The A33E NIB: Some Participants’ Perspectives Assisting the NIB
Stephanie Salazar, Delta Eta, ΤΒΣ (Host Chapter member) “It seemed to me that it was all very well-organized: Col. Shelburne knew exactly what he wanted. The musicians were very self-motivated and professional. I was overwhelmed at how they could have so little time, not even knowing each other, and yet come together in a few days to create such incredible music. I felt that everyone involved was achieving something that was greater than we ever imagined.”
Filling In at the Last Minute
Amanda Beatty, Psi, ΤΒΣ “I was sitting in the Headquarters on-site office when Debbie Baker dashed in. She was asking about possible musicians to make up for last minute cancellations for the NIB, especially for euphonium. Since I play trombone, I thought I might be able to be ‘last chair.’ Debbie, however, had other plans for me – she needed a trombone player too! “When I walked into the first rehearsal, I didn’t feel ready, musically or emotionally. The conductor, Col. Shelburne, was amazing; he made me feel comfortable immediately. When I played Julie Giroux’s new piece, “Hands of Mercy,” I felt the pride that comes from being part of a talented ensemble playing great music.”
Auditioning Through the Performance
Cecil Crabtree, Alpha Psi, ΚΚΨ “The first time I auditioned on the alto sax, I was only an alternate for the 1999 NIB. This time I took more time to prepare. When I opened the envelope announcing my selection to NIB, I felt relieved that I had really made it this time. “I really wanted to get to Corpus early so I could touch base with friends who had recently become district presidents like Adam Cantley and Burt Daigle. I even found an hour or two to practice before audition time. I hung out in the hallway after I played, waiting to hear the results – I made first chair! “And the rehearsals were long and pretty tough. It made me determined to practice more this summer to keep the edge I have now. The technical details were firm by the time of the performance so I could savor the moment of the music. The commissioned piece by Dr. Mahr had so many emotions to portray musically. “Not everyone in ΚΚΨ or ΤΒΣ would think that they are good enough to be in the NIB but that is not always the case. The whole reason of joining these two organizations is because of our love for the band. And being a part of this ensemble, I saw many people who were not music majors sitting at the top of their section. So never miss an opportunity of a lifetime for lack of trying.”
14—The PODIUM, Fall 2001
A Math Major Makes the Band!
Nick Nerrin, Alpha, ΚΚΨ “The NIB was a lot of fun as well as a lot of hard work! I’m a math major, not a music major, so don’t usually try out for ensembles such as the NIB, but this was the best band I’ve ever played in! Eighteen hours of practice over three days left my lips chapped for a week! “It was really nice to play a concert for an audience composed of people who are dedicated to music; they are much more appreciative, and that helped us to play even better, I think. “Col. Shelburne was a really nice person and did a great job conducting the band and putting together a performance in such a short time from a group of musicians who had never played together before. “I really liked the composers’ conducting their own pieces and explaining how they were inspired to write them. That made the entire experience much more interesting and a challenge to try to achieve their vision of the music.” U
2001 NIB CD
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Kapp a Kap pa Psi 2001 N & Tau ationa Beta S l Inter igm collegi ate Ba a Relive the 2001 nd
NIB Concert with your very own copy on Compact Disc! Available for only $10 from the National Headquarters. Order using the Supply Order Form in the Chapter Operations Handbook or call National Headquarters at 1-800-543-6505.
NIB and Convention Photos Available Participate in the A33E NIB? Attend the A33E National Con4 vention? Keep the memories fresh with copies of the official group photos as seen in this issue of The PODIUM Each photo is only E3 including shipping and handling and is suitable for framing! Order today from National Headquarters
