APRIL 2020
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Contents VOLUME 88 ■ ISSUE 8 ■ APRIL 2020
Features In Memoriam: James Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 1977–1978 TMEA President
In Memoriam: Kathy Fishburn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 1990–1991 TMEA President
Celebrating TMEA’s Centennial: 1980s–1990s . . . . . . 38 In these 20 years of significant growth and organizational change, TMEA established itself as an influencer of state policy . [k a r e n c r o s s]
Sailing the Sky Commission and TMEA Anthem . . . . 44 The TMEA Centennial commission, Sailing the Sky, premiered during our 2020 convention . Members also joined in singing the premiere of “It All Begins With Music” also by Frank Ticheli, who gifted us this work .
Convention Highlights Convention Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22, 46, 64 “It Starts With Music” Production Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 All-Staters on What “It Starts With Music” Means . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Congratulations, Four-Year All-State Musicians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Lessons Learned at the Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Convention Survey Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
22 Columns President’s Notes . . . . . . . . . 7 [br i a n
c o at n e y]
Executive Director’s Notes . .14 [r o b er t
f loy d]
Band Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Membership, Convention Attendance, and Meeting Minutes . . . . . . . . 81
[da n a
Updates
Orchestra Notes . . . . . . . . . 48
Attend Your Spring Region Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 TMEA 2020–2021 Executive Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 One Share Away from Effective Music Education Advocacy . . . . . . . . 25 Congratulations, TMEA Scholarship Recipients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
p r a d e r va n d]
[m ic h a el
s t r i n g er]
Vocal Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 [j e d
r ag s da l e]
Elementary Notes . . . . . . . . 66 [a b i g a i l
h aw es]
Nominate Students for the Texas Music Scholar Award . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
College Notes . . . . . . . . . . . 75
on the cover
Bringing the First General Session production of “It Starts With Music” to a close, performers joined together singing “You Will Be Found” from the musical Dear Evan Hansen (performer credits on page 24) . Photo by Karen Cross .
[pau l
s i k es]
Southwestern Musician | April 2020
1
Editor-in-Chief: Robert Floyd rfloyd@tmea.org 512-452-0710, ext. 101
Managing Editor: Karen Cross
kcross@tmea.org 512-452-0710, ext. 107
TMEA Executive Board President: Brian Coatney
brian.coatney@pisd.edu 2200 Independence Parkway, Plano, 75075 469-752-9396 – Plano Senior HS
President-Elect: John Carroll
Attend Your Spring TMEA Region Meeting The following meetings may be suspended. Visit www.tmea.org for the latest updates on these and all TMEA events.
Region
Date
Time
Location
1
May 9
10:00 a.m. meeting, Amarillo HS Cafeteria 9:30 a.m. food
2
May 16
10:00 a.m.
Guyer HS, Denton
3
May 16
10:00 a.m.
Berkner HS
john.carroll@ectorcountyisd.org 1800 East 42nd Street, Odessa, 79762 432-553-2780 – Permian HS
4
May 8
5:30 p.m.
Mt. Pleasant HS
Past-President: Joe Muñoz
5
May 16
9:00 a.m.
South Hills HS
6
April 25
1:00 p.m.
Permian HS Band Hall
7
April 30
6:00 p.m.
Graham HS
8
May 2
10:00 a.m. meeting, Midway HS Auditorium 9:30 a.m. food
munozj@pearlandisd.org 3775 South Main Street, Pearland, 77581 281-997-3219 – Pearland HS
Band Vice-President: Dana Pradervand
pradervandd@yahoo.com 8226 Lakeshore Villa Drive, Humble, 77346 713-743-3627 – University of Houston
Orchestra Vice-President: Michael Stringer
mstringe@aisd.net 1200 West Arkansas Lane (Annex 1), Arlington, 76013 682-867-7662 – Arlington ISD
Vocal Vice-President: Jed Ragsdale
9
May 2
9:00 a.m.
Tomball Memorial HS
10
May 4
6:30 p.m.
Lamar Univ Music Bldg
11
May 2
12:00 p.m.
Harlandale HS
12
May 3
2:30 p.m.
Madison HS, San Antonio
13
May 16
10:00 a.m.
George Ranch HS
jedragsdale@tomballisd.net 19100 Northpointe Ridge Lane, Tomball, 77377 281-357-3230, ext. 1106 – Memorial HS
14
May 2
10:00 a.m.
Del Mar College
15
April 26
2:00 p.m.
Sharyland Pioneer HS
Elementary Vice-President: Abigail Hawes
16
May 4
5:00 p.m.
Frenship HS PAC
abigail.hawes@cfisd.net 13734 Lakewood Forest Drive, Houston, 77070 281-370-4040 – Moore Elementary
17
May 9
9:30 a.m.
Shadow Creek HS
18
April 18
10:00 a.m.
Austin HS
College Vice-President: Paul Sikes
19
May 2
10:00 a.m.
Pasadena Memorial HS
20
March 28 9:00 a.m.
Adamson HS, Dallas ISD
plsikes@txwes.edu 8554 Kensington Court, North Richland Hills, 76182 281-433-7119 – Texas Wesleyan University
TMEA Staff Executive Director: Robert Floyd | rfloyd@tmea.org Deputy Director: Frank Coachman | fcoachman@tmea.org Administrative Director: Kay Vanlandingham | kvanlandingham@tmea.org Advertising/Exhibits Manager: Zachary Gersch | zgersch@tmea.org
21
May 9
10:00 a.m.
UT-Tyler
22
May 18
7:00 p.m. meeting, 6:00 p.m. UIL
UTEP
23
May 9
9:00 a.m. meeting
Cinco Ranch HS
24
May 9
10:00 a.m.
Frisco Centennial HS
25
May 16
10:00 a.m.
Allen HS
26
April 30
6:00 p.m.
McNeil HS
Communications Manager: Karen Cross | kcross@tmea.org
27
May 9
9:00 a.m.
Cypress Falls HS
Financial Manager: Cristin Gaffney | cgaffney@tmea.org
28
May 9
10:00 a.m. meeting, Harlingen CISD PAC 9:30 a.m. food
Membership Manager: Susan Daugherty | susand@tmea.org
Information Technologist: Andrew Denman | adenman@tmea.org Administrative Assistant: Rita Ellinger | rellinger@tmea.org
TMEA Office Mailing Address: P.O. Box 140465, Austin, 78714-0465 Physical Address: 7900 Centre Park Drive, Austin, 78754 Phone: 512-452-0710 | Fax: 512-451-9213 Website: www.tmea.org Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
29
May 16
10:00 a.m.
Holmes HS
30
April 25
10:00 a.m.
Brewer HS
31
May 16
10:00 a.m.
Grapevine HS
32
April 28
6:00 p.m.
Cedar Park HS
33
May 16
10:00 a.m.
Summer Creek HS
Southwestern Musician (ISSN 0162-380X) (USPS 508-340) is published monthly except March, June, and July by Texas Music Educators Association, 7900 Centre Park Drive, Austin, TX 78754. Subscription rates: One Year – $20; Single copies $3.00. Periodical postage paid at Austin, TX, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Southwestern Musician, P.O. Box 140465, Austin, TX 78714-0465. Southwestern Musician was founded in 1915 by A.L. Harper. Renamed in 1934 and published by Dr. Clyde Jay Garrett. Published 1941–47 by Dr. Stella Owsley. Incorporated in 1948 as National by Harlan-Bell Publishers, Inc. Published 1947–54 by Dr. H. Grady Harlan. Purchased in 1954 by D.O. Wiley. Texas Music Educator was founded in 1936 by Richard J. Dunn and given to the Texas Music Educators Association, whose official publication it has been since 1938. In 1954, the two magazines were merged using the name Southwestern Musician combined with the Texas Music Educator under the editorship of D.O. Wiley, who continued to serve as editor until his retirement in 1963. At that time ownership of both magazines was assumed by TMEA. In August 2004 the TMEA Executive Board changed the name of the publication to Southwestern Musician.
2
Southwestern Musician | April 2020
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Thank You for Attending! We hope this issue evokes memories of a most inspiring and motivational event, made even more special by the celebration of TMEA’s Centennial! —TMEA Staff & Executive Board Southwestern Musician | April 2020
5
B Y
B R I A N
C O A T N E Y
PRESIDENT’S NOTES
All content in this issue was submitted prior to the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic and may change. For current information on TMEA deadlines and events, visit www.tmea.org.
It starts with us April–May—Attend your spring Region meeting (see page 2). April 1–June 1—Submit proposals online for the 2021 TMEA Clinic/ Convention. May 1—TMEA membership year opens for online and mail/email submission. May 1—Deadline to nominate students for a Texas Music Scholar award. June 11–12—CEDFA Summit 21, Austin Airport Hilton. June 30—All 2019–2020 TMEA memberships expire. July 23–25—TBA, TCDA, TODA conventions in San Antonio. February 10–13, 2021—TMEA Clinic/ Convention in San Antonio.
O
ne month later, I’m still on cloud nine after a wonderful convention and centennial celebration! This extraordinary event would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the TMEA staff and past Executive Boards. Special thanks go to Joe Muñoz for his leadership and diligence to organize a convention that far exceeded everyone’s expectations. The Executive Board began working on the centennial celebration and convention four years ago with a host of ideas. We are fortunate that the TMEA staff could make the best ideas come to fruition. I was especially moved in Thursday’s General Session, when musicians ages 2 to 60 joined together for an incredibly inspiring performance. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house, and a huge thank-you goes to TMEA Administrative Director Kay Vanlandingham. She and her team ensured we left that space with a lasting memory of inspiration and pride for what we accomplish as music educators. Not to be outdone, at Friday’s General Session, the All-State musicians premiered our commissioned piece, Sailing the Sky, composed by Frank Ticheli.
Our association cannot continue to grow stronger unless every member realizes they have a voice and makes a difference . Southwestern Musician | April 2020
7
I can still hear the beautiful melodies and lyrics embodying music education in Texas. I was also moved when Ticheli led us in singing our new anthem, “It All Begins With Music.” I hope our future General Sessions will include our raising our voices through this poignant anthem—what a wonderful tradition to be started at our centennial celebration! Please take a few moments to thank your Vice-Presidents for their hard work throughout the year. I can proudly say they organized an outstanding convention full of educational clinics and phenomenal All-State concerts led by renowned conductors. Every year, I hear members say there is no way next year’s All-State
ensembles will be able to top this year’s performances, and yet it seems every year the bar is raised. This is a true testament to the Vice-Presidents’ brave efforts to continue pushing the limits and contracting top-notch clinicians. We are sad to see College Vice-President Vicki Baker and Past-President Robert Horton leave the Board. They have provided invaluable insight, eloquent commentary, and a passionate spirit as we discussed the business of our association. We are excited to welcome our new members Paul Sikes leading the College Division and Dana Pradervand leading the Band Division. Enjoy reading their first columns in this issue.
Frank Ticheli conducts Sailing the Sky during the Second General Session.
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Southwestern Musician | April 2020
Enjoying the Moment I had the privilege of addressing our future colleagues at the Texas Future Music Educators meeting. They then had the privilege of listening to Mandy Harvey tell her incredible story. While my life challenges have never been as difficult as hers, I was reminded that music has the power to pull us through difficult times. I was also reminded how lucky I am to be surrounded by family and friends who support me and build me up when times are tough. As you travel through April and May with UIL Concert and Sightreading Evaluations, spring trips, concerts, and preparations for next year, don’t forget to breathe and remind yourself of the power of these performances and the memorable experiences you are providing your students. You are showing them the meaning of music and the payoff for their hard work. Throughout each year I remind my senior class at every event that this will be the last time they will do that event, so live in the moment and enjoy every second. This is also a good reminder for me. Even though I might get frustrated with some students’ lack of commitment and work ethic, I must remember to cherish these last months with them and live in the moment. When you have a bad day or reach your frustration limit, call upon your memories of your most emotional and inspirational musical experiences to guide you back to the reason you became a music educator. It Starts With Music and With Us For the last year, many of you have been including #itstartswithmusic in your social media posts as this phrase has been the theme of TMEA’s Centennial. I would like to challenge you to continue using the phrase it starts with music, and I would point out that you can’t spell music without us. You may believe you don’t or can’t make a difference in an organization with over 13,000 active members, but our association cannot continue to grow stronger unless every member realizes they have a voice and makes a difference. A first-year teacher recently asked me how they can get involved with TMEA. I suggested they start by volunteering at the Region level and serving as an organizer for Region ensembles or as a coordinator or even as Region Chair. All too often, we attend Region meetings where the last
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Asst. Professor, Cello
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Scott McDonald
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Wei Chen Bruce Lin Asst. Professor, Piano
Deborah Mayes Accompanist Instructor, Saxophone & Jazz Band
Carla McElhaney Asst. Professor, Collaborative Pianist
David Milburn Instructor, Double Bass
Kurt Moede Instructor, Horn
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Jill Rodriguez Instructor, General Music
Eric Siu Asst. Professor, Violin
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Lance Witty Asst. Professor, Trumpet
Simeng Wu Asst. Professor, Collaborative Pianist
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person to arrive is voluntarily (or involuntarily) elected as the next Region Chair. How do we encourage members to want to volunteer rather than do it out of obligation? In my dream world, every Region in every division has an election for Region Chair because so many people want to serve. I also encourage young teachers to go to every organizational meeting possible to learn how TMEA processes work. Most importantly, network with every teacher possible in all divisions. Once you are more established in your Region, then contact your Division State Chair and volunteer to be an All-State Organizer or serve on a committee at the convention. We should also be involved with our affiliate organizations (TBA, TCDA, and TODA). I hope you consider serving in some capacity at your upcoming spring Region meeting as well as registering to volunteer at www.tmea.org/ volunteer. All-State Mariachi and Percussion Ensembles The Executive Board is looking forward to the addition of the All-State Mariachi and Percussion Ensembles at the 2021 Clinic/Convention. Thanks go to all the members who served on committees and guided the creation of these new ensembles. Be sure to read the audition policies and procedures for these ensembles and contact your Division chair for more information (Mariachi is sponsored by the Orchestra Division and Percussion Ensembles by the Band Division). I hope you will encourage your mariachi and percussion students to enter the auditions for these new ensembles.
In preparation for this article, I read several articles published by TMEA Presidents. Dinah Menger’s advice in her article about realignment four years ago still holds true today: “In working with teachers in your new Region, consider changing words like we always to this has worked for and we never to perhaps we might try.” I encourage you to go into your spring Region meetings with a positive attitude, focused on all the possibilities that exist. As always, the TMEA Board and staff are available to help in whatever capacity we can. Be sure to go to the TMEA website to access the finalized realignment for 2020–2022 under the Divisions & Regions menu. Our organization has seen a lot of change in the past 100 years, and just as we have in the past century, we will continue to realize more change as our association continues to grow and support its members. I am honored to have celebrated TMEA’s Centennial with you, and I’m excited about the next 100 years. As we prepare for TMEA 101, I
look forward to more members becoming actively involved in our association’s future and to our experienced members supporting those new to our profession to ensure they have the resources they need to navigate their first years and enjoy success in this incredible profession. I also look forward to expanding our support of members in our urban and rural schools. Our Board remains committed to helping our members become the best educators possible, no matter their circumstances. TMEA leaders will also continue to work diligently to inf luence state policy in support of music education opportunities for all, and we will work to provide you effective advocacy materials to enable you to easily be part of that most important work at the local level. While it has been an incredible 100 years, we have more challenges ahead. We must embrace change and continue to work together to grow even stronger as an association. Remember that it starts with us, and that means it starts with you! 0
Realignment Update While this column is submitted before the Executive Board finalizes our realignment that was presented at your February Region meetings, I expect the approved realignment will be significant, especially for Regions in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The main reason for these changes is to better balance the number of students auditioning in each Region to make the process more manageable. It is important to understand that these decisions are based on audition participation data and did not consider competition. I know each Region is facing new challenges, and members need to work together to overcome these challenges. Southwestern Musician | April 2020 11
In Memoriam James Moore James Moore , TMEA Past-President and TMEA Past Vocal Division Vice-President, passed away on November 19, 2019. James (Jim) was born on November 26, 1938, and grew up in Gainsville, Texas. He graduated from Gainesville HS and went on to receive his bachelor of music education from East Texas Baptist College (ETBU) and his master of music from North Texas State University (UNT). Jim’s music career spanned over 50 years, with choral teaching experiences in junior high, high school, university, community, and professional organizations. He began his first choral direct- 1977–1978 TMEA President ing experience as a high school student leader of his school’s glee club and director of music in a Gainesville Baptist church. He was Director of Choral Activities at East Texas Baptist University at his retirement and served as the choral director of Irving HS for multiple years. Jim was the founding director of the Irving Chorale and served as music minister in numerous churches every year of his life from the age of 17 to his retirement at the age of 74. His choirs performed at conventions for TMEA, TCDA, the Texas Association of Music Schools, the Music Educators National Conference, the ACDA Southwestern Division Convention, and the National ACDA Convention. He conducted choirs on tours to Canada, England, Central Europe, Spain, Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China as well as presented choral workshops and lectures in Brazil, Russia, South Korea, Hong Kong, and China. Jim’s professional achievements were numerous. He was TMEA Vocal Division Chair (1973–1975) and President (1977–1978), Vice-President of the Texas Choral Directors Association for two terms, President of the Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Southwestern Division President of the American Choral Directors Association, and National President of ACDA. He also served on the Board of Directors for the International Federation for Choral Music. Jim was presented the prestigious Texas Choirmaster Award by the Texas Choral Directors Association for unparalleled leadership in the choral field and was the recipient of the East Texas Baptist University Alumni Association J. Wesley Smith Achievement Award. April 18 Reunion Choir Event All former choir members, family, colleagues, and friends of James Moore are invited to participate in a reunion choir event directed by his daughter Kelly Pfaffenberger and several other esteemed guests, in Marshall, Texas, on April 18. Go to www.etbu.edu/mooreconcert for more information and to register for this event. 0
12 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
1938–2019
As James Moore’s presidential term came to a close, he offered these words of motivation to the members in his final magazine column in March 1978: As I’ve said before, the strength in our association lies in the outstanding leadership at the local, region, and area division of TMEA. During my year as president, I have become more aware of this fact. In all parts of the state it is possible to find those people willing to serve, able to lead, and devoted to the cause of our profession. We should continually be grateful for this quality and work harder than ever to see that it continues. Perhaps the greatest understanding of our strength is the fact that our association is people—each one of us—we are TMEA. It is not an office or a group of officers or a convention. When a problem exists or a complaint is to be made, we should accept the responsibility and work to correct the situation. When things go well and are met with success, we should take pride and be further motivated—because we are TMEA. This, then, presents a unique opportunity of service to each one of us. For that reason, I am concerned over the small percentage of TMEA members actively seeking leadership positions or accepting nominations. I would challenge each of you to consider the ways to further serve your profession. Your leadership, energy, and ability will be desperately needed to ensure the continued growth of TMEA.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTES
B Y
R O B E R T
F L O Y D
All content in this issue was submitted prior to the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic and may change. For current information on TMEA deadlines and events, visit www.tmea.org.
Recollections of 50 years
A
s we moved into the 1960s in our magazine features on TMEA’s 100-year history, the realization hit me that for over 50 years of TMEA’s 100, I was actively involved in music education and in TMEA’s role of supporting those efforts. No longer were events I read about someone else’s history but rather times I had experienced as a music educator and later as TMEA’s Executive Director. As I reflected, I was led to recount our major challenges and changes, as well as the constant contributors to TMEA’s success over the years. This naturally leads to the question of what the future should hold. My memories start with hauling percussion equipment from Richardson High School to the Dallas Convention Center for use by the All-State Symphonic Band during the 1970 TMEA Convention. As a young band director, I was proud to be volunteering in that capacity, and over the years it evolved to volunteer judging Region auditions and then serving as Region Band Chair, Region President, State Band Vice-President, and ultimately TMEA President. As a young Region Chair, I got to host such Region Band conductors as John Paynter, H. Robert Reynolds, and W. Francis McBeth— icons of our profession. I was starstruck.
We must all be eternally grateful for those who came before us to have the vision to create an association that has served teachers and students at such a high level . 14 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
April–May—Attend your spring Region meeting (see page 2). April 1–June 1—Submit proposals online for the 2021 TMEA Clinic/ Convention. May 1—TMEA membership year opens for online and mail/email submission. May 1—Deadline to nominate students for a Texas Music Scholar award. June 11–12—CEDFA Summit 21, Austin Airport Hilton. June 30—All 2019–2020 TMEA memberships expire. July 23–25—TBA, TCDA, TODA conventions in San Antonio. February 10–13, 2021—TMEA Clinic/ Convention in San Antonio.
Such reflection reminds me of the role that volunteering has played in TMEA’s success. Through the years, we could not have functioned without such commitment of our members, and our centennial celebration could not have been the success it was without the work of hundreds of volunteers. Volunteering is the cornerstone of our success at the Region and state levels, and it should not only continue but also grow. Influencing Policy In studying TMEA’s history, it becomes apparent we have encountered similar problems through the years as we strive to protect music and fine arts in the curriculum: How do we fit into the accountability process? How do we remain a part of the required curriculum? How do we protect instructional time during the school day? How do we protect the fine arts requirements at every level, K–12? Despite those consistent challenges, we have many supporters at the capitol who believe in our cause. More than legislators opposing us, we have been negatively impacted by another well-meaning statute requirement intended to cure the ills of public education. TMEA has always taken the lead to minimize the impact of such laws hurting our presence in the curriculum. We have “lit up the capitol” in only a few instances, but I still believe that some state leaders do not know the power of the fine arts community and do not want to find out. TMEA has always led that charge at the capitol for arts education and will
continue to do so as needed for the future. Our relationship and partnership with the University Interscholastic League has been a significant part of TMEA’s success. The UIL Director of Music Activities has served as an ex officio member of the TMEA Board since 1957. When people from other states ask me why music in Texas is so strong, I credit three major contributors: competent, talented, dedicated teachers striving for the UIL superior performance standard for over seventy years, local administrators who believe in the role we play in the education of the whole child, and the popularity of football (support for music and other arts subjects in Texas developed out of long-held expectations for successful marching band programs). TMEA Leadership TMEA has been blessed with Executive Boards who understood their role in the leadership of our association. Most importantly, Board members quickly learn they must abandon their divisional hat and think globally in all decision-making. If Board meetings through the years had been dominated by turf battles over which division gets the most All-State seats or a disproportionate share of the budget, TMEA would have wallowed in mediocrity years ago. Throughout our history, we have been fortunate to have the right President to lead us at a particular time when challenges were met by a President who provided the appropriate guidance needed
TMEA Distinguished Administrator Award Through this recognition program, TMEA has the opportunity at the state level to thank these individuals for their dedication and support. At the local level, this offers you another opportunity to share your success story with the community. Nominate your outstanding campus or district upper-level school administrator by completing an online nomination.
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www.tmea.org/adminaward Southwestern Musician | April 2020 17
to get us through a tough time. Whether it was dealing with the TMEA/MENC struggle, or the decision to purchase a new building, or surviving a legislative session where accountability was driving every statute decision, or weighing the positives and negatives of moving the convention to another city, the right leader seemed to be in place to lead us through those challenging times. Upgrading Technology As in any business or corporation, TMEA’s most significant operational changes have been driven by technology. From the production and printing of the magazine, to the audition process being online, to association membership software upgrades, to a redesigned website, TMEA has certainly moved into the 21st century in all aspects of technology and will continue to make such improvements a priority. We have come a long way from sending the magazine content on a bus to our printer in Lubbock, only to have it be returned to the office for us to cut and paste the final layout, and then sending it back again by bus to be printed and mailed.
Financial Stability TMEA has been fortunate to be financially stable most of the years we have been in existence, especially the last 30 years, during which we paid cash for two buildings and awarded over $2 million in grants, all with minimal membership dues and convention registration increases. When most nonprofits spend much of their board meeting time trying to figure out how to pay the bills and keep the lights on, our boards have spent their time focusing on how we further our mission of providing quality experiences in music for students in the public and private schools of Texas. No mention can be made of TMEA’s reasons for success without acknowledging the amazing staff who have served our membership through the years. I always refer to them as TMEA’s greatest asset. Their contributions have been paramount to our success through the years. Moving Forward So where should we go from here? What are our greatest challenges and how do we address them? When you ask someone what TMEA does, a typical answer is that it is the organization that puts on a
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18 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
huge convention every year and runs the All-State competition. Certainly those are significant priorities as defined in our constitution, but in the broader perspective, what are we doing for the 5.4 million students in Texas schools who never enter that process or even darken the door of a music class after elementary school? What are we doing to serve those students, and what is our responsibility to do so? That should be the dominant focus as we begin our next hundred years—not how to create a few more seats in All-State, add a few more clinics at the convention, or place even more emphasis on the honor or invited ensemble competition. It is a massive challenge, but every dollar we spend and program we create should be directly or indirectly based on that priority. These decisions truly support a student-based philosophy that touches more lives than those in programs driven by chasing the honor band or orchestra dream or placing the most All-State students from the ISD or Region. Four years ago, we began to drill deep into what we can do to help urban music programs, and this highly successful effort is an exemplary example of what our priorities should be for the future. So, in closing, I challenge each of you to reflect on how TMEA has affected your career as a music educator, and at what level. I expect anyone who attended the 2020 convention got rejuvenated and motivated to tackle UIL C&SR Evaluation and other spring activities with a new spirit and commitment to excellence. I can personally say that because of TMEA’s impact in my life in elevating the quality of music programs in our state that most of us have experienced, I chose to major in music education in college after spending two years in premed, earning a mathematics degree, and shifting my major to music education the day graduate school began to study statistics. TMEA has touched the lives of tens of thousands of teachers and hundreds of thousands of students through the years, and we must all be eternally grateful for those who came before us to have the vision to create an association that has served teachers and students at such a high level. Happy Centennial, TMEA! 0
Brian Coatney President
Michael Stringer Orchestra Vice-President
Jed Ragsdale Vocal Vice-President
John Carroll President-Elect Joe MuĂąoz Immediate Past-President
2020–2021 TMEA Executive Board
Dana Pradervand Band Vice-President
Abigail Hawes Elementary Vice-President
Paul Sikes College Vice-President
Learn more about the Executive Board members at www.tmea.org/about/board-staff/board.
Post-Convention Offerings CPE RECORDS Continuing Professional Education credit is available only to TMEA active members and out-of-state registrants who attended the convention. Attendees with family or visitor badges and retired or student members do not have access to create CPE records.
Clinic Handouts Go to www.tmea.org/convention and log in to the personal schedule page. An icon will display next to the clinic name if the clinician provided a handout for download.
Clinic Audio Files
1. Go to www.tmea.org/cpe and log in.
Go to the personal schedule and log in. If you were a registered attendee who purchased access to audio files, an icon will display on each clinic with a recording.
2. Create or update your online personal schedule.
Performance Recordings
2. Verify the clinics you attended to completion. 3. Save your CPE selections. 4. Print your CPE record and submit it to your administrator. Keep a copy for your records.
At www.tmea.org/convention, you will find a link to the online store for concert recordings.
Advocacy Videos Go to www.tmea.org/itstartswithmusic to share and download the amazing music education advocacy videos premiered at the convention. Show them at your events! Southwestern Musician | April 2020 19
Follow us @WTCMSC
In Memoriam Kathy Fishburn
1990–1991 TMEA President
Kathy Fishburn was born in
Memphis, Texas, on June 18, 1947. She was a proud 1965 graduate of Amarillo HS. As a student there, Kathy was committed to the Sandie Band and Orchestra. She knew she wanted to major in music. She completed degrees in Proficiency Certificate for Double Bass at the Sherwood Conservatory in Chicago and West Texas State University. Kathy taught orchestra in Texas for 47 years and had recently retired from Tascosa HS as the Director of Orchestra. Prior to Tascosa, she was at Permian HS in Odessa from 1979 to 1999. Now many of Kathy’s former students are Texas orchestra directors. Kathy passed away on January 19, 2020. Kathy was elected to serve as TMEA Orchestra Division Vice-President from 1987 to 1989 and became TMEA President in 1990. During her tenure, TMEA
1947–2020
established the scholarship fund that continues today, supporting future music educators at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Kathy’s orchestras were consistent UIL Sweepstakes award winners and were named best-in-class at many festivals throughout the United States. Her orchestra performed for the inauguration of the municipal president (mayor) of Chihuahua in Mexico, and they had the honor of performing in Normandy, France, at the D-Day 50th anniversary observance as well as for an anniversary of the attack at Pearl Harbor. Her students also played for President Bill Clinton’s inauguration in 1997. Kathy was named the TODA “Orchestra Director of the Year” in 1999 and was the recipient of the “Award of Excellence” by the
University Interscholastic League in 2015. Kathy was also President of the Texas Orchestra Directors Association and Texas Music Adjudicators Association. As a member of TMAA, she has judged orchestra contests throughout Texas and its surrounding states. She was President of the Texas Unit of the American String Teachers Association. She was the founder and first President of Mu Omicron, honorary fraternity for orchestra directors and supporters of orchestral music. Kathy served as a conductor for many TMEA All-Region Orchestras on the junior high and high school levels, as well as All-State Orchestras. She has published arrangements and compositions for string orchestra and was a member of the American Society of Composers and Arrangers. 0
During her presidential term, Kathy used her magazine column to feature accounts of TMEA’s history. As we continue to reflect on TMEA’s history in this issue, and on leaders like Kathy who brought TMEA to this centennial year, her words from 1990 seem particularly fitting: The death of many of our longtime members is depleting our last links to the base of knowledge available to us about the founding and maturing of TMEA from 1920 to the present. Likewise, we see a strong involvement in our association and its business by the younger generation as they move into those roles of leadership which for so long have been held by the older members. As this normal change of command
takes place, each generation or so, many of our older members worry about how effective this new leadership can be without having known, firsthand or personally, many of our former leaders. To once again hear these people speak of the hard times surrounding the beginnings of TMEA, the many confrontations with the superintendents, the move of contests from TMEA to UIL, the long debates with MENC, the development of the All-State groups, and the successful national role model established from a state music association encompassing the five divisions of band, orchestra, vocal, general music, and college would be a thrill today, especially to those not privileged to have known them.
Southwestern Musician | April 2020 21
2020 TMEA CLINIC/CONVENTION
22 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
More images on page 46
Southwestern Musician | April 2020 23
TMEA presented “It Starts With Music” during our convention’s First General Session. This extraordinary production was the highlight of the 2020 Clinic/Convention for many and encapsulated why TMEA continues to work to support music education for all. TMEA thanks performers (listed in order of appearance below) and production staff for their dedication and tireless work that led to this incredible event. Pflugerville ISD Fine Arts Department—Nicole Malone, director; Paula Knight, piano Duncanville HS A Cappella Choir—Jesse Cannon II, director Trenitee Mackey and Matthew Merritt, vocal soloists; Casey LeVie, piano; Bryan Chacon, percussion Texas A&M–Kingsville Trumpet Ensemble—Kyle Millsap, director Reilly, Connor, Nora, and Colleen Whatley, violin and cello Allyson Chu, Pearson Ranch MS, violin Grace Song, former four-year TMEA All-State musician, violin Kiyoshi Tamagawa, piano Aruna Quartet, Texas Tech University—David Dees, professor of saxophone University of North Texas Percussion Ensemble—Mark Ford, director Trevor Deary, xylophone soloist House Band: Eric Bittner and David Cross, trumpet; Ponder East, tenor saxophone David Borland, trombone; Dallas Shreve, guitar; Andrew Goins, bass David Blackburn and Paula Knight, keyboards; Andrew Fuhrman, drums Director/Producer: Kris Andrews Music Director/Producer: Kay Vanlandingham Stage Managers: Jamie Bailey and Tammy Ballard Sound Designer: Bobby Malone; Technical Director: Darrell Umhoefer; Lighting Designer: Jeff Ellinger
24 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
You’reOneShareAwayfrom EffectiveMusicEducationAdvocacy Music Makes Me Happy
Music Helps Us Believe in Ourselves
Music Education Changes Lives
Music Prepares Us for Success
TMEAproduced eight compelling videos that offer personal accounts about the power of music education in our lives. Music Class: A Safe Place to Grow
Music Brings People Together
Music Connects Us
Music Makes Me the Best Version of Me
NOW IT ’ S YOUR T UR N! +Share on Social Media +Email to Your Community +Download &Show at Any Event +Embed on Your Website W W W. T M E A . OR G/I T S TA R T S WI T HM US I C Southwestern Musician | April 2020 25
2020 All-State musicians answered the question “What does It Starts With Music mean to you?” Music is in every aspect of my life—I wake up to it, walk in the halls to it, go to sleep to it. Music has taught me hard work and dedication and has given me passion. It starts with music because music is in everything—it’s the beginning, middle, and end.
Everything in life must have some sort of music to it. Without music, life is just boring. It means that we are free to express ourselves, our emotions, and our creativity in something we love, and this should be valued and cherished always.
“it” can be anything. From life, to recovery, to careers, and so much more!
Many things start with music: leadership, character, work ethic, and perseverance.
“It starts with music” is an ode to life. Music is infused in our lives, from our first breath to our last.
Music can transform lives powerfully and it can subtly influence your life when you’re least expecting it.
Anything can start with music. What’s important is that someone takes initiative to understand and enjoy music and make it their own.
Everything has a beginning. Your teachers and those involved with music education have the potential to shape you into a great person. It doesn’t matter if you will have a career in music or not, the skills and lessons that you learn from all your music teachers can change you.
Music unites people in lifelong friendships. It’s the beginning of a connection to something greater than yourself.
We hear lullabies; we learn the alphabet song and nursery rhymes. From birth, we’ve all had something connecting us, even though we didn’t know it—and it was music.
It means that joy and happiness begins with music. “It Starts With Music” will conjure in my head green-bluepurple-magenta, the memory of receiving a shiny sticker and a congratulations, the exhilaration, the awe of seeing the Henry B. González Convention Center for the first time, the sense of contentment during long rehearsals. “It Starts With Music” will always mean something more than just a phrase to be interpreted. 26 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
For me, it’s where I began to grow as a person. It started with music and it will end with music.
I think about all the memories I’ve created, all the lessons I’ve learned, and how it’s changed me for the better. It all started because of the wonderful music programs I’ve been so lucky to be a part of.
I don’t plan to major in music, but this phrase reminds me that everything in my life will still revolve around music and the values I’ve gained through choir.
It doesn’t matter who you are, it doesn’t matter what career path you choose, music will impact your life in every way. When I hear “It Starts With Music,” I see a spark that can ignite the world and a universal language to unite it.
Music is the foundation of our lives. We listen to music every day. It makes us dance, laugh, cry, and it inspires us. Without music, our lives would be empty. For some people (like me), music is the gateway to things like mental health, good character, and good work ethic. To me, “It Starts With Music” could refer to people being successful in other areas of life as well as the way music brings people together and helps to create a loving and hard-working community.
“It Starts With Music” represents all the experiences, friendships, and the gained knowledge we all get out of our music programs. Music has an ability to bring people together and do something beautiful.
It almost Music is a language everyone understands. literally means It can make you feel a range of emotions that without music, from mourning to joy. Everything we there is no start to me. do involves music somehow. Every day has to start with music to make it a good one.
Music gives life and joy to everyone in some way. Music means something different to everyone and yet we all can come together through music. It is amazing that something so universal can still be so personal at the same time. Music is at the root of all of our connections with people. It is the reason we were all at the convention, and it was so cool to be able to meet people with this interest and dedication to it.
Music teaches what it means to be human, and it brings out the best in an individual.
Music has the ability to provoke thoughts and feelings that nothing else can. Music inspires people to be better. It also acts as a refuge for people who are struggling.
It means the basics for the real world. Music taught me how to manage time. Music taught me to never give up. Music taught me that there is always more to work for.
Music is so crucial and important in everyday life that even the birds sing. Southwestern Musician | April 2020 27
Vastly different.
All-State Choir Camp June 23-27 Registration Deadline: June 1
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/music/ ttuchoircamp/
TTU Band and Orchestra Camp July 5-11 Registration Deadline: June 15
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/ music/ttuboc/
B Y
D A N A
BAND NOTES
P R A D E R V A N D
All content in this issue was submitted prior to the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic and may change. For current information on TMEA deadlines and events, visit www.tmea.org.
April–May—Attend your Region meeting (see page 2). April 1–June 1—Submit proposals for the 2021 TMEA Clinic/Convention. May 1—TMEA membership year opens. May 1—Deadline to nominate students for a Texas Music Scholar award. May 15—Invited middle and high school jazz band and high school percussion ensemble application deadline. June 11–12—CEDFA Summit 21, Austin Airport Hilton. June 15—Deadline for Region Honor Band qualifiers to be postmarked to Area Listening Center Chair. June 24–25—Area Honor Band Listening Center sessions. June 30—All 2019–2020 TMEA memberships expire. June 30—Deadline for Area Honor Band qualifiers to be postmarked to State Band Chair. July 23–25—TBA Convention/Clinic in San Antonio. February 10–13, 2021—TMEA Clinic/ Convention in San Antonio.
We know how to celebrate!
I
t is with immeasurable gratitude and humility that I write my first column as Band Division Vice-President. I appreciate your support and trust and look forward to serving you in this capacity. The role of leading the largest division of TMEA and the historical significance of this moment are not lost on me. It is now our responsibility as members of the Band Division to continue being leaders in music education as we begin our next 100 years! I will work tirelessly to represent you and our division. We must also thank John Carroll for his outstanding leadership of the Band Division over the past two years, and we look forward to his guidance as President-Elect. The 2020 Clinic/Convention was absolutely amazing! Enormous thanks go to President Joe Muñoz and the Executive Board for a convention experience we will not soon forget. From the moment I arrived on Wednesday afternoon, there was a palpable excitement and an energy in the air. You could feel it at every clinic and every performance. It truly was a celebration of us and our wonderful profession. For four days, everywhere you turned there were examples of why music education in Texas is second to none. I walked into several sessions filled
How fortunate we are to have music ensembles at every level who exemplify a relentless pursuit of excellence! Southwestern Musician | April 2020 29
to capacity with first-year teachers and veteran teachers being motivated and inspired by incredible presenters. This event provided us all with a variety of clinics, ranging from pedagogy and technology to health and wellness and diversity. Perhaps you learned a new strategy for teaching a skill, or maybe you discovered a new piece of music. I found new techniques for improving my skills with technology. There was something for everyone, and I am confident each of us returned to our schools and students with new knowledge that will make us better teachers. One of the best things about our convention is the fact that we can attend an Honor Band concert in the morning, observe a rehearsal of the best high school musicians in the state in the afternoon, explore the best exhibit hall in the nation, continue with a university band concert, and end our incredible day with Dallas Winds performance. How fortunate we are to have music ensembles at every level who exemplify a relentless pursuit of excellence! Our invited university ensembles demonstrate that the bar of music excellence just continues to get higher and higher. Thanks go to the performers and directors
of these ensembles for their dedication to their craft and for offering such wonderful performances. We loved listening to the inspiring performances of our Honor Bands. I loved seeing the pride and joy on the faces of the students as they finished their outstanding performances. Congratulations to the students and directors of these ensembles and thank you for reminding us all that it’s good to have fun—but—it’s also fun to be good! One of the most significant events for me occurred during the Second General Session. It truly was a celebration of everything that is TMEA. The commissioned work by Frank Ticheli, Sailing the Sky, performed by the All-State Orchestra, Choir, and Band members, joined by San Antonio Children’s Chorus, motivated a standing ovation before the last note rang out. The presentation of the new advocacy resource videos moved us to tears. The wise words shared by Frank Ticheli and Carl St.Clair inspired us. One could not sit in that audience and not be proud to be a Texas music educator. However, the culmination of this event was singing “It All Begins With Music”! Ticheli wrote this anthem as a gift
to us on this historic occasion. It absolutely captured the significance of our celebration and what it means to be a Texas music educator! (Go to www.tmea.org/anthem to download the 2- and 4-part versions of this piece.) Cheers to our next 100 years! Honor Band Entries By the time you read this, the deadline for the initial Honor Band entry will have passed. However, know that you still need to complete your entry according to your Region’s deadlines. In addition, there are several new rules and policies that have been initiated for this Honor Band cycle. Please review the Honor Band rules and entry policies for the changes to the process at www.tmea.org/honorband. Area Honor Band Listening Centers This year’s Area Honor Band Listening Centers will be conducted June 24–25 at these locations: • Areas A & B: Abilene • Areas C & D: Duncanville • Areas F & H: Houston • Areas E & G: San Antonio
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trinity.edu/music
think. perform. explore. 30 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
The Trinity University Music Department is recognized as an ALL-STEINWAY SCHOOL by Steinway and Sons, for its commitment to excellence
Apply for Selection As an Invited Performing Group The Band Division invites a middle and high school jazz ensemble and a high school percussion ensemble to perform during our convention. These 50-minute concerts are hosted by our division and offer a wonderful opportunity for the students and directors involved. Apply online by May 15 for each performing group: • Middle and High School Jazz Ensemble: go to www.tmea.org/ invitedjazz. • Invited High School Percussion Ensemble: go to www.tmea.org/ invitedpercussion. Convention Proposals Believe it or not, plans are well underway
L A U N N A 47TH
for the 2021 TMEA Clinic/Convention. In a state with such amazing educators, I encourage you to consider sharing your knowledge, your experiences, your strategies, and your philosophies with all of us by submitting a proposal for the 2021 Clinic/Convention. Please consider what you could share with your colleagues that would benefit us all. Go to www.tmea.org/ clinicproposals for more information and to propose a clinic (open April 1–June 1). In the recent convention survey, Band Division members identified the following as the most important topics for clinics (included is the percentage of survey takers who selected that topic—multiple selections allowed). This feedback will be considered when clinic selections are made: • Rehearsal techniques (81%) • Instrument methods (72%)
• Recruitment/retention (56%) • Repertoire selection (37%) • Classroom management (36%) • Technology integration (34%) • Teaching methods (33%) • Conducting techniques (32%) • Urban and rural challenges & solutions (24%) • Philosophical priorities of musicmaking (23%) Spring Region Meetings Please plan on attending your spring Region meeting. Don’t overlook the opportunity to get involved in discussions that directly affect you and to connect with colleagues in your part of the state. See page 2 for meeting details.
esign • Drill D ch e T ore! ic s u d many m ewest M n N a : t e n d e u m cl in d Develop directors to Design an rd a Clinics for u G • t Planning Major Retiremen acks: Drum tr rd n e v e s Color Gua r all ember • e focus fo M th d is n a ip B h • Leaders Marcher d Leader termediate er / Squa In d a e • L r n e h io arc ction Sect ing Instru ginning M h e B rc a M • n • Percussio struction Jazz Band nducting In g Band • o in C h rc • a n M io amp Instruct d – Full C Leadership • MegaBan y g o g a Winds Ped r Party Marching uatic Cente q A • s e Mega Gam 20 nsor, mmuter, arch 1, 20 ector/Spo 85 per co n open M 2 ir o $ D ti r a d o n tr r a is e B g Re ime camp , $340 – 5 per full-t rrent Year) u C ( r dents e b Cost: $38 m nding stu nd Me e a tt B a r te o ta 0 S 1 nsor with $285 – All ipcamp ector/Spo dleadersh ir n D a b d n / a u B d $240 – w.hputx.e se visit ww a le p , n o ati lete inform F o r c o mp
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Southwestern Musician | April 2020 31
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32 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
Band Division Meeting Minutes February 13, 2020, 5:15 p.m. CC Stars at Night Ballroom 1–2 The meeting was called to order by John Carroll, TMEA State Band Chair, at 5:15 p.m. Tom SoRelle made a motion to approve last year’s Band Division meeting minutes as printed in the April 2019 Southwestern Musician. Rodney Bennett seconded, and the motion passed. Nominations for 2020–2022 TMEA State Band Division Chair were announced as Glen Lambert and Dana Pradervand. Steve Andre spoke on behalf of Lambert and Andy Sealy spoke on behalf of Pradervand. With no other nominations from the floor, members voted by printed ballot. John Carroll reminded everyone to vote for TMEA President-Elect. He recognized past Band Division Chairs and Past TMEA Presidents. TMEA Band Division Featured Clinician Travis Cross from UCLA offered a keynote address. TBA President Phil Clements gave an update on the upcoming TBA Convention, and UIL State Music Director Brad Kent offered a UIL Music Update. Carroll recognized Region Chairs, Area Chairs, and other volunteers for their hard work. He then recognized all Honor Band finalists and winners and reminded the membership that this year’s Honor Band competition is for 1C, 2C, 1A/2A, 4A, and 6A. State Honor Band Contest is scheduled for July 23. Carroll informed the membership that the All-State Percussion Ensembles would be structured the same as the Orchestra and Band, meaning that selection to these ensembles will be based on the seating auditions Wednesday night of TMEA. In New Business, Gabe Musella of UIL stated that directors may pick up their approved PML submissions. Carroll announced Dana Pradervand as the TMEA Band Division Chair for 2020– 2022. The meeting adjourned at 6:01 p.m. Minutes submitted by Steven Dojahn. 0
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2020 TMEA Scholarship Recipients FIVE-YEAR UNDERGRADUATE Bill Cormack—up to $15,000 Julie Zahrndt, Red Oak HS
Past-Presidents—up to $12,500 Jacob Dixon, Plano Senior HS Past-Presidents Memorial—up to $12,500 Maxwell Gray, Tomball Memorial HS Executive Board—up to $12,500 Meredith Bowden, Grandview HS Centennial — up to $12,500 Kaylee Smith, Allen HS
One-Year Undergraduate—$2,500 Ashley Adams, Friendswood HS Xavier Bailey, Timber Creek HS Kayden Burns, Amarillo HS McKenzie Comeaux, Sterling HS Jonathan DeAnda, Central HS Nicolas Devia Luna, The Woodlands HS Taylor Frick, Magnolia HS Christine Le, Liberty HS Kirsten Leo, Taylor HS Margaret Liu, Victoria East HS Xander McRae, McKinney Boyd HS Johniel Najera, Flower Mound HS Brooke Olivarez, Langham Creek HS Victoria Ramirez, Naaman Forest HS Zachary Rohwer, Flower Mound HS Cayden Rolfe, San Marcos HS Logan Scott, Georgetown HS Hayleigh Stephens, Frenship HS Angelica Trevino, Roma HS Hannah Trippe, Plano East Senior HS Audra Wright, McAllen Memorial HS
COLLEGE DIVISION One-Year Undergraduate—$2,500
Marissa Anthony, Sam Houston State Univ Gabriella Baez, Texas State Univ Sterling Davis, Stephen F. Austin State Univ Samantha Ely, Texas Christian Univ Klint Fabian, UT/San Antonio Andrew Fowler, Texas Tech Univ Garrett Franks, Texas Tech Univ Kaylee Knafelz, Texas Tech Univ Emily LeBlanc, Stephen F. Austin State Univ
Five-Year Undergraduate Scholarship Recipients Julie Zahrndt, Jacob Dixon, Meredith Bowden, Maxwell Gray, Kaylee Smith
Brandon Lippert, UT/Permian Basin Kevin Lopez, Texas Woman’s Univ Gabrielle McCullough, UT/Austin Marshall Mixon, Texas Tech Univ Brandon Morrison, UT/Austin Maryssa Redding, Univ of North Texas Heidi Schuppenhauer, Texas Tech Univ Katelyn Seymour, Sam Houston State Univ Patrick Vu, Texas Christian Univ Misa Womack, Texas Tech Univ Lyndsea Woodall, Texas Tech Univ
One-Semester Student Teacher—$2,500 Nelson Adams, Baylor Univ Richard Alvarado, Texas Christian Univ Anna-Sarah Baxleyova, Texas Tech Univ Jeremy Brown, Texas Tech Univ Mariann Davidson, Texas Tech Univ Herbert Donnell, Texas Tech Univ Taylor Michelle Evans, Sam Houston State Univ Armando Fuerte, Texas Tech Univ Kristen Graham, Trinity Univ Michael Isenberg, Baylor Univ Kaleigh Jackson, Texas Tech Univ Connor MacAllister, Texas Tech Univ Rachel Militzer, Texas Christian Univ Marisol Montanez, Texas Tech Univ Brennan Ross, Texas Tech Univ Caleb Santacruz, Texas Tech Univ Patrick Schmidt, TAMU/Kingsville Kristen Shuman, Texas Tech Univ Shannon Skillman, Baylor Univ Adam Thomas, Texas Christian Univ Lauren Vandergriff, Southern Methodist Univ
One-Year Graduate Study—$2,500
Amanda Blackstone, Farley MS/Texas Tech Univ Haley Carbonero, Haltom HS/Texas Woman’s Univ Wesley Davis, Marcus HS/Univ of North Texas Laura Flanagan, Texas Tech Univ Alyssa Grey, Univ of North Texas Hannah Morrison, Baylor Univ Kyle Norman, Alvin JH / Sam Houston State Univ Deborah Seitter, Texas Tech Univ Jonathan Villela, UT/Austin Francis Vu, Univ of North Texas Emily Wiley, Evers Park ES
This year, TMEA is awarding $225,000 in scholarship funds for students who will be working toward careers in music education or furthering their current careers with additional studies.
Southwestern Musician | April 2020 35
Submit a Proposal for the 2021 TMEA Clinic/Convention Why Should I Submit?
What Topics Do Attendees Want?
What Do I Need to Include?
Offering 300 professional development clinics is one of the most amazing aspects of the TMEA Clinic/Convention! Convention attendees have spoken, and they want clinics offered by teachers who are in situations like them. They want to learn from those who teach the same grade levels and in similar environments. Share what you know and help colleagues across the state return home with new ideas and strategies!
Attendees want clinics on these topics: • rehearsal techniques • teaching methods (elementary–college) • instrument methods • classroom management • repertoire selection • recruitment & retention • technology integration • conducting techniques • philosophical priorities of music-making • assessment • and much more
Your proposal should offer a complete summary of what you will present, and the title should be an obvious indicator of the content. Submit a short biographical statement on each clinician. Be prepared to offer a very short summary as well as descriptive details about what and how you will present and to what audience. Be very clear about what attendees will walk away from your clinic knowing.
www.tmea.org/clinicproposals DEADLINE: JUNE 1 36 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
Congratulations Four-Year All-State Musicians The following musicians qualified for membership in Texas All-State ensembles four consecutive years. Our congratulations go to these incredible students and their families and teachers for this most impressive accomplishment! Ivonne Emily Arguelles, Galena Park HS, Soprano 2 Andres Ayerbe, Klein HS, Cello McKenzie Bahr, Dawson HS, Soprano 1 Meredith Bowden, Grandview HS, Bb Clarinet Haley Brems, Bullard HS, Alto Eli Canales, Johnson HS, Tenor Trombone Xinrae Cardozo, Hebron HS, F Horn Eduardo Cazares, Hidalgo HS, Alto Saxophone Hannah Chuang, Clear Lake HS, Violin 2 Alejandro Cisneros, Veterans Memorial HS, Bass 2 Ryan Cluff, Gregory-Portland HS, Tenor 1 Savannah DeCrow, Marcus HS, Alto 1 Trinity Del Regno, Garland HS, Alto 2 Johnny Dollard, Dripping Springs HS, Cornet/Trumpet John Dubois, Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy, Tenor 2 Faith Eapen, Elkins HS, Soprano 1 Nikkie Galindo, Trinity Midland, Flute/Piccolo Olivia Garza, Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy, Soprano 1
Matthieu Girardet, Kinder HSPVA, Viola Sean Gist, North Lamar HS, Tenor Bryan Han, Plano West Sr HS, Cello Gabi Harvatin, Allen HS, Cornet/Trumpet Melody Hernandez, Edinburg North HS, Soprano 1 Peyton Joffre, Hebron HS, Baritone Saxophone Grace Kang, Hebron HS, Violin 2 Jason Kim, Klein Cain HS, Violin 1 Spencer Landen, Reagan HS, F Horn Travis Langford, Franklin HS, String Bass Paul Li, Austin HS, Violin 2 Kailey Lopez, Roma HS, Contra-Bass Marian Ma, Lebanon Trail HS, Harp Abhinav Madduri, Westlake HS, Violin 2 Marquis McBride, Princeton HS, Tenor 1 Kevin Meng, Plano West Sr HS, String Bass Rebekah Modesto, Hanna HS, Soprano 2 Alejandro Moreno, Roma HS, Bb Clarinet
Micah Northam, Eaton HS, F Horn Gabriel Ortiz, San Marcos HS, Cornet/Trumpet Evangelo Pallanes, Birdville HS, Contra-Bass David Park, Plano Sr HS, Bb Clarinet Craig Schroeder, Hebron HS, Trumpet Christopher Tan, Round Rock HS, Violin 2 Andrew Tao, Coppell HS, Percussion Isabel Tu, Lebanon Trail HS, Harp Alison Wang, Kinder HSPVA, Viola Kayleigh Watkins, Borger HS, Alto Anna Wicker, Westwood HS, Violin 1 Catherine Wu, Stratford HS, Violin 1 Eddie Xu, Plano West Sr HS, Cello Emily Zoorob, The Awty International HS, Alto
Nominate Your Students for the Texas Music Scholar Award The TMEA Music Scholar Award recognizes students in high school music programs who exemplify attributes of meritorious performance in the areas of scholarship, musicianship, and citizenship. Designation is attained by TMEA Active Member recommendation of students in grades 9–12 who have met the following criteria during the current school year: • Is a viable member of the school’s parent musical organization for the entire school year. • Maintains in all cumulative coursework an overall “A” average as defined by the local school district for the current school year. • Maintains academic eligibility for the entire school year. • Participates in all scheduled events of the parent organization. • Attends, as an audience member, two director-approved concert events at the high school, collegiate, or professional level during the school year. • Has auditioned for, been selected to, and participated as required in a TMEA or ATSSB organization (band, orchestra, or choir). • Performs a UIL Prescribed Music List Class 1 solo for a competition or public performance. • Consistently exhibits behavior that brings honor to the parent organization, school, and community.
Go to www.tmea.org/programs/tms to complete and print the application. The printed form must be signed by the appropriate school officials and must be postmarked by May 1 to qualify. Southwestern Musician | April 2020 37
1920
Celebrating
by Karen Cross
F
or several decades, TMEA asserted its priorities by passing resolutions during the annual convention. These resolutions served as platforms for communicating the direction of our association and for motivating education policy. This seemingly polite (perhaps passive) method became history in the 1980s and 1990s when TMEA emerged as an active policy influencer. With TMEA’s office move to Austin and the start of Bill Cormack’s time as Executive Secretary, our intervention with state policy makers dramatically increased. At the same time as this expanded role, internally we were realizing the need to get our house in order. With growth in membership and programs, the need for greater accountability and integrity escalated.
A Grim Forecast Begins the 1980s
In 1979, Bill Cormack became TMEA’s fifth Executive Secretary (a title that members changed to Executive Director in 1987). Just months after taking on this role, Cormack ushered in the 1980s with this daunting observation: “Now as we open the ’80s, we see danger ahead as many wish to change the status of the state curriculum. Never before have TMEA and our associate groups been in such a serious position.” In that same issue, President Milton Pullen offered a similarly bleak report about our financial status that led the Executive Board to increase member dues. “Due to spiraling inflation, the cost to operate the association has risen by more than 100% during the last decade. For the past two years, our association has relied on its monetary reserves to absorb expenses above and beyond yearly income provided by the membership, exhibitors, magazine ads, etc. . . . No doubt, the rising cost to operate our association is a small price to pay when comparing it with its alternative—namely, educational recession.” TMEA Emerges as a Policy Influencer Rather than sit back and watch the predicted dangers materialize, the Executive Board charged Cormack and then President Robert Floyd to investigate the feasibility of authoring a fine arts bill for the 1981 legislative session. With the assistance of Robby 38 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
Collins, Deputy Superintendent and lobbyist for Dallas ISD (who traded his political expertise for piano lessons for himself and his daughter), House Concurrent Resolution 105 was adopted. This resolution addressed the value of music and arts education. In that same session, TMEA leaders testified for HB 246 and rallied members and parent groups (including booster clubs that became TMEA members) to push for its passage. The bill passed, wiping the curricular slate clean and ushering in a whole new curriculum that included fine arts. While HB 246 passed in 1981, TMEA’s leaders continued to work tirelessly to ensure the best possible implementation of law in the decisions made by the State Board of Education. Finally, in 1984, the board voted in some modifications that ultimately left fine arts in a better position than before. TMEA’s work in supporting passage and implementation of this April 1983 magazine cover bill set the tone for our future as an influencer of state policy. (After his legislative tenure ended, the author of HB 246, Representative Bill Haley, became TMEA’s lobbyist.) Just one year after Executive Secretary Cormack warned of the dangers looming over fine arts education, he was championing the efforts of TMEA members and booster clubs for making 1980–1981 “truly a year for music in the schools of Texas.” Elementary Representation at the Top TMEA members elected Charlene Watson as President-Elect in 1981. She would be TMEA’s first Elementary Division representative (of only two, to date) to serve in that capacity. She responded, “As the first member of the Elementary Division to serve in the office of President, I am aware of the awesome responsibility you have given me. I shall try to serve you with the same high stan-
2020
TMEA’s Centennial TMEA’s first building at 807 Stark Street in Austin
dards that have been set by my predecessors.” Watson was also the second of nine female TMEA Presidents to date (Barbara Eads was the first, serving just six years prior to Watson’s term). Shortly after Watson began her term as President, she announced one of TMEA’s milestones—the purchase of our first office building. Like the turnaround we experienced in legislative support, TMEA was already enjoying a much better financial position, in part because of revenues from hosting the 75th anniversary convention of the Music Educators National Conference (MENC). That additional income made possible this $165,000 property purchase in central Austin. Watson invited members to come see this new space that belonged to them: “Do go by the office when you are in Austin. Bill and the girls will give you a grand tour. You will be justly proud of the part you have played in the acquiring of this property. It is your support as an active member of TMEA that has made the acquisition possible.” An Unexpected Partnership Unless you were an active member at the time, the decision to host MENC’s 75th anniversary national convention during our event in 1982 might not sound historically significant. However, those who were active members at the time, especially our elected leaders, would be quick to claim this as one of TMEA’s defining headlines of the ’80s. MENC had scheduled its 75th anniversary national convention to occur just three weeks following our convention in the same
space. At a time when our finances weren’t in great shape, there was much concern about losing attendees and exhibitors who might choose to attend only the national event. Then, as they faced the possibility of canceling their convention due to lack of industry support, MENC came to TMEA leaders requesting we host their event in tandem with ours. TMEA’s Council of Past-Presidents ultimately agreed, with several conditions, including that TMEA would maintain top billing, our performing groups wouldn’t be reduced, and we would own the exhibit hall (and thus, its profits). Agreeing to host this national event was a true olive-branch moment as the dust was just settling on a 30-year struggle between the two organizations. The dispute between the organizations was silenced in the mid ’70s when, for a second time, TMEA members voted to claim their independence from the national organization that had expected TMEA to be its affiliate, requiring our members to also pay national dues (details about this part of our history were printed in the November issue). Just days before our 1982 convention, then President Floyd wrote the following in his magazine column: Whether this meeting will open doors for future reconciliation between our associations is irrelevant to me at this time. I personally do not advocate or feel Texans will ever accept unified membership as required by the current MENC Constitution for state affiliates. Perhaps in the future there might be a change in philosophy on their part. You will be pleased to know that MENC President Mary Hoffman and her Board will not be coming to town in an attempt to get Texas “back in line” as some of their Ex-Board members used to say. Our common goal is a more meaningful experience in music for the school children of both Texas and this country. For those four days, nothing else should stand in the way! Battling Back-to-the-Basics Through the mid ’80s, leaders were consistently reacting to the back-to-the-basics national education focus that trickled down to our state. In response, TMEA championed that music is basic. Our elected officers became familiar faces at State Board of Education, Southwestern Musician | April 2020 39
Celebrating TMEA’s Centennial TEA, and legislative hearings. During this time of policy crises, TMEA began nurturing positive relationships with policy makers and developed a national reputation for helping shape state policy. As Sally Schott came onto the Board in 1981, she reflected on the words of her predecessor Henry Schraub: Historically, TMEA has avoided any sustained political involvement at the state level. While there were sound reasons for such an approach, music educators in Texas can no longer afford such non-involvement. If music education is to continue its significant impact on the education of boys and girls in Texas, this association and its individual members must become involved in the legislative process as it relates to the public school. TMEA became involved in the issues related to the No Pass No Play rule (HB 72) in 1983. To protect the curricular, academic delivery of instruction in the classroom, TMEA acknowledged that aspects of our programs, such as trips, competitions, and marching band were extracurricular. The Senate Education Committee looked in disbelief as TMEA Past-President Bryce Taylor explained this position. It was a breakthrough in elevating our credibility and respect for our discipline in the eyes of the legislative leadership. Symposium ’85 Continuing on the idea that began in the 1970s, TMEA hosted this symposium for a group of members to examine the state of music education. Past-Presidents Sally Schott and Bill Woods chaired this symposium entitled “Music Is Essential for a Quality Education.” A multitude of nationally renowned speakers were present, and the delegation of members faced some hard truths about the status of our profession. The recommendations and final reports were extensive and would continue to challenge us through the ’90s. TMEA Budget and School Finance In the late 1980s, TMEA leaders were working to limit spending and get our association budget under control. We were also facing concerns about how our state’s response to a lawsuit over school finance might ultimately affect our programs. TMEA leaders were in constant contact with legislators to ensure that reactions to these issues didn’t lead to overreaching changes such as not allowing any state funds to support extracurricular activities. Some worried we would lose the ground we gained when music became a required subject in the curriculum. Texas Music Education Research In 1989 TMEA began binding music education research reports curated by the College Division Research Committee under the title Texas Music Education Research (TMER). Papers presented at the 1989 convention were submitted for further review and selection to this publication (a process that continues today). Editor Robert A. Duke explained in that first publication preface, “There are few state organizations that encourage and support empirical research to the extent of that reflected in this document. Such a tangible commitment to improving the quality of music education 40 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
in Texas schools is both unusual and important.” In 2015, TMER was assigned an ISSN and issues are now indexed and discoverable online through ERIC and EBSCO.
Marked By Change: The 1990s
As we entered the early ’90s, TMEA helped members navigate the new waters of block scheduling and school response to low test scores—the emerging threats to school music programs. TMEA leaders also worked with TEA to create guidelines that would allow districts to provide private lesson programs, responding to legal issues that had been raised about this practice. In TMEA’s 1991 annual report, Bill Cormack outlined several state and national educational issues and priorities, explaining how any of them could have the potential of removing music programs from our schools. “You are the ones to keep this from happening. While this sounds like gloom and doom, let us for a minute remember the problems of the past and how we as an association worked to protect our ability to offer music in our schools to our students. We have been successful.” As we had throughout the 1980s, TMEA continued its work at the state level to ensure music opportunities for all students. In the early ’90s, TMEA successfully appealed for the inclusion of a fine arts requirement in the Recommended High School Graduation Program. In 1994, TEA claimed they couldn’t fund new textbooks for our music students. In response, TMEA surveyed school districts representing 60% of the student population and determined the true needs for music texts. Through this research, TMEA was able to ensure elementary music students would receive resource materials and we helped the state save approximately $20 million in the process. Most significantly, in 1995, during the rewrite of the Texas Education Code, TMEA and other enrichment subject associations successfully lobbied to have fine arts included in the required curriculum as a TEKS-based subject “all school districts must offer.” We fought our way back from an initial position of fine arts being a subject that may, not shall, be a part of a recommended, not required, curriculum.
Significant Growth in Two Decades TMEA experienced significant growth in several areas through the 1980s and 1990s, including: • All-State ensembles doubled from 6 to 12. • Membership expanded 54%, from 4,224 to 6,490. • Active member dues increased from $15 to $40. • Convention attendance more than doubled to 19,689. • Convention fees for active members went from $10 to $40. • Scholarships awarded increased from $10,000 to $22,500. • TMEA’s revenue budget grew from $274,000 to $1.3 million.
Just 10 years after buying our first building, TMEA upgraded to a larger facility located in central Austin (December 1992).
Supporting Our Future TMEA created a scholarship fund in 1991, with the goal of building a large enough fund to begin awarding scholarships for undergraduate and graduate-level study for future music educators. To ensure consistent income beyond member donations, TMEA trademarked its logo and name so that we could begin charging royalties to companies that used it in their products. In 1994, TMEA awarded one recipient our first scholarship (the Bill Cormack scholarship totaling up to $10,000 over five years). With continued member donations and licensed vendor royalties, this vital program has grown into a $1.5 million endowment. This year, we proudly awarded $225,000 to 78 recipients.
Changing of the Guard In TMEA’s 100 years, we have been led by only six executives (full-time only since D.O. Wiley in 1959). If you’ve been around long enough, you likely remember Bill Cormack with deep respect and affection (my husband would tell you how as a college student he was proud to move chairs and stands all day throughout the 1981 convention simply because Bill Cormack asked him to). Hired in 1979, Cormack immediately fought against legislation that threatened the existence of fine arts in the state curriculum, setting the tone for TMEA’s continued role in influencing state policy. Throughout the ’80s he worked tirelessly to raise the bar for music education in state policy. Cormack was, as Past-President Sally Schott described, “as vivid as the biblical coat of many colors.” He was known as conductor, administrator, cook, negotiator, musician, quilter, historian, storyteller, and much more. “He saw TMEA as a means to support teachers in the best possible ways,” said Past-President Will May, continuing, “Under his firm leadership and shrewd business practices, TMEA grew and f lourished into an organization well beyond even Bill’s lofty expectations.” Robert Floyd and Bill Cormack When Cormack was
Excellence Through Competition Evolves Throughout our history, TMEA has championed competition as a motivator for personal and ensemble excellence (it was the singular focus of our founding fathers in 1920). Because of the inherent nature of competition, our competitive practices have evolved throughout the years, with new rules, judging procedures, grievance processes, and eligibility requirements that are consistently reviewed and revised. When All-State ensembles were introduced in the late 1930s, there were two bands, an orchestra, and a choir. As our association and membership grew, so did the All-State organizations to our now 15 ensembles (and in 2021 that number will grow to 18 with the addition of two percussion ensembles and a mariachi ensemble). As participation in our contests grew, the goal of competition came into question. Should a contest identify the best musicians overall or should it equitably identify the best within some categorization (e.g., geographic area or school size)? In the late ’80s and into 1990, this fundamental question was front and center for TMEA, and ultimately led to a vote by members in the Band Division. At the time, there were two All-State Bands (Symphonic and Concert) and regardless of school size, all students auditioned for placement into one of those ensembles. After years of deliberation and some heated disagreements, members were presented a motion to create a separate All-State
Band for students from 1A–3A schools. At that 1991 Band Division business meeting, the motion failed (554 against, 372 for). Frustrated with that outcome and remaining committed to increasing opportunities for their students, small school band directors formed the Association of Texas Small School Bands and held their first All-State Band Clinic that next year. While their event was in San Antonio and during the TMEA Clinic/ Convention, at that point, it was separate and would remain so for several more years. In 1999, TMEA and ATSSB created a new agreement to support the alignment of audition practices and recognition of TMEA and ATSSB All-State students, and it resulted in the incorporation of ATSSB All-State Band concerts within the TMEA convention schedule. In the years following that 1991 decision that led to ATSSB All-State Bands, TMEA created a 4A Symphonic Band in 1999 (now 5A Symphonic) and a Small School Mixed Choir in 2015. And beginning in 2014, TMEA started analyzing audition data to support what ultimately became an apportionment model for advancement to All-State. Looking back at our history, it’s clear that TMEA will continue to adjust our contest opportunities and procedures as leaders respond to member feedback, always through the lens of what’s best for the music students across our state. Southwestern Musician | April 2020 41
leaving his post to return to public school and Robert Floyd was transitioning into the role (after 26 years as a band director), Floyd said, “Of all the hats Bill has worn on our behalf, the one I have seen the most these past few months is the one that attracted him into this business in the first place—that of teacher. Bill has spent endless hours sharing his expertise and knowledge with me and has made every effort to make the transition occur smoothly. I will continue to look to Bill Cormack for guidance and counsel.” During Floyd’s TMEA Presidency, any time he wasn’t band directing, it seemed he was commuting to Austin to work alongside Cormack during the 1981 legislative session. Floyd recounted, “Some days, I’d get a call at 9 a.m. from Bill saying, ‘Get on a plane, you have to testify at 2:30 p.m.,’ and I would.” Since then, Floyd has remained a devoted champion of music education at the state level. As he began full-time work as Executive Director in 1993, he communicated to the membership how critical it was that TMEA maintain its reputation for fairness, forthrightness, and honesty in dealing with the State Board, TEA, and the Texas Legislature. He has remained devoted to this principle throughout his now 27 years in that role. When Floyd began in 1993, he was leading a staff of four, including Tesa Harding, who became TMEA’s longest-serving staff member at 40 years of service when she retired last spring. Since then, he has grown the staff to nine employees with 126 years of combined tenure. Floyd reflected, “Being new to the executive director role and having just left the classroom after 26 years, my four coworkers were invaluable as I learned the daily operations of TMEA and nonprofit association management. Now 27 years later, I continue to claim my single greatest contribution to TMEA will always be the dedicated and talented staff whom I have been fortunate to assemble. They are TMEA’s single greatest asset.” Technological Advancements In 1997, TMEA took a huge step toward information and business efficiency by launching www.tmea.org. In its first months, it
In 1995, TMEA celebrated its 75th anniversary during the convention. This convention saw record attendance topping 15,000 with 223 exhibitors (in 2020, we welcomed over 31,000 attendees and 649 exhibitors). 42 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
had approximately 175 visitors per month. That monthly traffic grew in just two years to 11,600. The introduction of a website was a major advancement in TMEA’s ability to effectively communicate with its growing membership. What previously had to wait for a monthly magazine or mailer could now be online and easily updated. While initially serving as a repository for information, our site became a conduit for transactions as well (membership, audition entry, and much more). As when first introduced in 1998, the job services section of the website remains the most popular area. From January through August of 1998, the job placement page saw 55,000 visitors. Remaining the most popular page on our site today, our job vacancy page had 1,857,548 page views from January through August 2019. Refining TMEA Policies and Procedures While it won’t read as most exciting of our historical markers, it’s still significant to note that in the 1990s, TMEA leadership focused on improving association policies, adopting a new Code of Ethics, revising eligibility requirements, creating operating policies and procedures, strengthening judging practices with fivejudge panels, and enacting penalties for rules infractions. These pragmatic changes reflected our association growth and expansion of competitive opportunities for our students. With more opportunity came greater responsibility. The End of the 20th Century Interestingly, we closed out the 20th century similarly to how we ended our ’70s and ’80s, with the Executive Board looking to upgrade TMEA’s headquarters. In 1999, the Board was again considering a larger building to better serve our growing staff and program needs. And like with our previous two buildings, TMEA was poised to fully fund this relocation without touching our savings or increasing dues. With investments in the stock market, savings practices, and the sale of the building we owned outright, the Board could consider this expansion without fear of putting TMEA in any debt. While Mature, We Still Learn and Grow Now that we’re just one installment away from completing this 100-year review, I find myself thinking about the arc of TMEA’s story and how our association’s life feels much like that of an individual’s. After the birth of our association on April 21, 1920, we grew rapidly in form and purpose. By 1938, we knew our name and appeared to be walking steadily with resolve. Then, like an early adolescent forming an exclusive club, in the ’40s and ’50s, we excluded from membership those we didn’t understand. Although the ’60s and ’70s were turbulent times, we began speaking with conviction about our beliefs, worked to persuade others to join our cause, and asserted our independence from national authority. During these ’80s and ’90s, it seems we grew to a place of real maturity. Like a functional adult, we were confident in our role, yet we continued to learn, grow, and change with the times. As we look forward to TMEA making more history, we can hope that like an open-minded older adult, our association will continue to evolve, fueled by the energy, passion, and fresh ideas of the generations to come. 0
THANK YOU, TMEA CENTENNIAL SPONSORS! Centennial Sponsors are helping TMEA amplify our music education advocacy efforts as we celebrate TMEA’s Centennial and beyond. Thanks go to these TMEA Sustaining Members for becoming Centennial Sponsors. Learn how to become a sponsor at www.tmea.org/centennial/become-a-sponsor.
Platinum Sponsor
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Excellence in Music Education for 100 Years Southwestern Musician | April 2020 43
Sailing the Sky
The TMEA Executive Board commissioned Frank Ticheli to compose a work for band, orchestra, and chorus to commemorate TMEA’s Centennial. This work, entitled Sailing the Sky, was premiered February 14, during the 2020 TMEA Clinic/Convention Second General Session. This exciting and inspiring piece was masterfully performed by All-State Choir, Orchestra, and Band members, joined by the San Antonio Children’s Chorus. In addition to composing the music, Ticheli also wrote the lyrics (on the right of this page), inspired by quotes from previous All-State students sharing why music is important to them. As a product of Texas public schools and having taught at Trinity University in his first full-time teaching position, Ticheli eagerly accepted the challenge of writing such a piece honoring 100 years of music education in Texas. The Executive Board requested a grade-4 piece that would explore a wide range of musical expression—festive, celebratory, melodic, rhythmic, reflective, cinematic, fun—a piece that could truly capture the spirit of our musical heritage. Ticheli has provided four versions of the piece: orchestra and chorus, band and chorus, chorus and piano, and band only. All versions will be published by Manhattan Beach Publications by December 2020.
It All Begins With Music TMEA members were the premiering chorus for the anthem “It All Begins With Music” during the Second General Session. Based on a theme from Sailing the Sky, Frank Ticheli gifted this anthem to TMEA. Take advantage of this generous gift by downloading the 2- and 4-part anthem (shown on the adjacent page). Teach it to your students—from elementary through college—and share this music and message on an upcoming performance! Go to www.tmea.org/anthem to download the music.
It all begins with music, Like the dawning of the day. Like the moon and stars above, It will guide us on our way. Ev’ry generation hears its call, The language of the soul. Through time and space it dances on, A blessing for all.
44 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
Sailing the Sky
It lifts me off my feet, I am floating in mid-air, Then it pulls me back to Earth, As I dance without a care. It holds me tight, it calms my fears, And never lets me fall. It lets me breathe, and when I need a friend, I hear its call. From the Guadalupe Mountains to Caddo Lake, Voices shout and trumpets blare. From the town of Amarillo to Galveston, Oh! Joyous music is everywhere. It all begins with music, beloved art. Timeless wonders delight the muse. And every generation will play its part Oh! Sharing music from Bach to Blues. It fills the heart, renews the soul, It makes us dance but that’s not all: A gift from our ancestors, pure and clear, The glorious sound of an ancient melody. A beautiful legacy, true and dear. The whole human race, a wondrous symphony. All across the state of Texas and burning bright, Glorious music excites the air, Every instrument a beacon, a shining light. Sounds of music are everywhere. It fills the heart, renews the soul, It makes us dance, but that’s not all: It makes us laugh, it lets us cry, Our lives are lifted up, we sail the sky.
Composed as a gift to the Texas Music Educators Association in celebration of their 100th anniversary
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Copyright © 2020 by Frank Ticheli Southwestern Musician | April 2020 45
2020 TMEA CLINIC/CONVENTION
46 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
More images on page 64
Southwestern Musician | April 2020 47
ORCHESTRA NOTES
B Y
M I C H A E L
S T R I N G E R
In Memoriam All content in this issue was submitted prior to the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic and may change. For current information on TMEA deadlines and events, visit www.tmea.org.
Leadership part 4: work smarter, not harder
T
he amount of knowledge shared during our annual convention is nothing short of amazing. As I attended many of the clinics, I was overwhelmed by the expertise shared with our membership. One of the most influential sessions I was able to attend covered being more mindful in rehearsals. I began to think about how to become more mindful in every part of my life, not only in rehearsal. I was led back to David Cottrell’s book Monday Morning Leadership and rediscovered his chapter titled “Do Less or Work Faster,” where he gives some great tips and suggestions for finding more time in our day. Keep Your Life in Control Cottrell says, “One of the major sources of stress, anxiety, and unhappiness comes from feeling like your life is out of control.” As I read this statement, I began to think about all the times where I have become overwhelmed and out of control. How did I handle those moments? Most of the time I can honestly say I didn’t handle them well. I have become upset with my students, coworkers, and family. I told myself that it would never get done or that I wasn’t good enough to complete the task. In reality, I just felt like my life was completely out of control and there was no way for me to get organized adequately to accomplish the many looming tasks. Reflecting now, I understand there were many things
Effective leadership occurs when we feel our best about our work and preparation—find what works for you. 48 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
Chris Xeros September 23, 1927–October 6, 2019 Marty Koran December 28, 1951–February 8, 2020
April–May—Attend your spring Region meeting (see page 2). April 1–June 1—Submit proposals online for the 2021 TMEA Clinic/ Convention. May 1—TMEA membership year opens for online and mail/email submission. May 1—Deadline to nominate students for a Texas Music Scholar award. May 1—HS Full, JH/MS Full, and JH/ MS String Honor Orchestra Part A online submission deadline. May 15—Invited mariachi ensemble application deadline. June 1—Upload and postmark deadline of entry materials for HS and JH/MS Full, and JH/MS String Honor Orchestra. June 8—First round of Honor Orchestra judging (HS and MS/JH Full, MS/JH String). June 30—All 2019–2020 TMEA memberships expire. July 23–25—TODA Convention in San Antonio. August 1—Deadline for waivers to the audition process to be received at TMEA headquarters. September 15—HS String Honor Orchestra Part A online submission deadline. February 10–13, 2021—TMEA Clinic/ Convention in San Antonio.
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I could have done to ensure completion of those tasks with minimal stress. Today, I make prioritized to-do lists to keep myself organized. I use a computer program that syncs my to-do list with my phone and allows me to set deadlines. By keeping a detailed calendar with many reminders, I find myself no longer feeling like I am spinning out of control at any moment. My stress is reduced, and I’ve “found” quality time for friends and family. Prioritize Your Time Can we really save time? There is a sign
that hangs in a good friend’s business that reads, “Good, Fast, or Cheap—You Can Pick 2.” That sign has always reminded me that there is a finite amount of time in the day. We must prioritize our work to accomplish what needs to be done so we can move forward without feeling out of control. We often look to cut corners on tasks or in rehearsal to save a few minutes of rehearsal time. When is the last time you said, “We don’t have time for warmups today?” That is a choice you are making to save a few minutes in your rehearsal. The longer I taught, the more I real-
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50 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
ized that cutting this essential part of my rehearsal to fit in just one more thing in the repertoire only caused frustration and stress. Those days I picked fast and cheap and never realized I was sacrificing the good. I also had days where the administrative part of my job seemed to overwhelm me, and I would cut just a few minutes off rehearsal to get back to my office to finish paperwork. I realized much later that I was cutting the part of my day that I enjoyed the most—the time with my students! I think Cottrell puts it best when he says, “No one can save time . . . we all have the same amount, and we can’t carry it over to the next day.” After reading this, I realized that I must always prioritize everything in my day to get the most out of every second. When the day is finished, I have accomplished the most important tasks and can leave knowing what isn’t checked off that to-do list can wait until tomorrow. Overworking How often have you felt overworked? I can point to many times in my career when I felt completely overworked and, sometimes, under-appreciated. We all know there are many stressful times throughout our year—times when we just don’t think we will make it through. In these times, I often found myself thinking about how I was just going to survive to start the next thing. I often would stare at my computer screen, not knowing what to do next. When I finally started working, I would look up, find it was already late evening, and think of how overworked I was. I realize now that I was just using my time poorly. I didn’t know when or how to start the next task. I found myself wasting huge portions of my workday worrying instead of just moving to the next thing. It took much reflection to realize that I was not overworked; I simply was making poor time-management decisions. I realized I needed a daily plan to support better management decisions. I would come in a few minutes before anyone else each morning just to get my task list in order each day. It was always nice to be able to enjoy a cup of coffee and prioritize my tasks before the day became hectic and unexpected tasks crowded into my organized list. With this early morning routine, I found myself more focused and able to look down at my list and just begin working on the next thing. I ended up “finding”
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time during my day and suddenly felt like my job was much more manageable. Working smarter in rehearsal and in the office will help you feel more at ease at work, and that will allow you to be the best version of yourself in all things. Finally, don’t forget to schedule time for yourself and get away from your job to enjoy what you love most about life. Effective leadership occurs when we feel our best about our work and preparation— find what works for you and remember to enjoy every day! Honor Orchestra The deadline to complete Honor Orchestra Part A is May 1 for HS Full, JH/ MS Full, and JH/MS String Orchestras. All Honor Orchestra rules can be accessed through the Orchestra Division menu at www.tmea.org. Please read the rules to comply with deadlines and regulations. Invited Mariachi This year we enjoyed the inaugural performance of our Invited Mariachi. Learn more and apply to perform at the 2021 Clinic/Convention by May 15 at www. tmea.org/invitedmariachi. Clinic Proposals Clinic proposals for our 2021 convention are completed online April 1–June 1 at www.tmea.org/clinicproposals. Please consider sharing new and innovative techniques that have been successful in your classroom with your colleagues. We have a wealth of instructional knowledge in our state, and I highly encourage you to share that knowledge at our 2021 convention. In the recent convention survey, Orchestra Division members identified the following as the most important topics for clinics (included is the percentage of survey takers who selected that topic— multiple selections allowed). This feedback will be considered when clinic selections are made:
• Philosophical priorities of musicmaking (20%) • Urban and rural challenges & solutions (20%) Orchestra Division Business Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 13, 2020 CC 214 CD, 5:15 p.m. Michael Stringer called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m., and Jeremy Cameron made the motion to approve the minutes from the previous division meeting as published in the April 2019 Southwestern Musician. Danielle Prontka seconded and members approved. Gabriel Musella offered the UIL Music Update, recognizing the PML committee and their work. The PML will continue to be issued yearly with changes effective in September for that school year. The committee is working to revamp the solo list currently and will work on revamping the ensemble list in the 2021 school year. Suggestions and input are welcome via the website through March 1. We can look forward to the State Instrumental Chamber Music Contest, open to small ensembles of 3–10 players, beginning in 2021. Danielle Prontka gave the TODA report, discussing upcoming satellite sessions and announcing the summer convention dates (July 23–25) with Soo Han and Karel Butz as featured clinicians. New business included explanation of
the upcoming All-State Process changes. All Regions will be required to use the TMEA audition process used for All-State seating for all contests at all levels. This will unify the process across the state and across all levels of orchestra. The recording process remains the same, and all students will have to listen to their uploaded recordings and certify them. Changes in the pre-Area and Area process were also discussed, including the creation of four zones (DFW, Houston, Austin/San Antonio, and West/South/ East Texas). It was noted that many more audition panels will be needed to judge the pre-Area audition rounds and that all directors must be available to judge during the pre-Area and Area rounds. In 2021, we will have the first AllState Mariachi Ensemble. Their timeline will follow similarly to that of the Jazz Ensembles. Ramon Niño will be the state mariachi coordinator. As part of TMEA’s Centennial celebration, Stringer recognized Orchestra Division past Vice-Presidents and encouraged everyone to learn more about our history via panels located throughout the convention center. The membership was reminded to vote for President-Elect via electronic ballot by 10 p.m. The meeting was adjourned, following door prizes, at 6:15 p.m. Minutes submitted by Louanne Greer. 0
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Lessons Learned Share recordings with other This celebration of our 100 Through body movement and high directors. I started this even years made me remember that chanting, audience members on the before we left the convention and what we do every day starts back wall in the large, carpeted room already have some great feedback could hear the middle school choir with music and results in clearly. That was because they--not to improve my group! We truly better lives for so many in so those in the front row—were the targets are all here to help each other! many varied circumstances! of the sound. By imagining they were throwing a spiraling football to those Using a condensed choral formation can reduce the sound people in the back, the choir threw their quality before it has a chance to reach the rest of the room. voices like high school singers. Visualize the mallet as a tool. Let the mallet rotate on the fulcrum between the finger and thumb in order to use less force and energy.
Use the Transpose Chrome extension to control YouTube (and other) videos that play online. You can transpose, change playback speed, and set up a repeating loop of your choosing with the simple control panel of the extension in your browser.
I no longer say, "Because I said so." I say, "Show me what you can do." I learned that something as simple as letting students hold something (e.g., a Boomwhacker or a puppet) will help them release inhibitions and sing more readily.
Teach students to consider practice in terms of goals, how to achieve them, and whether that is the best strategy. Time is irrelevant if you can maximize the productivity.
Success takes time! I often forget the value in sitting down with my scores to get to know them better so I can teach them better. Why teach and have expectations for my students if I don’t do the same for myself?
I found this 60/10 advice interesting: for every 60 minutes using your voice, rest it for 10. And, drink at least 64–80 ounces of water during the day to stay hydrated. I have already noticed improvement.
Use more learning games to increase student engagement.
I changed the way I tune my middle school orchestra. Now we check our open strings pitch first with a tuner, and then we play them as 5ths by having two groups at a time play different strings. Example: First violins play E and seconds play A, then switch. This helps them get used to the sound of the 5th, like tuning in double-stops.
Teach with joy!
Hold up your fist to represent do to get the students to tune without verbal prompting. 54 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
Learners need endless feedback more than they need endless teaching.
When learning movement, have students say and do, whisper and do, then think and do. This really works.
Convention attendees shared the following concepts and ideas they learned at the convention and that they have already put into practice with success.
Incorporate a melody sheet with non-varsity bands as a supplement to reading a new piece of music. By introducing everyone to the melody, all students get a chance to play the fun part, and it exposes them to material they will then recognize in the new piece. You don’t always have to sing in performance. Expressive movement to a song is powerful. My first graders will showcase an expressive movement piece on their next music program.
Students will grow up and not remember the notes they played, but they will remember how they felt throughout their experience in your program.
I love the convenience of Google Notes on my phone. I now jot down ideas, information, dates, and more on it. It really helps with organization and productivity!
Make a list of what is important and what seems necessary or urgent. I feel more focused in my teaching and my personal life when I concentrate on what is important.
Sightreading for beginning choirs: keep rhythm separate from pitch, and put text with rhythm to improve accuracy.
I started teaching with the unattainable goal of turning my band around in a semester. At the convention, I realized the error of my ways. With a plan for students to meet a small goal each week rather than a huge goal for the end of the year, I am making vital connections with my students. They are showing not only improvement but also more interest in band and music-making. Have choristers snap when they are supposed to cut off. It’s a great way to make quick individual assessments on how well your students are reading music.
Be an experience maker instead of an information giver. When a string student holds the instrument with a flat hand, say “no pancake hands.”
Perfectionism is overrated. Passion is underrated! Always remember you can call your mentors any time. Maybe it’s been a month, year, or a decade. Mentors always want to help and give advice!
Race, ethnicity, and culture are three respective parts of our students' identities. Our students deserve our attention to these things, and as educators we must be willing to lean into the difficult conversations that may come. We must be willing to explore cultures different from our own and be willing to stay informed to better serve students of all races, ethnicities, and cultures. You can tune the ukulele A-string down to a G to make an open (no-finger) C chord for younger grades. Then they can accompany many of the familiar folk songs and pentatonic melodies!
Create chorales from small segments within a piece for a great tuning exercise. Within these chorales, chunk each beat and listen to the chord progressions until you eventually add in all the notes. This helps students hear the chord progressions and their role in the overall chord.
Listening to good music is a worthy use of class time. Southwestern Musician | April 2020 55
VOCAL NOTES
B Y
J E D
R A G S D A L E
In Memoriam William Thomas “Tommy” Butler April 4, 1951–February 7, 2020
All content in this issue was submitted prior to the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic and may change. For current information on TMEA deadlines and events, visit www.tmea.org.
Keep looking ahead
T
he TMEA Centennial celebration at our annual convention has wrapped up and I believe we can all say that it was one of the best in our history of conventions. Congratulations to all members of the TMEA staff, the current Executive Board, and the previous Boards who began planning this monumental event several years ago. This 2020 convention reflected on and celebrated the previous 100 years of our great organization, and it also set our bow toward the uncharted waters of the future. Just as the first century of TMEA ends, the next begins. All-State clinicians have been secured and the audition repertoire has already been selected for our next round. We’re also already planning the next convention! Additionally, I’m excited to announce that our 2021 All-State Mixed Choir has been invited to perform at the National ACDA Convention on Saturday, March 20, in Dallas! There’s so much to look toward in the coming year. Most importantly, we are continuing to explore opportunities to make music education in Texas even better for all students and to be the model for other states and even other countries to examine. While looking ahead, plan for everything. Most of our middle school choirs, and perhaps even some high schools, have
While we see the light at the end of the tunnel of our long year and yearn for a break, what steps are you taking to ensure a smooth and successful start for next fall’s semester? 58 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
April–May—Attend your spring Region meeting (see page 2). April 1–June 1—Submit proposals online for the 2021 TMEA Clinic/ Convention. May 1—TMEA membership year opens for online and mail/email submission. May 1—Deadline to nominate students for a Texas Music Scholar award. May 10—Deadline for 2021 Convention Performing Choir application and recording upload. June 11–12—CEDFA Summit 21, Austin Airport Hilton. June 30—All 2019–2020 TMEA memberships expire. July 23–25—TCDA Convention in San Antonio. August 1—Deadline for waivers to the audition process to be received at TMEA headquarters. February 10–13, 2021—TMEA Clinic/ Convention in San Antonio.
completed UIL Concert and Sightreading Evaluation. If you have not, now is the time to make solid plans for everything you can predict. Have you checked to make sure you possess the correct editions of music for your contest according to the PML? Check one more time to see if your repertoire selection adheres to the policy and guidelines of the UIL Constitution. Do you have your absence(s) submitted and substitute requested? Have you secured transportation and chaperons to assist in whatever needed capacity on those impor-
tant days? Have you put in a payment request for your accompanist? Have you reminded your accompanist of the schedule? Have you contracted an accompanist at all? These are a lot of questions, but you must check your list and check it twice. All bases must be covered because you and your students don’t need any added stress during this time frame, and you certainly don’t need to risk disqualification. Did you change titles at the last minute? If you have or need to make a change, make sure it’s before the given deadline
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60 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
or you will get your students disqualified. Preparation is in the planning, and this includes logistics, reading, and understanding the policy and procedures of the UIL Evaluation. So often we focus on getting everything for our performance right, but we neglect the other very important factors. Take the time to go over everything with a fine-toothed comb. Look Forward to Next Year Once UIL Evaluation is over, we often feel like the year is over. For most middle school programs, contest was in early March. You usually have more than two months of the school year remaining, and the duration of that is often spent on a pop show or middle school musical. Your eighth graders are about to head to high school and your sixth and seventh graders are about to be promoted. Many high school programs are also preparing for pop show or other end-of-the-year concerts. While we see the light at the end of the tunnel of our long year and yearn for a break, what steps are you taking to ensure a smooth and successful start for next fall’s semester? Do you audition your students for placement? Will you have enough uniforms ready? If you will be in a new position or in a different district, do you understand the budget and how to purchase items? It’s difficult to decide the answer to the annual question of whether the beginning or end of the school year is the most challenging. They can be equally daunting, at times, but if you’re always planning and staying ahead of the game, each can be a lot more efficient than they currently are. Make sure to spend all your budget money. All of it. Utilize some of it on supplies for next near. Consider paying your TMEA dues in May. While students are cleaning out their folders of the music and documents from the year, have students begin preparing their new folders for the start of next year. Update your handbook and have it ready for them. Celebrate the students who will graduate from your program and begin instilling an excitement in the future leaders of next year. Pull down the bulletin boards and set a new course for the journey ahead. Once auditions are completed, have an afternoon social and have them sing a little. This will help alleviate any uncertainty about facing the upcoming
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year without “the good people.” You’ll see their shoulders broaden as they begin to see that all is not lost. Continue to cultivate music literacy and theory skills. Have your new Choir Council meet and explore ideas of what they can do to help the program reach new heights. They will come back with an energy that you will feed from. Yes, we and they are tired and in need of summer break, but this extra investment is worth it. It will validate your students and build excitement and anticipation for the next year. While planning for next year: Have you considered applying to be considered as a TMEA Invited Choir for the 2021 Clinic/Convention? I hope you’ll think about applying and invite you to consider the following as you work toward that goal (this or any year): 1. Recording submissions must be taken from live concerts from the current and immediate previous school years. Both years must be represented in the submissions. 2. Cut the long instrumental introduction or walking across the stage to play pitches. Find a suitable place to start just before the choir begins to sing the first phrase. Trust me when I say this is okay. 3. Cut the long postlude. We want to hear only your choir. 4. While we want a live recording, remove any applause.
In the recent convention survey, Vocal Division members identified the following as the most important topics for clinics (included is the percentage of survey takers who selected that topic—multiple selections allowed). This feedback will be considered when clinic selections are made: • Rehearsal techniques (83%) • Repertoire selection (64%) • Recruitment/retention (49%) • Teaching methods (43%) • Classroom management (40%) • Conducting techniques (34%) • Technology integration (29%) • Urban and rural challenges & solutions (28%) • Assessment (21%) • Music theory (20%) Vocal Division Business Meeting February 13, 5:15 p.m., CC 217 The meeting was called to order at 5:33 p.m. by Vice-President Jed Ragsdale. Members approved the Vocal Division business meeting minutes as printed in the April 2019 issue of the Southwestern Musician (the motion was made by Pauline Sexton, seconded by Clinton Hardy, and approved by acclamation). In Old Business, Ragsdale shared the names of the conductors of the four AllState choirs, as well as those members involved as organizers or accompanists.
Ragsdale encouraged the membership to attend the concerts on the last day of the convention. For New Business, Ragsdale encouraged members to vote for TMEA PresidentElect utilizing the electronic voting process, being sure to find the email that contained voting information. TCDA President Thomas Rinn was invited to offer greetings and give an update about the TCDA Convention, July 23–25, as well as the SWACDA Convention in Little Rock, March 4–7. Past Vocal Vice-Presidents, MS/JH Coordinators, Region Chairs, Area Chairs, Area Hosts were recognized, as were convention organizers, managers, coordinators, volunteers, and section leaders. Ragsdale encouraged members to attend the Second General Session, and to attend their Region meetings. A moment of silence was offered for choral directors who had passed away during the past year. Ragsdale thanked the membership for the opportunity to serve and entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:02 p.m. TMEA Past-President Barbara Perkins conducted the membership in singing “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” Minutes submitted by Mark Rohwer. 0
5. Do not mechanically alter or enhance your performance in any way. This will be detected by the listening committee. 6. Submit your best performances, not your hardest repertoire. 7. Listen to your own recording as if you were listening to someone else’s. We’re often blinded by our own work. 8. Have a colleague listen and make suggestions of song order. Always start with your best song. Submit a Clinic Proposal If you or any colleague you know has insight on significant topics relating to our field, please submit or have them submit a clinic proposal for the 2021 TMEA Clinic/ Convention between April 1 and June 1 at www.tmea.org/clinicproposals. Southwestern Musician | April 2020 63
2020 TMEA CLINIC/CONVENTION
64 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
Southwestern Musician | April 2020 65
ELEMENTARY NOTES
B Y
A B I G A I L
H A W E S
In Memoriam All content in this issue was submitted prior to the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic and may change. For current information on TMEA deadlines and events, visit www.tmea.org.
Bonnie Kuehl February 1, 1950–February, 18, 2020
Reconnect, refocus, recharge
I
n February 1998, I was in my second semester of courses at Wharton County Junior College in Wharton, Texas. I can still remember the shock and excitement I experienced when Deb Scott, our director at the time, informed me that I’d made the Texas Junior College AllState Band, as I’d never “made” anything like that before. I’d certainly never been to a TMEA convention. I was told to look forward to a trip to Mi Tierra’s and to root beer from someplace called Schilo’s! Besides the wonderful food, memories from that first TMEA convention include the sense of wonder at the sound of the largest ensemble I’d ever played in, the never-ending supply of fundraising samples that could be acquired in the exhibit hall, and the wonderful people with whom I spent those days. In fact, it was through my experience that year that I first met one of my dearest and closest friends to date. Later, I’d attend other conventions, not as a member of an ensemble, but as a college student, rooming with as many people as possible to keep costs down, booking hotels quite a distance from the convention center (remember the trolleys?). Still later, I’d attend as a new teacher, eager to find my own footing and bring back information to my classroom. And, much later, I’d become involved in our division as a Region Chair . . . the rest, as they say, is history!
I hope the entire convention experience recharged your music educator batteries, readying you to take on the remainder of the school year. 66 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
April–May—Attend your spring Region meeting (see page 2). April 1–June 1—Submit proposals online for the 2021 TMEA Clinic/ Convention. May 1—TMEA membership year opens for online and mail/email submission. June 11–12—CEDFA Summit 21, Austin Airport Hilton. June 15—Deadline for 2021 Convention Performing group application and online recording upload (choirs and instrumental). June 30—All 2019–2020 TMEA memberships expire. July 23–25—TCDA Convention in San Antonio. February 10–13, 2021—TMEA Clinic/ Convention in San Antonio.
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While my convention experiences have changed quite a bit over the years (as I’m sure yours have, too), I’ve found a few things have remained constant. Truly, our time together each February offers us the opportunity to reconnect, refocus, and recharge. And, it is my sincere hope that this event where we celebrated our centennial afforded you many opportunities to do just those things. Whether it was over a cup of coffee between sessions in the Grand Hyatt lobby, or through partnering up during a singing game in a session, I hope time spent among colleagues gave you the chance not only to reconnect with old friends but also to make new ones. I hope that the lineup of clinics, speakers, and performances allowed you the opportunity to refocus your efforts and return to your classrooms inspired and with an increased sense of intention. Finally, I hope the entire convention experience recharged your music educator batteries, readying you to take on the remainder of the school year. Advocacy Videos As we continue to celebrate TMEA’s
Centennial this year, please take advantage of the advocacy videos now available at www.tmea.org/itstartswithmusic. Embed these videos in your school webpages, share them on social media, send them to your administrators, and play them for audiences just prior to your school concerts and performances. They are truly a way to spread our message of #ItStartsWithMusic with our communities—and beyond. TMEA produced these videos so you would have an incredibly effective (and simple) way to advocate for music education locally and globally. Now it’s up to you to utilize them everywhere you have the opportunity. In Gratitude As I reflect on #TMEA100, I am filled with gratitude for the help and support of so many. Thanks go to our Elementary Region Chairs, volunteers, presiders, performing group guides, and division assistants for everything they did to ensure the very best experience for all. These behind-the-scenes efforts are what keep the Elementary Division running!
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June 1 - July 6, 2020 Introduction to Applications in Music Technology: MUSI 5342 • Dr. Keith Dye (O) Advanced Applications of Technology in Music Education: MUSI 5343 • Dr. Keith Dye (O) Classroom & Rehearsal Behavior Management: MUED 5344 • Dr. Janice Killian (O) Topics in Orchestral Music Education: Rehearsal Strategies for the MS and HS Orchestra: MUED 5327 • Dr. Blair Williams (O) June 3 - June 27, 2020 Applied Choral Music Literature: MUAP 5302 • Dr. Alan Zabriskie • 1pm-3pm (L) Conducting Techniques and Analysis II: MUAP 5307 • Dr. Alan Zabriskie • 1pm-3pm (L) Vocal Ensemble: MUEN 5101 • Dr. Carolyn Cruse • 6pm-8pm Tuesdays and Thursdays only (L) June 1 - 12, 2020 Teaching Music in Urban Settings: Meeting the Needs of Culturally Diverse Learners: MUED 5344 • Dr. Jacqueline Henninger • 8am-12pm (L,V) Styles in Wind Literature of the 19th and 20th Centuries: MUTH 5305 • Dr. Peter Martens • 8am-12pm (L,V) Foundations of Music Education: MUED 5340 • Dr. Jacqueline Henninger • 1pm-5pm (L, V) Teaching Musicianship: Sight-Singing, Fundamentals, and Aural Skills in the Choral Rehearsal: MUED 5325 • Dr. Carolyn Cruse • 1pm-5pm (L,V) June 15 - 26, 2020 West Texas Kodály Initiative Levels 1-4: Partnership with Lubbock ISD • Contact Susan.Brumfield@ttu.edu for details (L) Band Conducting Methods: MUAP 5310 • Dr. Eric Allen • 8am-12pm (L) Upper Strings Methods for the String Educator: MUED 5344 • Dr. Blair Williams • 1pm-5pm (L) Graduate Theory Review with AP Primer: MUTH 5300 • Dr. Peter Fischer • 1pm-5pm (L) Tests & Measurements: MUED 5333 • Dr. Janice Killian • 1pm-5pm (L,V) July 6 - July 10, 2020 Choral Music Experience (CME): MUED 5344 • Dr. Carolyn Cruse • Contact Dr. Cruse for details: carolyn.cruse@ttu.edu • 8am-6pm (L) July 7 - August 7, 2020 Graduate Music History Review: MUHL 5300 • Dr. Stacey Jocoy (O) Music for Students with Exceptionalities: MUSI 5306 • Dr. Janice Killian (O) Learning & Music: MUED 5332 • Dr. Keith Dye (O) O = online • L = live • V = video conference TTU Summer-Only Options Master’s in Music Education • Master’s in Music Education (Distance) • MM in Choral Conducting
For more information please contact: Dr. Peter Martens Associate Director of Graduate Studies peter.martens@ttu.edu Dr. Janice Killian Chair of Music Education janice.killian@ttu.edu Kimberly Calvert-Gibson School of Music Graduate Admissions kimberly.calvert@ttu.edu
Marching Arts Director Symposium Monday-Wednesday, June 15-17 Interactive masterclasses from leaders in the drum & bugle corps, college and high school marching band activities. Take your teaching and ensembles to the next level. CPE Credit up to 16 hours available
Leadership, Drum Major & Colorguard Camp Sunday-Thursday, June 14-18
2020 SUMMER MUSIC CAMP SERIES
Frank Troyka – Conn-Selmer, System Blue Director of Education Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser – Attitude Concepts for Today, Conn-Selmer Koji Mori – Harrison High School (Georgia), Music For All Drum Major Institute
Blast of Brass Sunday-Saturday, June 21-27 Patrick Sheridan – International Tuba Soloist and Educator
In partnership with System Blue and the 19-Time World Champion Blue Devils
All State Choir Camp
Online registration now open:
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Monday-Thursday, July 8-11 Dr. Randall Hooper – Texas A&M University-Commerce
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Our thanks also go to our clinicians and presenters for the time and effort they put into preparing clinics and presentations. Their shared experiences and knowledge will continue to ripple out across the state in classrooms for years to come. And finally, thanks go to our performing groups and their directors for bringing music to life in our featured concerts and helping showcase our state’s best. They helped provide an inspiring example and, even more importantly, gave their students the gift of memories to last a lifetime. Call for Clinic Proposals Are you thinking about submitting a clinic proposal for next year’s convention? To present at our 2021 Clinic/Convention (February 10–13), you will need to complete the online proposal process by the June 1 deadline. Further information about the submission process can be found online at www.tmea.org/clinicproposals. Please consider sharing your experiences, knowledge, and expertise with others, as we have so much to learn from each other. When you consider this opportunity, know that in the recent convention survey, Elementary Division members identified the following as the most important topics for clinics (included is the percentage of survey takers who selected that topic— multiple selections allowed). This feedback will be considered when clinic selections are made: • Teaching methods (79%) • Classroom management (59%) • Technology integration (37%) • Special needs instruction (34%) • Repertoire selection (32%) • Rehearsal technique (30%)
ing to perform at the 2021 convention. Auditioned, nonauditioned, and district/ city honor choirs and instrumental ensembles are all invited to apply. Your upcoming spring concerts and end-of-year performances could present opportunities to capture high-quality video recordings ideal for your application. Don’t let those chances pass you by! If you do plan to record at an upcoming concert, be sure to inform your audience. Excess crowd noise and other distractions could present issues for the selection committee as we listen and watch for next year’s invited performers. Of course, any high-quality video recording that does not contain school or director identification (in the audio or on a title screen) may also be uploaded for consideration. For more details about submission requirements, please visit www.tmea.org/ elementaryapplication. Remember, the deadline to submit is June 15! CPE Records Go to www.tmea.org/cpe to create your CPE record if you haven’t completed that step yet. Show your administrators all the amazing clinics and performances you attended this year and start planning now to come back for more in February 2021!
Elementary Division Business Meeting Minutes February 13, 5:15 p.m. Grand Hyatt Texas Ballroom ABC Abigail Hawes, TMEA Elementary Vice-President, called the meeting to order. The minutes from last year’s Elementary Division business meeting were approved as printed in the April 2019 issue of Southwestern Musician. Hawes recognized and thanked Elementary Region Chairs, Past VicePresidents, and Executive Board members for their service to TMEA. Invited clinicians and sponsors were also recognized for their work to ensure the success of our convention. Hawes reminded the membership of the 10 p.m. deadline to submit their vote for TMEA’s next President-Elect. Ballots were emailed to each active member. TCDA Elementary Vice-President Katy Flowers discussed the highlights of the upcoming TCDA Convention July 23–25 in San Antonio. Invited musical guests, Walt Hampton and ’Bahuru Marimba Band, provided musical entertainment. Members of the door prize committee, led by Region Chairs Becky Compton and Traci Finch, supervised the awarding of door prizes. The meeting was adjourned at 6:08 p.m. 0
June 15: Invited Performing Group Application Deadline WWW.TMEA.ORG/ELEMENTARYAPPLICATION
• Urban/rural challenges & solutions (25%) • Instrument methods (24%) • Assessment (20%) • Philosophical priorities of musicmaking (16%) Needed: Invited Performing Ensembles for TMEA 2021 Are you an active TMEA member who teaches in Texas and has taught an ensemble for a minimum of two school years (current and previous)? If you answered yes, I sincerely hope you’ll consider applySouthwestern Musician | April 2020 71
Survey Says . . . Over 3,000 TMEA member and out-of-state attendees completed the post-convention survey. This information is based on those survey responses. We appreciate your feedback and we look forward to using it as we continue to look for ways to improve this event.
WHO ATTENDED? Attendee Age 18–24
TMEA Division Band
14%
25–34
Orchestra
23%
35–44
College Faculty College Students Music Admin
15%
65–74
5%
75+
1%
0%
15%
The states and countries with the most making the trip were:
3% 25%
Louisiana:
1%
0%
25%
30%
See page 81 for a multiyear membership and attendee report.
Years as a Member <1
1–3
1–5 6–10 11–20 21+
Conventions Attended
10% 20%
4–10
21% 27%
16% 10–19
24% 30%
0%
30%
20+ 0%
Worldwide Attendance TMEA welcomed 1,201 attendees and exhibitors from 46 other states and 16 other countries.
14%
Elementary
20%
55–64
7%
Vocal
22%
45–54
35%
144
New Mexico:
81
California:
66
Oklahoma:
64
New York:
44
Florida:
44
Illinois:
39
Missouri:
39
International:
25% 27% 30%
Over 10,900 active music teachers attended our convention!
Mexico:
36
Canada:
18
Taiwan:
9
United Kingdom: 4
Record-breaking attendance: 31,560! Over 88% plan to return for the 2021 Clinic/Convention, February 10–13, in San Antonio. 72 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
4 DAYS: 524 EVENTS
Top Clinic Topics: The top five clinic topics identified through the survey:
• 325 Clinics • 108 Performances • 1,594 Exhibit Booths
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
EVENT QUALITY Attendees report great value and satisfaction attending the TMEA Clinic/Convention:
Overall Experience Very Good
Good Avg
Very Good: 59% Good: 32% Average: 8% Poor+Very Poor: 1%
Poor+ Very Poor
Value for the Cost Very Good
Good Avg
Very Good: 67% Good: 25% Average: 7% Poor+Very Poor: 1%
Poor+ Very Poor
Quality of Clinics Very Good
Good Avg
Poor+ Very Poor
Very Good: 50% Good: 40% Average: 9% Poor+Very Poor: 1%
The App
Throughout the four days, 435 events qualified for continuing professional education credit.
Rehearsal techniques Teaching methods Instrument methods Classroom management Repertoire selection
To learn how members in your TMEA division ranked clinic topics, read your Vice-President’s column in this issue.
General Info
TMEA 2020
The convention app was downloaded to 16,800+ devices. Combined time all users spent in the app.
529 Days!
WHO PAID YOUR WAY? REGISTRATION FEE MY NAME IS
48% I Paid 48% My School/District 4% Other
CONVENTION HOTEL 41% I Paid 48% My School/District 11% Other
TRAVEL EXPENSES 58% I Paid 39% My School/District 3% Other
63% of attendees registered before the fee increased on January 24. Southwestern Musician | April 2020 73
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B Y
P A U L
S I K E S
COLLEGE NOTES All content in this issue was submitted prior to the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic and may change. For current information on TMEA deadlines and events, visit www.tmea.org.
Celebrating and looking forward
O
ur thanks go to Vicki Baker and the entire Executive Board for their hard work and dedication in planning a wonderful centennial celebration. Many thanks also go to the TMEA staff and volunteers for their dedication and countless hours spent prior to and during the convention. This event depends on the selfless sacrifice of our Board, staff, and volunteers.
April–May—Attend your spring Region meeting (see page 2). April 1–June 1—Submit proposals online for the 2021 TMEA Clinic/ Convention. May 1—TMEA membership year opens for online and mail/email submission. June 30—All 2019–2020 TMEA memberships expire. October 16—College Division Fall Conference in Austin. February 10–13, 2021—TMEA Clinic/ Convention in San Antonio.
A Celebration This year’s convention, the celebration of our centennial, was a historic event and lived up to the importance of just such an occasion. The members of the Executive Board over the past five years have each had a part in bringing this event to fruition. Their work, their dedication, and, most of all, their vision helped us both celebrate our past and look to the future. As I walked around the convention, I had the opportunity to stop and read the panels telling the history of TMEA. I was struck by the fact that many people who personally influenced me are also those who have influenced and impacted TMEA over the years. I saw the names of many of my teachers and mentors, including J.R. McEntyre, Bill Dean, Charles Nail, Kathy Fishburn, William May, Darhyl Ramsey, Sam Miller, Robert Henry, Don Hanna, Randy Storie, John Gillian, and many others—all of whom have held leadership positions in TMEA. If I were to list all who have positively affected my life, who were also leaders of TMEA, I would quickly run out of room in this column. Seeing these names, I realized what a tremendous debt of gratitude I owe this organization and the people who came before me. The history sessions were especially informative and inspiring. The history of
With a celebration befitting the rich history that we share, it is now time to look forward. Southwestern Musician | April 2020 75
the College Division, presented by William May, was especially enjoyable. May told the story of the College Division—from our questionable beginnings, through our struggle for earning the trust of our fellow divisions, to our current role as an equal part of TMEA. Along the way, he offered accounts of power plays, corrupt politicians, and the many successes we have enjoyed as a division. The session was an enjoyable look at our history and has given me a deeper understanding of the importance of our division. We should also commend the Executive Board and staff for ensuring that our core principle, teaching music, remained front and center in our celebration. The first general session was an event that will not soon be forgotten. I can’t imagine there was a dry eye in the room. The commissioning and performance of the celebratory work, Sailing the Sky, by Frank Ticheli was the perfect way for us to celebrate our history. The new TMEA anthem, “It All Begins With Music,” also composed by Ticheli, is a gift given to our organization that I hope will be used at official gatherings for years to come (you can download it at www.tmea.org/anthem). And,
76 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
of course, the advocacy videos created for this celebration reminded us all why we started making music, why we chose to make it our profession, and for whom we are all working. Looking Forward And so, with a celebration befitting the rich history that we share, it is now time to look forward. Please consider our purpose as an organization—the advancement of music education—and our goals: • to provide professional growth opportunities • to encourage interaction among music education professionals • to foster public support for music in schools • to offer quality musical experiences for students • to cultivate universal appreciation and lifetime involvement in music • to develop and maintain productive working relationships with other professional organizations The College Division has done much to advance TMEA in the last 68 years,
thanks in large part to the leadership of the individuals who have served as College Division Vice-Presidents and the countless members who have served in many other capacities. I believe we still have much to give. Therefore, I ask you to reflect on our purpose and goals and then do two things: 1. Brainstorm ideas for how the College Division can advance our objectives in the future and how you and your students can help TMEA do the same. 2. Respond to the College Division survey you receive from TMEA. Your ideas are important, and we will use your feedback as the basis of our plans moving into the next 100 years. After you consider how you and your students can advance our purpose and goals, I urge you to get involved. Be Part of Our Future An easy and yet effective way to increase your involvement is to share the TMEA advocacy videos on your social media accounts and on websites, with your students, and with all those who have an interest in music education. To share them online and to download HD or 4K versions for projection at an event, go to www.tmea. org/itstartswithmusic. TMEA produced these videos to enable you to share meaningful messages about the importance of music education for all. Another way to get involved is to serve on a committee. The College Division includes several committees that do great work for our members and our students. Please look through the committees listed on our website and choose one or two that interest you. Once you are ready, contact me and I will work to ensure your talents are put to good use. If you are interested in serving in another way, please contact the TMEA office and they can point you in the right direction. At the Region level, I encourage you to attend your Region meetings and run for an elected position. These meetings are important for our organization and serve as a way to ensure our membership has important information about policies and upcoming events. The Chairs serve as the leaders of each division at the Region level and help set goals and make policy at the state level. I also hope you will consider submitting a clinic proposal for the 2021 Clinic/
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Convention (and encourage your colleagues to do the same). We are always looking for important and relevant clinics that speak to our members’ needs. You can submit to any division based on your expertise. It is a wonderful way to give back to our membership and is an extremely enjoyable experience. To propose a clinic, go to www.tmea.org/clinicproposals. In the recent convention survey, College Division members identified the following as the most important topics for clinics (included is the percentage of survey takers who selected that topic—multiple selections allowed). This feedback will be considered when clinic selections are made: • Teaching methods (59%) • Rehearsal techniques (41%) • Instrument methods (37%) • Technology integration (34%) • Research methods & results (29%) • Repertoire selection (28%) • Private lesson strategies (27%) • Conducting techniques (24%) • Recruitment/retention (24%) • Philosophical priorities of musicmaking (20%) College Division Research Poster Session You and your students are invited to apply for inclusion in our annual research poster session. This highly anticipated event is made possible each year by members who conduct original research and the Research Committee who is responsible for reviewing each submission. This is a great opportunity to share your work with other researchers as well as active teachers from around the state. Plan to attend the October 16 College Division meeting in Austin. This meeting has become an important event at which we can all gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our division as well as TMEA in general. We then develop plans to help solve the challenges and realize the opportunities we have to advance our purpose and goals. Finally, plan to volunteer at the 2021 Clinic/Convention. The convention is possible because of the hours generously given by all volunteers. There are many ways to volunteer such as helping with registration, working in the divisional offices, and 78 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
serving as a presider. I have found these volunteer opportunities extremely valuable as they have expanded my knowledge of TMEA as well as expanded my circle of friends and colleagues. As you move toward the close of the spring semester, I hope you still feel rejuvenated and excited about our profession (perhaps reviewing this issue and remembering the excitement generated during our 2020 convention will help). As the pace picks up and things become hectic, I encourage you to listen to music, sing, or play your instrument. When you do, I hope you are reminded that it starts with music. College Division Business Meeting February 13, 2020, 5:15 p.m., CC 304 The meeting was called to order by College Division Vice-President Vicki Baker. The minutes from the October 2019 College Division Meeting were approved as printed in Southwestern Musician. Baker shared information about the TMEA history displays and sessions, invited clinicians, convention attendance, scholarships, Texas Music Scholars, and booths for the College Fair and College Night. College Division Committee reports were as follows:
Kathy Mayer, chair of the Two-Year College Committee, expressed concerns about dual credit courses and field of study and the impact on the two-year colleges. Amy Simmons, chair of the Research Committee, reported that 57 research posters were presented at the 2020 convention. She announced that the deadline for submitting articles for the 2020 edition of Texas Music Education Research Report is March 1, 2020. Vice-President Baker called the roll of previous College Division Vice-Presidents and Robert Floyd presented them with a TMEA100 pin. Randy Hooper made an announcement on behalf of Texas Choral Directors Association regarding advertisement of College All-State Choir Camps and college student conductors. There was no new business to discuss. Vice-President Baker opened the floor for nominations for College Division Vice-President for 2020–2022. Si Millican nominated Paul Sikes and nomination and was seconded by Michael Alexander. With no further nominations, the College Division voted unanimously to elect Paul Sikes as the incoming College Division Vice-President. Baker expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to serve the College Division and thanked the membership for their support. Meeting was adjourned. 0
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TMEA Membership and Convention Report Membership
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Active
11,007
11,779
11,979
12,739
13,137
13,404
13,421
13,839
622
720
748
875
904
954
1,007
1,086
75
88
66
65
59
98
58
57
3,397
3,627
3,835
4,232
4,328
4,423
4,636
4,510
539
549
571
582
717
535
615
629
Total
15,640
16,763
17,199
18,493
19,145
19,414
19,737
20,121
Convention Attendees
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
8,780
9,245
9,680
10,259
10,457
10,333
10,642
10,911
468
495
525
576
568
559
592
649
62
52
50
50
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
College Students
3,074
3,290
3,535
3,796
3,830
3,921
4,119
4,069
Exhibitors/Sustaining
2,358
2,510
2,509
2,819
2,727
2,971
2,922
3,076
314
596
661
795
1,014
1,022
1,277
967
All-State Students
1,587
1,644
1,748
1,750
1,778
1,783
1,795
1,790
Participants
2,611
2,910
2,559
2,776
2,818
2,810
2,522
3,069
Retired Institutional College Students Sustaining
Active Retired Institutional
Texas Future Music Educators
Out-of-State Attendees Visitors/Family/Chaperons Total
271
294
292
310
290
338
335
433
5,119
5,680
5,197
6,150
6,141
6,021
6,179
6,596
24,644
26,716
26,756
29,281
29,623
29,758
30,383
31,560
2020 Convention Meeting Minutes TMEA State Board Meeting Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, 5:30 p.m. Marriott Riverwalk Hotel, San Antonio A buffet dinner was served, after which President Joe MuĂąoz called the meeting to order at 5:44 p.m. and led State Board members in the TMEA Oath of Office. In attendance were: Executive Board and Staff: Joe MuĂąoz, President Robert Horton, Past-President Brian Coatney, President-Elect John Carroll, Band Vice-President Michael Stringer, Orchestra Vice-President Jed Ragsdale, Vocal Vice-President Vicki Baker, College Vice-President Robert Floyd, Executive Director Frank Coachman, Deputy Director Rita Ellinger, Administrative Assistant State Board: Region 1: Ginger Denney, Carolyn Terrell Region 2: Mark Rohwer, Evan Fletcher Region 3: Margaret Wis, Karen Lewis Region 4: Arnie Lawson, Jan Blize, Jason Smith Region 5: Bryan Wright Region 6: Jeffrey Whitaker, Jonathan Kraemer Region 7: Mike Childs, Shirley Bouquin, Marilyn Bennett Region 8: Deborah Barrick Region 9: none Region 10: Alex Wells, Bryan Brassard
Region 11: Gilbert Sanchez Region 12: Edie Cooksey, Ed Gonzalez Region 13: Julieanne Amos, Gene Holkup, Reece Nagai Region 14: David Edge Region 15: Chad Dempsey, Omar Samaniego Region 16: Tom SoRelle, Lindsey Spitsberg Region 17: Lauren Summa Region 18: Joey Lucita Region 19: Gary Hebert, Michael Allen Region 20: Jesse Cannon Region 21: Tommy Corley, Weston Fisher Region 22: Timothy Andrade, Arturo Uribe Region 23: Dorothy Wilson; Jeffrey Tipps Region 24: Chris Cansler, Ann Smith, Katherine Lewis Region 25: Todd Dixon, Matt Cross Region 26: Joey Lowrance, Andrew Clark Region 27: Sharon Paul Region 28: Melody Eriksen Region 29: Daniel Lugo, Anna Osterman Region 30: Mark Eastin, Ryan Heath Region 31: Michael Dean Region 32: Charles Aguillon, Lisa Holt Region 33: Daniel Ponce Bradley Kent, UIL Director of Music, reported that with the efforts of Robert Floyd and Commissioner Mike Morath, UIL Concert and Sightreading Evaluations became exempt from No Pass No Play on May 1, 2019. Each school district has the authority to allow ineligible students to participate in Concert and Sightreading Evaluation. As part of a diversity Southwestern Musician | April 2020 81
initiative, the UIL is actively encouraging the submission or works from underrepresented composer groups or cultures. TSSEC is scheduled for May 30 and June 1, the weekend after Memorial Day. There will be no Sunday performances this year. The entry system opens April 1, and the deadline is April 15. The State Mariachi Festival will be held on February 21 and 22. Soon, UIL will consider changes to the advancement process as this contest is reaching capacity. The TMAA ad-hoc sightreading committee, chaired by Greg Countryman, is meeting to finalize a proposal to submit to UIL regarding revisions to the sightreading rules for all three divisions. In March 2021, UIL will host the inaugural State Instrumental Chamber Music Contest, available to woodwind, brass, and string ensembles ranging from three to ten members, intended to provide a performance opportunity for the most outstanding high school musicians in the state. More information is available on the UIL website. Reports from President Joe Muñoz and Executive Director Robert Floyd: President Joe Muñoz reported on the pending Region realignment review. Executive Director Robert Floyd reported that as of noon, February 7, 2020, TMEA Active membership stood at 13,012; Retired membership at 936; College student membership 2,428, with a combined convention preregistration of 10,297. The Exhibit Hall had been sold out since late November and 1,457 booths had been reserved with 518 companies represented. The convention will begin the centennial celebrations with a multi-media presentation entitled, It Starts With Music, and will feature advocacy videos and live student performances during the First General Session at 8:15 a.m. on Thursday in Lila Cockrell Theatre. The Second General Session on Friday morning will spotlight performances by the combined All-State Ensembles, an inaugural performance of the commissioned work written by Frank Ticheli in honor of TMEA’s Centennial, and an informal conversation with Carl St.Clair and Frank Ticheli, moderated by Tim Lautzenheiser. The President’s Concert will feature Dallas Winds on Thursday night. There are still some tickets left but the concert is expected to sell out. 126 booths have been sold for the three-day College Fair and Friday’s 5:00–8:00 p.m. College Night. Revenue generated from convention sponsorships for this year’s convention totaled $75,000 with an additional $31,000 coming from Centennial Sponsors. Among the special centennial events are photo ops, historical displays located throughout the convention center, historical presentations in each Division, and a video wall. The Region Presidents, Chairs, and Coordinators are required to file a biannual Region Financial Report. Divisions that fail to file financial reports may be flagged for an audit. Last October TMEA Headquarters emailed the State Board Briefing to State Board and Region officers. Floyd encouraged members to ask questions and provide feedback. Two grievances were filed this school year. No penalties were issued due to a lack of evidence. Financial/Office Report: As of February 7, 2020, TMEA investments were valued at $8,095,383. This total includes $6,554,541 conservatively invested at Brinker Capitol and $1,541,694 in a money market account at Public Employees Credit Union. The TMEA scholarship fund is currently valued at $1,341,021. TMEA investments were up 14.41% at the end of 2019. Floyd presented a brief report on State Board of Education, TEA, and legislative updates. The TMEA website redesign was put on hold until after the convention. Completion of the redesign will be a priority for spring 2020. The student membership of Texas Future Music Educators has grown to 82 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
1,502 student members, with 1,267 preregistered for convention. At the end of the 2019 school year, 2,418 students from 205 high schools were honored as Texas Music Scholars. The entry deadline for TMS is May 1. Forty-two students were presented with the Collegiate Music Educator Award at the end of the fall 2019 semester. The 2021 convention will introduce three new All-State ensembles, in a one-year pilot program status: All-State Mariachi Ensemble, All-State 5A Percussion Ensemble, and All-State 6A Percussion Ensemble. TMEA is making steps to expand its social media presence in the coming months. TMEA currently boasts 15,000 followers on Facebook and 9,000 followers on Twitter. President Muñoz suspended the meeting at 6:57 p.m. to resume at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 15. TMEA State Board Meeting Saturday, February 15, 2020, 9:30 a.m. CC Room 224, San Antonio President Joe Muñoz called the meeting to order 9:32 AM. The following members were present: Executive Board and Staff: Joe Muñoz, President Robert Horton, Past-President Brian Coatney, President-Elect Robert Floyd, Executive Director Frank Coachman, Deputy Director Kay Vanlandingham, Administrative Director State Board: Region 1: Ginger Denney, Harold Scarbrough Region 2: Mark Rohwer, Gary Keller Region 3: Margaret Wis, Evan Fletcher Region 4: Arnie Lawson, Jan Blize Region 5: Betsy Howerton Region 6: Jonathan Kraemer Region 7: Marilyn Bennett Region 8: Darrell Umhoefer, Deborah Barrick Region 9: Chris Allen, Peter Kempter Region 10: none Region 11: Gilbert Sanchez Region 12: Angus McLeod, Edie Cooksey, Eduardo Gonzales Region 13: Gene Holkup, Reece Nagai Region 14: David Edge, San Juanita Rodriguez Region 15: Chad Dempsey, Omar Samaniego Region 16: Tom SoRelle, Lindsey Spitsberg Region 17: Greg Dick Region 18: Joey Lucita Region 19: Gary Hebert, Michael Allen Region 20: Lara Whitehouse Region 21: Tommy Corley, Weston Fisher Region 22: Timothy Andrade Region 23: Dorothy Wilson, Jeffrey Tipps Region 24: Chris Cansler Region 25: Matt Cross Region 26: Joey Lowrance Region 27: Sharon Paul Region 28: Michael Corcoran, Melody Eriksen Region 29: Daniel Lugo, Anna Osterman Region 30: none Region 31: none
Region 32: Charles Aguillon Region 33: none Region Reports: Region 1: Expressed heartfelt gratitude for the It Starts With Music production during the First General Session. Region 2: The Vocal Division of Region 2 expressed concerns about realignment. The overall Region membership did not like the new convention badges because they tore easily. Region 3: No report. Region 4: Thanked the Executive Board for their hard work leading up to the convention. Region 5: Thanked the Board for a wonderful convention. Region 6: Voiced gratitude for a good convention. Region 7: No report. Region 8: Bravo for a great convention. Region 9: Expressed thanks for the historical displays. Region 10: Thanked the Board for a wonderful centennial celebration. Region 11: Thanked the State Board for a great convention and the centennial celebration. The increased clinic diversity and various musical performances made this convention one to remember, and a model for the next 100 years of the association. The members of TMEA Region 11 also thanked the Executive Board for listening and addressing Region 11 realignment concerns, specifically balancing the number of 5A schools in Regions 11 and 29. While this relief was welcomed for the Band Division, there was an unintended consequence for the Orchestra and Vocal Divisions. The Orchestra Division in Region 11 has been divided into three San Antonio Regions; the southern half of Region 11 Orchestra from Del Río participates in Region 29 in TMEA auditions; the northern half of Region 11 goes to Region 12 for TMEA auditions; and, for UIL, the orchestra programs participate in Region 11 events. The orchestra directors wish the Board to consider the reinstatement of stand-alone Region 11 orchestra events. The Vocal Division in Region 11 comprises a smaller group of schools and directors, and they are spread across a large geographic area from Del Rio to San Antonio. Since most of the vocal programs are one-director groups they reported it is difficult to fill five-person panels for auditions, requiring paying for outside judges, depleting the Vocal Division bank account, and making it difficult to stay solvent and hire clinicians. Region 11 recommended adding some of the choir programs from the surrounding Regions back into Region 11 for Region auditions. They suggested a collaboration with Regions 14, 29, and 11 for auditions would make the TMEA region process a better and more viable option for all choir students. The officers of Region 11 want to work collaboratively with the Board to find a creative strategy to alleviate the unintended consequences for the orchestra and vocal divisions. Region 12: No report. Region 13: No report. Region 14: Thanked the Board for amazing concerts and a great celebration. Region 15: Thanked the Board and the TMEA Staff for a wonderful convention and for adding an Invited HS Mariachi Ensemble opportunity. Region 16: Expressed thanks for a great convention and added that this year’s convention badges tore too easily. Region 17: Congratulated the TMEA staff and Board on a great convention. Region 18: Thanked the leadership for an excellent convention and inquired about the availability of the TMEA100 pins. They requested that the Executive Board consider adding a second 5A All-State Band and noted that the membership was eagerly awaiting the apportionment data.
Region 19: Expressed congratulations to the Board and TMEA staff for a great convention. Region 20: Congratulations on a great convention. Region 21: Requested more information about the State Board dialogue webpage. Voiced concerns about realignment and wanted more communication and sharing of data. The Large School Choirs do not like the proposed alignment, but the Small School Choirs are happy with the proposed plan. Region 21 wants all Region ensembles to perform the Star Spangled Banner before concerts and suggested that different versions/ arrangements could be made available via the TMEA website. Region 22: No report. Region 23: Congratulated the leadership on a great convention and expressed concern about the number of 5A Band seats designated to each Area. Suggested that Urban Sessions need a larger clinic room, and that the rehearsal rooms for the All-State Treble and Tenor-Bass Ensembles need to be bigger to accommodate members who want to observe the rehearsals. Thanked the Board for its attention to diversity and inclusivity when selecting clinics this year; also thanked the Board for listening and responding to the request for a rubric for vocal sightreading. Regions 24–27: Thanked the leadership for a wonderful convention. Region 28: Expressed appreciation for the performance opportunities TMEA provides for music students. Although Region 28 continues to disagree with the concept of apportionment as stated at past State Board meetings, they encourage the TMEA Executive Board to look at adding a chair to the minimum apportionment number in sections that would accommodate an additional chair. Since a mariachi ensemble consists of students from all three competitive divisions of TMEA, Region 28 would like information and procedures for the All-State Mariachi pilot program to be disseminated through not only the orchestra, but band and vocal divisions as well. Region 29: Requested that the QR Code for TFME students registered to the convention be emailed to the TFME Sponsor on Monday prior to the convention. Also, chaperons from one TFME chapter were not registered for convention as requested. Region 30–31: No report. Region 32: Thanked the Board for this year’s inspirational General Sessions. Region 33: No report. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 10:10 a.m. First General Session, Thursday, February 13, 2020 Lila Cockrell Theatre, San Antonio, Texas, 8:15 a.m. President Joe Muñoz called the First General Session of the TMEA 2020 Annual Clinic/Convention to order at 8:15 a.m. and introduced the members of the TMEA Executive Board and staff in attendance. Keith Dye, Chair of the Agenda Committee, thanked his committee members and reported there were no items in the Agenda Box. John Carroll and Casey Medlin were recognized as the official candidates for the office of President-Elect. There being no additional nominations from the floor, nominations were closed and speeches were given on behalf of the candidates. Eligible members may vote online after the
Thank You, TMEA Region Officers for Your Service! Southwestern Musician | April 2020 83
conclusion of the First General Session until 10:00 p.m. on February 13, 2020. Executive Director Robert Floyd introduced Centennial Sponsors, State Board of Education members, and members of the Texas Legislature in attendance. A multi-media presentation combining advocacy videos and live student performances illuminated the many ways music education impacts lives. The videos featured in the presentation will be available for download following the General Session. There being no further business, President Muñoz declared the meeting adjourned at 9:32 a.m.
Five high school students were recognized as 2020–2021 TMEA multiyear scholarship recipients:
Second General Session, Friday, February 14, 2020 CC Stars at Night Ballroom, San Antonio, Texas, 8:15 a.m. Past-President Robert Horton opened the meeting at 8:19 a.m. and members of the All-State ensembles performed the national anthem and From Sea to Shining Sea, conducted by President Joe Muñoz. President Muñoz spoke briefly about the process of commissioning a work for the TMEA Centennial Celebration and the reasons why the Executive Board believed Frank Ticheli was the natural choice to compose a festive, celebratory piece to reflect the spirit of Texas heritage. Ticheli came to the stage to share some thoughts about the composition and he then conducted the combined All-State ensembles, joined by the San Antonio Children’s Chorus, in the premiere performance of Sailing the Sky. The eight TMEA-produced music education advocacy videos were shown throughout the business portion of the meeting. Also featured were congratulatory videos from celebrities and legislators. Administrative Director Kay Vanlandingham read the minutes from the First General Session and they were approved as read. Past-Presidents, Past-Vice-Presidents, and dignitaries were recognized from the audience. Outgoing Vice-Presidents John Carroll and Vicki Baker were thanked for their contributions over the past two years and were awarded plaques. Andy Sealy, Chair of the TMEA Public Relations Committee, reported that the 2019 SAT National Average is 1,059. The 2019 SAT Texas Average is 1,022. The TMEA All-State Overall Average is 1,299.
• Kaylee Smith, from Allen HS was presented the Centennial Scholarship. Other past and present TMEA scholarship recipients in the audience were recognized. TMEA will award $225,0000 this next year in scholarships to current and future music educators. President Muñoz then invited Tim Lautzenheiser to facilitate a conversation with conductors Carl St.Clair and Frank Ticheli. They shared stories about how music education in Texas shaped their lives and made them who they are today. President-Elect Brian Coatney presented Muñoz with the PastPresident’s plaque and pin and reported the following divisional election results for Vice-President: Dana Pradervand, Band Division and Paul Sikes, College Division. The new President-Elect of TMEA is John Carroll. These newly elected officers will begin their terms on Sunday, February 16, 2020. The meeting closed with Ticheli leading the membership in the singing of a new anthem he wrote for us in celebration of TMEA’s Centennial. Sheet music for “It All Begins With Music” was given to each member and the group joined in singing this anthem that TMEA is making available (in 2- and 4-part versions) on its website for download. President-Elect Coatney reminded the attendees that the storytelling videos presented during the meeting were available via the TMEA website. The meeting adjourned at 9:47 a.m. State Board and General Session minutes respectfully submitted by Kay Vanlandingham. 0
Frank Ticheli leads members in singing “It All Begins With Music” during the Second General Session. 84 Southwestern Musician | April 2020
• Julie Zarndt, a student from Red Oak HS was presented the Bill Cormack Scholarship. • Jacob Dixon, from Plano SHS was recognized as the Past-Presidents Scholarship winner. • The Past-Presidents Memorial Scholarship was presented to Maxwell Gray, a student from Tomball Memorial HS. • Meredith Bowden, from Grandview HS was recognized as the Executive Board Scholarship winner.
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