The beginning of my time as ABA President made the end bittersweet! Serving in a leadership role during the pandemic was not for the faint of heart. Numerous meetings, big decisions, and disappointments were the norm. Navigating through virtual auditions, virtual assessments, and mitigation strategies was necessary to keep our association viable during such a difficult time. However, as I sat and watched 800-plus instrumental music students make incredible music this past weekend, it made it all worth it. Band is alive and well in Alabama.

The All State Festival 2023 was once again a successful musical experience for the band students in the state of Alabama. The event commenced with the All-State Solo Festival. It was a great display of the amazing student musicians in our state. The finalists were: Noah Bender, Madeline Cagle, Emma Coley, Kayin Hardy, Ellen Head, Chandler Myhan, Victoria Nail, Koen Pritchard, Yukino Shichinohe, and Olivia Tures. Being a finalist for this prestigious event is a huge honor. The All-State Soloist Finalist winner for 2023 was saxophonist Yukino Shichinohe from Cullman High School.

We were very fortunate to have world-class clinicians at this year’s festival. The Middle School White Band was conducted by Jack Wilds. Jack is a prolific composer and exposed our students to new and exciting music. The Middle School Red Band was conducted by Dr. Arris Golden who serves as Associate Director of Bands at Michigan State University. She really pushed her students to play a very challenging program with such artistry The Blue Band was conducted by Dr. Ben Lorenzo Director of Bands at Kent State University. His perfect combination of humor and musicianship led to a great performance by this ensemble. The White Band was conducted by Dr. Rebecca Phillips Director of Bands at Colorado State University. This group’s rendition of Eric Whitacre’s Sleep was simply stunning. Lastly, our Red Band was conducted by the highly acclaimed composer and clinician Dr. Frank Ticheli. Their performance was spectacular! I was really moved by Omar Thomas’ Of Our New Day Begun and amazed by his new composition Lux Perpetua.

The All-State Festival is a huge undertaking for the Alabama Bandmasters Association. The District I band directors, led by chairman Stuart Tankesley and President-Elect Keith Anderson, worked tirelessly to make this event successful. Another aspect of making our event run smoothly is the outstanding band hosts and percussion techs for each ensemble. Jon Bubbett and Kevin Ownby (Red), Heather Henson and Doug Teuscher (White), Damon McAllister and Alex White (Blue), David Caddell and Courtney Lankford (MS White), and Connie and Tim Hammond and Josh Lynch (MS Red) served in this capacity for us this year. Our clinicians were impressed with their organization, commitment, and professionalism during the entire experience with the Alabama Bandmasters Association. ABA Executive Officers Lori Hart, William Mixon, Terry Ownby, Ben Posey, and Nick McDonald, and Executive Secretary Doug Farris worked together, along with our District Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, to see to it that our students could count on a positive All- State experience. A special debt of gratitude is owed to our outgoing District Chairmen Stuart Tankesley (I), Jeremy Willis (III), Dakota Bromley (V), Meredyth Petersen (VII), Ben Posey (Jazz Chair), and Terry Ownby (Past President). Terry will be leaving the board after serving 20 years in various capacities. There is no way the association can function without dedicated people like these. It has been an honor to serve alongside you.

As my term as President of the Alabama Bandmasters Association comes to a close, I am filled with a sense of relief and gratitude. It really doesn’t hit you that you have been entrusted with this huge responsibility until it becomes real. It’s hard to believe that a small-town trombone player from rural Walker County, Alabama would ever be entrusted with the privilege of serving in this capacity. Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of working with a dedicated team of individuals who share my passion for music education and the band students in Alabama. As I reflect on my time as president, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve in this role and look forward to continuing to support President-Elect Lori Hart to promote music education in any way that I can.

Lastly, the Summer Conference will be back at the Perdido Beach Resort. This event is also later in the month (June 20-22). Registration for the conference will open on May 1, 2023. Information about the Summer Conference can be found on our website: www.alaband.org. This is a great way to celebrate a successful year and kick off a new one. It is also one of the few times that directors have the opportunity to receive professional development while enjoying their families at the same time. The ocean, beach, and outstanding seafood are an added bonus! Hope to see you there! Thank you all for your support during my tenure.

Now....it’s time to take the Coda!

The 2023 AMEA Conference was truly one to remember. I’ve been attending this conference for over 20 years. I can say, without hesitation, this year was my favorite. I had the opportunity to pop into almost every clinic and performance and was extremely pleased with our offerings. It was so nice to see colleagues supporting one another. We are a part of a very awesome profession. That was on display at its finest at AMEA 2023.
This year’s conference was filled with outstanding performances. The opening concert was presented by the Oak Mountain Percussion Ensemble under the direction of Kevin Ownby. This concert was truly a great way to kick off the ABA performances at this year’s conference. The next ABA performance block featured the Smiths Station High School Symphonic Band (Gene Butler) and Rehobeth High School Symphonic Band (Marc McLendon). We then wrapped up Thursday with outstanding performances by the Daphne High School Wind Ensemble (Jamar Dumas), Muscle Shoals Middle School (Daniel Seay), and Hoover High School Symphonic Winds (Ryan Fitchpatrick). Our Friday performances included the UAB Wind Symphony (Sean Murray), Auburn Junior High School Wind Symphony (Joshua Wine), and the Huntsville High School Wind Ensemble (Stuart Tankesley).

We often think of AMEA performances as a milestone for band directors. However, you could look at the faces of the performers in these ensembles and see that it was so much more. Students are the most important part of our journey. If they stay at the center of all of our decisions, they are impacted more than we realize.

The performance at AMEA was an opportunity of a lifetime. It showcased all the hard work and effort that we had put forth since August. I truly enjoyed it!”- Olivia Tures, Senior flutist in the Daphne Wind Ensemble

The 2023 AMEA performance was an exciting opportunity for our band to showcase the hard work and dedication we have put into our performances and music. To have other members of band programs take their time to listen to our band was truly significant as it gave our band the opportunity to perform in a supportive environment that contributed to our success. The AMEA performance will forever be an opportunity to leave a mark of success for our program and ourselves, while also serving as a memory and reminder of the incredible efforts and commitments we have put towards music.”
- Madisyn Sanders, Junior flutist in the Smiths Stations Symphonic Band

“I have had the pleasure of performing in many different ensembles over the years, playing with great clarinet sections, making beautiful music, and creating meaningful relationships along the way. From the constant unwavering support from our directors to the hardworking dedicated students, this ensemble soon became my favorite experience of playing in a wind ensemble. Playing at AMEA for colleagues in the band field was not only intimidating but super rewarding! Thank you to Dr. Murray, Dr. Morantz, and Dr. Fambrough for their continued dedication to this fantastic ensemble!”
- Matt Barron, Junior clarinetist in the UAB Wind Symphony

“Being able to perform as a soloist on Colonial Song was so special to me. It turned into my favorite concert piece and meant so much to be able to perform with my friends.”
- Kemp Horn, Senior trumpet player in the Hoover Symphonic Winds

Coming from a small-town band program, MPA is the only performance our concert band gets to be a part of that takes place in a top-of-the-line concert hall or theater. Knowing how long it took for the Rehobeth High School Symphonic Band to perform at AMEA, made it an honor to be a part of the chosen group. I was once told, “Our greatest failure as musicians is our lack of attention to the smallest details”. As a young musician, the performance made me feel as if all the hard work and attention to small details had meaning, something more than just a concert for our friends and family. To the AMEA and ABA Presidents and Boards, thank you for the opportunity, and I hope the Rehobeth High School Symphonic Band will get the chance to return to AMEA in the future, so those students will have the same great experience I had.
- Coby Gibert, Senior tuba player in the Rehobeth High School Symphonic Band

The AMEA concert for me was a “stepping stone” in my instrumental career. It was a terrific experience that I wish to do again later in my career in band. I believe that preparing for this event made me into a better musician, and I am so thankful that we were invited to perform this honorable experience!”
- Yeasung Choi, 8th Grade clarinetist in the Auburn Junior High School Wind Symphony

“This was such an amazing honor for the Muscle Shoals Middle School Band. Something that I, as well as every other band member, will never forget. It was so special to share it with my Dad.”
- Caroline Seay, 8th-grade clarinetist in the Muscle Shoals Middle School Band

“Performing at AMEA sparked an effort from our band members like never before. And to perform our best in front of such a large crowd was very special”
- Emmie Beth Waters, 8th-grade trumpet player in the Muscle Shoals Middle School Band

“Performing at AMEA with my talented, hardworking peers and amazing band director, in front of people who spoke the same language (music), is a feeling I can’t put into words - it needs to be experienced. Having the honor to impart and share that same love with educators across the state was a special feeling that is now a memory I’ll cherish forever. - Victoria Nail, Senior percussionist in the Oak Mountain Percussion Ensemble

When you read this article, it is my hope that district-level All-State auditions are complete and we are moving toward our All-State event on April 27-29, 2023 at our new venue -The Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama. As a reminder to our membership, auditions for this event will be held virtually using the Heartout app. Also, preliminaries of the All-State Solo Festival will be submitted virtually through the Heartout app. You can find complete information about this year’s festival on our website: www.alaband.org.

Good luck with your MPA preparations. Remember, it’s not about the rating; it’s about the journey.

I’m in a very unique situation. I’m a marching band director as well as a band parent of a student in a marching band other than the one that I teach. That can be a very tough life at times. I rarely get to see my favorite trombone player in action. However, this past Friday night, it was my turn to fulfill my parental obligation to my son’s band as my band had an off week. I happily took my place as director of popcorn operations for a highly contested football game. I was told to make sure we didn’t run out of popcorn at all costs and was “shown the ropes” by a more seasoned band parent. As a director, I’ve been blessed to work with some of the most incredible parents in all of my teaching stops. I’ve included a few images of my favorite moments with outstanding band boosters. However, it was nice to see firsthand the dedication and pride these parents have in their band organization. This opportunity led me to a few conversations that gave me a new perspective on the importance of what directors across the state are providing for both their students and parents during this time of year.

As I was warming the kettle, one of the parents struck up a conversation with me. Of course, this parent had no idea I was a band director. Being incognito is kind of nice when you are always having to make decisions for a band program. In that conversation, I heard that their child had never found success in anything they had participated in growing up. They had tried baseball, football, soccer, and various other activities. This parent offered that, when their child joined the band, it created a place where they fit in and it changed their kid’s life for the better. This parent said that she would hate to know what their child would be without the lessons they had learned through this activity. They talked about the band directors like they were superheroes. I agreed and kept popping popcorn so that I wouldn’t be overwhelmed by the halftime rush.

As I looked around the concession stand, I noticed several people working who were way too “experienced” to have current kids in the band. I asked one of them about their child and was told they had already graduated. That comment was followed by a statement from another “graduated” parent that said there was no way that they could repay the program for the impact it had on their child’s life. They also added that they just enjoyed being around the other parents and helping the kids have the resources they needed to be successful. I hadn’t been paying much attention to the popcorn and was told I could cut the machine off and hope we would sell the mountain of salty, buttery goodness I had created. Maybe I had been a little too optimistic with the amount of popcorn that would go out of the stand that night.

After hearing this story, it made me realize why band parents give so much of themselves to our organizations. They too have been looking for somewhere that they belong and can contribute. That explains why parents will volunteer countless hours so that we can upgrade equipment or purchase new uniforms. Just remember you matter and the effort you put into your program matters. Our programs provide their kids so much that would be absent from their lives if it were not for the band. Lifelong friendships are made from working a concession stand on a Friday night. At some point during the next football game or event you have, make sure you take time to thank the parents who are working to make their kid’s experience the best it possibly can be. After all, they had no idea there was even a football game that evening and were exhausted at the end of the shift. On a positive note, the last box of popcorn was sold just as the game was ending. Go Band!

Take Note:
The board adopted new sheets for Solo and Ensemble for 2023. Those will be available for your perusal soon on our website under the Solo and Ensemble tab

The board adopted a new policy addressing e-print scores at MPA. Please make sure you review it at your convenience. It will be published under the MPA section of the website.

The decision was made by the ABA membership to discontinue the audition and selection of students on piccolo, Eb clarinet, and alto clarinet. Further information about piccolo selection can be found in our bylaws.

Due to the rising cost of services and venues, the budget committee recommended and the board approved fee increases to MPA, State Solo Festival, and State Level All-State for 2022-2023. MPA Registration will increase to $2 per student; school fee remains the same. State Solo Festival increases to $35 per audition and there is a new $10 school fee. Lastly, State Level All State Registrations will increase to $40 per student with a $50 school fee. These fee changes will allow us to continue to provide meaningful experiences for our students.

Please look for important legislation to be considered at AMEA on our website.

Future Dates for All-State:
All-State Band
(APRIL 27-29 2023) VON BRAUN CENTER-HUNTSVILLE, AL
(APRIL 25-27, 2024) VON BRAUN CENTER-HUNTSVILLE, AL
(APRIL 9-12, 2025) OUTLAW CONVENTION CENTER- MOBILE, AL
(APRIL 15-18, 2026) OUTLAW CONVENTION CENTER- MOBILE, AL

In closing, make sure you have updated your profile on the website. You will not receive important correspondence and information without fully completing your demographic information. Our website is directly linked to NAfME and will change your status and credentials if you are not a member in good standing. Look forward to seeing everyone at AMEA. Until then, take time to enjoy the experience

Joel Henson, President

By the time this article is published, many of you will be in the heat of marching season or getting prepared to start students on their musical journey. This time of year is always so exciting for students and directors alike. Many of the things we do are the same year after year. We will be reminding our students about posture, hand position, sunscreen, hydration, and all the things that go with being a successful musician. However, it doesn’t matter if this is your first or last year teaching, nothing is ever exactly the same every year of our careers. Students keep the journey of being a band director fresh, interesting, and fun. The pandemic has taught us to never take anything for granted. It is my hope that through the hustle and bustle of one of the busiest times in our professional lives, we take time to enjoy the experience. Remember that band is supposed to be fun not only for our students but for us directors as well.

The Summer Conference at Perdido Beach Resort was a huge success. This new venue was super accommodating to our membership. Our keynote speaker, Jon Bubbett, was a perfect way to start our event. He reminded us that what we do matters and to imagine our own children’s faces on the faces of our students when we are having to make tough decisions. Keith Anderson presented a clinic that gave directors practical ways to adapt stock drumline parts to make them both more interesting and effective. Nathan Haskew’s clinic made a correlation between the moving “Turning Red” and the middle school band culture. The shrimp boil was catered by the resort and was quite a feast. The bread pudding was the truth!

It was also great to get new and fresh ideas from our friends at Southwind Drum and Bugle Corp Elanders Frazier and Terry Sanders. Thank you to Fruhauf Uniforms, Marchmaster Inc., Custom Fundraising Solutions, AWB Apparel, Performance Carts, Demoulin Brothers and Company, Best in Class Tours, Terry Ownby Consulting, Samford University School of the Arts, Arts Music, American Travel Consulting, and Southern Performances. We are so grateful to our sponsors for their longstanding support of our organization. We will return to the Perdido Beach Resort next year from June 19 to June 22, 2023. I hope you make plans to attend.

The ABA Board had a very productive meeting at the Summer Conference. Attached are some highlights from these meetings:

• The board adopted new sheets for Solo and Ensemble for 2023. Those will be available for your perusal soon on our website under the Solo and Ensemble tab.
• The board adopted a new policy addressing e-print scores at MPA. Please make sure you review it at your convenience. It will be published under the MPA tab on the website.
• The nominating committee is District I and II: Emily Parker (Hampton Cove MS), District III and IV: Daniel Seay, Chairman (Muscle Shoals MS), District V and VI: Alex Johnson (Montgomery Catholic), and District VII and VIII: Sean Noah (McGill-Toolen HS). If you have suggestions for the offices of the President-Elect, Recording Secretary, or Jazz Chair-elect, please notify these people.
• Due to the rising cost of services and venues, the budget committee recommended and board approved fee increases to MPA, State Solo Festival, and State Level All-State for 2022-2023. MPA Registration will increase to $2 per student; school fee remains the same. State Solo Festival increases to $35 per audition and there is a new $10 school fee. Lastly, State Level All State Registrations will increase to $40 per student with a $50 school fee. These fee changes will allow us to continue to provide meaningful experiences for our students.
• The board heard three proposals for All-State 2025 and 2026. All State 2025 and 2026 will be back in Mobile at the Outlaw Convention Center.

Please look for legislation in the next Alabreve and website regarding:

• Bylaw revision from the Constitution Committee
• Jazz Music Performance Assessment
• MPA Classification Revision

Future Dates of ABA Events:

All-State Band

(APRIL 27-29 2023) VON BRAUN CENTER-HUNTSVILLE, AL
(APRIL 25-27, 2024) VON BRAUN CENTER-HUNTSVILLE, AL
(APRIL 9-12, 2025) OUTLAW CONVENTION CENTER- MOBILE, AL
(APRIL 15-18, 2026) OUTLAW CONVENTION CENTER- MOBILE, AL

In closing, make sure you have renewed your Nafme membership. Our website is directly linked to NAfME and will change your status and credentials if you are not a member in good standing. Best wishes for a successful and memorable year of music-making and life-changing experiences.

Joel Henson