Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • September 2014
26
Congratulations to all who participated in the
2014 Academy for New Band, Choir, and Orchestra
Directors. The 170 attendees put in eight hours
of intensive training covering important aspects of
becoming a professional music educator. The Academy
focused on training that can be used immediately to
“connect the dots” between university course work and
the expectations on the job. Topics included classroom
management, discipline and motivation, legal issues
facing music teachers, proper handling of money,
communication with parents and administrators,
booster clubs, building a culture of success,
and the role of UIL, TMEA, and TEA.
Special thanks to an outstanding Academy
faculty: Brad Kent, Robert Floyd, Tom
Waggoner, Jennifer Dillard, Kari Gilbertson,
Fabian Saldana, Matthew Perez, Katie
Richardson, Holly Wardell, Rick Ghinelli,
James Miculka, Pat Paris, Jim Van Zandt,
and Tim Lautzenheiser. Additional thanks to
Richard Herrera, Billy Talley, Pat Leaverton,
Kenneth Griffin, Sharon Lutz, and Mike Brashear for
their support and efforts in making this year such a
huge success.
The TBA Academy for New Band, Choir, and
Orchestra Directors will be back in 2015. Everyone
involved in the hiring of new teachers should encourage
attendance to the Academy. Young directors who have
been through this training are better prepared to
assume the responsibilities of a professional educator.
“The TBA Academy was as inspiring day of clinics with some amazing teachers!
Every young teacher should attend the Academy.”
Josh Howe, Assistant Band Director, Spence Talented and Gifted Academy, Dallas ISD.
“Even as a second year teacher, I learned a fantastic amount from the TBA Academy.
I’m excited to go into year two with even more tools in my teacher toolbox.”
Marie Parisot, Assistant Choir Director, Arnold Middle School, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.
TBA Academy 2014
Brian Merri l l
“The TBA Academy is just what any new
music teacher needs before starting a career
in music.”
Michael Cortes, Assistant Band Director,
Rhodes Middle School, San Antonio ISD
“This academy was infuential and
inspirational. No matter whether you teach
band, choir or orchestra, you will leave the
academy as a better music educator.”
Brittany Elliff, Assistant Choir Director,
Spillane Middle School, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
TBA Academy attendees network during lunch in the Lonesome Dove Room