April 2024 Southwestern Musician

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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: Jesse Cannon II, Fort Worth ISD president@tmea.org | 817-814-2635

1407 I.M. Terrell Circle South, Suite 2203-Room 02, Fort Worth, 76102

President-Elect: Shane Goforth, North Shore Senior HS presidentelect@tmea.org | 713-516-7158

14122 Wadebridge Way, Houston, 77015

Past-President: Dana Pradervand-Sedatole, University of Houston pastpresident@tmea.org | 713-743-3627

3606 Glenwood Springs Drive, Kingwood, 77345

Band Vice-President: Mike Howard, Leander ISD bandvp@tmea.org | 512-570-0161 11301 Hill Drive, Leander, 78641

Orchestra Vice-President: Jennifer Martin, Fort Worth ISD orchestravp@tmea.org | 817-814-2640

4207 Crossgate Court, Arlington, 76016

Vocal Vice-President: Joshua McGuire, Rock Hill HS vocalvp@tmea.org | 469-219-2300 x 81201 16061 Coit Road, Frisco, 75035

Elementary Vice-President: Christopher Giles, Mireles Elementary elementaryvp@tmea.org | 210-394-0289

12260 Rockwall Mill, San Antonio, 78254

College Vice-President: Carter Biggers, Texas Woman’s University collegevp@tmea.org | 940-898-2689

304 Administration Drive, Denton, 76209

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

Membership Manager: Susan Daugherty | susand@tmea.org

Communications Manager: Karen Cross | kcross @tmea.org

Digital Communications Specialist: Amanda Pierce | apierce @tmea.org

Financial Manager: Cristin Gaffney | cgaffney@tmea.org

Information Technologist: Andrew Denman-Tidline | adenman@tmea.org

Administrative Assistant: Dana Whitmire | dwhitmire @tmea.org

TMEA Office

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 140465, Austin, 78714-0465

Physical Address: 7900 Centre Park Drive, Austin, 78754

Website: www.tmea.org | Phone: 512-452-0710

Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a . m . –4:30 p. m .

College

15 April 28 2:00 p.m. McAllen HS

16 May 6 6:00 p.m. Frenship PAC

17 May 4 9:30 a.m. Shadow Creek HS

18 April 20 10:00 a.m. Austin HS

19 May 4 10:00 a.m. Deer Park HS

20 May 4 9:00 a.m. Adamson HS

21 May 4 10:00 a.m. Tyler HS

22 May 13 6:00 p.m. UTEP

23 May 4 9:00 a.m. Mayde Creek HS

24 May 11 10:00 a.m. McKinney HS

25 May 18 10:00 a.m. Robinson FAC

26 April 30 6:00 p.m. McNeil HS

27 May 11 9:00 a.m. Cy-Fair VPAC

28 May 11 10:00 a.m Harlingen CISD PAC

29 May 11 10:00 a.m. John Jay HS

30 May 4 10:00 a.m. Chisholm Trail HS

31 May 4 10:00 a.m. Newman Smith HS

32 April 23 6:00 p.m. Online

33 May 4 10:00 a.m. Summer Creek HS

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JUNE 9-15

High School Band and Orchestra Camp

JUNE 16-22

Middle School Band and Orchestra Camp

JUNE 23-29

Summer Piano Institute

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Summer Organ Camp

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All-State Choir Camp

REGISTER ONLINE: music.baylor.edu/camps

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TMEA President JESSE CANNON II

A Bright Hope for Tomorrow

There is a child who is not yet born who needs you. And somewhere, in the distant future, your lives will intersect. —Reginal Wright

The 2024 TMEA Clinic/Convention was truly remarkable, with many thoughtprovoking sessions and concerts. It not only provided us with moments of reflection but also served as a catalyst for renewal, guiding us toward a future shaped by inclusivity, excellence, and innovation in music education.

A highlight of the convention for me was not only the exceptional music made by our Invited Groups and All-State students but also a session provided by our IDEA Committee. As we prepared for the convention, the committee had discussions on how our classrooms must continue to be places of true belonging, where equity and equality in music education are not just ideals but tangible realities. In the session, we discussed topics regarding barriers to access, strategies for promoting equity, and the necessity for collaboration to effect meaningful change.

One standout moment during this session was when Maddie White, a TFME member and student at Round Rock HS, shared her experiences with equitable access for students in our music programs. Listening to Maddie and later attending the TFME session left me inspired about the future of our organization. The TFME keynote speaker, Reginal Wright from Baylor University, reminded us, “There is a child who is not yet born who needs you. And somewhere, in the distant future, your lives

April–May—Attend your spring Region meeting (see page 2).

May 1 —TMEA 2024–2025 membership year opens for online and mail/email submission.

May 1 —Deadline to nominate students for a Texas Music Scholar award.

May 1–June 1 —2025 Clinic/Convention proposals accepted online.

June 30 —All 2023–2024 TMEA memberships expire.

July 25–27—TBA, TCDA, TODA conventions in San Antonio.

will intersect.” This statement reminded me of our responsibility to positively impact future generations and that there are students (and teachers) who need you.

Thursday morning was also a great moment as we heard talented All-State Choir and Orchestra students perform during the General Session. It was a privilege to celebrate and honor the legacy of Robert Floyd, reflecting on his tenure as both an educator and the Executive Director of TMEA. Rarely do we encounter leaders who have served with such dedication and excellence. He has been a steadfast advocate for music education, not only within our state but also on a national scale. His tireless efforts have influenced legislation and policies to safeguard arts education, and for that we owe him a profound debt of gratitude. As we approach the conclusion of his tenure as Executive Director, I look forward to working alongside him, drawing inspiration from his leadership and vision. With his guidance, TMEA has become a model of innovation, setting the standard for music advocacy and excellence nationwide.

As we express gratitude to depart-

ing board members Michael Stringer and Matthew McInturf for their remarkable contributions, we welcome our newly elected Executive Board members: President-Elect Shane Goforth and VicePresidents Carter Biggers (College) and Mike Howard (Band). Their experience and service will enrich our organization.

Appreciation to the TMEA Staff

I used to think of the staff as a welloiled machine, but I’ve come to think differently. Unlike machines that move predictably and often at the same speed, the TMEA staff operates with flexibility and efficiency.

Over the past three years, I’ve witnessed them in action and now see them as a highly functioning team. Their hard work is evident not only during the Clinic/ Convention but also throughout the year. Whether it’s implementing new audition platforms, ensuring smooth convention registration, transitioning more tasks online, boosting our social media presence, working with exhibitors, managing the Job Board, or fielding questions from members, our staff handles it all seam-

lessly. With the recent staff expansion, I’m excited about upcoming projects and innovations that can happen this year. We appreciate them for all they do!

Thanks to Exhibitors

Thanks go to our exhibitors, music industry partners, and exhibiting colleges and universities. Their continued support is invaluable, and their dedicated work ensures the success of our annual convention. You can continue to find the list of exhibitors and their contact information in the convention app.

Realignment Update and Spring Region Meetings

The Executive Board has completed realignment for the State and made adjustments to balance the number of students auditioning in each Region to make each process and division more manageable. It is important to note that changes in alignment do not consider competition but rather audition participation.

Go to www.tmea.org/regions/alignment to review the 2024–2026 alignment details and then put your Region’s spring meeting

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on your calendar. Schedule details are at www.tmea.org/regionmeetings and on page 2 of this issue. Region meetings offer opportunities to network and make your voice heard on Region and state issues.

Region officers share reports of this meeting with the division Vice-Presidents so that the Executive Board can remain updated on challenges identified in your Region and we can continue to be

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2025 Clinic/Convention Proposals

Now is the time to begin working on a proposal to present a clinic or music showcase at our 2025 Clinic/Convention. The clinic submission process opens on May 1 and closes at 11:59 p.m. CT on June 1. More information about submitting is at tmea. org/proposals and within each of the division columns in this magazine.

We have so much to learn from each other, and the clinics provided by our members help advance music education. Review the survey results and your division’s column in this issue to understand what attendees want to learn about, and get ready to provide clinic opportunities to share great ideas and teaching practices.

As you read this magazine, there are only a few weeks left in the school year. I hope that you and your students have had a wonderful year. Take time to reflect on the work you have done and be proud of the impact you have made on your students’ and colleagues’ lives this year. 0

Students can pursue artistic expression through music at Austin College regardless of their major.

Our vocal, orchestra, and band ensembles provide many opportunities for students to let their talents shine.

Scholarships available for music majors and non-music majors.

Thank You for Attending!

We hope this issue will evoke great memories of the inspiring performances you witnessed, the helpful strategies you learned, and the meaningful connections you made during the 2024 TMEA Clinic/Convention! We hope to see you next year, February 12–15, 2025, in San Antonio!

ROBERT FLOYD

My Heart Is Full TMEA Executive Director

We are all blessed, both students and teachers, to return home inspired, motivated, and rejuvenated by feelings that only musicians can appreciate.

When I left for San Antonio on Tuesday of convention week, it was with a bit of trepidation, driven by the struggles and stress I felt in planning the keynote address for Thursday’s General Session. I knew what I wanted my message to be but questioned my capability to deliver it. A kind and gracious audience got me through it. As I drove back home on Sunday, words cannot express the warmth and love I felt for you, our members, and for the mission we continue to share to touch and change children’s lives in our classrooms through the art form we love so much—through music. My heart is full.

I was overwhelmed during the General Session when President Dana Pradervand-Sedatole announced the new TMEA scholarship to be given to an undergraduate student in my name, and I cannot express both the shock and joy I felt when she later announced that the Executive Board had voted to name the TMEA headquarters building in my honor. I cannot think of a higher recognition, and I will be eternally grateful.

As I walked through the convention center, the exhibit halls, and the Grand Hyatt (where my elementary music teacher heroes were gathered), the continual greetings and sincere messages of thanks touched my soul. Your passion for our profession was so evident. Each short conversation resulted in a bonding and mutual appreciation for the role each of us played on our journey. It was also heartwarming that when I asked how things were going in your programs, in every instance the response was positive and encouraging.

Even after attending 57 conventions, I still pause and take in the indescribable vibe of joy from listening to concerts and music showcases

April–May—Attend your spring Region meeting (see page 2).

May 1 —TMEA 2024–2025 membership year opens for online and mail/email submission.

May 1 —Deadline to nominate students for a Texas Music Scholar award.

May 1–June 1 —2025 Clinic/Convention proposals accepted online.

June 30 —All 2023–2024 TMEA memberships expire.

July 25–27—TBA, TCDA, TODA conventions in San Antonio.

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to watching faces of students and teachers basking in the warmth of feelings and emotions that only our conference anchored in music can bring.

It reminded me of a column I wrote a couple of years ago based on Simon Sinek’s book The Infinite Game, where he says that in things that matter the most there is no definition of what it means to win, and in our case, no one left San Antonio finishing first. We are all blessed, both students and teachers, to return home inspired, motivated, and rejuvenated. When I told a friend I had just returned from our music convention, he asked, “Who won?” He missed the point.

Sinek goes on to say there is no such thing as finishing first in marriage or in friendship, there is no such thing as winning in education, and when we die, no matter how successful we have been, no one will declare us the winner of life. And as it relates to us as teachers, Sinek says you are a successful leader and inspiration to your students not because of what you did but because you are driven by purpose, cause, and belief, and in our case, all immersed in music.

In my keynote remarks at the General Session, I shared that I never planned to apply for this TMEA position; I did so only at the encouragement of my predecessor. And when selected, I rationalized to accept it only based on the fact I would have the opportunity to touch more students’ lives through impacting policy and law in the

political arena at the state level. I would like to think that has proven to be true.

In approaching my final days in this role, reminiscing about my 31 years of service to TMEA, I do regret that I did not keep an accurate journal of my experiences at the capitol. I was sharing that frustration with an Executive Board member recently, and he said the explanation was simple—I was not a historian but a history maker. Perhaps there is truth to that observation, but I wish I had better documented the stories over the years in the pink building and at State Board of Education meetings.

The reality of success in policy has been defined in many cases not just by what law or rule we passed but also by limiting new laws or rules from being adopted that would have limited student access to your classroom. You and others do a lot publicly to this end, combined with back hall negotiations that yield the intended result.

While jogging this morning I was reminiscing over TMEA’s success in these past 104 years. I found myself thinking not only about the loyalty and dedication of our membership to their students and programs but also about the volunteerism that is critical to implementing our programs, our audition process, and the production of this convention. It is far more than a village!

While I recognized in my keynote the role of Executive Boards in sustaining us as well as the brilliance of the TMEA staff, equally critical to our success has been the volunteerism of our membership, and I

personally thank you, including the 400+ Region officers statewide.

The journey of my service to TMEA began in 1970, while riding in the back of a truck transporting percussion equipment from Richardson HS to the Dallas Convention Center for use by the All-State Symphonic Band. I still view that as a proud moment. It ignited my fire to serve that is still burning 54 years later.

Further, I appreciate Southwestern Musician Managing Editor Karen Cross for capturing the essence of my General Session keynote address on page 26. I intended this message for every member of our association, and I shared that message primarily through storytelling from your classrooms as well as mine over my 26-year teaching career. It was from the heart, and I encourage you to view it if time allows. It represents my thanks and homage to each of you, and it is a reminder to us all that in these challenging times when we face adversity on a sometimesdaily basis, what you do matters.

Thanks again for your kind words and gratitude expressed throughout the convention. Serving you and the students you teach has been a joy, and nothing reflects that more than our annual gathering in San Antonio each February.

I close my convention thoughts with a quote from a college music education student who eloquently shared on social media this message of his convention experience:

I was transported to the past, different countries in the present, and to our future. The All-State students look like what I only hope I will live to see in our world—people of all faiths, creeds, colors, and backgrounds coming together as one. Thank you, TMEA, for inspiring us and reminding us that this is why we do what we do.

I hope you, too, are inspired and motivated by your convention experience as the end of the school year approaches. Enjoy the stories and images in this issue that offer inspiring reminders of our time together. If you couldn’t be at this convention, I hope they can be a preview of what you are sure to experience next year! 0

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2024–2025 TMEA Executive Board

President Jesse Cannon II

Band Mike Howard

President-Elect Shane Goforth

Past-President Dana Pradervand-Sedatole

DIVISION VICE-PRESIDENTS

Vocal Joshua McGuire Orchestra Jennifer Martin

Elementary Christopher Giles

College Carter Biggers

Post-Convention Opportunities

Continuing Professional Education Credit

Continuing Professional Education credit is available only to TMEA active members and outof-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.

1. Go to www.tmea.org/cpe and log in.

2. Select events you attended in their entirety.

3. Save your CPE selections.

4. Print your CPE record and submit it to your administrator. Keep a copy for your records.

Clinic Handouts

If provided by the clinician, handouts are available through the CPE search/Personal Schedule or the convention app. If the clinician provided handout files, a link will be above the “Show/Hide” details button on the personal schedule event record.

Clinic Audio Files

If you purchased access, go to www.tmea.org/convention. Follow the link to log in and download these files.

If you attended but didn’t purchase this access, you can call Susan Daugherty at 888-318-8632, ext. 105, to purchase access via credit card payment ($10) by April 30.

Performance Recordings

At www.tmea.org/convention, you will find a link to the online store for concert recordings.

What do you love about your music class?

Our thanks go to the 2024 Elementary Invited Ensemble students who shared what they love about music class and about performing at the convention. Enjoy their fun and inspiring answers!

I love singing and it makes my heart happy.

We all play together. I also like that we’re all friends so that we can help each other. I love learning with my friends and I love playing instruments because it’s so fun.

I love music class because it makes me feel like I’m at home and excited. How nice and supportive my teachers are and how they give me great opportunities. We have lots of fun and play games that help us express our feelings and emotions. We learn how to sing beautifully and have fun.

I love that we get to have fun while learning our music, and our teacher always helps us when we need it.

What I love about my choir class is that everybody is nice to everybody.

We have the best music teacher in the world!

I like that it’s not P.E. Music is more my thing. I like how there is a game for every lesson.

We are a family.

My teacher! He makes everything fun and different.

The way my music teachers teach is just different. They sometimes make up songs for us to sing. They also write notes on the whiteboard for us to play on xylophones. And overall, music class is fun, entertaining and very educational for us students.

I don’t have to be afraid of anything. I can just be myself.

I love how we practice our vowels and to connect with others. Also how we sound different from others because we are all unique.

We sang a song at TMEA called “I Sing Because I’m Happy” and that sums it all up.

What was your favorite thing about performing at the convention?

I appreciated having a chance to go to TMEA because not a lot of people get to go. It was my favorite once in a lifetime chance ever. I learned that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and don’t give up.

My favorite thing was that we got to show what we had been practicing for months.

Being able to sing in front of all the music people who were giving a lot of support.

I learned that we were nervous for no reason!

How all the music teachers stood up when we finished singing. I learned that doing all of that takes time. My favorite part was making everybody feel like they are cared about.

My favorite thing about performing at TMEA is having my best friend watch me sing.

My favorite part about TMEA is when we sang because I love singing with my whole heart.

What I love about TMEA is that singing there inspired me to never give up and to follow my heart in singing.

I’m glad we changed lives by singing to others.

I learned it is okay if you mess up.

Singing to millions of people. First I was nervous, but then I was happy.

What I like about TMEA was the bus and the performance and Dave & Busters. I learned that my teacher enjoys what he does.

TMEA Band Vice-President

MIKE HOWARD

A Season of Collaboration

We must advocate for what we want, but true collaboration exists only when we are willing to sacrifice what we want because another group or individual needs it more.

As I walked the hallways, exhibit hall, concert venues, and clinic rooms of a wonderful TMEA Clinic/Convention, one word came to mind— collaboration. The convention is a beautifully orchestrated collaboration of volunteers, clinicians, staff, educators, students, parents, and artists. The convention also requires thousands of hours of collaborative planning and decision-making to turn the ideas of many into a singular reality.

This reflection feels especially appropriate, as the season of juggling master schedules, future calendars, shared students, and rehearsal spaces is upon us. April is the time when we tediously balance ending one year while planning to begin the next; it is the time of working with colleagues to look forward as we simultaneously prepare students for high-stakes performances and events. In this season when band directors are keeping so many plates spinning at once, the potential for conflict and frustration rises. However, with the right mindset and approach, it can also be seen as a season of collaboration and flourishing relationships with colleagues, parent communities, and most importantly, student-musicians.

Educators often view collaboration as the act of sharing information with a team and simply getting along as you do it. This is far from the reality that true collaboration can be messy, uncomfortable, and can be successful only with a team who is willing to have positive discourse. Collaboration, by definition, is “working with someone to produce or create something.” What are we creating as band directors? A program culture that supports the development of emotionally healthy and motivated student-musicians. It must be a culture in which students are engaged, excited, and eager to continue their musical journey. This requires collaboration with other directors, teachers, coaches, administrators, and parents. Please indulge me by considering these three ideas

April–May—Attend your spring Region meeting (see page 2).

May 1 —TMEA 2024–2025 membership year opens for online and mail/email submission.

May 1 —Deadline to nominate students for a Texas Music Scholar award.

May 1–June 1 —2025 Clinic/Convention proposals accepted online.

June 1 —Invited MS/HS Jazz and HS Percussion application deadline.

June 30 —All 2023–2024 TMEA memberships expire.

July 25–27—TBA convention in San Antonio.

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to take this season of collegial collaboration to the next level:

Know When to Stand Firm and Know When to Let Go

Throughout April, Many of us will enter meetings with our colleagues to discuss shared spaces, shared students, and future calendars. As well-organized band directors, we tend to come to these meetings with a clear plan of what we want, who we need, and when it will all happen. One of our main roles as directors is to come into the “room where it happens” as advocates for our programs and students. However, this is when true collaboration can get messy and uncomfortable . Yes, we must advocate for what we want, but true collaboration exists only when we are willing to sacrifice what we want because another group or individual needs it more. Sacrificing our need because it is a higherleverage need for another organization is one of the greatest builders of professional relationships and a collaborative atmosphere on your campus. Let your guard down, empathize with others, and keep the interest of students at the forefront of the entire group’s decision.

Build a Collaborative Parent Community

Aside from decision-making that takes place with colleagues, there are many opportunities in the spring semester to ensure that your parent community is involved and aligned with program goals. From selecting future board members to fundraiser planning to end-of-year event planning, this is a time to empower parents. Partnering with parents and volunteers takes a delicate balance of you driving organizational vision while allowing parent volunteers the autonomy to take on projects that support your vision. Collaboration with parents on the front end regarding program needs will allow you to let them take ownership of tasks in the future. This ownership will not only increase parent buy-in, but it will also bolster parent volunteerism.

Be a Musical Collaborator with Your Students

If collaboration is defined as “working with someone to produce or create,” then your greatest musical collaborators are your students. While we often utilize the word collaboration to describe work

among adults, your greatest source of musical fulfillment as an educator involves collaboration with students!

As we approach UIL performance season, it is easy to lose sight of what drove us to this profession—the music. Beware! Comparison and competitive concern are major roadblocks on the journey to artistry and creativity. In our efforts to perfect tone quality, alignment, balance, and intonation, we should not lose sight of the information the composer provides above and below the staff. This information pushes the students beyond the science of sound and math of rhythm and allows them to explore expression and creativity. These collaborative efforts toward expression and creativity will fuel your students’ love for music and will make educators fall in love with music all over again!

As you are spinning all those plates throughout the next several weeks, I hope you will lean into collaboration to build relationships, build your program, and create lasting musical memories!

2025 TMEA Clinic/Convention

It is already time to begin preparations for our next convention! I hope you will

18 Southwestern Musician April 2024

2024 SUMMER CAMPS

June 1-9

June 9-14

June 16-22

June 23-28

Texas State International Piano Festival

Band Camp

String Camp

Percussion Marching Arts Camp

Alumni Choir

Choir Camp (large school and small school camps)

Opera Camp

July 8-12

TXST/Conspirare Choral Conducting Symposium

consider contributing to the 2025 convention by submitting a clinic proposal. As you review the details on clinic submission at www.tmea.org/proposals, know that attendees from our division indicated that the following are the topics of highest interest for Band Division clinics in 2025:

• Instrument methods

• Recruiting/retention

• Repertoire selection

• Teaching methods

• Classroom management

• Technology integration

• Small-school strategies

• Conducting techniques

• Advocacy & administrative support

• Mental health & wellness

Also consider submitting a recording of your ensemble for one of the many performance opportunities at the convention. From small ensembles in the Music Showcases to Invited Percussion and Jazz Ensembles, we hope you will apply for your students to be featured! Visit the TMEA website for additional information about applying and the June 1 submission deadline.

Nominate Students for Texas Music Scholar

Complete the application process by May 1 to nominate your students for the Texas Music Scholar award. This award honors students in high school music programs who exemplify attributes of meritorious performance in the areas of scholarship, musicianship, and citizenship. To recommend a student for this award, you will complete an online form, print the required certification forms, and submit them by May 1.

Invited Program Spotlight

We are excited to continue the Invited Program Spotlight for the 2025 convention. Through this program, we seek to highlight exceptional programs that exemplify the wide range of school environments and socioeconomic backgrounds found throughout our state. The Invited Program Spotlight is open to all classifications and offers an opportunity for clinic presentations that feature student performers. Any program from any classification is eligible to apply. Learn more about eligibility and

the application process at www.tmea.org/ spotlight-band. Part 1 of the application closes May 1, with Parts 2 and 3 (including recording uploads) required by June 1.

Honor Band

Thanks to all who have entered the Honor Band competition. With the initial entry deadline behind us, be sure you are aware of all remaining deadlines, Honor Band rules, and financial procedures. Our best to all participants!

Region Alignment and Spring Meetings

The 2024–2026 Region Alignment was approved at the Executive Board’s March meeting. Go to www.tmea.org/regions/ alignment to review the 2024–2026 alignment details before putting your Region’s spring meeting on your calendar. Meetings will be held throughout the state during April and May. Attendance at these meetings is important and your Region needs to hear your voice as they adjust policies and procedures and finalize calendars. For schedule details, go to www.tmea.org/ regionmeetings or page 2 of this issue.

TMEA Band Division Meeting

February 8, 2024, 5:15 p.m. Hemisfair Ballroom 3

The Band Division business meeting was called to order at 5:20 p.m. by Shane Goforth, TMEA Band Division Vice-President.

The 2023 meeting minutes submitted by Tom Harrington as published in the April 2023 issue of Southwestern Musician were unanimously accepted for approval.

Texas Bandmasters Association Report: George Little, TBA President, updated the membership about the 77th annual convention, being held July 25–27, 2024, in San Antonio.

Robert Floyd, TMEA Executive Director, offered remarks on events of historical significance related to the Band Division and personal experiences from his band directing career.

UIL Update: Dr. Brad Kent updated the membership on UIL Business. Kent discussed the continuation of the sightreading pilot for band and orchestra. Additionally, choir sightreading music has been restructured to a level system like the band and orchestra divisions. He thanked and discussed the work of the PML

Committee. Kent provided updates for the State Mariachi Festival, State Marching Contest, and State Chamber Music contest. Beginning this summer, the amount of time a marching band can spend on visual fundamentals prior to August 1 has been increased from 10 to 15 cumulative hours. Any updates to music alignments will be announced this spring after adjustments have been recommended through collaboration with the TMEA Executive Board.

Acknowledgements: Goforth acknowledged Band Organizers, Past Band VicePresidents, and Region and Area leadership for their service, and he recognized Honor Band finalists and winners.

Old Business: Goforth reviewed the submission process, deadlines, and advancement rules for the Honor Band competition. He recognized Invited Program Spotlight directors and reviewed the application and submission deadlines for the 2025 convention.

New Business: Goforth discussed the new recording process for All-State seating auditions and encouraged feedback for improvements.

Mike Howard was elected by acclamation as the TMEA Vice-President and Band Division Chair for the 2024–2026 term.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:55 p.m. Minutes submitted by Angelyn Seppeler. 0

Submit a Proposal for the

Why Submit?

Offering over 330 professional development clinics is one of the most amazing aspects of the TMEA Clinic/Convention!

Attendees have spoken, and they want to attend clinics offered by teachers who are in situations like theirs. They want to learn from those who teach the same grade levels and in similar school environments. Share what you know and help colleagues across the state and nation return home with new ideas and strategies!

What Topics?

Attendees want to attend clinics on:

• rehearsal techniques

• teaching methods (EC–college)

• instrument methods

• classroom management

• repertoire selection

• recruiting and retention

• technology integration

• conducting techniques

• mental health and wellness

• inclusion, diversity, equity, access

• advocacy/administrative support

• special-needs instruction

• small-school strategies

CLINICS

The Purpose

Each division will host a diverse program of clinics to ensure every member has multiple offerings to foster their professional advancement and to help them in their personal support of all students through music education. Clinics will further TMEA’s commitment to music education for all: every student at every level deserves a well-balanced education that includes a comprehensive, highquality, sequential program of music taught by teachers who are certified in music education.

TMEA Clinic/Convention

The TMEA Clinic/Convention features Music Showcases held in open areas throughout the convention center. Showcases have included steel drum bands, instrumental and vocal ensembles, mariachis, and more. These 30-minute performances offer smaller ensembles the opportunity to share music with thousands of convention attendees. Music Showcases contribute to the energetic vibe of our convention, displaying the amazing results of quality music education throughout all areas of the center. Learn more about the process and get ready to apply May 1–June 1 at www.tmea.org/musicshowcase.

Learn about the process and get ready to apply!

MUSIC SHOWCASES

you are my

Did you ever think about the decisions you made along the way that had a major impact on where you are today? In college at SMU, I went from premed for two years to earning a degree in mathematics, with all my electives in advanced business. Then I continued to graduate school in statistics—I was so close to pursuing that as my career. It was literally on the first day of class in graduate school when I changed my major to music education. On that first day of the semester, before the professor arrived for that 8 a.m. class, I got up, walked out of the room, and headed across campus to the Owen Arts Center, and my journey to become a music educator began.

If I had not made that move, Berkner HS would have had amazing directors and programs, and TMEA would have had wonderful leadership these past 31 years, but that decision was life-changing for me. Regardless, I am still a teacher at heart. Though there are days when we might not be so sure about our decision to be in this profession, we do have the best job on the planet. No other work can be as rewarding as touching children’s lives through music.

That said, it is no secret that the public—the legislature included—does not always perceive a difference in the curricular class called music and the extracurricular components of competitions and halftime shows.

With that in mind, there are three critical points I want to emphasize that are important to protecting music education in our state moving forward:

1) Do all in your power to make music in your school and community the academic discipline we profess it to be. We must continue to fly the flag for that message, because the law is clear.

2) Strive to do everything in your power to instill in your students a love of music—it’s what got us into this profession. We have high performance standards, and that is admirable, but there is a fine line between upholding those standards and burning out our students in the pursuit of performance perfection. I made the mistake of crossing that line once, and I vowed to never do it again.

3) Respect your students’ time, personal lives, and family commitments. Of course, you must have student responsibilities and policies to guide your program, but appreciate the fact that music is not the only thing in their lives. Let us each make sure that our programs serve students for all the right reasons.

While we need to stay focused on these three priorities, doing so doesn’t stop some days from being discouraging, especially with cuts in public education funding, staffing shortages, emphasis on state accountability, and pullout of students for standardized test preparation. I know you have all been there, and I can relate.

I remember as a young teacher I sometimes came home from a rough day depressed and demoralized, and I’d wake up in the night shaking from the experience. It impacted me not only emotionally but also physically. In those moments, what I wasn’t remembering was the beginner clarinet player who got over the break without squeaking for the first time and left bouncing off the walls, or that time the phrase we had been working on for three weeks magically captured the message the composer intended, and there was a smile on every face in the room. We must not let the unfortunate events in a day ruin the good things that are happening.

TMEA Executive Director Robert Floyd delivered the 2024 General Session keynote address, sharing his story and his admiration for all music educators. The following is adapted from excerpts of his remarks.

SUMMER CAMPS SUMMER CAMPS

Texas Conducting Workshop

Maverick Music Education Summer Institute

Concert Band Camp Summer Strings

Drum Major, Leadership, and Colorguard Camp All-State Choir Camp

June

I have two favorite stories to share from my experiences that carry the heart and the message of what I want your takeaway to be today. The first is a letter dated May 27, 1985, from a single parent elementary school principal whose son played clarinet in third band. He struggled musically and socially throughout high school. She wrote:

Your own sense of caring and your willingness to work with individuals has been so very appreciated. Realizing that you are a man with high goals and pride in the band’s musical accomplishments, I am particularly grateful for your willingness to continue to encourage a young man who certainly was not first band first chair, but a young man who so very desperately needed some of the involvement and the support that groups such as the music ensembles can give so beautifully. So, whenever you get discouraged, and whenever you are wondering if those early hours and those long days and those harried rehearsals are worth it, I hope that you will think of the Davids whose lives you have touched and continue to touch.

This letter reshaped my philosophy for the remainder of my teaching years—to offer every student in our program my best It kept me grounded for many years.

A second is an email I received in 2007 from a former student who was in band my first year of teaching at Berkner HS. He wrote to ask if I could tell him the name of a composition on which he played snare drum at UIL and to help him find a recording.

I recognized it was the Persichetti Symphony for Band, so I sent him the name along with a recording of the Berkner Band, with him performing the opening delicate snare drum part. In a return email, he told me that he still took strength from that experience—from how scared he would get in those opening few bars, and how he learned to overcome his fears. He shared that he had gone to medical school and now specialized in trauma surgery and surgical critical care and taught surgery at the University of North Carolina Medical School:

I have often thought back on those days of being pushed to grow beyond my natural talents as being influential in meeting the challenges I was

faced with while developing in my chosen profession. I still find myself in the operating room, standing over a patient with all the varied staff in support of what I am trying to accomplish, thinking back on those days performing with the band as a source of confidence. It’s not a big leap, really.

The beauty of that story is that Michael did not email to thank me for teaching him work ethic, teaming, discipline, and all the side benefits of participating in a quality music program. He wrote to inquire about a piece of music that had touched his life 25 years earlier.

because he is homeless.”

Later that month, a two- almost threeyear All-State choir member performed the national anthem for the TASA Midwinter Conference in Austin for 3,000 upper-level administrators from across Texas. After assurance from her teacher that she could do it, as our call ended, he said he would come with her to help her get on stage because she is blind. He explained that she learned her audition material these past three years using braille music.

Finally, there is the orchestra teacher who started a Giving Bach program, working with special-needs children. She never

When things get tough, close your eyes, and recall that moment and that person, or persons, who influenced you to enter this most honored of professions, and remember the countless students whose lives you have influenced throughout

your career.

So, I have a question for you. Who put that little voice in your head that this is a profession you should choose? Think perhaps about how close you came to not pursuing teaching as a career. When things get tough, close your eyes, and recall that moment and that person, or persons, who influenced you to enter this most honored of professions, and remember the countless students whose lives you have influenced throughout your career.

I want to close by sharing a few stories that warm my heart every day about how you serve students in your classroom:

Last fall, on the 10 o’clock local news was an inspiring story about three trumpet players in a marching band. They had devised a way to connect themselves so they could march an eight-minute drill, not miss a note, and not miss a step, with the student in the middle being blind.

This January, after the Executive Board selected our top five-year scholarship winners, I called one of the directors to share the good news. There was a slight pause and I could sense she had started crying, so I commented that he must be a wonderful student. She replied, “Yes, he is one of my drum majors, and if he didn’t have music in his life I don’t know what he would do

looked back, and is building an inclusive orchestra on her campus. The stories go on and on. That’s who you are, and that’s what you do, and every teacher in this theatre has those stories that I just shared. I applaud you and admire you so much.

So, in the end it is you, the teacher, who makes the difference, and at the risk of waxing philosophical, you understand life and teaching are not about taking, but about giving, sharing, loving, caring, and being thankful for the blessings we receive in touching children’s lives through the art form we love so much—through music

It has been an honor to serve you and the students you teach throughout my journey these past 31 years. It has been a great ride, and I’m not quite done yet! As I said in a recent magazine column, when things get tough, keep your head down and teach, and save another life. Thank you so much. 0

“This is a Sublime Mouthpiece”

– Jim Kanter

The New Chedeville Kanter Cinema Model

Designed in collaboration with legendary studio musician and famed mouthpiece maker James Kanter, the new Chedeville Kanter Cinema Clarinet model has a beautiful warm sound while being very flexible, and works very well for a variety of settings. It stands in the middle of tip openings and facing designs and appeals to more players than any other mouthpiece in the Chedeville range.

Jody Espina & Jim Kanter

TMEA Orchestra Vice-President

JENNIFER MARTIN

More Than the Sum of Its Parts

Whether you were at the convention this year or not, thank you for what you add to TMEA. The whole is more than the sum of the parts, and the TMEA Clinic/Convention is proof of that on a monumental scale!

Istill remember a poster that hung in one of my middle school classrooms that read, “The whole is more than the sum of its parts.” I sometimes convey this to my students to describe the magic that happens when an orchestra or any musical ensemble performs. I think it’s also the perfect way to describe the TMEA Clinic/Convention and the magic of TMEA in general. After I arrived in San Antonio on Tuesday, I walked the convention center and the All-State rehearsal spaces. I had never seen these areas so empty—a stark contrast to the days that followed. The solitude gave me time to mentally prepare for the next few days and to reflect on my past TMEA conventions and how they have shaped me and my path as a music educator.

The sheer magnitude of the convention is truly overwhelming. There are so many moving parts that required meticulous planning to bring it all to fruition. The TMEA staff does an amazing job with this planning and in collaborating with the Executive Board. Then there are countless members who have volunteered their time and talents to make the convention happen. I humbly give my most sincere thanks to you all!

What I kept coming back to during the convention and afterward is that the people make the TMEA convention what it is! The General Session All-State performance followed by the amazing keynote address by Robert Floyd are great examples. However, it is all around

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

April–May—Attend your spring Region meeting (see page 2).

May 1 —TMEA 2024–2025 membership year opens for online and mail/email submission.

May 1 —Deadline to nominate students for a Texas Music Scholar award.

May 1 —Honor Orchestra Part A deadline (HS Full, JH/MS Full, and JH/MS String).

May 1–June 1 —2025 Clinic/Convention proposals accepted online.

June 1—Honor Orchestra Parts B&C and recording deadline (HS Full, JH/MS Full, and JH/MS String).

June 1 —Invited HS Mariachi application deadline.

June 30 —All 2023–2024 TMEA memberships expire.

July 25–27—TODA convention in San Antonio.

FUTURE YOUR Discover

2024 AUDITION DATES

VOCAL AUDITION DATES

January 26

February 16

March 22

INSTRUMENTAL AUDITION DATES

February 16

March 1

March 22

March 30

BE A PATRIOT MUSICIAN DAY: MARCH 22

For any junior or senior interested in being a UT Tyler Patriot Musician for a day.

SCAN

the convention, from the attendees in the different clinics, the presenters, the conversations at meals among colleagues, the invited and honor concerts, music showcases, exhibitors, registration, division office volunteers, organizers, All-State students, TFME students, and more!

If you have attended the convention for as many years as I have, you know it’s easy to take it for granted. Several of the All-State conductors reminded me just how special and unique it is. One of the conductors had planned to do their speaking at the beginning of the concert.

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CONCERT BAND

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Air On A Joyful Heart

America

First and Forever (March)

An American In Paris

Azalea Trail

Fairytale For Band

Heatwave (March)

In Storm and Sunshine

March For Success

Melody Shop

With Honor and Courage

Zing!

JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Don’t Bossa Me Around Groovin’ Jackpot!

Ol’ Man River

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Print Music Source

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However, they felt the palpable excitement and energy from the audience and said, “The audience is ready for music! I will talk later.” I talked with another conductor a few days after the convention and they were still blown away by the response from the audience at the concert, their time with the students, and the overall experience.

Whether you were at the convention this year or not, thank you for what you add to TMEA. The whole is more than the sum of the parts, and the TMEA Clinic/ Convention is proof of that on a monumental scale! However, TMEA is also much bigger than even our amazing convention. TMEA is a beautiful and special organization. Let us all continue to serve and work together to continue to provide the very best in music education!

Nominate Students for Texas Music Scholar

Complete the application process by May 1 to nominate your students for the Texas Music Scholar award. This award honors students in high school music programs who exemplify attributes of meritorious performance in the areas of scholarship, musicianship, and citizenship. To recommend a student for this award, you will complete an online form, print the required certification forms, and submit them by May 1. Texas Music Scholars receive a certificate and patch from TMEA.

Convention Proposals

It is already time to start planning convention proposals for clinics and music showcases for our 2025 convention. The online proposal period is May 1–June 1, and I’m looking forward to another recordbreaking year of Orchestra Division clinic proposals. The talent, knowledge, and experience of our teachers across the state is incredible! See www.tmea.org/proposals for more information. Keep in mind that thoroughly detailed proposals help ensure a meaningful review and selection process.

Start planning and documenting now to ensure you submit an in-depth view of what you propose to present in 2025.

Also note that in this year’s convention survey, Orchestra Division members reported the following as the most important topics for Orchestra Division clinics at the 2025 convention. This information is considered in the proposal review process:

• Rehearsal techniques

• Instrument methods

• Repertoire selection

• Conducting techniques

• Recruiting/retention

• Teaching methods

• Technology integration

• Classroom management

• Mental health & wellness

• Inclusion, diversity, equity & access

Honor and Invited Ensembles

I also look forward to many wonderful entries to our Honor Orchestra competition and applications for Invited Ensemble and Program Spotlight opportunities. Learn more about these at www.tmea.org/ orchestra.

• Honor Orchestra: Part A is due May 1 for HS Full, JH/MS Full, and JH/ MS String Honor Orchestra. Parts B & C and recordings are due by June 1.

• Invited Program Spotlight: Part 1 is due by May 1. Parts 2 & 3 and recordings are due by June 1.

• Invited Mariachi: Applications and recordings for Invited HS Mariachi must be submitted online by June 1.

This year’s convention was our first to feature Program Spotlights, and I look forward to continuing this valuable opportunity next year. This program features and highlights exemplary and innovative teaching within the Texas orchestra community. The invited process allows the

All-State Choir Camp JUNE 11-15

Texas Tech University School of music

Texas Tech University School of music

SUMMER CAMPS

Band & Orchestra Camp JUNE 30-July 6

Orchestra Division to select and highlight programs and communities that reflect our ideologies and philosophies and to feature high-quality orchestra programs that represent diverse socioeconomic school environments across Texas.

Region Alignment and Spring Region Meetings

The 2024–2026 Region Alignment was approved at the Executive Board’s March meeting. Go to www.tmea.org/regions/ alignment to review the 2024–2026 alignment details before putting your Region’s spring meeting on your calendar. Your attendance, input, and participation are vitally important to the strength of the Regions and of TMEA. The details on the date, location, and time of the Region meetings are on page 2 of this issue and at www.tmea.org/regionmeetings. There are many ways to get involved in your Region. Please consider serving in one of the volunteer opportunities that are available.

Orchestra Division Meeting

February 8, 5:15 p.m., CC 221

The meeting was called to order at 5:17 p.m . by Orchestra Division Vice-

President Jennifer Martin and started with a UIL update from Gabe Musella. The 2024–2025 PML will be released on September 1. UIL will be reviewing all string Solo & Ensemble selections. Suggestions may be sent to the committee. The UIL State Mariachi Festival is growing, with 89 groups this year. The finals of the instrumental music competition are growing as well and UIL will evaluate separating strings and winds. Updates to music area alignments will be announced after any Region realignments have been determined by TMEA.

Colleen Whatley gave the TODA report. The winter clinics at UT Arlington and the University of Houston were successful. The summer convention is July 25–27, and convention registration opens February 19. The convention will feature June Huang, Cathryn Lee, and Anthony Maiello. She asked TODA members to check their email for a vote on a new procedure to nominate candidates for Member-At-Large.

The 2023 Orchestra Division business meeting minutes were approved, with a motion by Alejos Anaya and second by Todd Berridge.

Old Business: The four-zone system

is working toward the goals of increased representation throughout the state and high-quality All-State ensembles. Martin reminded the membership that if you enter students in the All-State process, you must be available to judge either day of the judging weekend and to share AllState results only with your own students. Martin encouraged directors to apply for the Invited Spotlight Orchestra program.

New Business: An Honor Orchestra review committee met this fall. Recommendations from the committee will go to the Executive Board in March for approval. Region Chairs will get further information and the website will be updated as changes are approved. An AllState Orchestra review committee is currently in process. Feedback can be sent to Region Chairs. Penny Meitz asked that the committee reconsider recorded chair auditions in lieu of live chair auditions at the convention.

The meeting adjourned at 5:44 p.m., with a motion by Christy Meyers and a second by Pat Leaverton. Minutes submitted by Louanne Greer. 0

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/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.

Why do you want to become

Almost 1,000 Texas Future Music Educators members attended our convention, and most plan to

My band directors, lesson teachers, and those I’ve met while in band have impacted my life for the better and made me love band and music. I’d love to be that kind of teacher in a kid’s life later on.

My teachers have inspired me to pursue music beyond my high school level. I enjoy music so passionately that I want to be able to share this passion with future generations, especially in the orchestra field.

I’m interested in becoming a music educator because I love music. I love singing, and I would love to help others learn and reach their full singing potential.

When I saw all of the other TFME people at the convention, I was excited to be a part of something so genuine. We didn’t go for bragging rights or to get out of school for a day—we went because we’re excited about the journey we’re about to take. It inspired me for what’s to come, and I can’t wait for next year!

I have two amazing choir directors and I’ve seen how much they care and help me and other students. It’s incredibly inspiring. I also have some amazing friends who have shown me that music is beautiful and worth hard work.

Music is my true passion. I’ve been in orchestra and choir throughout high school and would love to be able to share the magic of music to the younger generations.

I love music and the idea of teaching sounds amazing, so why not combine them?

WWW.TFME.ORG

become a music educator?

to become music educators. We asked them why, and how the convention further inspired them.

Attending TMEA gave me a lot of hope and security about my future. Approaching graduation, I’ve had doubts, as most high school seniors do. Attending the 2024 TMEA convention made me feel so strongly that this is what I am meant to do.

I was inspired by my middle school orchestra director. I want to help kids who also have a passion for music.

I was in a really bad place mentally but I had a band director who really inspired my love for music and helped music be my escape from everything else I was dealing with in life. I really began to find my love for music during that time. I want to become a music educator so that one day I can help someone find their passion for music like I did.

My director has shown how teachers can turn a classroom into a family, bond people through music, and build self-confidence. I love music, want to learn much more, and hopefully be as inspirational and genuine with my students as he has been with us.

I want to become a music educator to help change music education for those with disabilities.

At a young age I struggled with ADHD and being social. I joined orchestra because I thought people would think that I was cool (also because my elementary gave me the option of gym or orchestra). It was a place for me to be myself and to be able to express myself musically. Then choir became my safe place. I would love to make students feel like music can be their safe place and communicate with them through their passions and music.

I love music and I’ve always wanted to teach, so it just fits me!

2024 TMEA Scholarship Recipients

Five-Year Scholarships for High School Seniors

PAST-PRESIDENTS

Rusetsa Karamagi Grand Oaks HS

PAST-PRESIDENTS MEMORIAL

Matthew Stringer

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Michael Golston Denison HS

One-Year Scholarships for High School Seniors

Jeffrey Berry, Duncanville HS

Sixto Elizondo, Churchill HS

Trinity Gabreylski, Burbank HS

Tessa Marsh, Magnolia HS

One-Year Undergraduate

McKenna Babcock, Baylor Univ

Reed Beishir, Univ of Houston

Brynlee Miller, Canyon HS

Cecilia Nguyen, Klein Cain HS

Anika Patel, Liberal Arts and Science Academy

John Andrew Sosa, Nixon HS

Kiersten Spaw, Dickinson HS

Jazzmin Torres, Edinburg HS

Colin Tuohy, Dripping Springs HS

Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Reuben Dean, Univ of North Texas

Claudia Fuenmayor, Sam Houston State Univ

Maria Garza, Texas Tech Univ

Ashley Blueyes, Texas A&M Univ Corpus Christi

Zachary Brabston, Univ of Houston

Reagan Burnett, Tyler Junior College

Alexandria Cantu, Texas A&M Univ Corpus Christi

Brynn Carl, Univ of Texas at Austin

Sydney Flake, Sam Houston State Univ

Caleb Haffner, Tyler Junior College

Tomas Hinojosa, Texas State Univ

Emily Holland, Texas Christian Univ

Rachel Jimenez, Sam Houston State Univ

Madison Laird, Sam Houston State Univ

Charli Martin, Texas Tech Univ

Maya McBrayer, Texas Tech Univ

Alain Mpinda, Univ of North Texas

Alyssa Perrin, Texas Christian Univ

Alena Scott, Univ of North Texas

Olivia Smith, Stephen F. Austin State Univ

Makenna Weatherby, Baylor Univ

One-Semester Student Teacher

Rebecca Bailey, Sam Houston State Univ

Kathryn Baker, Sam Houston State Univ

Savanna Bezick, Univ of North Texas

Blake Bishop, Sam Houston State Univ

Amber Bowen, Texas Christian Univ

Vanessa Cassidy, Univ of North Texas

Haley Ginn, Univ of North Texas

Sean Gist, Texas Woman’s Univ

Elizabeth Harris, Texas Woman’s Univ

Maile Hawryluk, Univ of North Texas

Taryn Hemsing, Stephen F. Austin State Univ

Sara Hoffman, Texas Tech Univ

Rachel Howes, Univ of North Texas

Samuel Jennings, Texas Woman’s Univ

Lucas King, Texas Christian Univ

Sylvia Nalbandian, Univ of North Texas

Jacob Padron, Texas State Univ

Arianna Parks, Baylor Univ

Emily Patrick, Univ of Texas at Arlington

Melissa Pearson, Univ of Texas at Arlington

Anna Poole, Univ of North Texas

Julissa Ramirez, Trinity Univ

Jocelyn Renteria, Sam Houston State Univ

Elizabeth Spencer, Univ of Houston

Cooper Trolinger, Wayland Baptist Univ

Carlos Urbina, Sam Houston State Univ

Kaitin Werner, Texas Tech Univ

One-Year Graduate

Wendi Burwinkel, McNeil HS/Univ of Texas at El Paso

Kaitlyn Candler, Denton HS/Texas Woman’s Univ

Gabi Guest, Dieterich MS/Texas Tech Univ

Amanda Happel, Noble-Reed ES/Texas A&M Commerce

Kirstie Lisk-McCallum, Univ of Houston

Dexx Moore, Southern Methodist Univ

Lauren Robertson, Caney Creek HS/Univ of North Texas

Felipe Rosales, Corey Fine Arts/Dual Language Academy/Univ of Texas at Arlington

Courtney Villarreal, Teague MS/Sam Houston State Univ

BILL CORMACK

Jolie Bridy Deer Park HS South Campus

James W. Martin HS

TMEA Vocal Vice-President

JOSHUA MCGUIRE

Trust

You must trust and believe in people or life becomes impossible. — Anton Chekhov

Here we are again, on the other side of another TMEA Clinic/Convention. For those of you afforded the opportunity to attend, I hope you returned energized, equipped with new knowledge, and inspired to take your students through the final months of the school year. If you couldn’t be there this year, I hope to see you in San Antonio next year! There is truly no other event that brings music educators together in the way that our convention does.

The Vocal Division can’t thank the TMEA staff enough for their attention to detail and unwavering support of all members and the Executive Board. Personally, I’m indebted to the vision of our Executive Director, Robert Floyd. His inspiring leadership is the gold standard. It is humbling to serve our division under his care and guidance.

Upon returning home after completing my first year as the Vocal Vice-President, I was overwhelmed with the emails, texts, and social media posts from colleagues thanking TMEA for the opportunity to serve. Several people reached out and thanked me for trusting them in volunteer positions. This organization has always been built on the bedrock of servant leadership. After watching my colleagues serve the students of Texas and each other, to be thanked for trusting them with an opportunity to give their time and talents was humbling.

Trust has become the word that best exemplified my role in TMEA over the past year. I may have provided it to several colleagues as they assisted the Executive Board and me in hosting this amazing event in February, but I’ve also been the recipient of incredible trust over the past year. Without trust from each of you, I wouldn’t have had a foundation in which to successfully serve our division. Without the trust displayed by

In Memoriam

George Biffle

1941–2023

Deborah Zamora Dawdy

1961–2023

McKenna Johnson 2001–2024

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

check www.tmea .org for updates

April–May—Attend your spring Region meeting (see page 2).

May 1 —TMEA 2024–2025 membership year opens for online and mail/email submission.

May 1 —Deadline to nominate students for a Texas Music Scholar award.

May 1–June 1 —2025 Clinic/Convention proposals accepted online.

May 1 —Invited MS/HS Choir application deadline.

June 30 —All 2023–2024 TMEA memberships expire.

July 25–27—TCDA convention in San Antonio.

ALL-STATE

CAMP

JUNE 12-15, 2024

MARQUES L. A. GARRETT

Soprano/Alto

ASSOCI DIRECTORS: Brian Murray and Cody Alarcón

ASSIS DIRECTOR: Nicholas Standish

S E CTIO

Derri E van Br ow n

Cathy Koziat e k

Ta r a Siko n

P IA NISTS :

Kelly P faff e nb e rg e r

Nathan Ratlif f

Han k T ha r p e

Kath r yn Z e tte r str o m

ALLEN HIGHTOWER Mixed Choir Conductor

JESSICA NÁPOLES Camp Director

& Tenor/Bass Choir Conductor

the Board and TMEA staff, I don’t believe the glowing reviews about the convention would have been as plentiful. Without trust in each other, choral music education in Texas would not command the respect that it does worldwide.

So, I thank you for your trust in me to guide our division. Thank you for offering me the space to make mistakes, and the time to review or implement change in policy. Most importantly, thank you for trusting your colleagues tasked with delivering on TMEA’s commitment to music education for all. May we begin to trust each other outside our association enough to allow reflection and growth to occur. Our country is full of distrust and negativity, so much so that it can stifle our opportunity for growth. I believe that contradicts the philosophy of choral music education. Our profession should always be an example of positive discourse and a model for resolving complicated problems that affect us all.

At the close of the Vocal Division Business Meeting at TMEA, I asked everyone in attendance to use our annual convention as an opportunity to dialogue with one another, to have challenging conver-

sations face to face, and to expand their normal convention friend group to include colleagues across the state who experience teaching and learning through a different lens. Now we can continue these important conversations at home. Music educators have always been at the root of genuine change in this world. We need to rely on each other and trust our colleagues now more than ever.

Mixed Choir National ACDA Performance in 2025

I’m thrilled to share that the American Choral Directors Association has extended an invitation for the 2025 TMEA Mixed Choir (large school mixed) to perform on March 22, 2025, at their national conference in Dallas at the Winspear Opera House. All-State Choir members selected at the January 11 Area auditions for the Mixed Choir will declare their participation on the following Monday, January 13. TMEA will secure a housing block arranged offsite that will include a rehearsal venue for the choir on Friday evening, March 21, and Saturday morning, March 22. The choir will reconvene at the Winspear that afternoon for a brief

rehearsal before the 4:30 p.m. conference performance. Directors are encouraged to share this information with their administration and UIL Executive Secretaries now to avoid schedule conflicts to the extent that is possible.

Region Alignment and Spring Region Meetings

The 2024–2026 Region Alignment was approved at the Executive Board’s March meeting. Go to www.tmea.org/regions/ alignment to review the 2024–2026 alignment details before putting your Region’s spring meeting on your calendar. Region meetings are your opportunities to stay updated, get involved, and share your concerns. You can find details on the date, location, and time of the Region meetings on page 2 and at www.tmea.org/ regionmeetings.

Convention Proposals Open May 1

As you prepare to apply, learn more about the proposal and review process at www.tmea.org/proposals. Online proposals for clinics and music showcases will be accepted May 1–June 1. As you consider proposing a clinic (or encouraging

a colleague to do so), keep in mind that Vocal Division members identified the following as the top 10 topics for Vocal Division clinics at the 2025 convention:

• Rehearsal techniques

• Repertoire selection

• Recruiting/retention

• Classroom management

• Teaching methods

• Conducting techniques

• Music theory

• Inclusion, diversity, equity & access

• Technology integration

• Advocacy/administrative support

Start working now to plan and document what you will include on your proposal so that you can submit ample details describing what you will present if selected. With a growing number of proposals submitted each year, it’s important that each offers meaningful details to ensure its serious consideration by the review committee.

Vocal

Division Invited Ensembles

The online application for Invited Choirs opened on March 1. College/ University applications and recordings must be submitted online by April 1, and Middle School/Junior High and High School applications and recordings must be submitted online by May 1. For eligibility, requirements, and the information on the selection process, go to www.tmea.org/ invitedchoir.

Nominate Students for Texas Music Scholar

Complete the application process by May 1 to nominate your students for the Texas Music Scholar award. This award honors students in high school music programs who exemplify attributes of meritorious performance in the areas of scholarship, musicianship, and citizenship. To recommend a student for this award, you will complete an online form, print the required certification forms, and submit it by May 1.

Vocal Division Business Meeting

February 8, 5:15 p.m.

Stars at Night Ballroom 1

Vice-President Joshua McGuire called the TMEA Vocal Division Business Meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. The 2023

Vocal Division business meeting minutes published in the April 2023 issue of Southwestern Musician were approved.

Old Business: The General Session performing groups were recognized. TMEA awarded $211,500 in scholarships this year. TMEA exhibitors were thanked, and members were asked to visit and thank them for their participation. Applications for TMEA Music Scholars are available on March 1 and due May 1. “Path to All-State” audition numbers for 2024 were shared: SSC (2,215), LSC (13,942). Total vocal audition number of students starting the process in fall 2023 was 16,157.

New Business: The Clinic Review and Invited Choir Committees were recognized and thanked. 153 ensembles entered the Invited Choir process (71 middle school, 76 high school, 6 college/university). Invited Choir application for TMEA 2025 will open on March 1. Applications and recordings must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. April 1 for College/University, and May 1 for MS/HS. McGuire shared a 15-member committee of current Region Vocal Chairs and SSC coordinators have met since November to review the 2025 Invited Choir application process. New for the 2025 process will be the addition of a rubric used for adjudication that will be published on the TMEA website, and the addition of two Invited Choirs for the 2025 Clinic/Convention. Demonstration choirs

at the convention were acknowledged for their participation.

A moment of silence was offered for choral directors who had passed away during the past year.

Acting TCDA President Carolyn Cruse gave a brief TCDA report and announcements about the summer convention, July 25–27, 2024, in San Antonio.

McGuire announced the 2025 Mixed Choir is invited to reconvene in Dallas on Friday, March 21, 2025, to rehearse before performing at the 2025 ACDA National Conference on Saturday, March 22, 2025. The performance will be presented in the Winspear Opera House in the Dallas Arts District.

Region Chairs, Small School Coordinators, MS/JH Coordinators, Area Chairs, and Area audition hosts were recognized. The Vocal Division team was recognized. All-State Conductors and teams were thanked, members were encouraged to visit rehearsals and attend the All-State Choir concerts on Saturday.

McGuire shared some final thoughts and thanked those in attendance for the opportunity to serve as Vice-President and State Vocal Chair. He adjourned the Business meeting at 5:59 p.m. Bob Horton conducted the singing of “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” Minutes submitted by Nicole Stewart. 0

Photo by Scott Newton

LESSONS

Attendees shared the following concepts and ideas learned during the

Music educators mentor students into great people, not just great musicians.

Be yourself when you teach—being professional doesn’t mean being uptight and pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s okay to be engaging in more fun ways, and the students will respect your character and your professionalism.

When communicating with administrators, say, “Here is how that can work in my setting,” rather than “We don’t do that.”

Get out of your comfort zone and ask other directors to help your group.

To help with air flow, rather than saying “sit up straight,” tell students, “center yourself over your hips.”

Your commitment to the process determines your progress.

We get so wrapped up with shows, ratings, and performances that we can forget we got into this profession to help make a difference—to reach those who need to be reached, and we do it through what we love. I love building relationships with my students and making sure they know I love them. It’s just nice to be reminded that it’s what is most important.

From an SEL presentation, I’ve created a message center where kids can leave me a note telling me what is going on in their life.

My lessons don’t have to be perfect, because no teacher is perfect. I need to be myself and try my best, because at its core, the kids and I want the same thing—to have fun with music.

I’ve begun thinking of ways I can use my student leaders in a rehearsal setting, through splitting up into sections and working independently or by circling up in the classroom to work together but with student leaders in place.

We often exaggerate prep-breaths from the podium, hoping to encourage our students to take fuller breaths. If we aren’t mindful of how we do this, we can unintentionally model tense, or more frantic breaths.

Vary warmup exercises so students are thinking when they play versus

just playing.

When students do something for the first time in a rehearsal and it doesn’t go well, instead of trying to fix what you hear, ask them if they just want to give it another try. Sometimes, that’s all they need.

If a student needs movement, and they can learn while moving in their area, do they really need to be sitting still in their spot? No. I’ve allowed some students to move a little more in their area, and it has helped them focus, and it hasn’t distracted their classmates.

Rotate choir rows to help keep everyone accountable. I’ve already used it in my middle school choir, and it was very effective.

LEARNED

convention that they have already put into practice with success.

Students learn best when they feel safe. Make the learning environment safe for your students. You don’t always know where they are coming from.

By exploring improv with my beginner orchestra students, I immediately found them listening more closely, and they enjoy it because it feels like a game.

Directors need to follow up on what we ask students to practice. This shows we are invested in their learning and that we do care. Accountability is a gift you can give to students.

Incorporate movement at the beginning of class and wind students down to the end of class.

Understand that the original composer’s interpretation is the start. Each director has the liberty to interpret the music in front of them, and every director’s interpretation will differ. Don’t be afraid to paint the picture of what you see.

Group beginning classes into teams when working with English-language learners to build confidence and comfort-level in asking for help.

Instead of silent band class, give students guidelines and a goal. Let them talk to help each other, give feedback peer to peer, and help their friends be successful. Young students need to learn how to communicate and collaborate with one another. Let them learn together!

Reduce classroom decorations on the walls and make them applicable to your program. Leave an empty wall space where over stimulated students can bring their eyes to calm down.

Even after you have been playing the music for a while (not just when you are sightreading), slow down the rehearsal tempo considerably to work on details that have slipped through the cracks. We have been rehearsing this music for a month now and slowing it back down has helped considerably this week.

I learned how to spiral my curriculum so I don’t teach a song once and never again. Instead, I go back to the same song and add something to it that the lower grade level would not have been able to do.

Teach artistry from the beginning. I am working to not be “the stand beater” I had become.

Have groups do small concerts every few weeks, for teachers and trusted classes. I think this will bring great exposure to my programs. Giving my students an audience in a safe space will boost their confidence. Bringing in trusted classes could get us more exposure and possibly encourage more students to join choir.

We don’t have Title 1 music, we don’t have Title 1 instruments, we don’t have a Title 1 band hall, so we don’t have Title 1 effort when teaching students.

Two great phrases I’ve been utilizing are: process over product and privilege not pressure—it’s a privilege for my choir students and me to make music together. I’m less concerned about our overall product and more concerned that students and I are having fun, making music, and feeling the connection to ideas and each other. The product will still eventually happen by doing this, but the mindset end experience of it all is better and more natural.

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!

Hope Arrazola, Abilene HS, Abilene ISD

Owen Bartosh, Waxahachie HS, Waxahachie ISD

Madisyn Bedair, Gladewater HS, Gladewater ISD

Jeffrey Berry, Jr., Duncanville HS, Duncanville ISD

Michael Brockmann, Taylor HS, Katy ISD

Elena Bryan, Harker Heights HS, Killeen ISD

Stephen Chang, Chang Homeschool, Southlake

Yejin Choi, Centennial HS, Frisco ISD

Zach Conner, Big Spring HS, Big Spring ISD

Justus Davis, Odessa HS, Ector County ISD

Karter Dax, Flower Mound HS, Lewisville ISD

Max DiFonzo-Jones, Colleyville Heritage HS, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD

Gabrielle Faulkner, Allen HS, Allen ISD

Christian Garcia, Grulla HS, Rio Grande City CISD

Hayden Grier, Vandegrift HS, Leander ISD

Elaina Hill, Flower Mound HS, Lewisville ISD

Roma Jani, Coppell HS, Coppell ISD

Nicole Johnson, Liberty HS, Frisco ISD

Nandita Joshi, Allen HS, Allen ISD

Hanah Kim, Harker Heights HS, Killeen ISD

Peter Kim, Westwood HS, Round Rock ISD

Ethan Kornegay, Wills Point HS, Wills Point ISD

Hannah Lee, Liberty HS, Frisco ISD

Christine Li, Austin HS, Fort Bend ISD

Henry Liu, Taylor HS, Katy ISD

Luke McCartney, Timber Creek HS, Keller ISD

Brynlee Miller, Canyon HS, Canyon ISD

Ananya Nair, Reedy HS, Frisco ISD

Anneliese Nash, Brock HS, Brock ISD

Emily Overdirth, Maypearl HS, Maypearl ISD

Ayne Park, Greenhill School, Addison

Bishesh Paudel, Kinder HSPVA, Houston ISD

Rylee Polk, Allen HS, Allen ISD

Shaun Price, Permian HS, Ector County ISD

Rafael Quilpas, Yoakum HS, Yoakum ISD

Noah Sabbavarapu, Vandegrift HS, Leander ISD

Madilyn Sallee, Frenship HS, Frenship ISD

Alanna Schubert, Midway HS, Midway ISD (Waco)

Jorge Segura, San Benito HS, San Benito CISD

Adalia Stiglich, Cedar Park HS, Leander ISD

Steven Sypolt, Jones HS, Beeville ISD

Jadyn Thompson, Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy, Grand Prairie ISD

Aneesh Vathul, Klein Cain HS, Klein ISD

Reagan Wagner, Lovejoy HS, Lovejoy ISD

Lindsey Won, Coppell HS, Coppell ISD

Danielle Yoon, Independence HS, Frisco ISD

Yochen Zhong, Westwood HS, Round Rock ISD

Nathan Zhou, Centennial HS, Frisco ISD

Leadership is the focus for all tracks: Drum Major

Section Leader / Squad Leader • Band Member • Color Guard

Percussion • Intermediate Marcher • Beginning Marcher

*All students participate in a SASI Leadership Seminar

Full Camp Marching Band • Jazz Band • Marching Instruction

Marching Winds Pedagogy • Leadership Instruction

Conducting Instruction • Mega Games • Aquatic Center Party

Clinics for directors include: Drill Design • Rehearsal Technique

Retirement Planning • Guard Design and Development and many more!

Registration opens March 1, 2024

Cost: $375 per full-time camper or $250 per commuter,

$275 – All State Band Member (Current Year), $325 – Band Director/Sponsor,

$250 – Band Director/Sponsor with 10 or more students attending

Price includes $50 non-refundable deposit

For complete information, please visit www.hputx.edu/bandleadershipcamp

Bocal Majority

BAND DIRECTOR BAND DIRECTOR BOOT CAMP

BOOT CAMP

take your oboe & bassoon playing & teaching to the NEXT LEVEL!

July 8 - 10 Dallas

Sally & Jennifer

Have you attended Band Director Boot Camp and wanted EVEN MORE? BDNL goes more in depth with:

Chamber music reading sessions daily

Advanced reed adjusting

Tuning & blending exercises for double reeds

Regular Band Director Boot Camps in Dallas (June 3-5) & Houston (June 17-19) still offered as separate events

WWW.BOCALMAJORITY.COM

I had an absolutely wonderful time at TMEA. I met so many awesome people I look up to, and don’t even get me started on my section. It has been an unbelievable honor to play with this group of amazing musicians. I will never forget the friendships I’ve created, especially with my section, who have got to be the nicest and coolest guys I know.

—CARTER HUGET-HRUPP, ALL-STATE JAZZ ENSEMBLE 2, INSTAGRAM

I attended my first TMEA convention last week. I had a plan, but that went out the window real fast. It turned into four days of reconnecting with friends, making new ones, productive meetings, 12 INCREDIBLE band, orchestra, and choir performances across all age levels, and a celebration of music with 30,000 other educators, students, and parents. Inspired and rejuvenated. Can’t wait to do this again. —GREG

DALTON, LINKEDIN

This week was one I will never forget. TMEA is truly something you need to see to believe. And the people who make it a reality are the teachers in this state who give so much to make these opportunities possible for their students.

—JOHN DEVLIN, ALL-STATE CONDUCTOR, FACEBOOK

HOW DID YOU GET TO #TMEA2024 AND WHERE DID YOU ARRIVE FROM?

Flew in from Ohio!

Drove from Houston!

Road trip with friends from Richmond!

In a little mini-van from Tomball, TX!

From El Paso by plane, first time flying!

MIXED CHOIR!!!

Sing and Play Negative Behavior Away!!!!! AMAZING!

I was very inspired by Roger Sams’ session on nurturing wholeness for students!

Lone Star HS Honor Band with Dr. Doreen Ketchens!

Seven Lakes High School orchestra was very cool!

WHICH #TMEA2024 PERFORMANCE OR SESSION DID YOU ENJOY MOST?

WHAT NEW TECHNIQUE OR TOOL DID YOU DISCOVER AT #TMEA2024?

How to start a student playing their first sound on the bassoon!

The ping pong song!!!

How to incorporate solfège into teaching armonia for mariachi.

Not new to some, but Middle School Leadership. The Singing Straw!!

The bodhrán.

The Harker Heights Master Singers. Absolutely stunning musicianship.

Discover a supportive community dedicated to excellence in music education. Exchange ideas, find inspiration, and celebrate your achievements with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE @TMEAORG!

TMEA Elementary Vice-President

CHRISTOPHER GILES

Don’t Duplicate, Develop

Rather than striving for a carbon copy of convention sessions, view the sessions as springboards for creativity and experimentation. Taking time to assess and understand the specific needs and abilities of your students is paramount.

In Memoriam

Kimberly Guzman 1976–2024

As the echoes of convention performances and clinics fade from our memory, we are left with a plethora of ideas and inspiration to support us in our classrooms. It’s crucial that I pause to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the unsung heroes of the convention who made it all possible—our volunteers and division assistants. Their dedication and tireless efforts set the stage for an unforgettable experience, ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes. I cannot express how much these individuals did for our convention. Our volunteers assisted with committee work related to selecting proposals and reviewing our invited performing groups. They presided over 60 clinics, secured an impressive number of door prizes from our gracious vendors, and volunteered time in our Elementary Division office. They stayed late before our convention began to set up the ballrooms with instruments and signage and worked with our performing groups to get them on and off stage. These true heroes deserve our deep gratitude.

Despite our post-convention euphoria, it is essential to acknowledge a challenging reality—transferring convention insights to our classrooms. While the convention serves to showcase innovation and best practices, implementing these strategies verbatim may not always yield desired results. What works seamlessly for one teacher or ensemble may

April–May—Attend your spring Region meeting (see page 2).

May 1 —TMEA 2024–2025 membership year opens for online and mail/email submission.

May 1–June 1 —2025 Clinic/Convention proposals accepted online.

June 15 —Application deadline for Elementary Division Invited Choirs and Ensembles.

June 30 —All 2023–2024 TMEA memberships expire.

July 25–27—TCDA convention in San Antonio.

SCHOLARSHIP AUDITIONS

TLU SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Scholarships are available for both music and non-music majors. These awards are intended to provide recognition for scholarship and talent in the study of music.

SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION DATES:

Saturday, April 20th, 2024 1 - 3 p.m.

Sunday, May 19th, 2024 1 - 3 p.m.

Individual audition dates may be requested if necessary.

For specific qualifications for each award, visit

DEPARTMENT HEADS

Douglas R. Boyer Director, School of Music and Director of Choral Activities dboyer@tlu.edu 830-372-6869 or 800-771-8521

Eric Daub Director of Piano Studies edaub@tlu.edu

Eliza Jeffords Director of Strings ejeffords@tlu.edu

Zoe Chunghui Kim Interim Director of Vocal Studies ckim@tlu.edu

Brett A. Richardson Director of Bands brichardson@tlu.edu

FACULTY

Carol Brittin Chambers Composer in Residence & Composition

Lauren Casey-Clyde Asst. Professor, Trombone & Euphonium

Heather Couture Asst. Professor, Music History

Sean Holmes Asst. Professor, Horn & Music History

Stephanie Hulsey Instructor, Flute

Michael Keplinger Instructor, Guitar

Elizabeth Lee Asst. Professor, Cello

Deborah Mayes

Choral Accompanist

Scott McDonald Instructor, Saxophone, Jazz Band & Music Education

Carla McElhaney Asst. Professor, General Music

David Milburn Instructor, Double Bass

Nicole Narboni Asst. Professor, Piano

Daniel Orban Instructor, Trumpet

Sung-Eun Park Asst. Professor, Collaborative Pianist

Keith Robinson Instructor, Tuba & Music Education

Jill Rodriguez Instructor, General Music

Eric Siu Asst. Professor, Violin

Yu-Hsin Teng Asst. Professor, Collaborative Pianist

Bryce Turner Instructor, Percussion

Shareen Vader Instructor, Piano & Music Education

Mika Allison Valenzuela Instructor, Oboe

Yvonne Vasquez Instructor, Mariachi

Tyler Webster Asst. Professor, Clarinet & Music History

Sarah Wildey-Richmond Asst. Professor, Bassoon

www.tlu.edu/music

not necessarily work for another. Factors such as school setting, the frequency with which you see your students, varying skill levels, and prior learning experience must be considered when tailoring convention inspired practices.

In my first few years of teaching, I would attend workshops at the TMEA Clinic/Convention and my local Orff chapter workshops and be amazed by the orchestrations, dances, and activities presented by the clinicians. I was that participant who would ask, “What grade level do you do this with?” and would leave, excited to take what I saw and try it right away with my students. It almost always crashed in spectacular fashion, leaving me upset that my students were not able to duplicate what I experienced.

I voiced these frustrations with my friends and soon came to realize it was not about my students—the problem was me. I quickly learned that the curated lesson I observed needed to be tailored to fit my students. As a new teacher I did not know my students or their abilities well enough to jump right in with what I took away. I learned to scaffold for my students to get

them where they needed to be, and it took time, and that was okay!

Successful implementation requires a delicate balance of adaptation and innovation. With the excitement sparked by convention concerts and clinics, it is crucial to exercise discernment and patience. I encourage you to take time to reflect on how you can adapt and tailor your approach to meet the specific needs of your students effectively.

Rather than striving for a carbon copy of convention sessions, view the sessions as springboards for creativity and experimentation. Taking time to assess and understand the specific needs and abilities of your students is paramount. By incorporating convention learning gradually and thoughtfully, you can help ensure that you foster meaningful learning experiences with your students.

As we reflect on our experiences at the convention, let us not just remember the incredible student performances and stellar workshops. Instead, let us hone that energy into meaningful action within our own teaching practices and communities. By taking the time to reflect on our

convention experience and teaching setting, we can ensure that the spirit of the TMEA convention continues to inspire and empower educators for years to come.

TMEA Connections

The TMEA staff and Executive Board are examining how we can provide additional professional development opportunities through TMEA Connections. This was developed during virtual instruction to connect teachers across the state through quality professional development. If there is a professional development topic or presenter you would like to learn from in an online format, please contact your Region Chair and let them know. This is a great opportunity to grow professionally and earn CPE credit.

Attend Your Region Meeting

Region meetings will be held across the state in April and May, and all divisions in the Region are invited. Watch for emails from your Region Chair and make time to attend, voice your concerns, and explore ways you can become more involved in the future of your association. As you

Nominate Your School Administrator for the 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.

www.tmea.org/adminaward

review the meeting schedule, be sure to verify your Region as the 2024–2026 Region alignment was approved by the Executive Board at our March meeting. Go to www.tmea.org/regions/alignment to review the details.

2025 Clinic Proposal Submission

Our convention serves to inspire educators to contribute actively to the advancement of music education. Every teacher has a unique perspective and valuable insights to share. By harnessing the collective wisdom and experience within our community, we can ensure that future conventions offer a diverse and enriching array of topics that cater to the evolving needs of our Texas teachers. Members are encouraged to channel their newfound inspiration into action by submitting clinic proposals. It is also important to reach out to our colleagues and encourage them to share their talents and expertise. Sometimes taking a moment to acknowledge a fellow educator’s abilities is the catalyst for them to take the leap and put themselves out there.

As you consider this opportunity, take note of the highest-ranked clinic topics by Elementary Division convention attendees. These are areas that elementary music educators indicated are most important for clinics at the 2025 convention, and they will be taken into consideration during the proposal review process:

• Teaching methods

• Classroom management

• Special-needs instruction

• Inclusion, diversity, equity & access

• Technology integration

• Rehearsal techniques

• Instrument methods

• Repertoire selection

• Mental health & wellness

• Music theory

To learn more and prepare to submit a detailed proposal, go to www.tmea.org/ proposals.

Elementary Invited Ensemble Applications

This is also the time to finalize your plans to apply for your ensemble to perform at the 2025 TMEA Clinic/Convention. Our online application for choirs and instrumental ensembles is open May 1–June 15. Learn more now and prepare to apply at www.tmea.org/elementaryensembles.

Elementary Division Business Meeting

February 8, 2024, 5:15 p.m.

Grand Hyatt Texas Ballroom

Vice-President Christopher Giles called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m., and minutes from the 2023 Elementary Division business meeting were approved as published in the April 2023 issue of Southwestern Musician.

Giles acknowledged past TMEA Elementary Division Vice-Presidents in attendance and thanked them for their service to the division. He also recognized this year’s featured presenters, Sarah Tullock and Michael Chandler.

Giles acknowledged this year’s ballroom sponsors, Rhythm Band Instruments, West Music, and Peripole, and encouraged membership to visit their booths in the exhibit hall. He encouraged members to visit the Texas Orff and Kodály Educators of Texas booths on the fourth floor of the Grand Hyatt.

Giles also reminded membership to cast their vote for TMEA President-Elect and attend their upcoming Region meetings tomorrow evening.

Jackson Hill offered greetings from TCDA and updated membership on the summer convention, auditions, and spoke on the Lou Leonard Scholarship, created to

provide financial assistance to singers who are interested in participating in one of the auditioned choirs performing during the TCDA summer convention.

Giles introduced this year’s performing ensemble, the Saint Mary’s Hall Lower School Orff Ensemble, under the direction of Lisabeth Troutwine. Following the conclusion of the performance, Becky Compton, Traci Finch, and the door prize committee gave away door prizes.

Meeting adjourned at 6:14 p.m. Minutes submitted by Abigail Bilocura. 0

Survey Says . . .

TMEA members and out-of-state attendees completed the post-convention survey, and most of the following information is based on those survey responses. We appreciate your feedback as it will help the Executive Board and staff continue to improve this event.

WHO ATTENDED?

Over 14,500 music teachers & college music students!

In four days, 30,399 educators, college students, exhibitors, performers, and families attended the 2024 convention.

International attendees and exhibitors traveled from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

“It is such a recharge to get new skills and insight, see inspiring concerts, and reconnect with old mentors, friends, and colleagues!”

Throughout the four days, 447 events qualified for continuing professional education credit.

Attendees

Overall Experience

registered before the fee increased on January 19.

TMEA College Vice-President

CARTER BIGGERS

Inspired to Make a Difference

Our clinicians’ fervor was infectious, and it inspired each of us to walk out ready to take on new challenges with what we had just learned.

It’s hard to believe that we are almost two months beyond the 2024 TMEA Clinic/Convention. As I reflect on the week in San Antonio, I am filled with a sense of renewal and optimism for the future of music education. One thing that impressed me was experiencing the passion and eloquence our clinicians had for the topics they were presenting. Their fervor was infectious, and it inspired each of us to walk out ready to take on new challenges with what we had just learned.

One of my favorite sessions was the College Student Forum, featuring speakers Amanda Drinkwater, Director of Fine Arts for Lewisville ISD, and Pamela Dawson, DeSoto HS Choir Director and 2023 Grammy Music Educator of the Year. Their open dialogue offered such a unique opportunity for future music educators to learn firsthand from two master teachers.

Attendance at this year’s convention was strong again, and I am thrilled to report there were 3,961 college students in attendance! Additionally, the hundreds of clinics and performances were among the best ever compiled by the Executive Board.

We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the Board for their dedication to the membership of our organization. The scope and breadth of offerings was vast, timely, and of immediate interest not only to members of the College Division, but also across the entire TMEA membership. Thanks go to the Board for providing us all with the best professional development conference for music education. Thanks also go to the many who submitted proposals. It is only with a considerable number of

April–May—Attend your spring Region meeting (see page 2).

May 1 —TMEA 2024–2025 membership year opens for online and mail/email submission.

May 1–June 1 —2025 Clinic/Convention proposals accepted online.

June 30 —All 2023–2024 TMEA memberships expire.

July 25–27—TBA, TCDA, TODA conventions in San Antonio.

October 4 —College Fall Conference.

Music Educators Workshops 2024

SMU HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STATE CHOIR CAMP

June 6-8, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Saturday Final Concert at 3 p.m.

Section Leaders: Christopher Ahrens, Jesse Cannon

Collaborative Pianists: Rebecca Baker, Brian Bentley, Jimmy Emery Inquire about a discount for schools sending 10 or more students

INSTRUMENT REPAIR FOR THE BAND DIRECTOR

June 7-8, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Instructor: Ann MacMillan

THE ART OF TEACHING MUSIC FOR BAND DIRECTORS

June 10-12, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Director: Matthew McInturf

EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC: A DYNAMIC, INTERACTIVE ORFF APPROACH FOR PRE-K TO GRADE 3

June 13-15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Instructor: Lynn Kleiner

ORFF SCHULWERK, LEVELS I, II & III

June 17-28, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, except:

Wednesday, June 19: 1 to 5 p.m.*

Saturday, June 22: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

*In order to provide participants the opportunity to attend local Juneteenth celebrations.

Instructors: Mary Beth Alexander, Michael Chandler, Paul Cribari, Amy Fenton, Paul Hallsted, Alicia Knox, Richard Layton, Jacqueline Schrader, Meg Tietz and Michael Vasquez Inquire about a discount for schools sending 10 or more participants

KODÁLY, LEVELS I, II & III AND KODÁLY CHORAL TRACK, LEVELS I & II

July 2-18, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, except:

Thursday, July 4: no classes

Saturday, July 6: classes meet 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

This course is presented in conjunction with the Plano ISD Kodály Certification Program, which is endorsed by the Organization of American Kodály Educators.

Faculty: Benjamin Daniel, Jason Dove, Bethany Houff, Brenda Keen, Kathy Kuddes, Georgia Newlin, Sarah Riordan, Corey Fisher Smith, Kristin Vogt and Melissa Young

Inquire about a discount for schools sending 10 or more participants

For more information, visit smu.edu/muedworkshops or contact us at muedworkshops@smu.edu.

high-quality clinic proposals on a variety of topics that a well curated program can be achieved.

As I step into the role of TMEA College Division Vice-President, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the amazing work of Matthew McInturf. His leadership and guidance these past two years has enabled the College Division to grow in membership and in our presence and impact at the annual convention. His kindness and unwavering dedication to furthering the best in music education will serve as a guide as I endeavor to build upon the foundation that he, and his predecessors, have laid.

If you didn’t attend the General Session on Thursday morning of our conven-

tion, you missed out on an amazing keynote from our Executive Director, Robert Floyd. In the pre-speech videos, we had the opportunity to see a wonderful collection of well-wishes and celebrations from some of Bob’s colleagues and former students. As hard as it must have been for him to follow that up with his keynote, he did so with his trademark grace and poise.

In his address, he shared with us a few thoughts on his time in the role of Executive Director and challenged us to continue the legacy of excellence by always looking toward what the future of music education might hold. His speech helped set a great tone for the rest of the conference.

Be sure to read highlights from his

address on page 26, and if you weren’t at the session, go to www.tmea.org/2024keynote to watch the video.

College Student Essay Contest

Last year, the Executive Board approved the reinstatement of the College Student Essay Contest and instituted a $2,000 award for one undergraduate student and one graduate student winner. Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 College Student Essay Contest:

• Undergraduate: Kaylee McGuire, Baylor University, “Empowering Students with Disabilities Through Music Education: Student Teaching in a Self-Contained Classroom”

• Graduate: Nicole Laborte, University of North Texas, “Social Emotional Learning: Behind the Buzz(word)”

We had a wonderful response last year to the call for submissions, and we would love to have more this year. Submissions are accepted starting in September. Thanks go to the members of the Article Review Committee in selecting this year’s winners from the fantastic pool of candidates.

■ Faculty who focus on undergraduates

■ 16 ensembles, with national and international

■ Degrees in music education, performance, and composition

■ Master of Arts in Teaching, a 5th year program with a full year of student teaching and 100% job placement (25 consecutive years)

■ Located in culturally vibrant San Antonio

■ Study Abroad opportunities

School of Music

TCU School of Music

2024 SUMMER MUSIC

Camps & Workshops

TEXAS CHAMBER MUSIC INSTITUTE • JUNE 1-9

JULIETTE HERLIN, LIZ LEE AND MICHAEL BUKHMAN

PERCUSSION CAMP • JUNE 7&8 BRIAN WEST, JEFF HODGE

TCU BAND CAMPS • JUNE 9-15 BOBBY FRANCIS, BRIAN YOUNGBLOOD

FLUTE WORKSHOP • JUNE 25&26 SHAUNA THOMPSON

SAXOPHONE WORKSHOP • JUNE 27&28, ALLEN CORDINGLEY

HARP WORKSHOP • JULY 8-10 KELA WALTON

ALL-STATE CHOIR CAMP • JULY 14-20 CHRISTOPHER ASPAAS, MARLA RINGEL

CLARINET WORKSHOP • JULY 23-24 COREY MACKEY

NEW! MIDDLE SCHOOL CLARINET WORKSHOP • JULY 22

FOR REGISTRATION INFO, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.MUSIC.TCU.EDU/SMI.ASP

Summer 2024 Graduate Studies in Music Education

Intensive Music Education Courses as Brief as Two Weeks (plus online components) Application & Class Registration Now Open for New Students

May 28 - June 27, 2024

Foundations of Music Education - MUED 5340 - Dr. Jacqueline Henninger (O-A)

Summer Choir - MUEN 5101 - Dr. Corey Sullivan (TR) 6 PM - 8 PM (L)

Applied Choral Music Literature - MUAP 5302 - Dr. Alan Zabriskie (M-F) 8 AM - 10 AM (L)

Choral Conducting Techniques/Analysis - MUAP 5307 - Dr. Alan Zabriskie (M-F) 10 AM - 12 PM (L)

Graduate Choral Techniques - MUSI 5216 - Dr. Corey Sullivan (TR) 1 PM - 4 PM (L)

May 28 – June 10, 2024

Teaching Music in Urban Settings - MUED 5344 - Dr. Jacqueline Henninger (M-F) 1 PM - 4 PM (L, O-S)

Styles in Wind Literature - MUTH 5305 - Dr. Peter Martens (M-F) 8 AM - 12 PM (L, O-S)

Beginning String Pedagogy: Curriculums and Methods - MUTH 5344 - Dr. Elizabeth Chappell (TBD) 8 AM - 12 PM (L, O-S)

June 10 – June 21, 2024

West Texas Kodaly Initiative - Dr. Susan Brumfield (M-F) 8 AM - 5 PM (L)

June 13 - June 27, 2024

Learning and Music - MUED 5332 - Dr. Joel Pagán (M-F) 1 PM – 5 PM (L, O-S)

Harmony/Voice Leading - MUTH 5300 - Dr. Peter Fischer (M-F) 8 AM -12 PM (L, O-S)

Methods of Historical Research in Music Ed - MUTH 5344 - Dr. Elizabeth Chappell (M-F) 8 AM -12 PM (O-S)

July 1 - July 31, 2024

Graduate Music History Survey - MUHL 5300 - Dr. Lauryn Salazar (O-A)

Applications of Technology in Music - MUSI 5342 - Dr. Shauna Pickens (O-A) Music for Students With Exceptionalities - MUSI 5306 - Prof. Jenny Dees (O-A)

July 1 - July 12, 2024

Tests, Measurements, and Evaluation - MUED 5333 - Dr. John Parsons (M-F) 8 AM - 12 PM (L, O-S)

Pedagogy of Music Theory - MUTH 5306 - Dr. David Forrest (M-F) 1 PM - 5 PM (O-S) Administration in Music - MUSI 5305 - Dr. Andrew Stetson (M-F) 1 PM - 5 PM (L, O-S)

July 15 - July 26, 2024

Modern Band - MUED 5344 - Dr. Shauna Pickens (M-F) 1 PM - 5 PM (L)

Class offerings, schedules, and instructional modalities are subject to change based on enrollment. Summer Session

Modalities

(L) = Face to Face, (O-S) = Online/Synchronous, (O-A) = Online/Asynchronous

Early enrollment is encouraged to ensure eligibility for anticipated summer scholarships. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the following individuals:

Dr. Jacqueline Henninger

Associate Director for Teaching and Learning and Chair of Music Education jacqueline.henninger@ttu.edu

Dr. Andrew Stetson Director, School of Music andrew.stetson@ttu.edu

Mr. Clark Preston Lead Academic Advisor clark.preston@ttu.edu

2024 Fall College Conference

As you begin to set your schedule for next year, I encourage you to include the College Division Fall Conference on your calendar. This year’s event will be held at the TMEA office in Austin on Friday, October 4. As in past years, we will start at 9 a.m. and conclude no later than 3 p.m. There is no cost to attend, lunch is provided, and the TMEA office staff always go out of their way to make us feel welcome.

Unlike the other divisions where much of the work is completed at the Region level, much of our division’s work occurs by our committees. This conference is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together for much needed discourse and to get updates from the TMEA office. Be on the lookout for an email early in the fall semester with an RSVP request.

Convention Proposals

The time is quickly approaching to submit clinic proposals for the 2025 TMEA Clinic/Convention, which will be held February 12–15, in San Antonio. Whether you are a veteran presenter or are still look-

ing for that first opportunity, I encourage you to consider submitting a proposal for next year. Perhaps you will present with a colleague—reach out now to ensure they can present. Begin documenting an indepth preview of what you will present so you are ready when the online submission opens.

Based upon results from the recent survey, below are the top ten topics of interest submitted by college faculty and college students when asked what they want to learn about at the 2025 convention.

College Faculty:

• Teaching methods

• Rehearsal techniques

• Recruiting/retention

• Instrument methods

• Conducting techniques

• Inclusion, diversity, equity & access

• Technology integration

• Research methods & results

• Private lesson strategies

• Repertoire selection

College Students:

• Rehearsal techniques

• Instrument methods

• Teaching methods

• Repertoire selection

• Classroom management

• Conducting techniques

• Mental health & wellness

• Music theory

• Private lesson strategies

• Composing/arranging

When considering your topic proposal, I highly recommend being mindful of the needs expressed by our division’s members. These highly rated topics are considered within the proposal review process. The online submission for proposals is May 1–June 1, and the review process begins immediately after the closing date.

College Division Business Meeting

February 8, 2024, 5:15 p.m., CC 206

College Division Vice-President

Matthew McInturf called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. Introductions were made by all in attendance.

Old Business: The minutes from the 2023 division meeting as published in the April 2023 issue of Southwestern Musician were approved. Matthew McInturf encouraged everyone to catch one of the remaining sessions offered by our featured clinicians, Nicole Robinson and Carlos Abril.

Committee Reports:

Inclusion in Underserved Populations: Crystal Gerrard-Ramirez, Chair, thanked the committee members for their help in reviewing clinic materials. She reported the Presidential Committee (now IDEA) hosted a roundtable discussion during TMEA to learn more about the needs of colleagues and students in the field.

Two-Year College: Todd Quinlan reported on a proposed alternative framework for the “field of study” that has the potential to adversely affect two-year music programs by significantly decreasing the number of discipline specific hours. The Texas Transfer Advisory Committee is aware of the unique needs of music programs and was referenced many times at

the December meeting as well as in a letter of support from TAMS.

Educator Preparation : McInturf thanked outgoing chair Darla Meek for her service and recognized Michele Henry as the new chair. Concerns were brought forward about proposed rule changes to the TAC regarding both formal and informal observations for student teachers. For AllLevel certification, the number of observations required will jump from three to nine in a semester. Acknowledgement was given to those who will be giving testimony in opposition to these proposed changes at the SBEC hearing on February 16.

Certification Resources Subcommittee: Eric Branscome reported that the committee is working to update resources on the TMEA website, including a new practice exam portal. Soon, there will be a call for College Division members to submit potential questions for a new question bank as part of this portal.

McInturf reminded attendees about the Collegiate Music Educator Award, TMEA Research Grants, TMEA College Night

and Reunions, and the 2024 College Fall Conference.

Robert Floyd provided the membership with a legislative update by encouraging our membership to stay vigilant and abreast of legislative initiatives that might affect the certification process.

New Business: Julie Scott provided a summary of the College Student Essay Contest and announced this year’s winners.

McInturf reminded us that there are still TMEA Regions without college representation. He encouraged everyone to consider volunteering to become a representative in their respective region or by serving through College Division committee work.

Carter Biggers was elected by acclamation as the new College Division Vice-President for TMEA. McInturf was thanked for his two years of leadership.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Minutes were submitted by Darla McBryde. 0

SERVING OUR NATION WITH THE WORLD AS OUR STAGE

Marine Musicians represent the Corps and create the sound of freedom for all the world to hear. As a Marine in the Music Enlistment Option Program, you can proudly use your passion for music to inspire our entire Nation.

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