Archive for

Author: Daniel Stevens

Growth through Adversity

May 9 2022

Reflecting back on the past two years of a challenging AOA presidency, I am honored to have served the dedicated, professional educators of our state. I have discovered that strength comes through diverse ideas, a wealth of varying pedagogy, and a creative grit that is determined to find success through cloudy times.

AOA has grown to complement the excellent achievements of each division of AMEA, by adding multiple District leadership roles, All-State and All-Region Chairs, and active participation from a growing membership of the Alabama Orchestra community. We have managed to shift All-State auditions to a virtual platform, ensuring that the ability to travel is not a requirement for participation. January 2022 provided opportunities for all student-musicians, through two new All-Region Festival events – it is through All-Region Orchestras that many woodwind, brass, and percussion students experienced orchestral music for the first time! The AMEA in-service conference allowed AOA to host several new events, including two masterclasses, an AOA featured chamber orchestra, and a president’s reception filled with collegiality and laughter.

I must take the opportunity to thank retiring Executive Director Julie Hornstein. She has propelled and motivated the organization for a dozen years or more and should be given credit for the bulk of the organization’s success. Her wealth of knowledge and organization will be hard to match from the leadership team of AOA in the years to come. AOA was pleased to name an annual, endowed scholarship for All-State Orchestra in her honor in February 2022.

As I say farewell to the AOA presidency, I give one more plea to the influencers in each of our Alabama communities. It is time to invest in music education – a well-rounded music education program – that explores multiple modes of expression through varied instruments and the voice.

If you are a school administrator, our AOA Executive Team wants to work with you on developing a new string orchestra program in your local school. As a complement to excellent band and choral programs around the state, a string program appeals to the diverse student willing to find their unique voice, and will place your school district on the map for prospective families. Your school will flourish for years to come, in part to the investments you make today.

Thank you for your never-ending commitment to your student musicians. I am inspired by your commitment to engaging your community with the value of music. Please know that my door is always open at dstevens1@una.edu.

Sincerely,

Daniel Stevens

https://alabamaorchestraassociation.org/

DEADLINES for 2023 ALL-STATE and ALL-REGION AUDITIONS

October 14, 2022 – String, Piano, and Harp Auditions November 11, 2022 – Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Auditions

Expanding Access and Exploring Growth Through Orchestral Performance

Nov 1 2021

Nothing catches your attention as fast as the powerful opening themes to many of John Williams’ timeless film scores such as Star Wars, Home Alone, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, or Schindler’s List. The sweeping power of this style of orchestral music is firmly rooted in a neo-romantic tradition closely associated with the 19th-century techniques of Tchaikovsky or Wagner. Orchestral music now impacts every aspect of life, to each video gamer’s delight, to the rock-crossover stage with Elton John and Pink Floyd, to the Copland Rodeo melody that encourages you to buy the latest SUV, and back to the concert hall to be captivated by a Puccini opera, Broadway staple, or classical masterwork.

We look to Gustavo Dudamel and Youth Orchestra L.A.’s Super Bowl halftime appearance in January 2016, to motivate us to provide opportunities for all music students regardless of race, class, or gender. It logically becomes a personal charge of the Alabama Orchestra Association to ensure that all instrumental students in Alabama have access to experience participation in a full orchestra of 80-100 woodwind, brass, percussion, and string students. I am thankful to a number of band directors and studio woodwind, brass, and percussion teachers that have encouraged the organization to open more seats to students that have not yet had a chance to play in a full orchestra. To that end, AOA is excited to announce the addition of the North All-Region Orchestra Festival (Huntsville HS) and South All-Region Orchestra Festival (Prattville HS) concurrently on January 8-9, 2022.

Please encourage your students to participate! Details and audition materials can be found here:

https://alabamaorchestraassociation.org/

DEADLINES for AUDITION SUBMISSION/REGISTRATION

October 15, 2021 – String and Harp Auditions
November 12, 2021 – Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Auditions

● New School Orchestra Programs – If you are a school administrator, our AOA Executive Team wants to work with you on developing a new string program in your local school. As a complement to excellent band and choral programs around the state, a string program appeals to the diverse student willing to find their unique voice and will place your school district on the map for prospective families (will help propel district population and revenue growth)

All-Region Orchestras –

● North All-Region Orchestra – January 8-9, 2022 ● South All-Region Orchestra – January 8-9, 2022

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All-State Orchestras –

● February 10-13, 2022

Orchestra Music Performance Assessment

● April 22-23, 2022

Thank you for your never-ending commitment to your student artists. As we return to the live concert stage, I am inspired by your commitment to engaging your community with the value of music. Please know that my door is always open at dstevens1@una.edu.
Sincerely,

Daniel Stevens

Engaging Students, Collaborative Community

Aug 29 2021

As a collegiate educator to 80+ instrumentalists (and parent of two teenagers), I quickly recognized the pandemic’s harmful effects on everyone’s loss of community. Zoom graduation ceremonies delayed concerts, canceled school trips, hybrid instruction, and masked school hallways led to most finding a social circle behind the veil of a gaming avatar, TikTok video, or funny meme. As we re-emerge from our personal refuge, it is time to engage students through the power of music in new, enlightening ways.

I am thankful for an incredible, forward-thinking Alabama Orchestra Association Leadership Team (21 in all) that tirelessly works to provide all student instrumentalists with appealing, educationally-rich experiences that propel them to compete on a national level. Here are a few new opportunities to engage and inspire with us, and we enter the 2021-2022 year:

● All-Region Orchestras – Woodwind, brass, and percussion colleagues around the state have asked for AOA to open more seats for their students to participate in a full orchestra. In response, Fall 2021 virtual auditions will qualify woodwind, brass, and percussion students to perform in the Alabama All-State Orchestra OR one of the North/South Alabama All-Region Orchestras. With six full orchestras (instead of two), we hope students will be encouraged to compete through audition. (Note – string students will be required to participate at the region AND state levels)

● Engaging AOA Leadership Team – With the addition of new regional events, AOA asks you to consider leadership with us. Whether serving as an event volunteer or host school, co-district chair, or rising to the state leadership team, we openly welcome new ideas to the organization. We want to be collaborative, inclusive, and a strong advocate for you and your students.

● New School Orchestra Programs – If you are a school administrator, our AOA Executive Team wants to work with you on developing a new string program in your local school. As a complement to excellent band and choral programs around the state, a string program appeals to the diverse student willing to find their unique voice and will place your school district on the map for prospective families (will help propel district population and revenue growth)

● Master Calendar – Thanks to a masterful AMEA, ABA, and AVA leadership, we have worked tirelessly over the past year to open communication across divisions, craft coordinated schedules, and support the great work of all AMEA divisions around the state. Updated details can be found at alabamaorchestraassociation.org on August 1, 2021

I continue to be impressed by the resilience of our orchestra programs, and their never-ending commitment to their musicians. I am inspired by your commitment to engaging communities with the value of music. Please know that my door is always open at dstevens1@una.edu.

 

AOA: Capacity to Recover

Jun 10 2021

Capacity to Recover

When the life we once knew begins to settle back to us on the other side of the pandemic, it is obvious that we will never again take live music for granted. The passion that was instilled in us at a young age, mentored by great educators, transformed each of us into model performers, teachers, and clinicians. Dark performance stages and personal isolation will slowly fade as we are driven toward safely vaccinated events: the arena-filled rock concert, the local school ensemble performance, the professional orchestra, or the captivating film score screened at a local movie theatre.

I am impressed by the resilience of our state orchestra programs, and their never-ending commitment to their musicians. Professional orchestras have slowly migrated from virtual events to socially distant openings, featuring restructured repertoire that features a subsection of the entire ensemble. Seven Alabama youth orchestras never adopted an attitude of defeat, setting up virtual instruction, score study, and masterclasses to keep talented students engaged. Public school orchestra programs are slowly reintroducing instruments into classrooms. And the Alabama Orchestra Association remains committed to our talented orchestra students, as a challenging year forced us to be decisive in adapting to virtual All-State Auditions and the virtual Orchestra Music Performance Assessment. Socially-distant, vaccinated crowds can now return to the concert hall to be swept away from their daily struggles to be uplifted and fulfilled.

Please help me thank the countless orchestra educators, administrators, professors, grant writers, music librarians, stage managers, music directors, and philanthropists that ensure that orchestral music will brighten our lives again very soon.

New Orchestra Music Performance Assessment Video Deadline……May 15, 2021 Details can be found at alabamaorchestraassociation.org

Thank you for your tireless and relentless work on behalf of our students. I am inspired by your commitment to engaging communities with the value of music.

Please know that my door is always open. Please feel free to contact me at dstevens1@una.edu.

Blessings,

Daniel Stevens

AOA: Strength in Numbers

Feb 5 2021

Strength in Numbers

When I research the greatest K-12 institutions in our nation, they are firmly grounded in arts education. Complementary disciplines ensures that every child, each with unique character-traits, is able to explore and strengthen core academic proficiency, transferring arts experiences in human behavior, critical- thinking, creative problem-solving, and human empathy and compassion. In addition, the arts provides an emotional outlet for a discerning number of mental health issues in education, partially driven by a pandemic that is isolating for many students.

Unfortunately, the pandemic has shown that music educators in Alabama may also feel isolated, serving as the only voice for arts education in their school district. The music education field often faces tight annual budgets and course scheduling that effects personnel in otherwise incredible school districts.
It only takes a quick look to our neighbors near Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta, or Pensacola, to see that the bright spots in these communities are seen through complementary music disciplines, with thriving choral, band, orchestra, and general music classes in many of their K-12 schools.

I agree that it is difficult to imagine a budget that is stretched thin, allows for the employment of multiple educators, class periods, and instruments. However, the momentum and result of rising student grades, engaged parent boosters, pride of school superintendents, and a K-12 arts program that places your community on the map, causes a cyclical effect that promotes growth and a ROI (return-on- investment) for families moving to your area.
Although the pandemic has caused us all to step back, maybe now is the time to look at our strength in numbers, to promote growth in our music programs, and to explore complementary disciplines that will make everyone advocate for growth for your program.

I am by no means an expert, and every school district has its unique challenges, but I am humbled that in my prior state we kicked off multiple new string programs that led to full-time jobs for graduating music educators (as a beginning string instructor and assistant band director). Don’t let money alone discourage you – grant programs, string educators shared amongst school districts, and self-funded programs are all possible. With hundreds of string students participating in seven youth orchestras in Alabama, there is the desire of parents and students to see their disciplines represented and valued in our schools.

Please know that my door is always open, if you would like to dive into an exploration of a string program in your district. Please feel free to contact me at dstevens1@una.edu.

Thank you for your tireless and relentless work on behalf of our students. We all entered the profession to make a difference in the lives of these beautiful souls, and I am inspired by your commitment to engaging communities with the value of music.

Blessings, Daniel Stevens

Important AOA Updates for 2020-2021

NOTE: The AOA Orchestra Music Performance Assessment will be a virtual-only event, accepting video recordings of all full-orchestra, string-orchestra, guitar, and harp ensembles. Details can be found at alabamaorchestraassociation.org after March 1, 2021.

Orchestra Music Performance Assessment Video Deadline…………………………May 1, 2021

AOA: Report

Nov 10 2020

It is at this time every year that trees turn magnificent shades of color, days grow shorter, cooler weather begins to set in, and education

switches from hybrid to face-to-face, to virtual, to in-person, and back to hybrid instruction again. Thankfully, the last example does not happen annually, but neither does a pandemic that has challenged

the core of every music educator in Alabama. I am awed that each of you wake up each day to inspire the students in front of you (with a smile on your face), regardless of the method of delivery. These trials have caused us to face ‘change’ head on – yuck – I shudder at the thought of a ‘change’ to lesson Plan F, the rescheduled upcoming performance, creative instrument tuning through Zoom, or the inevitable principal musician placed in quarantine.

These ‘changes’ have tested our patience and helped us simplify to what is deemed the most notable joy we can discover from an appreciation for music. Instead of fighting the ‘change,’ it is best to embrace what is not in our control, and find new ways to inspire, connect, and communicate. The Alabama Orchestra Association has been in the midst of plenty of ‘change’ lately. While challenging to implement, we are pleased to share a few highlights of ‘change’

VIRTUAL AUDITIONS: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 All-State Orchestra Auditions are being held virtually this Fall.

AOA WELCOMES 9 NEW DISTRICT CHAIRS: We are excited that our leadership team is growing and evolving!

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Barbara Harrington begins an integral supporting role to Executive Director Julie Hornstein

ADDITION of an ALL-STATE CHAIR: Leroy Hughes graciously steps into a new defining role

In addition to the exciting announcements above, I want to personally invite you to visit the AOA website at www.alabamaorchestra association.org to preview all of the sweeping changes taking place, and to engage with an incredible leadership team here to serve you. Let us help you find resources for your ensembles, classrooms, and virtual educational space.

Please take a moment to reach out to our AOA District Chairs, as they continue to encourage your woodwind, brass, percussion, and string students to submit a virtual 2021 All-State Audition.

The Alabama Orchestra Association is excited to bring world-renowned educators to Alabama:

AMEA CONFERENCE – January 2021

Dr. Christopher Selby, Featured AOA Clinician – author of Habits of a Successful Orchestra Director, Music The- ory for the Successful String Musician, and co-author of the Habits of a Successful String Musician series, published by GIA. He is an active clinician and has presented sessions at two Midwest Clinics, the 2016 NAfME National Con- ference, five American String Teacher Association (ASTA) National Conferences, and he currently directs the high school orchestras at the School of the Arts in Charleston, SC.

ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA COMPOSITION CONTEST WINNER – February 2021

Dr. Christopher Schmitz – Congratulations to Christopher Alan Schmitz for being named Alabama Orchestra Asso- ciation’s Composition Contest 2021 winner. His piece will be premiered by the All-State Festival Orchestra on Febru- ary 14, 2021 at Moody Music Building in Tuscaloosa. He currently serves as Professor of Music Theory and Composition at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition from the University of Texas at Austin.

Important AOA Dates for 2020-2021

All-State String Audition Submission Deadline: October 18, 2020

All-State Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Audition Deadline: November 15, 2020

AMEA Conference: January 21-23, 2021

All-State Orchestra Festival: February 11-14, 2021

Orchestra Music Performance Assessment: April 16-17, 2021

Thank you for inspiring the next generation of professional musicians, educators, and arts philanthropists. Help your students embrace ‘change,’ remind them that our future is bright, and provide hope that our ensembles will soon be filling auditoriums with beautiful music once again.

Blessings,

Daniel Stevens

AOA: Report

Sep 21 2020

Is it possible to feel exhausted before a new academic year has started? For many classrooms, the prospect of a Plan A, B, C, and D can become reality at any moment. Virtual or hybrid instruction poses hundreds of technical logistics to overcome, as music education incorporates so much tactile and experiential learning. Fortunately, Alabama has some of the nation’s finest music teachers who are constantly innovating unique ways to connect students with the music curriculum.

“Music has the power of producing a certain effect on the moral character of the soul, and if it has the power to do this, it is clear that the young must be directed to music and must be educated in it.” – Aristotle, Politics

However, it is important to keep in mind that poor mental health in ourselves and our students during the pandemic may stop the ability to learn at the front door. Early in the semester, celebrate small victories along the way, and motivate students through discovery and wonder.

I am reminded of a 2-minute spot on a morning news show that begins, “We leave you this Sunday morning with a moment of nature…” It’s interesting to see my family go about a busy day, multi-tasking multiple electronic devices, work around the house, and calls from the office, but when a 2-minute moment like this reminds us to breathe, we pause and find stillness.

Take a moment yourself right now, and search for one of the following five pieces to find a few moments of peace:

+ Samuel Barber – Adagio for Strings (9’)
+ Amy Beach – Romance for Violin (6’)
+ Edward Elgar – “Nimrod” from Enigma Variations (4’)
+ Ennio Morricone – Gabriel’s Oboe (4’)
+ Sergei Rachmaninov – Symphony No. 2 – III. Adagio (15’)

To take a minute to find the center, we are reminded why we boldly owned music as a career. We all desperately yearn for harmonious moments in front of our students and know that when our world improves, we will never take live music for granted again.

I am honored to serve AMEA and AOA as President for the next two years. I work with 22 talented colleagues that uplift the AOA mission to “develop a comprehensive program that will be of musical and educational benefit to string/orchestra teachers and their students.” AOA hopes to provide a common meeting ground and clearinghouse for an exchange of ideas and methods that will stimulate professional growth among teachers that will, in general, advance the standards of musical and educational achievement for the students of Alabama.

Please refer to the AOA website at www.alabamaorchestraassociation.org to engage with us. Let us help you find resources for your ensembles, classrooms, and virtual educational space.

This year, we are excited to bring world-renowned clinicians to Alabama: AMEA CONFERENCE – January 2021:

Dr. Christopher Selby – author of Habits of a Successful Orchestra Director, Music Theory for the Successful String Musician, and co-author of the Habits of a Successful String Musician series, published by GIA. He is an active clinician and has presented sessions at two Midwest Clinics, the 2016 NAfME National Conference, five American String Teacher Association (ASTA) National Conferences, and he currently directs the high school orchestras at the School of the Arts in Charleston, South Carolina.

ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA – February 2021:

Ms. Helen Cha-Pyo – is the Artistic Director of the Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts and Principal Conductor of the New Jersey Youth Symphony. For 16 years as Music Director and Conductor of the Empire State Youth Orchestra, Ms. Cha-Pyo has inspired hundreds of young musicians to perform at the highest levels, resulting in 3 prestigious ASCAP awards. Born in Seoul, Ms. Cha-Pyo immigrated to the US when she was 12 and has studied music at The Juilliard School, Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, and the Eastman School of Music.

Mr. Russell E. Berlin, Jr. – is inducted into the Missouri Music Educators Association Hall-of-Fame, for a nationally-recognized 30-year career in the Lee’s Summit School District, in addition to a 20-year career as conductor with the Youth Symphony of Kansas City. Under his direction, Mr. Berlin’s ensembles have appeared at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, Carnegie Hall, the International Youth, and Music Festival in Vienna.

Ms. Fariga Drayton – is an experienced educator in her tenth year in the Kirkwood, Missouri School District, teaching beginning strings, and is the director for the Nipher Middle School and Kirkwood High School Symphonic Orchestra. Out of 18 years as an educator, Ms. Drayton’s ensembles have been featured at the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference and she has featured the youngest ensemble ever invited to perform at the Nation Youth Orchestra Festival (Director’s Choice) at Carnegie Hall. Known as a 30-year professional cellist specializing in alternative music, she has been featured at multiple music educator conventions, and has performed with the Transiberian Orchestra, the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players Mid-West Tour, and the Southern Illinois Music Festival.

Welcome back to what I hope will be another great year! We recognize each of you for your tremendous accomplishments and know we have a dynamic year ahead. The Alabama Orchestra Association is looking forward to serving you and your students throughout the upcoming seasons.

Blessings,

Regards,

Daniel Stevens, President

Alabama Orchestra Association

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