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TBA YBDT Partnership An Immediate Success

community, in resource acquisition and usage. Attendees Katie Fehr is an assistant band director at Frenship High School in
jotted down notes as the presenters spoke on the practical Wolfforth, TX. Ms. Fehr is a first year teacher and directs the Freshmen
Band and assists with all other performing ensembles at the high school.
and valuable topics that ranged from approaches on She also assists the feeder middle school band programs with their beginner
networking to recommendations for inexpensive, yet classes and advanced band rehearsals. Prior to beginning her teacher
career, Ms. Fehr received her Bachelor’s in Music Education at Texas Tech
reliable, recording equipment. Knowing HOW to set
University in Lubbock, TX and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Music
yourself up for success seemed to be the central concern for Education. She student taught at Ronald Reagan High School and Barbara
new teachers. Respondents asked how to create a support/ Bush Middle School in San Antonio, TX. Through the creation of YBDT,
Ms. Fehr hopes to provide valuable resources and a sense of community
recourse network, how to balance career and personal for new band directors.
life, what strategies were best for furthering professional
development, and how to differentiate between reliable
and unreliable resources.
TBA conference attendees responded positively
to the sessions. One, Vincent Morris, had high
praise for the organization: “YBDT’s first TBA
convention went amazing! It provided young
directors tools on how to be a better educator,
but more importantly they have an opportunity to
connect with directors from around the state who
are in similar situations. They helped provide a
voice that says ‘you are not alone.’ The clinic Three
Essentials of a Young Band Director was extremely
helpful, engaging and needed. It has propelled
me to balance my life and remind me that I am
a human and can do things other than band!
Thankful for this group of people!”
Moving forward, Young Band Directors of
Texas plans to transition from the designation
of organization “followers” to organization
“members” on FaceBook and Instagram. Directors
should be able to register as members by October
2018. Additionally, YBDT is seeking applications
for regional chairs in all geographical areas of
Texas. The establishment of regional chairs will
enable YBDT to further its stated mission by
providing members with a support community
in their area. Great things are happening with
YBDT. Stay tuned for more to come, and message
us about getting involved! And, again, thank you,
Texas Bandmasters Association! We are looking
forward to next year’s convention!

Bandmasters Review • September 2018 27 Texas Bandmasters Association