Here are the latest articles from our leaders published in the Ala Breve. To see all the Ala Breve articles and more, go to our Ala Breve Archive page.
There’s a line taken from the musical Chicago, where Velma Kelly sings, “In case you shake apart and want a brand-new start…” Have you ever felt that way at the end of a school year? We all know teaching music is not for the faint of heart. It can be richly rewarding one minute and utterly draining the next.
Band directors must be some of the busiest people on a school’s campus. So, if you’re reading this, you’ve decided to at least pause for a few minutes and set aside the hustle and bustle of the new year long enough to see what’s happening with your ABA.
As I write my first President’s Message for Ala Breve, I am honored and humbled to serve the members of the Alabama Vocal Association. AVA has shaped my journey as a student, educator, Board member, and leader. I begin this term with gratitude for those who built this organization…
My name is Keith LaBenne, and I am honored to be moving into the role of Alabama Orchestra Association President. I have spent the past 25 years teaching Orchestra in the state of Alabama. I have been blessed to work in a system with a long history of Orchestra programs in all their schools.
Every year, around mid- to late-July, I always tend to convince myself that this will be the year everything is finally perfectly organized. A fresh new planner ready to be color-coded, a newly organized drawer (…or 5), updated bulletin boards, instruments repaired, and everything in its proper place.
Welcome to the 2026-2027 academic year! I am happy to serve as President of the Higher Education Division of the Alabama Music Educators Association alongside Vice-President/President-Elect Dr. Brandon Slocumb…
The journey to becoming a music educator is shaped by far more than coursework and rehearsals. It is built through experiences that challenge us, inspire us, and prepare us to become stronger teachers, leaders, performers, and advocates.
Early in the spring of 2022, I was added to a group chat via text. The topic of the chat was possible candidates to serve as the next president-elect of AMEA. Thoughtfully, I suggested several folks’ names and was told by the other texters, “Yes…”
The 2026 Alabama All-State Band Festival in Mobile served as a powerful testament to the state’s thriving music education community.
As the pace of the school year gives way to the free rhythm of summer, it presents a much-needed time for rest and a valuable opportunity for intentional professional growth.
