NBA NEWS – BIENNIAL ELECTIONS
Elementary/Middle/Junior High School Representatives, cont.
Music Education Association Conference. In 2010 the band performed at the Tennessee Bandmasters Hall of Fame concert, which was the first time a middle school band was given the honor of performing for that prestigious event. In February of 2012 and 2018 the Wind Ensemble performed for the CBDNA/NBA Conference. The Oliver Middle School Band has received national recognition hosting several composers and top educators in professional development, clinic and concert settings. In 2019 the Oliver Middle School Band program was named as a national winner of the Programs of Excellence Blue Ribbon Award by the National Band Association. The national publication “School Band and Orchestra” published their 10th Anniversary edition in July 2008 with an article entitled “Making Band the Thing to Do” profiling Ms. Waters, her successful teaching practices, and the keys to her highly successful Oliver Band Program. Ms. Waters has twice presented at the International Mid-West Band and Orchestra Conference. She has also developed professional development clinics on a variety of topics including: Beginning Band recruiting, Making the Transition to High School Band and Concert Etiquette in the Curriculum. Ms. Waters is frequently sought after as a professional development clinician and guest conductor 52
across the United States and has been awarded the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence four times. In addition to her responsibilities as Director of Bands at Oliver, she serves as content lead for the district and a “side by side” coach for young and emerging band directors. Ms. Waters has also been recognized by the Country Music Association as a Teacher of Excellence four times.
HIGH SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVE NOMINEES
BRIAN COVEY (IL) NOMINEE, HIGH SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVE
Brian Covey is the Visual and Performing Arts Chairman, in addition to serving as Director of Bands at Lockport Township High School in Lockport, Illinois. Mr. Covey was appointed Director in 2003 after serving two years as Associate Director of Bands. While maintaining the Department, he conducts the Wind Symphony and
the Freshman concert ensemble in addition to overseeing the athletic performance ensembles. Prior to joining Lockport High School, Mr. Covey attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree, a Master of Music Education degree at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, and an additional Master’s degree in Educational Administration from The University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. Under his direction, the concert ensembles at Lockport Township High School have performed at numerous competitions and festivals throughout the state and country, consistently receiving Superior ratings. The Wind Symphony has become a nationally respected ensemble with performance highlights including the Illinois Superstate Festival at the University of Illinois (every year since 2004), the National Association for Music Education National Conference (2008), the Illinois Music Education Conference (2001, 2010, 2022), The Music for All National Concert Band Festival (2006, 2008, 2016, 2018), The World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles International Conference (2009), and The Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic (2008, 2013, 2021). The Wind Symphony has been named a Mark of Excellence National Wind Band
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NBA JOURNAL
