Page 21 - Bandmasters Review - 2017 June

“Summertime, and the livin’ is easy...”

Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser
Dr. Tim will present
Do you think those familiar lyrics were written by a band director? “The Magic Potion to
I doubt it. Program Success:
What about Nat King Cole’s familiar: “Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.”
Those probably weren’t penned by the local band director either. EFFORT!” on July 20
at 11 am as well as
The people reading this article soon as we return, we have the July 4th That’s speak at Student Day
obviously are not spending their parade. That’s always fun because so a pretty on July 21.
school vacation (leisure) time focused many of the alums come back and join convincing
on typical summer activities: fishing, us; it’s like a musical reunion. Then I attitude
swimming, gardening, sailing, etc. have to get the parents organized for after two-plus decades in the
YOU are here because you were the trip to the drum corps contest… profession, isn’t it? To each his own,
flipping through the latest issue of it is one of the perks we offer to those but you are certainly part of that
the Bandmaster Review in hopes of students who help during the summer special group of professionals we label
finding some new options that could and they love it. A group of seniors “mission-driven.” That’s how you got
be relevant to the ongoing growth and have agreed to repaint the rehearsal to this article in the first place.
development of your program. ’Tis a room; I can help them while I work Whatever it is that brings you
bit of a reality check, isn’t it? in the band library at the same time. summer enjoyment, ENJOY IT! To
A few years ago, I was having The section leaders want to get an each his own. We will soon blink
a conversation with a wonderful early start with the new freshmen, so our eyes and the school bell will be
colleague (and a first class band we’ll have some evening get-togethers tolling for the 2017-2018 academic
director) at the end of the school so the recruits can make a smooth year ahead.
year and I inquired, “What’s on your transition from middle school band to By the way (just in case you are
agenda for June and July? Are you glad high school band. I’m hoping to find a interested), it was George Gershwin
there are only a few days left in this couple days to get my office organized who wrote: “Summertime, and the
academic year?” so we hit the ground runnin’ once living’ is easy.”
He smiled and replied. “Absolutely! we start back-to-school band camp… And coincidentally, he also wrote:
Although this has been the best of my and…” “STRIKE UP THE BAND!”
21 years of teaching, I must admit it I finally interrupted his seemingly Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser is a trusted friend
will be a nice change of pace to have endless stream-of-thoughts and to anyone interested in working with young
some FREE TIME. It will be good to inquired, “Are you going to take people in developing a desire for excellence
GET AWAY AND RELAX. I have some anytime JUST FOR YOURSELF and and a passion for high level achievement.
really exciting things planned to do in for YOUR FAMILY? It will make you a His career involves ten years of successful
college band directing and three years with
the weeks ahead.” better teacher if you do.” McCormick’s Enterprises working as Executive
“Sounds great!” I responded, “Oh, you’re right,” he said with Director of Bands of America. In 1981, he
“What’s on your holiday schedule?” a sheepish grin, “We are going to created Attitude Concepts for Today, Inc., an
“Oh my gosh…I don’t know where spend a week visiting both sets of organization designed to manage the requests
for presentations. Dr. Tim presently serves as
to begin,” he said with enthusiasm grandparents. We do it every July, and Vice President of Education for Conn-Selmer,
as he gathered his thoughts to share it is always a good change of pace. Inc., Senior Educational Advisor for Music
his upcoming list. “First we have our The truth is, I get itchy after about for All and NAMM (The International Music
Products Association) and is an adjunct faculty
annual three-day retreat for all the five days and that is a good sign I’m member at Ball State University (Earl Dunn
new officers and student leaders, then recharged and ready to get back to the Distinguished Lecturer), Indiana-Purdue/Ft.
I’m going to take some of the young school, the students, and the NEW Wayne University, and Butler University. In
musicians to our local university band BAND. I know not everyone feels this addition, he serves on The Midwest Clinic Board
of Directors and the Western International
camp; I will be helping with sectionals way, but I think I’ve got the greatest Band Clinic/American Band College Board of
and various parts of the rehearsals. As job in the world.” Directors.

Bandmasters Review • June 2017 19 Texas Bandmasters Association