Page 9 - Bandmasters Review - 2017 June

The Beginnings of TBA

music that they owned, especially music they had played
successfully with their own band program. Selections
included marches, transcriptions, and newly published
concert music. During these early days, music written for
public school bands was not very plentiful. Therefore the
sharing of music between directors and the exploration of
new music was critical to the development of band programs
throughout the state.
The other main event of the very first TBA convention
was the Directors Marching Band. In order to learn how
to teach the most up-to-date marching techniques, the
directors formed a marching band and learned a show
at the convention. In the early days, George T. Bennett
was brought in to teach the directors. He was author of
a comprehensive series of Marching Books. His marching
bands during the days of the national contest created a
sensation when they made their appearance. Mr. Bennett
was the director of the Elizabeth City, North Carolina HS
Band when he served as clinician for the Directors Marching
Band. Even though Al Sturchio did not participate in the
marching band, Janice Sturchio was the twirler featured with
this group. She was quite a sensation as she twirled, did back
flips, and was featured as the “monkey-grinder” during one
part of the show. Even though the Directors Marching Band
was very helpful in promoting new techniques for Texas
bands, the participants did not enjoy participating in the
September heat of San Antonio. Therefore before long, the
TBA New Music - Marching Band Clinic no longer featured
the Directors Marching Band. Clinics were moved indoors
for the directors and the reading bands continued.
From these humble beginnings in 1948, TBA has grown
into the largest state band director organization in the
country. One thing that has remained constant with TBA
is the dedication of Texas band directors and their quest
for learning the most up to date teaching techniques. The
clinics, demonstration groups, concerts, and large exhibit
hall have helped Texas band directors improve their teaching
skills throughout the years. In addition, military bands and
ensembles have played an integral role in our Convention/
Clinics, providing unparalleled expertise and entertainment
for our enjoyment and edification.

Schedule pages, taken from the 1950 TBA
convention program.

Bandmasters Review • June 2017 7 Texas Bandmasters Association