4 minute read
Second Vice President’s Message
MATT TEMPLE
As I write this message, it is snowing heavily in Chicago and the temperature has dropped considerably. This stands in stark contrast to the weather that we experienced at the Midwest Clinic in December. In case you couldn’t attend this year, it was unseasonably warm then. Being the Midwesterner that I am, I found myself habitually taking my coat, hat, and gloves with me each time I left the hotel only to discover that I was woefully overdressed. Though the weather was an unexpected change, everything else about the Midwest Clinic felt familiar and comforting to me. It was such a joy to see so many of you again and even more so, to meet some of you in person for the first time! The 75th Midwest Clinic included everything that I had hoped it would: connecting with dear friends and colleagues, hearing amazing ensembles, attending great clinics, and celebrating the 60th anniversary of the National Band Association. The U.S. Army Field Band gave an extraordinary performance of James David’s Urban Light, which was commissioned by the NBA for our 60th anniversary. We hope to hear more performances of his thrilling and accessible piece in the future. The Past President’s panel on Wednesday afternoon was both enlightening and inspiring. Organized by immediate Past President Scott Tobias and President Rebecca Phillips, the panel of nine discussed the 60th anniversary of the NBA in three sections: past, present, and future. As a member of the IDEA committee, I particularly appreciated Rick Good’s comments regarding the future of our organization and the need for us to actively diversify our membership. And even though we fully believed that the panel might run over on time, all of the Presidents were incredibly succinct in their comments. No one could have predicted that!
I was impressed and, in some ways, relieved to see multiple clinic sessions on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. A personal highlight for me was getting to hear fellow IDEA committee member, Dr. Ingrid Larragoity-Martin, present her “Shop Talk” session. With so many new terms being used in diversity conversations, I appreciated her concise definitions. She also identified different levels of diversity awareness that exist within each of us and encouraged us to explore ways in which we could grow. Lastly, she shared strategies for selecting diverse music using a cultural lens. These are vital discussions and understandings for all of us to have as we navigate the ever-changing landscapes in our classes and communities. After not being able to gather in person last year, it felt really good to come together as a full group at the general membership meeting on Thursday afternoon. If you have not attended one before, I’d like to personally invite you to join us the next time you are at Midwest! I am always awe-struck by the number of icons in our profession that are all in the same room at the same time. It was truly special to have Gladys Wright join us for the presentation of the Al and Gladys Wright Distinguished Legacy Award to Dr. Julian White and Roy Holder.
The 60th anniversary reception that immediately followed was a resounding success. As a member of the Executive Committee, I am well aware of the many hours of planning that went into the event. Please send a note of thanks to President Rebecca Phillips and Executive Secretary Linda
SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Second Vice–President’s Message, Matt Temple, cont.
Moorhouse for their thoughtful and detailed organization of the reception. And don’t forget our amazing NBA office manager, Terri Daniels, who is always at work behind the scenes to keep our entire organization moving forward! Though the excitement of celebrating the 60th anniversary is now behind us, there is much to look forward to this year and beyond. All the NBA composition contests are back online, along with the Programs of Excellence Awards and the Young Composer and Young Conductor Mentor Project. Please reach out to your colleagues and encourage them to apply for these wonderful opportunities. The Programs of Excellence award, in particular, is a total program award that is open to middle schools and high schools, regardless of whether the director is currently an NBA member or not. As always, information regarding any of these programs can be easily accessed via the NBA website. In closing, I hope that 2022 brings you unexpected blessings and joyful moments both professionally and personally. In spite of the challenges that continue to exist, there is much to be grateful for. Please remember the wholly positive difference you have made in the lives of so many musicians, especially during these difficult times. As always, the National Band Association is here to support you and serve you. Please let us know how we can help!
Matt Temple Second Vice-President National Band Association
