Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • June 2014
4
directors. The “Teaching Beginner” series comes back
to TBA with six clinics: flute with Helen Blackburn,
clarinet with Tye Ann Payne, French Horn with David
Brandon, trumpet with Gary Wurtz, euphonium and
tuba with Dr. Matthew Mireles, and percussion with
JD Guzman. Helen, Tye Ann, and David will repeat
their clinics on Wednesday morning. Robert Herrings
will present a clinic on how to continue to develop
the technical and musical proficiency of your students
beyond the beginner year with his clinic: “Pedagogy
from the Podium” using the Kealing Middle School,
Mark Gurgel director, as a demo group. A panel
discussion on developing a total middle school band
program will be a “must see” clinic with June Bearden,
Cindy Bulloch, and Cindy Lansford. This clinic will
also be repeated on Wednesday morning.
It is with great honor that we present Mr. Dan
Gibbs as Bandmaster of the Year. Mr. Gibbs will be
the keynote speaker at the Business Luncheon. With
notables such as Mr. Gibbs and Dr. Garner, TBA has a
“Who’s Who” of the best teachers in Texas and in the
nation. Every clinic will be a “can’t miss” opportunity,
so be sure all the directors at your school schedule
wisely to have someone attend all of the relevant
clinic presentations. If you are the only director at
your campus or district, map out the best clinics that
pertain to your needs and network with other teachers
to help out throughout the year.
Student Day with Frank Troyka is scheduled for
Monday, July 28
th
. Students will have an opportunity to
attend leadership clinics, All State music presentations
and visit the Exhibit Hall. The Canadian Brass,
Plano Community Band as well as trombonist and
YouTube sensation Christopher Bill will perform for
the students.
The spouses’ events are a vital part of our association
and you will want to encourage your spouse to
participate. We will have the Spouses’ Luncheon in
the beautiful Lonesome Dove Room at the Convention
Center river level. The featured guest speaker will
be Fran Kick who will certainly entertain attendees.
The Lonesome Dove Room has limited seating so we
encourage pre-registration to ensure that all spouses
have an opportunity to attend. The Spouses’ Board
has many other activities planned such as a fashion
seminar, bingo, and much more. This is a great way
for your spouse to get connected with TBA. My hope
is that spouses can find time to get away from work
and perhaps bring the family. Remember that TBA has
free childcare.
Lastly, I encourage all band directors to stay
connected with our profession. Sure you can find
many resources on the internet, but nothing beats the
face to face, human contact, and live performances
such as what the TBA Convention/Clinic offers. So join
me July 27 through July 30 to not only learn, network,
and visit, but to celebrate and get reenergized for the
beginning of a new school year. I will see you in July!
From the Board