SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
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s a band director, there have been countless times in my career when I have witnessed something so unexpected in rehearsal that I have thought to myself, “Did that really just happen?” One of my favorite memories was on April Fool’s Day some years ago, when identical twin boys in my top band switched instruments. They played bassoon and tuba. Needless to say, it did not take me very long to sense that something was out of place. Trying to hold a bassoon properly, much less being able to play it whatsoever, is no easy task. But immediately on the heels of me figuring it out, the entire clarinet section started playing our warm-up chorale on recorders. What a start to the rehearsal! As this biennium comes to a close, I have that same distinct feeling now: “Did that really just happen?” In a conversation with our outgoing President, Rebecca Phillips, she referred to her tenure as the Pandemic Presidency. Indeed, it is eerie how closely this biennium coincided with the timing of the pandemic. What was truly amazing, however, was how our organization pivoted and adapted during this critical time. Even though we had to postpone some of our
contests and programs, the National Band Association remained highly active and effective as an organization. One of the most significant accomplishments was our support of the aerosol research conducted by Colorado State University. As a result of this research and other aerosol studies, the NBA was able to share important safety guidelines for rehearsals and performances. ZOOM calls became commonplace for our organization, whether it was meeting with Division Chairs, State Chairs, or the Board of Directors. Even though we couldn’t meet in person for the General Membership Meeting at the Midwest Clinic in 2020, I found it quite comforting to see so many familiar faces online. And while the number of virtual calls for most of us is now few and far between, the Executive Committee continued to meet over Zoom throughout the entire biennium. It really is remarkable how much more connected we were with one another as a result of virtual calls. The significant uptick in communication was one of the silver linings of the pandemic.
MATT TEMPLE In addition to the challenges presented by the pandemic, we witnessed an increased focus on issues surrounding race, diversity, and social justice. The killing of George Floyd in May of 2020 became a tipping point for increasing awareness worldwide. The NBA responded with the creation of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Awareness (IDEA) committee. As the only white male member of this committee, I particularly valued being able to hear the perspective of the other committee members. I found our work together to be very meaningful and impactful. Our primary accomplishment was reviewing the entire Selective Music List (SML) Continued on next page
SPRING 2022
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