Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • September 2014
18
Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, I started off at
Hornedo Middle School under the direction of the late
Jorge Avendaño. Shortly thereafter, I attended Franklin
High School and served as a
drum major of Bruce Beach’s
band for two years. During that
time, I had the opportunity to
participate in TMEA All State
ensembles and UIL State Solo
and Ensemble events multiple
times. I am now a student
at Texas Tech University in
Lubbock, Texas. In May 2015,
I will be graduating with a
degree in Music Education.
In college, I’ve worked very hard to maintain a
spot on the Dean’s List as well as strived to pursue
any and all student involvement opportunities that
may arise. At Tech, I am very involved with the
Goin’
Band from Raiderland
under the direction of Professor
Duane Hill. Last fall, I finished my first season in the
role of Assistant Drum Major and completed my two-
year service as Uniform Chair. Uniform chair was a
specifically demanding role that combined my passion
for
Goin’ Band
with my dedication to our chapter of
Tau Beta Sigma. I’m also very involved with the Tech
Flute Studio as well as the Tech Flute Society. We’ve
had the opportunity to travel
as a flute choir to a National
Flute Association event and the
Bigger than Texas Flute Choir
event at TWU.
This past year, I joined the
Texas Tech Concert Band as a
featured soloist, gave my junior
recital, and was a member
of Dr. McKoin’s Symphonic
Wind Ensemble. I’ve spent
the majority of summer 2014
teaching and assisting at programs around Lubbock,
Texas. I have worked with the Middle School Band
Academy, Texas Tech Band and Orchestra Camp for
my third summer, and miscellaneous instrument fairs
and summer band camps in town.
After graduation, I hope to become a high school
band director somewhere in Texas. I’m also considering
pursuing a Master’s degree in Flute Performance.
The Malcolm Helm Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Instrumental music education, Texas bands, and the Texas Bandmasters Association suffered a great loss with the passing of Malcolm
Helm in March 1993. Malcolm was a friend and colleague to many. Long after becoming ill, he continued to serve his beloved profession
tirelessly with the same uncompromising commitment to service and excellence exhibited throughout an illustrious 23-year career.
To honor his memory, the TBA’s Executive Board established the Malcolm Helm Memorial Endowed Scholarship to be supported by an
endowment funded by donations from friends and colleagues. The recipients of this scholarship are outstanding undergraduate wind or
percussion players who are majoring in music education at a Texas public or private college or university. During a time of escalating costs in
higher education, TBA has the opportunity as an association to assist talented, promising college students as they prepare for the teaching
profession.
Tax-deductible donations of any amount to the Malcolm Helm Endowed Scholarship Fund are invited and welcomed. For those wishing
to make a donation, simply send a check or money order to Texas Bandmasters Association, 1002 Central Parkway South, San Antonio,
Texas 78232. There is an acknowledgement form available to honor someone with your donation on a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or
just to say a special thank you.
Students my apply for the scholarship each spring and will be awarded at the summer convention. For information on how to apply,
visit the TBA web site www.texasbandmasters.org.
2014 Malcolm Helm Memorial
Endowed Scholarship Winner
Amanda Vereen, Texas Tech Universi ty