Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • December 2012
21
Cl inicians: What Are They Good For?
To view the handout from this and other TBA Clinics, go to:
www.texasbandmasters.org
.
Select Publications Archives located under RESOURCES in the menu bar.
The Business Side
Communicate - before and after the clinic
Arrange all financial matters - i.e. clinician fees, expenses, payment schedule, etc. - prior
to the (first) clinic. Make sure both the director and the clinician know exactly what to
expect.
Pay the clinician in a timely manner, usually within two weeks of the clinic unless other
arrangements have been made.
Final Thoughts
Clinician Anxiety
There are directors who want help and know they need help, but are apprehensive about enlisting
the services of a clinician. Some directors develop a great deal of anxiety over the very thought
of having a clinician. Many directors do not use a clinician because they are intimidated by the
clinician, lack confidence in their own work, or they are afraid that the clinician will talk about
them and/or their band. Don't be worried about what a clinician may think about you and your
band. A clinician is there to help you, not to make judgments. He/she is on your side. You may
have to step outside your comfort zone at first, but in the long run you and your students will
benefit.
Don't Be Afraid to Pick and Choose
Use the clinician's suggestions as you see fit. Changes or suggestions made by the clinician are
not set in stone. If you do not like the clinician's suggestions, don't use them or modify them to
something that will work for you. Remember, YOU are the director.
"Always try to associate yourself with and learn as much as you can from those
who know more than you do, who do better than you, who see more clearly than
you."
- President Dwight D. Eisenhower
Special thanks to our wives, Cindy Vaughn and Susan Meyer Patterson, for their valuable
assistance in offering suggestions and proofreading this handout.
Acclaimed as “one of the fnest transcribers of all time” (James
Keene, University of Illinois-retired) and “without peer as a band
arranger” (Eddie Green, University of Houston-retired), the wind
transcriptions of Merlin Patterson have set new standards in
attaining “the highest possible current degree of attention to color and
imagination” (Jerry Junkin, University of Texas and Dallas Wind
Symphony). Merlin Patterson received his formal musical training at
Sam Houston State University. Mr. Patterson has specialized in the
works of Aaron Copland. His works have been performed by leading
professional organizations, including the United States Marine Band,
the United States Air Force Band, and the Dallas Wind Symphony, as
well as by major university ensembles. Recordings of his transcriptions
are available on the Mark, DBP Audio, Albany, and GIA record
labels. His works are published by TRN, Manhattan Beach Music,
and Boosey & Hawkes. Most of Mr. Patterson’s transcriptions are
available through his website
www.merlinpatterson.com
. Now
retired, Mr. Patterson ended his 28-year teaching career as Band
Director at Bleyl Middle School in the Cypress-Fairbanks school
district. Mr. Patterson had previously taught in the Spring Branch
and Klein school districts. His bands have received numerous
awards, including 22 UIL Sweepstakes, frst division ratings at the
Buccaneer Music Festival, and on six separate occasions been named
“Outstanding Band” or “Runner Up” at the prestigious South Coast
Music Festival. In April 1998, the Klein Symphonic Band under his
baton was honored to perform at the National Wind Band Festival in
New York’s Carnegie Hall and his band at Bleyl Middle School twice
placed in the top ten in TMEA State Honor Band competition. He
continues to remain active in the band world as clinician, adjudicator,
and of course, arranger.
Randy Vaughn began his music career with the Gattis Junior
High Band under the direction of Harold VanWinkle in Clovis,
New Mexico. At Clovis High School, his band director was Norvil
Howell. During this time he studied private fute with Ted Raven.
Mr. Vaughn is a 1968 graduate of West Texas State University with a
Bachelor of Music Education. While at WTSU, his band director and
private fute instructor was Dr. Gary Garner. Later in his career, he
also received instruction from Mr. Eddie Green at the University of
Houston. He has received wonderful support from Cindy, his wife of
thirty-fve years. Mr. Vaughn retired in 2001 after thirty-four years
in the Texas public schools. Previous experiences include positions
at Klein High School and Strack Intermediate School (Klein ISD),
Hereford High School and Stanton Junior High School (Hereford ISD)
and Claude High School (Claude ISD). Mr. Vaughn’s bands have been
recognized statewide and nationally for their musical excellence.
They have earned 32 UIL sweepstakes awards as well as other top
honors at prestigious festivals. Some of these include the Bands of
America Grand Nationals in Indianapolis, the Texas AAAAA State
Marching Band Competition and the Texas AAAAA Honor Band
competition, the Bands of America National Concert Band Festival
in Chicago, performances at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.,
and Carnegie Hall in New York City. In 2002, Mr. Vaughn was
awarded the Lifetime Meritorious Achievement Award by the Texas
Bandmasters Association, and in 2010 was inducted into the Phi
Beta Mu Hall of Fame. Mr. Vaughn’s professional affliations include
TMEA, Phi Beta Mu, TMAA and is a past president of the Texas
Bandmasters Association. He maintains a busy schedule as clinician,
guest conductor and adjudicator across the United States.