Something for Everyone

Seventy-six. Not only is that the number of trombones in the big parade, it was the number of clinics and workshops offered at our 2006 annual Convention/Clinic. Add to that six concerts, nineteen business meetings, and eight social events for a grand total of one hundred and nine opportunities to learn, listen, plan, and share. The variety was as impressive as the large number of presentations: from "Beginning Band: On Being a Visionary" to "Music's Symbols and Messages," "Getting the Most Out of Your Web Page" to "The Use of Electronics with Marching Band," and "Succeeding as a Middle School Assistant Band Director" to "Your TRS Benefits Now and in the Future."

These clinics were organized into tracks for middle and high school directors, small school directors, college students, jazz educators and boosters. While learning marching band techniques was well-represented by seven clinics, middle school directors had the most to choose from with over half of all clinics dedicated to subjects they could find immediately useful. As the Board of Directors and TBA office staff plan for the 2007 Convention/Clinic, the same concept for constructing the convention will be used. Mark your calendar for July 20 -23, 2007. It's going to be a great convention and there is definitely going to be something for everyone.

I was fortunate to attend the Professional Development Clinic at Southern Methodist University, "A Day with Master Teachers." Special thanks to Lynne Jackson, Claire Johnson, Donna Schmidt and Joe Dixon for their great work. Also thanks to all who attended. It was an informative, entertaining, and inspirational day. The next Professional Development Clinic, "From Concert F to the Concert Stage," will be at the Murchison Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of North Texas on February 3, 2007. It will feature Cindy Lansford and David Brandon. The North Ridge Middle School band will be there as well. You are not going to want to miss this.

Congratulations to all the State Marching Contest winners and participants. For that matter, congratulations to everyone who has negotiated the twists and turns of the roller coaster called high school marching band for another season. Is there anything else we do that generates so much excitement, passion, discussion and expectation? I believe the best in our profession are able to channel this energy into their entire program, creating a balance of competitive and educational goals that benefit their students immensely.

The impact that all of us have on our students is profound. TBA is here to help us learn from each other how to best meet the needs of these students. Please feel free to contact any member of the Board or office staff with your ideas and suggestions on how TBA can best serve its members.

Have a good holiday break and a great start to the New Year.