Spring Greetings, everyone! While it seems as though the College Station convention is a distant memory, it has only been a few short, frantic weeks when we were all together at Texas A&M.
First, I thank Tim and Jennifer Rhea and the Texas A&M Bands for a fantastic convention in College Station. The accommodations, activities, and concerts, and all of the special events were just superb. ABA was a wonderfully planned convention with unmatched hospitality and demonstrated an irrepressible A&M spirit. I learned how to say, “Howdy!” Thank you, Tim and Jennifer!!
Next…on behalf of a grateful association, I thank Past President Bob Jorgensen for his outstanding service and leadership. Bob and Anne, you established very “high marks” for all who follow you. Your dedication to ABA, and the stewardship you practiced on a daily basis is inspiring. Thank you, Bob. I know I can count on your assistance.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the ABA, I am encouraged by the energy of our organization. We possess the strongest advocates, the greatest talent, and the most influential conductors in the world. Our ability to promote concert bands, ever-emerging exceptional literature, and music education has been imposing. We thrive on our accomplishments. Let us, however, not be lulled into a false sense of confidence. Now, more than ever, we must continue to seek new levels.
To this end, I call upon each of us to promote by word and action every aspect about the wind band that we revere. Be active. Attend local Concerts. Visit local high schools. Appear with collegiate bands. Mentor a young teacher. Write an article for one of the magazines.
Committee Chairs, you will be hearing from me on a regular basis. I am looking for progress reports, outlines of activities entertained by your committees, or matters of interest being considered. This year, the committees are the turbines of ABA.
Our efforts still remain….we must take the objectives of ABA and “by example and leadership further enhance the Concert Band and its music…” As I mentioned in College Station, our traditions are impressive; our accomplishments are remarkable, but the brightest days of ABA are still ahead.
I am honored to serve you, the American Bandmasters.
Best regards,
Joseph Hermann, President
The American Bandmasters Association