Page 17 - 2019 BMR April

Why YBDT?

Amanda Blackstone, YBDT Executive Director

Perhaps you stumbled across our of people who were able to get the stories, and inspiring us to
name for the first time at the 2019 “shop talk” out of their system after focus on the long-term impact of our
TMEA convention, maybe you’ve work maybe at a bar or local music jobs. Many people in attendance said
been following our Facebook page store. Those meetups are few and far the YBDT Q&A Session stood out to
for a while, or it could be that you’re between these days with the non-stop them as one of their favorite events at
hearing about us for the first time. high school schedules, the simple fact the convention. It was nice to gather
In any of those scenarios, you may that the dog needs a walk, or due to in a smaller setting and engage in a
find yourself asking, “Why YBDT?” a lengthy commute to a neighboring more intimate way than a traditional
YBDT is a tongue-twisting acronym suburb. YBDT is finding ways to use clinic. We look forward to hosting
that stands for Young Band Directors technology and social media to keep our next Q&A Session at the TBA
of Texas, a new nonprofit organization our members connected and engaged convention in July.
designed to promote community and in the band world. We have a YBDT As members and leaders of Young
provide resources for band directors in Members Only Facebook group that Band Directors of Texas, we have
the great state of Texas—particularly allows people to post silly and serious only just started our journey to serve
those who are just starting out. questions of varying topics openly. and support our profession. Working
YBDT currently boasts nearly 200 That page has now inspired a YBDT around the demands of our number
members, six Exec Board members gaming community and possibly a one job, we strive to answer that
and eight Regional Chairs. Each person March Madness pool on ESPN.com. question, “Why YBDT?” We are very
involved with our organization is The format may be different, but the thankful for our ongoing partnership
currently employed as a band director. benefits remain the same: friendship, with TBA and the immense growth
We have sponsored informational support, and learning. that we have experienced as a result of
events at the 2018 TBA convention We hosted our first-ever Q&A their belief in our mission.
and the 2019 TMEA convention. Session at the TMEA convention Anyone interested in Young Band
Additionally, YBDT social events this Spring. Dana Pradervand and Directors of Texas is encouraged to
have been popping up all around the Reagan Brumley did an amazing find us online or at the July 2019 TBA
state in El Paso, Arlington, Houston, job of providing insight, sharing Convention/Clinic.
Lubbock, and San Antonio. Not to
mention, the YBDT College Division
will be hosting a Student Teaching
Crash Course this month at the UNT
College of Music for those studying
to join our profession. Whether it
is a social or informational climate,
we believe that coming together as
young band directors will help to Amanda Blackstone is an assistant band director at Farley Middle School in Hutto, Texas. She
reduce director burnout and curb teaches beginning woodwind classes and the sub non-varsity band. Prior to becoming a Hutto Hippo,
Amanda taught in Southlake, Texas at Carroll Middle School. She graduated from Texas Tech
the isolation that some may feel University in 2015 and is currently working towards earning a Master’s degree in Music Education
throughout the school year. at Texas Tech. In her three years as a band director, Amanda has already observed the escalated
burn-out rates of new band directors. Through the creation of Young Band Directors of Texas, she
Community looks a little different
hopes to provide resources and a sense of community to new band directors so they can better serve
now than it may have 30, 20, or the band programs of Texas.
even 10 years ago. I know plenty Amanda was the 2014 recipient of the TBA Malcolm Helm Memorial Endowed Scholarship.

Bandmasters Review • April 2019 15 Texas Bandmasters Association