teacher may be lacking in information, failure is often a very effective teacher, other things I learned. skills, and experience, they abound in and allowing the experience is not enthusiasm, energy, and excitement! Why Mentor? Why Have a Mentor? necessarily catastrophic. Failure can Mentors must capitalize on the new Whether mentoring by choice or be a powerful catalyst for growth. A teacher’s positive traits and work to being cast into the role of mentor, good mentor knows when to save a not diminish them. As you work with no one can deny the importance and mentee from themselves and when to a new teacher, you must: significance of actively mentoring let them be. • Give your time: This is essential. those new to the profession or new The level of commitment to your The Most Powerful Tool to a school. A second-year teacher mentee will most assuredly be I believe that a mentor teacher’s in essence becomes a mentor to a determined by the amount of quality greatest tool is to lead by example. first-year teacher—this is undeniable time spent together. People tend to take on qualities and and often exciting for the more • Give your ear: When I have taken attitudes of those who surround them, experienced teacher. While the the time to carefully listen instead of and this is particularly true for teachers following information might appear continuously giving instruction, I have new to our profession. I encourage to be intended for mentor teachers, it’s become more effective in meeting a new teachers to stay away from also relevant for new teachers because young teacher where they are and negativity and consequently immerse it’s important to know what they can consequently, together, we are able to themselves in learning the craft. We and should expect from their mentors. proceed in a more beneficial way. should seek to fill our heads with creative, intuitive, and meaningful Bandmasters Review • September 2019 9 Texas Bandmasters Association Mentors Help Lead the Way to Success

thoughts on teaching that propel us forward. Negative and direct path for growth. It is the fastest way up the behavior tends to weigh us down and wear us out. mountain. A mentor has great liberty with these teachers, We Must Adapt so in the moments where criticism is When you mentor a new teacher, A good mentor knows needed, be sure the information you you will learn that one size does not fit when to save a mentee offer is demonstrable, not personally all. During my experiences as a mentor from themselves and hurtful. Always leave your mentee with teacher, many different personalities when to let them be. a sense of hope. have emerged from my mentees. I A true professional Classroom Management/Rehearsal find that I must adapt my mentoring shows up on time, Techniques style based on each person’s needs and prepared, and excited Quite often an inexperienced teacher’s classroom strategy is based on the idea willingness to grow. Here are a few of to teach each day... that once the students are able to behave, the most common personality traits of these behaviors make those I have mentored. (I encourage new only then can they be properly taught. I the world of teaching teachers reading this article to examine encourage teachers to just start teaching! much more comfortable themselves as they read. This could be The quality of the instructional content, enlightening.) and satisfying. One of coupled with an inspired delivery, is Some teachers want you to see only the most important directly proportionate to the level of certain aspects of the music program and skills necessary for any interest and excitement experienced by might limit what is accomplished during teacher is the ability to the students. a rehearsal, hoping for only the best successfully communicate We teach music—one of the most aspects of their teaching to be revealed. in an appropriate manner. exciting subjects on the planet! Ideally, As in any relationship, trust is a huge our curriculum has built-in classroom factor, and in this instance a mentor must, over time, build management. With a toolbox full of information and a trust, gently and sincerely. It will take patience and time, teacher’s passion, it is possible for even the less experienced but it is well worth it. teacher to successfully motivate and inspire their students. Other teachers, when being encouraged to try something Pedagogy new might respond, “Yeah, I tried that, but it didn’t work!” A teacher’s most powerful tool in the classroom is These teachers often seem fixed on their methods and information. Information makes a teacher the expert in the have difficulty developing a growth mindset. An effective room. Do everything possible to learn about the instruments way to mentor these individuals is to ask a series of leading you teach and the ensembles you prepare. For those I questions that direct the mentee to arrive at their own mentor, that means showing up for every pedagogical growth conclusions. This process can be powerful in that it gives a opportunity. Attend conferences, take lessons, observe sense of ownership to the teacher. Although this personality others, read articles, watch videos, ask questions—these are may seem to have all the answers, there may come a time imperative if you hope to acquire the knowledge and skills when they confess, they need your help. At this moment a to become the teacher your kids deserve. door has opened for the mentor—rush in! Professionalism Finally, there are the new teachers who just happen to be The world of teaching requires that we be on our best my favorites! They want to know anything and everything behavior. We distinguish ourselves as professionals by our to help them be better teachers for their students and choices of attire and language and by the respect shown for better leaders for their program. A mentor can be brutally our students, parents, and colleagues. A true professional honest with these teachers and assist in providing a clear shows up on time, prepared, and excited to teach each

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 10 Texas Bandmasters Association Mentors Help Lead the Way to Success

day. It is often difficult for those transitioning to A Final Thought teaching to hold themselves to these standards. Keep in mind the relationship developed between a mentor and their However, once attained, these behaviors make mentee will be reflected in an ever-increasing sphere. Like the ripples the world of teaching much more comfortable created by a stone thrown into a pond, a mentor’s influence will expand, and satisfying. touching many lives, perhaps for generations to come. Time Management, Planning, and Preparation Lynne Jackson is Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music Education at Southern Methodist Any teacher will tell you that using time wisely University and Mentor Teacher at Berkner HS, Richardson ISD. to successfully plan and prepare for classes Reprinted from Southwestern Musician with the permission of Texas Music Educators can be a source of concern and, very often, Association. frustration. Be sure that your mentee keeps a calendar; this sounds obvious but, surprisingly, I have worked with those who have not. Young teachers will need help with prioritizing their days, weeks, and months. This will take time and the mentor as Sherpa can lead the way, saving many missteps for the young teacher. Daily lesson plans are essential for each class. Encourage your mentee to save a particular time each day for reflection and planning. Communication One of the most important skills necessary for any teacher is the ability to successfully communicate in an appropriate manner. As a young teacher, I learned many hard lessons because I didn’t possess the maturity and experience to make good choices with my communication. With the power of social media, I advise new teachers to strictly follow their district’s guidelines. Additionally, all written communication should be proofread by a more experienced and knowledgeable colleague. As for email, never respond to an angry email quickly. Cool off, and then pick up the phone for a more personalized conversation. Any serious situations should be reported to the principal, so they are aware before receiving a call from a parent. Try always to take the high road.

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 11 Texas Bandmasters Association Strategies for Success: Thoughts for New (and Veteran) Teachers Dr. Charles T. Menghini

In every case, it boils down to the best. Be sure you have at least one that we build the trust of those who we little things. Simple acts. Things that professional outfit (an upgrade from are with by always speaking positively we can incorporate into our way of your usual mode of dress) to wear for about those who are not present. living. They become a part of who we special situations. This outfit should There is no room in the professional are and help to define our success (or be a bit conservative and not the world for a pity party. failure). In the end, the little things in least bit provocative. I once read a 6. REMAIN ACTIVE life are the big things. They require us statement that could be a metaphor Don’t sit around doing nothing. to be “thoughtful” (full of thoughts) for how you dress: “Nobody minds a If you have planned your day, there as opposed to being “thoughtless” non-smoker!” should be plenty to do. Take a few (without a thought). Here are 25 4. NO EXCUSES moments and walk the room during things to help ensure your success, Avoid making an excuse at all rehearsals and classes. Before and growth, and development. costs. If something goes wrong, take after class straighten chairs, align (or 1. SHOW UP EARLY responsibility. By taking responsibility tighten) music stands. Dust shelves, Plan your day so you can leave your you take ownership. Ownership pianos, percussion equipment every residence and be at work a minimum gives you the power to make things week. Check on the condition of of 30 minutes before your first activity. right. This involves your work in the school-owned instruments frequently. This allows for any situations that may classroom as well as any situation There is always something to do. delay your commute and gives you outside the classroom. If you make Be aware and do it. By being on top plenty of time to get yourself settled, a mistake, and you will, own up to of things early you save money on take care of last-minute business and it. You will gain respect and trust by expensive repairs and replacements be ready to go for your first class. doing so because you identify yourself later. 2. FINISH YOUR DAY ON A as someone who is honest, responsible 7. LEARN YOUR STUDENTS’ NAMES POSITIVE NOTE and trustworthy. The most beautiful two words a Don’t be in a hurry to leave. At the end 5. NO COMPLAINING person can hear is the sound of their of the day, take a couple of minutes Nobody cares if you had bad traffic, name. Ask every student how they to review what you accomplished as don’t feel well, or have a personal would like to be addressed. Do not well as identify those things that could problem. Smile. When someone asks assume that because their name is have gone better. If you do not have a how you are doing, respond with Annabelle, they want to be called running list of things to do, create one. something positive, not negative. “I’m Anna. They may prefer Ann or Bella. Having a list of things that need to get feeling great.” “I’m really excited for If you are unsure of the pronunciation done and people to contact allows classes today.” “I’m better than ever.” of their last name, ask them, and don’t you to free up your mind and reduces Complainers tend to be negative be afraid to practice out loud in class. stress. As you plan your day (see #15) people, and nobody likes to hang You are sending the message to your this list will become invaluable. around (or be taught by) negative students that they are important. 3. LOOK GOOD people…unless they are negative too. 8. ADDRESS ADMINISTRATORS, Take extra time to look your best. Be careful not to speak negatively COUNSELORS, AND FELLOW Iron your clothes. Polish your shoes. If of others and avoid getting dragged TEACHERS as DR., MR., MRS. or MS. someone enters your room, they need into conversations where people are In school, never speak to or refer to to know that YOU are the teacher. Even speaking negatively about others. administrators or colleagues by their though casual clothes are sometimes Stephen Covey in his book The Seven first name. In addition, never refer permitted in the workplace, look your Habits of Highly Effective People writes to anyone only by their last name. To

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 12 Texas Bandmasters Association Strategies for Success: Thoughts for New (and Veteran) Teachers

gain respect you must give respect. By showing respect to Letting students know there is another level encourages others we create a professional atmosphere. them to strive for a higher level of performance. 9. LET YOUR STUDENTS KNOW HOW THEY 13. SAY THE SECOND THING THAT COMES TO SHOULD ADDRESS YOU MIND IN A REHEARSAL Even though there may only be a few years difference The first one will almost always get you in trouble. If you in your age and the age of your students, let your students can wait three seconds before responding, you can choose know on day one how they should address you. All your response. Saying the first thing that comes to mind is students should call you Mr. or Mrs. or Ms.—never by a reflex response and is often negative or critical. your first name. If you have a difficult name to pronounce, 14. KNOW YOUR MUSIC it is permissible to have them call you by an abbreviation. Get a copy of each part. In my case, Menghini was hard to pronounce so it was • Know every rhythm – be able to count it. permissible for my students to call me “Mr. M.” • • Note how everyone’s part goes – be able to play it on 10. TAKE NOTES your primary instrument, a keyboard, or sing it correctly. Throughout the day you will have a myriad of thoughts • Internalize the style of the work. and ideas. Have a pencil and paper ready and write • Think of the music in context. things down. Develop a system to use to assist you in the • Practice your conducting stance. process. Use a “+” for things you liked or things you want • Do not hold your arms up in the ready position and give to remember. Use a “?” when you need more information, instructions or talk. are uncertain or need to ask or research. We simply do not • Practice your prep beat and downbeat. Make sure you have enough brain space to remember everything. Writing are looking at the ensemble. things down helps you to remember and allows you to get • Practice your releases and cut-offs. more done. At the end of the day, you will add these notes • Map out your conducting. to your running list (see #2). • Keep your head out of the score. When you hear a 11. GREET PEOPLE mistake, stop and fix it. Say “Hello” or “Good Morning” to your colleagues, • Video yourself and be honest when you look at the secretaries, administrators, and students. When beginning video. a class, welcome your students as people first. Let them 15. SPEND 15 MINUTES EVERYDAY PLANNING know you are happy to see them. While teaching a graduate Manage time and prioritize things. Even though we class at VanderCook College of Music, I began each class all have electronic devices that store our calendars, they session with, “Good Morning! How is my favorite class?” It do not allow us to see the big picture. Having a calendar was amazing to see the smiles on their faces. Letting people with all of your professional and personal dates recorded know you are happy to see or be with them sets a positive helps to keep you organized. It will also help identify tone and gives everyone, including you, energy. potential conflicts. Plan out the week. Then plan out each 12. PROVIDE APPROPRIATE FEEDBACK day. We have already mentioned the importance of having If you ask the group or a student to play, never say “OK” a running “to do list” of things you need to get done, and move on. This sends them the message that they have ideas or thoughts you have had, or people you need to reached an acceptable level even though you intended contact. Move the items you want to get done from your to say that they are showing improvement. Instead, use “to do list” to your calendar. Next, assign them a priority the word “better” and provide guidance on how they can rating or number to ensure you get the most important continue to improve. Example: “That was better. As you things completed first. Make keeping a list a high priority keep working on this, continue to make bigger differences and realize you will never be able to get to everything on in dynamics. Continue to exaggerate the dynamic contrast.” your list, but you will accomplish all of the important and

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 13 Texas Bandmasters Association Strategies for Success: Thoughts for New (and Veteran) Teachers

urgent things. Doing this on a daily basis will make a huge 22. UTILIZE RESOURCES difference in your productivity, how people perceive you, Establish a good relationship with your local music and how you feel about yourself and the job you are doing. dealer. Stay active in local, state and national organizations. If possible, attend national events such as Conn-Selmer As you continue your career there are a few other things Institute (CSI) or The Midwest Clinic. Reach out to other to understand. teachers in your area as well as college and university 16. PATIENCE professors. Invite them to visit your class or just have a Do not be in a hurry. Make sure you do things to the cup of coffee with them and pick their brains. There is best of your ability the first time. Having to do something an amazing wealth of knowledge sitting just waiting to be twice wastes time. If you did not have time to do it right tapped. the first time, when will you find the time to do it right the 23. DECISION MAKING second time? Do not rush to judgment. Things are not always as they 17. UNDERSTANDING appear. Look at each situation from everyone’s point of Realize your life experiences are different and significantly view. Think through multiple courses of action and choose greater than your students. Each year you teach, the age the one that is best for all parties concerned. difference is one year greater. 24. COMMUNICATE 18. KNOWLEDGE We are always communicating. Communication is the Continue to learn. Trust your knowledge base but realize single most important aspect of what you do. Whether it it is only the beginning. Read professional journals, books is in the classroom, on the podium, speaking to parents, and enroll in continuing education courses. colleagues, administrators, members of the community, you are always communicating. In addition to what you 19. REMAIN ACTIVE AS A MUSICIAN say, take note in your non-verbal communication. When Continue to play and sing. Attend live musical you need to see an administrator or colleague about a performances. Practice your instrument on a regular basis problem or situation, let them know that you need some and allow yourself to remain connected to what got you “advice and counsel” on an issue. This immediately lets into this business in the first place. them know you value their opinion and sets a positive tone 20. IDENTIFY YOUR EXPERTISE from the start. Take an honest account of your expertise and continue 25. IT IS A JOURNEY, NOT A DESTINATION to build on it. Build on your strengths. Don’t be in a hurry to get to the end. Enjoy the process. 21. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF Enjoy the growth process. Each year you will become wiser As you get older, your energy level will not be at the and better at your craft. Your standards and expectations, same level it is today. Getting yourself into a regimen of along with your hair color and waist size may change. regular exercise and maintaining a good diet is important. Enjoy the ride. Avoid burning the midnight oil. Your body, regardless of GOOD LUCK! age, needs rest.

Dr. Charles T. Menghini is President Emeritus of VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL. He is a Senior Educational Consultant for Conn-Selmer, Inc., is co-author of the Essential Elements band method, published by Hal Leonard Corporation and serves as an Educational Member of the Music Achievement Council of NAMM. This article was written for the Washington State Music Educators Association Journal and is being reprinted with permission.

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 14 Texas Bandmasters Association Recruiting, Retaining, and Motivating Your Title 1 Students Eric Jimenez

As an eager band director, I actively These typical examples could be the solution. Instead, he found ways to sought guidance and mentorship result of poverty affecting our students’ make emotional deposits to each of with regard to improving my music academic and behavior performance. his students. He greeted students program. Time and time again I was When frustration takes over due to personably at the door and created a met with pessimistic narratives such as, the inability to control our students’ structured but inviting atmosphere. “Just finish the year and get out.” “You environment, we must remind ourselves Once he made enough deposits, he will never make a 1.” and “Those kids of that which we had the ability to will never get it.” I was disheartened to can control—the 30-50% of our behaviors redirect students hear this because I still identified with environment we offer. stem from our DNA, without the fear of those very same kids. Unfortunately, We have the ability while 50-70% stem “overdrafting”. (An not much has changed for colleagues to provide a space from our environment. overdraft is viewed as seeking the same guidance. As I that is inviting, safe a negative reaction or ­—Saudino, 2005 transition from the band hall into and celebratory of all disciplinary behavior.) higher education, I am making the students. For this to translate into When we allow ourselves to see our commitment to provide solutions to your program, I suggest you learn to students as vessels that have the problems we might experience serving empathize with your students rather capacity for us to pour positive learning Title 1 settings. than have sympathy for them. experiences into them, we can use DISCLAIMER: I chose the term “Title 1” Ten years ago, I attended my first music as our vehicle to drive this in order to include as many of my TBA Convention/Clinic. I was fortunate mission. colleagues as possible. To better fit your enough to sit in a clinic that altered respective programs, the “Title 1” term Recruitment-Make Band Fun! is interchangeable with urban, rural, or my approach to teaching from that In my first year of teaching I was under-resourced. The information I am day forward. A Title 1 band director tasked with revitalizing a middle going to share is a culmination of my shared personal experiences of when school band program that hadn’t had experience as a product, practitioner, and researcher of serving students in he attended the middle school he was a band for several years. I reached out Title 1 settings. now serving. The same struggles he to directors for guidance as to what I Establishing an Understanding experienced years ago continued to should do first. My colleague replied, of OUR Students be evident in his students today. Some “Get them a band t-shirt. Kids love Note my intentional use of the of his students walked in wearing the t-shirts!” He was right. Every program word “our” in this section heading. same clothes as the day before, lacking I served has received a custom shirt That frame of mind is the first step in supplies, sleep deprived, and hungry. design. Additionally, the shirts were understanding. The day you receive Initially he was drawn to finding ways to approved by the administration and a roster, those individual names have make monetary deposits, but he knew became a part of the approved student become your students. When we seek that was not a rational nor sustainable dress code. (See designs below.) guidance, we lead not with positive anecdotes but rather with the issues we experience. Such as, “My students don’t practice.” or “They have to go home to take care of siblings.” and

“They laugh when I redirect them.” Cervantes @3MonsterFX Victor

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 15 Texas Bandmasters Association Recruiting, Retaining, and Motivating Your Title 1 Students

High School Beginner Band really exist. Instead, let us create solutions for our students High school directors should be open to create a and families such as: beginner band. Yes, it did eliminate conference time • Create flexible rehearsal schedules from my schedule, but the result was increased student • Implement payment plans participation and retention. Students were greeted as part • Find sponsors to defray costs of the family from the day they decided to join and were • Designate fundraisers to assist with student fees allowed to participate in all activities. By this means, we Listen to each student’s situation and be open to recruited students who desired to be in band but were adjusting your expectations on a case by case basis. Do not unable because of lack of access or availability in their blame students for something they cannot control. schedule. Develop a Cultural Understanding Social Media I remember helping one of my colleagues understand the Create a unique handle for your band. Allow stakeholders importance of a quinceañera within Latino families. I offered to tag your band to share positive content via social media. my insight into the cultural event he planned to attend. His This platform will allow you to reach students who may not attendance resulted in a huge emotional deposit and received listen to announcements or see flyers posted in the school. several invitations to other quinceañeras thereafter. Allow Social media is an extension of your classroom and a useful yourself the opportunity to be present for your students’ resource to allow community members, parents, and other special events. If attending off-campus events is not an colleagues to see the great work your programs are doing. option, be open to supporting non-music academic events. Understanding our Student’s Community and Survey your students about their individual and Socio-Economic Status family musical preferences. The data collected will allow Be Vulnerable you to make informed decisions about the music and One of my first recommendations to any new teacher is performances you will program throughout the year. A to get familiar with the community you are serving. Drive useful site that allows you to find repertoire that connects around and find local places to eat. Although I was a product your students’ home music with their school music is www. of the neighborhoods several of my students resided in, I was composerdiversity.com. If your program has the capacity still surprised to hear some of the adversities my students to implement culturally relevant ensembles, do so. These were facing. After inquiring why some of my students were familiar musical experiences could lead students to be not practicing at home, they shared they didn’t feel safe more receptive to traditional ensembles: Mariachi, Brass walking home with their instrument. Instead of punishing Bands, Latin Percussion Ensembles, Jazz Bands, Banda them for their lack of practice, I created time in my schedule Sinaloense, and Conjunto/Tejano. to arrive a bit earlier, offer lunch practice sessions, and stay I am present to the fact that each of our programs are a bit later after school. This “deposit” allowed me to reach unique and should be viewed on an individual basis. even more students. I challenge each of you to try one of the strategies above. Empathize with their Economic Situation Be vulnerable and keep the forging of relationships as a When we serve low-income students, we may create driving force in your teaching. Best of luck to you as we narratives about our students’ financial situations that don’t continue to make deposits through the vehicle of music!

Eric Jimenez has revitalized several band programs throughout Houston ISD. His programs at Sharpstown MS, Hamilton MS, Waltrip HS, Davis HS, and Heights HS increased both student participation and instrument inventory as well as earned Division I and “Best in Class” ratings at UIL and numerous other festivals. The Heights HS Band advanced to UIL Area Marching Contest for the first time in school history. Jimenez is the recipient of Hamilton MS’s Teacher of the Year award, LULAC Educator of the Year, and a Grammy Educational Award for his work at Davis HS. He is a 2009 graduate of Prairie View A&M University and earned his Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Lamar University in 2014. Jimenez is currently a Doctoral Music Education student at the University of Houston Moores School of Music. Bandmasters Review • September 2019 16 Texas Bandmasters Association Balancing Your Band WITH Your Personal Life Fran Kick

Beginning in 2014, I started One exceptionally talented band However, when sharing these numbers gathering “secret insider insight” at director (who’s still married to his with music educators the response the TBA Spouses Luncheon. The idea first wife BTW) actually refused to be is usually “I bet it’s higher for band was to ask real-world band director interviewed on video. His reason? “My directors!” spouses what is the one question suggestion for any young band director Utilizing updated video interview they’d love to ask their spouse, but is to wait to get married until you figure footage from band directors and their never would? Their questions were this job out. Had I gotten married early spouses, hear some of the challenges profoundly impactful and very telling on in my career, I’m sure my marriage and issues faced in balancing life, as to the communication gaps and would have ended in divorce. I was relationships, family, and career when behavioral differences between band just too all-consumed with keeping you are married to a band director: directors and their spouses. I have up and was staying at school all the https://youtu.be/7UW1A-YoLGI or subsequently followed up with TBA time! It probably would have ended simply scan the QR code below to directors—along with other band badly.” I wonder if the early-career + watch this 7-minute video on your directors from across the United early-marriage relationship challenge phone right now. States—capturing questions and video is another reason why we lose so many interviews. Utilizing an active research band directors? approach, a pattern emerged in both communication and behavior that Burning out band directors or either worked well or didn’t work. relationships? Nationally, according to research Did you really know what you by Dr. Richard Ingersoll, Professor were getting into? of Education and Sociology at the On both sides of the relationship, University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate Want some ideas that have worked there’s clearly a difference between School of Education, “anywhere for these same band directors and spouses who knew what they were between 40 and 50 percent of teachers their spouses in balancing their band getting into vs. spouses who did not will leave the classroom within their director job with their personal life? know what they were getting into. “I first five years (that includes the nine Go to: https://youtu.be/kytll64iryY or had no idea!” was what many spouses and a half percent that leave before the scan the QR code below to watch this shared. Interestingly enough, there are end of their first year.)” What about 15-minute video on your phone. many band directors who discovered future educators? Well, “40 percent of early on in their career that they too teachers who pursue undergraduate had no idea what they were getting degrees in teaching never even enter into. The time commitments, the the classroom at all.”1 Dr. Ingersoll’s pressure to always make things better, research included private school the one more spinning plate you add teachers and also excluded the three (without taking any plates away) starts percent of teachers who left (perhaps to stress out young band directors on maternity leave) yet still returned early in their career. to teach within the five-year period. (continued)

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 17 Texas Bandmasters Association Balancing Your Band WITH Your Personal Life

During my clinic at the 2019 TBA convention, The term phubbing is a portmanteau of the words ‘phone’ participating directors shared and prioritized tips and and ‘snubbing’ and describes the act of snubbing someone in tactics to better balance being a band director WITH their a social setting by paying attention to one’s phone instead of personal life. Here are the top ten ideas they shared on talking to the person directly in one’s company.2 how to balance both your personal relationships and your Perhaps you know someone who might benefit from professional career as a band director: Tripp and Tyler’s patent-pending Present Spray: https:// 1. We make time to participate in something that we are youtu.be/eHmi0bre2nQ. passionate about. (something other than band.) Belinda Luscombe, author of Marriageology, believes 2. If one of you is home later than the other after dinner this might actually be one of the earliest signs that a and they have yet to eat, sit with them at the table as relationship is struggling. Are you looking at your phone they have dinner—even though you may have eaten when the other person starts talking?3 When you do that, alone. whether you intend to or not, the message you are sending 3. The work will always be there. Set your hours and is: “You are less important than my phone.” YIKES! Perhaps prioritize the most immediate tasks and then GO we all need to keep in mind an important lesson we HOME! strive to teach our band students: Pay attention, respond 4. Take time to travel to a “bucket list” place as often as you appropriately, and get more involved in what’s going on— can. balancing your band WITH your personal life. 5. Go to church together. 6. Maximize your time at work so that you can be as REFERENCES: present as possible once you are home. 1 Riggs, L., (2013, October 13). Why do teachers quit? And why do 7. Schedule date nights and then watch a Netflix TV series they stay? http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2013/10/why- do-teachers- quit/280699/ together. (You can’t move on without the other person!) 2 Yeslam Al Saggaf and Sarah B. O’Donnell, Phubbing: Perceptions, 8. We work together, so our rule is to leave school most reasons behind, predictors, and impacts. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 1, 2, (132-140), (2019). https://doi.org/10.1111/jasp.12506 days by 5:30 PM and not work until our son is in bed. 3 Marriageology: The Art and Science of Staying Together by Belinda 9. Having a date night each week with your spouse is really Luscombe. ISBN 978-0-399-59236-2 important! Fran Kick is an author, educational consultant, and professional speaker 10. Ask them every day what’s been going on in their life who just celebrated 30 years of marriage with his first wife Judy. He is today, then LISTEN! the creator and presenter of KICK IT IN® a series of self-motivational personal leadership presentations and published materials. Since taking an educational leave of absence from teaching band at Centerville High School Taking Time vs. Making Time (Ohio), he has developed his part-time speaking adventure into a full-time In addition to these top ten tips, there were many year-round mission. Today Fran presents programs across the U.S. and Canada to thousands of college/university, high school, junior high/middle specific “date night” ideas shared! BRAVO! Remember school students, plus the many people who work with them. He has his everyone gets the same amount of time every day, every B.A. in Music Education and a M.A. in Educational Psychology. Fran’s week, every month, every year. Rather than thinking involvement with TBA has been graciously sponsored in part by both Drum Corps International and Music for All. You can find more information about “taking time” for your personal life, be sure you about Fran Kick at http://www.kickitin.com. are “making time” to reinforce the relationships you have with the important people in your personal life. The only FYI: For an earlier article written by Fran Kick with strategies on “Balancing Your Band and Your Life” be sure to check out the September other most-often, repeatedly-reoccurring, idea shared was 2014 Issue of Bandmasters Review. http://apps.texasbandmasters.org/ “shutting down” your electronic devices. (i.e. Turn off the publications/bmr/2013_september/ technology and stop phubbing your partner!)

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 18 Texas Bandmasters Association Single Reed Success (Part 1) Greg Countryman

Part two of this article will appear in the December issue of the Bandmasters Review and includes teaching articulation as well as important aspects of the larger instruments of the clarinet and saxophone family. Greg Countryman presented the clinic “Single Reed Success” at this past summer’s convention and the handout is referenced in this article. It can be found on the TBA website: www.texasbandmasters.org. Select Resources / Publication Archives / Convention Handouts (on the left hand side) / “Single Reed Success”.

The key to developing outstanding Clarinet For left hand position, place the single reed players is to establish and When teaching right hand position, clarinet on the right knee and hold maintain strong fundamentals. It is have the students put the bell on the clarinet with the thumb rest in crucial that beginning students are the left knee and hold the clarinet at the “V” of the right hand and then set up with correct hand position the top of upper joint lightly wrap the and finger motion to develop with the left hand. The key to developing fingers around the adequate technique, and correct • Place the fingers outstanding single reed lower joint. The key embouchure and use of air to produce first and then add players is to establish to left hand position a characteristic sound in all registers. the thumb. Place on clarinet is the first and maintain strong These fundamentals are the foundation the pinky on the finger. for producing outstanding players C/low F key. fundamentals. For all the • Form the loser sign regardless of their level or grade. • The fingers woodwind instruments, with the thumb and Hand Position and should be flat and it is suggested that first finger of the left Finger Exercises centered with the you teach hand position hand. tab of the fingers in • Keeping the loser and finger motion For all the woodwind instruments, the middle of the sign, cover the first it is suggested that you teach hand tone hole. before introducing tone hole on the clarinet position and finger motion before • There should be a production. with the first finger introducing tone production. To slight slope to the • Raise the wrist up eliminate temptation, collect the tone fingers with the side of finger 4 near until the first joint of the first finger producing part of the instrument the side Eb key. touches the A key. (mouthpiece or head joint) from all • The thumb rest should be between • Then, roll the wrist back toward the beginning students while teaching the thumbnail and the first joint. body until the second joint of the hand position and finger motion. Be The thumbnail should be at a first finger touches the G# key. The very specific and detailed about how 45-degree angle toward the chin so student should now see the back of to get the instrument out of the case that the fingers lay flat and do not the left hand. and assembly to avoid bending keys. roll on their side. • Fold the other fingers out and let Use large mirrors on the music stands • Stress that the fingers move from the them cover the tone holes. The and number the fingers to speed large knuckles, stay low and move fingers should slant downward at a up the process of teaching of hand straight up and down above the keys. 45-degree angle and place the pinky position: Left hand – Thumb, 1, 2 3, After the hand position is set, teach on the B/low E key. Pinky and Right Hand – 4, 5, 6, Pinky. finger motion through finger exercises. • The thumb should be across the The finger exercises, as well as other tone hole at a 45-degree angle additional information, can be found in with the fleshy part of the thumb the convention handout archives on the covering the hole. TBA website. (continued)

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 19 Texas Bandmasters Association Single Reed Success (Part 1)

• Teach the three positions of the thumb and have the Left hand finger exercises for saxophone can be found on students practice going from position 1-2-3-2-1. the TBA website. - Position 1 - hole only Embouchure and Tone Production - Position 2 - hole and register key Prior to teaching embouchure and tone production, - Position 3 - register key only briefly discuss important aspects concerning breathing (break the first joint of the thumb such as the face staying the same as you breathe and to roll up to the register key) exhale and that the air should be calm coming into the Left hand finger exercises for clarinet can be found body and going out to reduce tension. Have the students on the TBA website. practice breathing and exhaling while watching their face Saxophone in a mirror and spend a couple of days working on the Make sure the students create a habit of putting the neck correct shape of face before adding the mouthpiece. As strap on before attempting to get the saxophone out of the embouchure and tone production are introduced, the case. To teach right hand position, hold the instrument at students should still be working on the finger exercises. the top with the left hand and let the saxophone hang to The best way to get the correct embouchure on clarinet the side of the right leg. is to have the students shape the face as if they are sucking • Place the fingers first and then add the thumb. Put the a thick milkshake through a straw. The chin should be pinky on the C key flat and sculpted with the corners toward the center and • The fingers should be flat and centered with the tab of anchored to the teeth. Once the students get the shape fingers in the middle of pearls. Students with large hands of the face correct, have them form the embouchure as can touch the pearls with the fingertips. they exhale. On saxophone, have the students say “ooo”. • Put the right thumb under the thumb rest and push the The corners are still to the center, but the face should not bell toward the knee until it rests on the side of the thigh. be too tense or sculpted. Teach the students to open and This will help the students anchor the mouthpiece later. close the jaw while forming the embouchure and make • Stress that the fingers move from the large knuckles, stay sure the lip moves with the bottom teeth. If the students low and move straight up and down above the keys. can get the jaw open the correct amount before inserting the mouthpiece, they will not have to close the jaw for Right hand finger exercises for saxophone can be found on the top teeth to touch the mouthpiece which will help the TBA website. prevent biting. For left-hand position, use correct right-hand position Be very detailed on how to put the ligature and reed to hold the saxophone. on the mouthpiece and have the students practice this for • Place the fingers first and then add the thumb. several days. A detailed description of how to teach this can • Center the fingers on the pearls and then raise the wrist be found in the handout on the TBA website. until the top of the first finger is the same height as the When the students are ready to produce a sound on the top of the 2nd palm key. mouthpiece, the instructor should place the mouthpiece • Place the pinky on the G# key. in the mouth for the first few days. It is recommended • The thumb should be at a 45-degree angle with the that the mouthpieces are collected each day and not taken hard part of the thumb (1st joint) on the pearl. The home until the students can consistently and successfully thumb then rocks to the tip of the finger to push the place the mouthpiece in class. Clarinet students can achieve octave key. Do not let the students lift the thumb to hit the proper angle by holding the barrel with the thumb and the octave key. two fingers. Saxophone students should hold the neck

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 20 Texas Bandmasters Association Single Reed Success (Part 1)

with the thumb and two fingers on the octave key. The production. Clarinet should use an “eee” vowel sound and students should form the embouchure first and then saxophone should use an “ooo” vowel sound. become a statue with their head level. The bottom Some of the main issues I see pertaining to tone lip should not be over the teeth prior to inserting the production are: mouthpiece (the students should be able to talk while • Too much lip over the bottom teeth, which leaves too forming the embouchure). To better understand this, the much lip touching the reed and the reed cannot vibrate students can form the embouchure and then place the freely. index finger on the bottom lip to feel • Not anchoring to the top teeth. how the back of the lip will fold over To get the most out of this • Using reeds that are too hard. If the the bottom teeth. Place the reed on the sound is airy or harsh, the reed may be bottom lip and the back part of the article, download too hard, and this can also make the lip will fold over the bottom teeth as “Single Reed Success” by students bite. the reed slides in until the top of the Greg Countryman from the • Trying to use a clarinet embouchure mouthpiece hits the top teeth. The 2019 TBA Convention/Clinic. on the saxophone or vice versa. They students should use air to start the The handout can be found are not the same! tone and articulation should not be Once the students are comfortable discussed at this time. on the TBA website: producing a sound on the mouthpiece, The best way to determine if a www.texasbandmasters.org. start discussing instant sound, steady student has the correct amount of Select Resources / sound and natural ending so they mouthpiece in the mouth is to listen Publication Archives / become aware of the ultimate goal. for free vibrations of the reed. When Convention Handouts / • Instant Sound - No pause, air or the sound starts to spread or squeaks extraneous noise occur, the student generally has too “Single Reed Success” • Steady, Constant Sound - demonstrate much mouthpiece in their mouth. If correct and incorrect the reed does not vibrate easily, the student may not have • Natural Ending - Explain by demonstrating how the enough mouthpiece in the mouth, or they could be biting. sound ends when singing. Tell the students to just stop Students must understand that the top of the mouthpiece blowing and make sure the tongue does not touch the must be anchored and that there will be some pressure reed to stop the sound. into the top teeth. The cheeks should not puff on clarinet, When you are ready to start producing a sound on and if the corners are anchored to the teeth, air cannot the entire instrument, start each day on the mouthpiece/ get into the cheeks. It is fine if the cheeks puff slightly on barrel/neck and then move to the instrument. For the first saxophone, because this helps to produce a darker, more few days, YOU place the instrument and then eventually velvety saxophone sound. The clarinets should produce a transition to the students doing it themselves. F# or flat G on the mouthpiece and barrel. On saxophone, On clarinet, have the student hold the instrument with do not worry about a pitch on the mouthpiece/neck. You the right hand in correct hand position with the fingers do not want to push the mouthpiece too far on the cork, down and hold the barrel with the thumb and two fingers because if the cork is compressed too much it will have to of the left hand to insert the mouthpiece. The first note be replaced. Just listen for an open tone quality and free should be a G with the right hand down. As the students vibrations instead of listening for a specific pitch. Make become comfortable and consistent in producing the G in sure you teach the vowel sound at the initial stages of tone this manner, have them start the note and then take the left

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 21 Texas Bandmasters Association Single Reed Success (Part 1)

hand off the barrel. Next, start the note, take the left hand into the top teeth. The student should not have to raise off the barrel, and then lift the fingers in the right hand. or lower their head when inserting the mouthpiece. Start This teaches the students how to anchor into the top teeth by playing B, A or G and if G skips to the upper octave at using the right thumb. A good way to check anchoring is the beginning of the note, the student’s face is too tight, or for the instructor to slightly pull up on the bottom rod (just they are anchoring too much. Have the students play down above the bell) to add pressure to the top teeth and then to the low D soon, because this also lets the instructor let go after a couple of seconds. If the clarinet drops out know if the student’s embouchure is too tense, if they are of the student’s mouth or the sound changes, they are not using too much vertical pressure with the jaw, or if they anchoring enough. The next notes for the students to play are anchoring too much. Again, do not bother with letter would be T1, T12, & T123 and then add fingers 4, 5 & 6 names or reading music at this time. in the right hand. To allow the students to focus on hand The Finger Exercise worksheets are used to teach the position, embouchure and tone production, do not bother students to play at this point, but they are not yet reading with note names or music reading at this time. music and are just given fingerings (taught by rote). When On saxophone, the instructor will need to help the the students do start reading music, these are the first lines students adjust the neck strap, neck and mouthpiece so the the students play. It is easy for them to learn these exercises student’s head is level and not tilted. Check this daily until because they have already been playing them without the students can do it themselves. Put all the fingers down reading music. The students are now given a letter name in both hands to insert the mouthpiece into the mouth. If and placement on the staff for the notes they have already the neck strap is the correct length, the mouthpiece will been playing. enter the mouth as the student uses the right thumb to If you have any questions concerning any information in push the bell forward until it is on the side of the thigh just this article or the handout on the TBA website, please do behind the knee. This also helps anchor the mouthpiece not hesitate to contact Greg Countryman: [email protected].

Greg Countryman retired in 2019 after being a band director in Texas for 35 years. For the last 18 years, he was Director of Bands at Fort Settlement Middle School in the Fort Bend ISD. He is a native of Decatur, Alabama, where his music career began under the direction of his father, Jerry Countryman. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Louisiana State University and a Master of Music Education degree from the University of Houston. The Fort Settlement Band has been a state finalist in the TMEA Honor Band Competition five times, chosen Best in Class at the Festival at the Falls ten times, a recipient of the National Wind Band Honors Award, awarded the 2009 Sousa Foundation’s Sudler Cup, performed at the National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis and was the 2012 Texas Bandmasters Association Exemplary Middle School Band Program. Mr. Countryman was previously Director of Bands at Quail Valley Middle School where the band was selected to perform at The Midwest Clinic in 2000 and chosen as the 2001 Texas Music Educators Association CCC Honor Band. Mr. Countryman has presented clinics at the TBA and TMEA conventions, The Midwest Clinic and for the TBA Professional Development Series. He served many years as the Middle School Band Coordinator for TMEA Region 13, is a Past President for the Texas chapter of the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmaster Fraternity and Past President of the Texas Music Adjudicators Association. Mr. Countryman is currently the Executive Secretary for the Texas Music Adjudicators Association and is an active clinician and adjudicator.

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 22 Texas Bandmasters Association Excellence Defined Dr. David W. Montgomery

Recently my wife attended an way you’re supposed to do it, when We are all governed by our habits, information session for a potential you’re supposed to do it. and for most people the habit of doing activity for one of our children. The Excellence is rigor. It is enjoying the just enough to get by is all they know, or director had told the gathered parents, process of working hard, competing, is all they are willing to exert. Therefore, “We don’t do perfection here. But we do and sacrificing in a new habit has to be excellence.” “What do you think that the pursuit of your Excellence requires that cultivated, one that is means?” she asked me that evening. goals and dreams. It we give our maximum built through making “Is excellence that place one click is saying to yourself the choice at each to every circumstance. below perfection, and one click above “I am capable of decision point to say ‘good enough’?” This got me thinking digging deep to get This kind of approach is “Yes! I will give my about how we define our terms and this done well and uncommon. It requires very best right now.” whether we are being precise enough being better. And I training yourself with new These moments are when we are communicating our goals can do it over the thoughts and expectations critical in creating and ideals about our band programs long haul.” Then, it excellence. They are for what your standard will to students, parents, colleagues, and is rolling up your especially critical administrators. sleeves and working be. Therefore, a new habit when you don’t feel So, what is excellence? It is hard at it on a daily has to be cultivated. like doing it, or when to define, because it is applied to basis. In this way, others around you so many different endeavors and said excellence is hard. It means bumping are coasting. These are the occasions so commonplace. When people claim up against things you don’t do well when you grow, and you establish “this is a program of excellence,” over and over so that one day you will habits of excellence. what do they mean? Do they even be able to excel at it. In order to have a program of know, or do they just use the word Excellence is not accepting mediocre excellence, directors have to teach because it is what you’re supposed to effort and “good enough.” It is and emphasize excellence every day. say? Is excellence a standard? What putting a personal stamp of quality This is done in a variety of ways, but does excellence look like? How is it on everything you do—school, most importantly through your actions achieved? How do you know if you are work, conversations, relationships. (excellence is a verb) and through excellent? Excellence is a process, and a vehicle the standards you accept. Directors To me, excellence is a verb. It is through which goals, dreams, and have to be models of excellence. This an action—an approach to the way success are achieved. means being organized and prepared things get done. It is doing things It takes a conscious choice to for rehearsal, leading rehearsals that according to high standards, and “do” excellence, and it takes a lot are structured and well-sequenced, cultivating a consistent approach to of discipline. There is a tendency communicating clear goals, and doing what is expected of you to to give just enough to get by…the pushing students to achieve them. the very best of your ability. Simply least effort for the most reward. But During rehearsal, directors must put, excellence means giving your excellence requires that we give our resist the temptation of accepting best at all times and not settling maximum to every circumstance. This mediocre effort and results. for mediocre effort. To paraphrase kind of approach is uncommon. It Whatever you accept, you will get Nick Saban, head football coach at the requires training yourself with new more of. ‘Good enough’ is the enemy University of Alabama, excellence is thoughts and expectations for what of excellence. It is never acceptable for doing what you’re supposed to do, the your standard will be. students to loaf during rehearsal. Effort

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 23 Texas Bandmasters Association Excellence Defined

is contagious. Students should always be working hard in I’ve found that most of the talk about excellence involves rehearsal—hustling back between sets, being quiet while a Niagara of words, but a trickle of action. It is within your instructions and feedback are being given, exerting full reach, but you’ve got to be willing to do more than just put effort during repetitions and rehearsal segments. These it on a bulletin board in your band hall. Excellence has to daily disciplines create habits that compound over time and be lived. lead to excellence.

Dr. David Montgomery is Associate Professor of Instrumental Music Education at Baylor University where he teaches courses in band music education and observes student teachers. Prior to his appointment at Baylor, Dr. Montgomery was Associate Director of Bands and Director of the Bronco Marching Band at Western Michigan University for 14 years, and taught high school band in North Carolina. Dr. Montgomery is an accomplished teacher and was recognized as a finalist for the “University Distinguished Teaching Award,” and was recipient of the “Dean’s Teaching Award” at WMU. In addition to his teaching duties, Dr. Montgomery frequently serves as an adjudicator and clinician in both marching and concert band settings. He is published in research and trade journals and has presented at numerous state and professional music conferences, including the College Band Directors National Association. Additionally, he served as State Chairperson of the Michigan chapter of the National Band Association. Dr. Montgomery is the founder and director of Serviam Leadership Academy, a high school marching band leadership camp.

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 24 Texas Bandmasters Association TBA Honorary Life 2019 Bandmaster Membership Paula Crider of the Year Frank Troyka

Following a distinguished 33-year teaching Frank Troyka is the retired Director of Bands career, Professor Paula A. Crider continues to and Coordinator of Fine Arts at Berkner High share her passion for making music through School in Richardson. He began his college an active schedule as guest conductor, lecturer, career at Western Michigan University under clinician and adjudicator. Professor Crider the baton of Eddie Green and completed his has presented professional teacher seminars undergraduate degree at the University of Texas throughout the United States, and has served at Arlington where he studied conducting with as Music Director for the London New Year’s Day Parade. She is Ray Lichtenwalter and clarinet with Carol Jessup. A teacher for over coordinator for the National Band Association Young Conductor/ 30 years, Frank came to Berkner in May of 2006 following seven Mentor Program, is senior Educational Consultant for Conn-Selmer, years as Director of Bands at Cypress Falls HS in Houston where Inc., and serves on the Midwest Board of Directors. Crider is a the Golden Eagle Band was presented the Sudler Flag of Honor. Past President of the National Band Association and the American Ensembles under his direction have been selected to perform at Bandmaster’s Association. Professor Crider has taught in the public the Music For All National Festival, the Percussive Arts Society schools at all levels, and holds the unique distinction of having been International Convention, and twice at The Midwest Clinic: with the first female in the state of Texas to serve as director of bands at the Cypress Falls Symphonic Band in 2004 and with the Berkner a class 5A high school. A tenured Full Professor at The University Symphonic Band in 2011. Also, Berkner HS Symphonic Band I was of Texas, Crider conducted the Symphony Band, and was Director named Runner Up on two consecutive occasions in TMEA Honor of the acclaimed University of Texas Longhorn Band. During her Band competition. Frank presents workshops and professional 17-year tenure, she was twice accorded the “Eyes of Texas” Award development sessions throughout the U.S. and internationally. He is for distinguished teaching. Additional honors include the Tau Beta a Senior Educational Clinician with Conn-Selmer, Inc.; the Director Sigma/Kappa Kappa Psi Distinguished Service to Music Award, the of Education for System Blue, the educational arm of the Blue Devils Sudler Legion of Merit, The Women Band Directors International Drum and Bugle Corps; and the coordinator of the Generation Next Rose, The Grainger Society Medal, the National Band Association track and co-founder of the Day One track for The Midwest Clinic. AWAPA Award, 2004 Texas Bandmaster of the Year, Phi Beta Mu In 2015, the World Music Contest of Kerkrade, The Netherlands, Hall of Fame, and the Midwest Medal of Honor. In 2013, she was named him to its International Board of Experts and in 2016, he honored with a Doctor of Music Education Honoris Causa from the was inducted into the BOA Hall of Fame. In 2017, Frank joined Vandercook School of Music. She was inducted into both the Women the faculty of the Meadows School of the Arts at SMU as Adjunct Band Directors International and the National Band Association Hall Associate Professor of Music Education where he teaches both of Fame, and in 2015 was elected to the Phi Beta Mu International undergraduate and graduate level courses. He is also adjunct faculty Hall of Fame. at Sam Houston State University where he mentors student teachers. 2019 Malcolm Helm Memorial Endowed Scholarship Winner Jessica Calvit Jessica Calvit is currently studying Music Education at Texas Tech University. During her time at Texas Tech, she has performed in the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic, and Concert Bands. Under the instruction of Dr. Andrew Stetson, Ms. Calvit was selected to compete as a solo semi-finalist at the National Trumpet Competition in 2017 as well as with her trumpet ensembles from 2017-2019. Her trumpet ensembles have also had the pleasure of performing at the International Trumpet Guild and the Texas Music Educator Association convention. Ms. Calvit has served as a private lesson instructor and sectional coach throughout multiple schools in the Lubbock area. She also served as the Drum Major for the Goin’ Band from Raiderland. Before graduating in December 2019, Ms. Calvit looks forward to student teaching in the DFW area this fall.

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 25 Texas Bandmasters Association 2019 TBA Prestigious Honors

Mark Melton Gloria Ramirez Ronnie Rios Meritorious Meritorious Meritorious Achievement Award Achievement Award Achievement Award Mark Melton is Gloria Ramirez is Ronnie Rios, a multi the current Executive the Director of Bands Grammy-nominated Secretary for UIL at Langham Creek HS, Music Educator, grad- Region 4. He retired last Cypress Fairbanks ISD uated summa cum laude year as Fine Arts Director from Pine Tree HS in Houston. She has enjoyed a distinguished earning a Bachelor of Music Education and (Longview) after a 37-year music educator career at both the middle and high school a Masters in Music Education from Texas career. As band director at Pine Tree HS, levels for 38 years. Concert ensembles led by A&M University-Kingsville. At 21, he began he directed the Pine Tree “Pride” Marching Ms. Ramirez have received superior ratings at teaching in the Kingsville ISD where his Band, the Wind Ensemble and the jazz the UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest middle school and high school Concert Bands band. All were very successful with six UIL and have been recognized at both the state received consistent UIL Sweepstakes awards Sweepstakes Awards. He was the recipient and national level. In 2008 and 2018 the and Best in Class awards at various State and of the Beacon Award in 2016 (nominated by Langham Creek Symphonic Band was selected National festivals. Mr. Rios was Director of student essays) and the 2017 UIL Sponsor as a National Wind Band Winner for Class 6A Bands at Harlingen HS for 21 years. During Excellence Award. Mark spent most of his band. Ms. Ramirez was Co­Director of the this time, all six Concert Bands received 23-year career at Union Grove ISD. There TMEA 5A Honor Band in 2006-07 and placed consistent high honors. The Harlingen HS he built the struggling program to one of 6th in the 2016 (6A). Ensembles under “Big Red” Cardinal Marching Band made 11 the premier small school band organizations direction have been honored to perform consecutive appearances at the Texas State in the state. He had 20 consecutive UIL at the Music for All National Festival in Marching Band Championships, qualifying Sweepstakes Awards, three State Marching Indianapolis, Carnegie Hall, and in Chicago’s every opportunity since 1998. In 2011, the Contest appearances, numerous NAMMB Best Symphony Hall. During her tenure at Wells Harlingen HS Band was named the TBA in Class awards, and several top five TMEA MS, the Symphonic Band was selected as Exemplary High School Band Program of Honor Band finishes. In 2007, the Union the TMEA 3C 1st Runner Up Band in the the Year. The Harlingen HS Jazz Ensemble Grove MS Band was named TMEA Class C 2000 and 2nd Runner Up in 2002. While has received numerous awards including Honor Band. at Kingwood MS, her band was selected as performances at the IAJE convention in New Growing up as a trumpeter in the Kilgore the TMEA C 3rd Runner Up in the 1988. York City and The Midwest Clinic (three HS band, Mark had the good fortune of The Langham Creek Lobo Marching Band times). The Jazz Ensemble was the featured having one of the first women directors in advanced to the State Marching Contest in group to Duke Ellington’s music with guest the state, Mary Read (now Mary Griffith). She 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2016. Wynton Marsalis at Lincoln Center and was greatly influenced many of today’s successful Ms. Ramirez is a Grammy-nominated named the TMEA Honor Jazz Ensemble. band directors. Mr. Melton attended Stephen Music Educator this year as well as the Mr. Rios is currently the Director of Music F. Austin University and studied trumpet with Teacher of the Year for Langham Creek HS. Programs in the Harlingen CISD. He also Max Morley and band directing pedagogy In April 2017, she was featured on the created and serves as the Artistic Director from Mel Montgomery. His directing career cover of the International Musician magazine. for the Rio Grande Valley Jazz Orchestra. began in in 1978. The next year he moved to Among other honors, she was a 2016 He has performed with this group at The Lufkin Junior High East where he spent five nominee for Music Educator of the Year and Midwest Clinic in Chicago as well as sharing years as director. While at Lufkin, he spent in 2008 received the TMEA Leadership and the stage with the World Famous Count Basie many hours with Waymon Bullock learning Achievement Award. Orchestra. to study scores, repair instruments, mark Gloria has had a lifelong passion for music, He is an active member of several music practice fields, repair a yard line cutter, clean beginning with listening to Herb Albert’s organizations including serving as President and cook fish, and chart drill on napkins at albums and later in the Texas City HS band, of IAJE-Texas. the local coffee shop. He also cherishes the under the direction of Phi Beta Mu Hall many hours at Tatum Music on Saturdays of Fame and Texas Bandmaster of the Year learning from Alto Tatum and Neil Grant and Educator, Bob Renfroe. She received her the many veteran directors who would show academic training in Music Education at the up to encourage young directors. Mark was University of Houston. an early member of ATSSB serving as the Area East Coordinator many years and helped with the ATSSB All-State Band contests. Bandmasters Review • September 2019 26 Texas Bandmasters Association 2019 TBA Prestigious Honors

Rick Ghinelli Jim Melhart Lifetime Administrator Achievement Music Industry Award Rick Ghinelli grew up in Michigan and Jim Melhart, owner of Melhart Music later attended the University of Houston. He Center in McAllen, Texas, is celebrating the began his teaching career in the Spring ISD company’s 50th year in the music business. and remained there until he retired in 2013. The company is a huge supporter of music Following his success as a band director education in South Texas. and earning his Masters of Education in Jim got his start at his father’s Horn Shop, Administration from Sam Houston State University, he began a a music store in Corpus Christi. At the age of 18, Jim was the only career in administration. While principal at Dueitt MS, Ghinelli band instrument repairman in Corpus Christi. In 1969, Jim went was selected as a finalist in the MacGregor Medical Middle School into business for himself. With only a $600 investment, he opened Principal of the Year Competition. In 2000, Rick assumed the role Melhart Music in Corpus Christi as a piano and organ store. His of Director of Performing and Visual Arts for Spring ISD, a position live music performances (drums) allowed his family to survive in he held until his retirement. During his term, the district’s fine the early business days. He found himself traveling to McAllen once arts programs gained notoriety for their excellent work and were a month to sell the pianos out of a van, prompting him to open a frequent recipients of the highest honors in competition. He was piano and organ store there. This store became the foundation for named the Culture Shapers Administrator of the Year and awarded Melhart Music Center as a full line store and later a manufacturing the Distinguished Alumnus in Music Education from the U of H facility. By the mid ‘80s, Jim’s manufacturing business was in full Moores School of Music. Rick is currently completing his sixth swing; he was sending containers of speaker cabinets around the year as the Educational Support Manager, Southwest Region, in world. Now out of the speaker business, Melhart Music Center the Division of Education for Conn-Selmer, Inc. As the Director of designs and manufacturers over 250 products for school music Music Administration Outreach, he was involved in assisting music programs. It has become the #1 band tower manufacturer in the program leaders across the country and he continues to provide U.S., including a custom 70-foot tower in Alabama. support for teachers, staff and students through his work with the Jim holds ten patents in the music industry, with six still being Music Administration Collaborative. active.

Duncanville High School Lindale Junior High School Exemplary High School Band Exemplary Middle School Band David Brandon, Director Bene Davis, Director For over forty years the Duncanville HS Located in the piney woods of Northeast Band Program has been considered a model Texas, Lindale Junior HS has an enrollment for many high school programs throughout of 635 students in seventh and eighth grades. the state of Texas and the U.S. The band Lindale ISD is known for its academic program flourished under the leadership of excellence with a focus on college and career Dr. Tom Shine (1980-2010), Brian Merrill (1983-2003), Jeff King readiness. Lindale is one of those old-fashioned towns where the (1988-2015) and David Brandon (1996-present). schools are the heart of the community. Duncanville ISD is the proud home to over 1,200 students from Band begins in the sixth grade at E. J. Moss Intermediate School with grades 6-12. All of these students end up at Duncanville HS which four periods of homogeneous, beginner classes. At Lindale Junior HS, offers five large concert bands, marching band, applied music the seventh and eighth grades bands perform three concerts each classes, AP Music Theory, Percussion Ensemble, and Winterguard. year, play at three LJH football games and pep rallies, are consistent All bands are consistent recipients of first division ratings in first-division recipients at band festivals, as well as participate in UIL concert and sight-reading assessments and have all won numerous and TMEA events. This year, 72 students earned a chair in the TMEA “Best in Class” awards at festivals and contests. The DHS Wind All-Region Band and the LJH Band earned 300 first-division medals at Ensemble has been the TMEA Region 20 Honor Band every the Region 21 MS Band Solo and Ensemble Contest. The Symphonic year since 1980 and has placed in the State Finals ten times, Band has earned 37 consecutive UIL Sweepstakes awards in Class culminating in their selection as the 1998, 2004 and 2008 TMEA CC and has been an ATSSB OPS first place winner and finalist several 5A Honor Band, making them the only band to win three 5A times. Along with their band activities, a majority of the LJH Band Honor Bands. Most recently, the band was the 2nd Runner Up students are involved in many other activities on campus that include in the 2019 6A Honor Band Competition. Over these years the athletics, cheerleading, drama productions, Student Council, and UIL Duncanville Marching Band has been awarded the “Sudler Shield Academic Events. of Honor”, has been the UIL State Champion in 1986, 1990 and This year marks only the second time that both a high school band 2002 and is the only large classification (5A/6A) band in Texas to and their middle school feeder have both been TBA Exemplary Award advance to the State Marching Band Contest every year since 1988. Winners. (The Lindale HS Band was awarded in 2008.)

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 27 Texas Bandmasters Association 2019 TBA Business Members

Thank you Business Members who display in the Exhibit Hall, advertise in the convention program and other publications, host Product Showcases, and sponsor clinics and events. Contact these organizations for all your band needs. For Business Members’ contact information, visit www.texasbandmasters.org. 99Pledges Child’s Play, Inc. Fred J. Miller Inc A Plus School Solutions Choristers Guild Frio-Hydration, LLC A.M. Designs Class Act Fundraising Fritz’s Adventure AAA - Texas, LLC Classical Organs US Fruhauf Uniforms Inc. Aaron D. McMichael Cleburne Chamber/Convention & Fund-Team.com Abbott-Ipco/The Poinsettia People Visitors Bureau GACTO Global Alliance of Concert Tour Academic Travel Services Club’s Choice Fundraising Operators Adventure Percussion Collins/South Texas Music Gandy Ink Screen Printing and Embroidery Affordable Transport Solutions Conn-Selmer Getzen Company Inc. Alamo Music Center COREGAMI GIA/Walton Music Algy Cormack Music Festivals and Tours Ginger Snaps Apparel (Part of Praise Hymn Allen Organs Cousin’s Concert Attire Fashions) Alliance Music Publications Crafts from Jerusalem GL Custom Batons Allied Powers LLC Cut Time-A Service of J.W. Pepper Gon Bops Amati Violin Shop, Inc. Dance Sophisticates Got Pride USA AMC Music, LLC Dave & Buster’s Graceland Attractions American Band Accessories Deanan Gourmet Popcorn Graphics Store American Classic Tours & Music Festivals DeMoulin Brothers & Company Green Light Group Tours Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Dennis E. Meyer Music Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar Antigua Winds Inc Digital Performance Gear Guardian Music and Group Travel Antonio Strad Violin Digital Vacation Quest Hal Leonard LLC Arlington CVB Director’s Assistant Hampton Inn Las Colinas Artistically Yours by Kim Hebert Director’s Choice Tour and Travel Hard Rock Cafe Association of Texas Small School Bands Director’s Showcase Int. Hawaii State Tours Backun Musical Services Dollywood Heritage Music Press Baja Fundraising DoubleTree Arlington DFW South High School Music Service Balu Musik Dynamic Designs Holiday Inn Express & Suites Orlando Band Shoppe Dynasty and Titan Field Frames South Lake Buena Vista Bates etc Travel Earasers by Personal Medical Hoshino USA (Tama/Bergerault) Best Western Plus Stovalls Hotels of Anaheim Earlene Rentz Online Publications, LLC Houghton Horns Bob Rogers Travel Eastman HoustonFirst-VisitHOUSTON Bocal Majority Double Reeds ECS Publishing Group Hunter Music Instrument, Inc. Boon Supply Educational Enterprises Recording Company Innovative Percussion Inc Branson on Stage Live Educational Travel Adventures International Woodwind BriLee Music Edwards Instrument Company Irving Convention & Visitors Bureau Brook Mays/H&H Music EMA/ithenglobal It’s A Hoot! BSN SPORTS ErgoSonic Percussion LLC Jarvis Industries Inc Buffet Crampon USA ESF Fundraising of Texas Java Joes Fundraising BuyBoard Excelcia Music Publishing Juguzzi/Fritz Chair Camp Mobile Inc Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando/Kissimmee Jupiter/Mapex/Majestic-KHS America Campbell & Mundheim Feat Travel JW Pepper & Son, Inc. Carl Fischer Music Festivals of Music/Music in the Parks Katy Violin Shop Cash Cow Fundraising, LLC Field and Floor FX Kendor Music, Inc. CCIS / Discover Student Travel Field Cart Design Corps KIS Jewelry Century Resources LLC Fiesta Bowl Parade/Grueninger Music Tours Lady Anvil (formerly You Name It! Chaparral Photo Fine Arts Travel Personalized Keepsakes) Charms, a Vanco company Fishburn Violin Shop Letter Lounge Cherrydale Fundraising (CDFund) FJH Music Company Inc. (The) Lisbon Music Fest - Lisbon International Chicago Symphony Orchestra Fox Products Corporation Youth Music Festival

Bandmasters Review • September 2019 28 Texas Bandmasters Association Lisle Violin Shop Print Music Source Texas Association of Mariachi Educators Lone Star Percussion Pyle Percussion Stands Texas Beach Boutique Longbottom Coffee and Tea Pyware Software - Pygraphics Texas Jazz Educators Association LookoutMountain.com QuaverMusic.com Texas Motion Sports Luck’s Music Library R&R Travel Texas Music Educators Association Ludus Rain Ponchos Plus Texas Private School Music Educators Assn Luke McMillan Music Co. Randall Standridge Music The Directors Realty Group LungTrainers.com Relaxation Station The Gift Solution M’Lady Creations Remo, Inc. The Midwest Clinic Maestro by Tumlare, Performance Tour Repeat Performance The Track Family Fun Parks Specialists Resort Vacations, Inc. The United States Army Field Band Marching Show Concepts, Inc. Resort World Pass Powered by Carnival Tif Holmes Photography Market Impact Tees & More RhythmBee, Inc. Titanic Museum Attraction McCormick’s Roadrunner Charters TMF Tours and Travel McKay Music Company Rocksports Tote Unlimited Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Romeo Music Tough Carts, Div of Uniform & Drum Carts Melhart Music Center S. E. Shires Co. Tour-Rific of Texas Memphis Tourism SABIAN Ltd TRN Music Publisher, Inc Metroplex Pianos / Valley Keyboards Salyers Percussion Troubadour Consultants, LLC Micah Levy, Composer Sam Ash Music Corporation Truly Horrible Things Miraphone Instruments Sam Houston State University Tuxedo Wholesaler Murphy Robes/Herff Jones Scarborough Specialties Ultimate Drill Book Music & Arts Scents of Soy Fundraising Unique 4 U LLC/ DBA Rockin Feet Music Filing Solutions Schlitterbahn Waterparks and Resorts Unique Travels & Tours, Inc Music for All, Inc. Scholarship Auditions United States Air Force Band of The West Music In Motion SeaWorld San Antonio Universal Orlando Resort Musical Gifts and Treasures by Costume Shark Fundraising Universal Studios Hollywood Holiday House Shenaniganz US Integrity Touring Co Musical Instrument Service Simply Fundraising/Simply Sheets of Mobile USA Fundraisers MusicFirst Simply Sheets Fundraising USBands North American Theatrical Photographers SING! Texas Vater Percussion Inc. Oliver the Ornament Six Flags Fiesta Texas Veritas Instrument Rental Inc OrlandoFest, LLC Solo-Ensemble.com Visit San Antonio Oxford University Press Sound Music Publications VisitDallas Ozark Delight Candy Southwest Emblem Company Visual Services of Texas P.A.C.E. Travel Spirit Booster by Gandy Ink Wenger Corporation Pacific Coachways Charter Services, Inc. Spirit Specialties Wessex Texas Patti DeWitt, Inc Spirit Worx WGI Sport of the Arts Peak Performance Tours StageRight Corporation William Harris Lee and Co. Pearl Corporation / Adams Musical Stanbury Uniforms Inc. Williamson Music 1st Instruments Starr Music Academy Wingert-Jones Publications Pender’s Music Company staySky Hotels & Resorts Winter Park Ski-Music Festival PepWear, LLC Steinway Piano Gallery Wm S. Haynes Co Perdue Acoustics/Acoustics In A Box Straight A Tours Women Band Directors International Perform America - TX, LLC Strait Music Company Woodwind and Brasswind Performer’s Academy String Riffs World View Travel Performing Arts Consultants StylePlus Band World’s Finest Chocolate Inc Phi Beta Mu Summit Tour and Travel WorldStrides OnStage Phillips Entertainment Inc Swicegood Music Co Yamaha Corporation of America Positive Promotions Tarpley Music Company, Inc Yankee Candle Company Potbelly Sandwich Shop Tatum Music Company, Inc. Pride of Texas Music Festivals Tempo Press Thank You for Your Support Non-Profit Org. Bandmasters Review U.S. Postage PAID Texas Bandmasters Association San Antonio, TX 1002 Central Parkway South • San Antonio, TX 78232 Permit No. 2406

Check the TBA website for all the convention handouts and Bandmaster Review articles dating back to 2002! www.texasbandmasters.org SELECT Resources / Publication Archives SELECT “BMR articles” or “Convention Handouts” (on the upper left hand side)