Dear
ABA Colleagues:It is with great enthusiasm that I assume the position of President of this esteemed
association, and I welcome your suggestions for making significant contributions to our profession via The American Bandmasters Association.
I am most grateful to the John Philip Sousa Foundation for their generous contribution in support of the Ostwald Composition Contest. Starting in 2011, the award will be named The Sousa/Ostwald Award, and will be awarded annually. The compositions selected will alternate between Grade I-IV (next year) and Grade V-VI. This format will allow for significant compositions that may be played by high school and middle school bands, as well as compositions that may be performed by the most accomplished wind groups in the world.
Kudos and many thanks also to Dr. John Long and the ABA Journal of Band Research for providing funding earmarked for the completion of the History of the ABA. Dr. David C. McCormick has agreed to write the book. Perhaps you know that David was a college band director, then chairman of a music department, and remains in retirement as a long time member of the Board of Directors for the Midwest Clinic. I'm sure he will do justice to this history of the ABA.
It is our goal to update our files and to communicate electronically. If your e-mail address is not listed in the current ABA directory, and you would like to receive ABA messages electronically, please send your address to: pcrider@mail.utexas.edu
I am looking forward to a great convention in Norfolk, hosted by “veteran” convention hosts Terry and Tracia Austin, and Dennis and Carol Zeisler. Please mark your calendar: March 2-5, 2011, in Norfolk, Va. The convention hotel overlooks the river, and all concerts will be held on site, with the exception of the performance of the United States Marine Band on Friday evening. I hope you will make plans to attend, and if you were a principal sponsor for an ABA member who does not repay the honor of membership by being an active and contributing member, I hope you will encourage him/her to attend the convention as well.
Finally, I have recently been made aware of the fact that the Air Force Band is in dire need of support due to the possibility of devastating changes in structure and function. By extension, all service bands may well be impacted. Details and a call to action by our membership will be communicated electronically.
Wishing all who read this good health, much love joy and laughter in 2010.
YITS, (Yours In The Struggle)
Paula
Paula A.Crider, Professor Emeritus
The University of Texas
President, The American Bandmasters Association.