Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • September 2014
6
students could be fingering scale work, a section of
music, or all region audition music. If you are working
with just the brass on a marching drill, the others can be
working on their marching fundamentals or fingering
a section of music. This not only engages the students
you’re not working with to “stay busy”, but also gives
the opportunity for those students to continue to
work individually. However, keeping everyone engaged
in the rehearsal has to be an expectation set by the
band director very early in the school year. Create the
expectation and be sure that students follow through
with their silent study until it becomes a natural habit
of daily rehearsal technique. Make every minute of your
rehearsal count.
Thank you for allowing me to serve on the TBA
Board. It has been a fantastic journey that I have truly
enjoyed. The board members I have had the pleasure
of working with are some of the most humble, hard
working, and professional men who will forever be
my brothers.
I have been fortunate in my career to have a network
of master teachers ready to help or give advice on any
question I may have. I feel networking is the key to
being a successful director. So, be sure to email, call,
invite, or visit a master teacher. I promise they are
willing to help. This is what’s so great about being a
Texas band director!
Best wishes to all of you as you begin your school
year! As a band director, it is easy to get so involved in
the day to day details of your job that you don’t step
back and really enjoy the time you spend
with your students. You may be the one
teacher that is able to influence a student
in a positive, life-changing way!
THANK YOU.
I want to thank YOU
for taking time out of your summer to
attend the TBA Convention/Clinic. It
is because of YOU that TBA has grown
to be the largest summer band director
convention in the country. This year,
over 18,851 hours were spent by YOU attending
clinics, concerts, and product showcases. In addition,
many more hours were spent in the Exhibit Hall
surveying the many products and services on display
there. No wonder Texas is able to have so many great
band programs—all because of the commitment and
dedication of the many outstanding directors!
TBA RESOURCES.
TBA offers many resources
providing a wealth of information for band directors.
Visit the website at
texasbandmasters.org
and click on
the RESOURCES tab and then open the PUBLICATION
ARCHIVES. There you will be able to download
handouts from past conventions as well
as articles from
Bandmasters Review
magazines. Also, check the website for
information on the TBA Professional
Development Outreach Program.
CLINIC SUBMISSIONS.
If you are
interested in proposing a clinic for next
year’s convention, please do so now on
our website. Bruce Beach, the 2014-15
TBA President, and the board welcome
suggestions from you.
NEW CONVENTION DATES.
Starting next
year, the TBA Convention/Clinic will be scheduled for
Thursday-Sunday noon. Dates for 2015 are July 23-26.
For high school directors, we hope the earlier date will
work well. Returning home for a full week of summer
band after the convention should be a positive change.
Reserve these dates now so you can attend next year!
Have a great fall semester!
TBA News
Michael Brashear, TBA Execut ive Director
From the Board, Richard Herrera