Greetings to all Texas Bandmasters!

I hope you have had a satisfying fall semester and have great prospects for a challenging and rewarding spring. I continue to be astounded by the outstanding teaching occurring in band halls across our terrific state. You are to be commended for constantly creating expectations for increased quality from your students and ensembles. Because of your efforts Texas bands continue to be a beacon to bandmasters everywhere aspiring to musical excellence.

Certainly the band world mourns the passing of a giant in Texas bands, Jim Jacobsen. His skill as a director and mentor, and unwavering dedication to his profession are legendary. I am reminded of many recent TBA business luncheons during which we all delighted in recognizing members for their years of attendance at the TBA Convention/Clinic. Of course, Jim Jacobsen and Irving Driebrodt were inevitably left standing as those who had attended ALL of the conventions!! We owe these and many others a debt of gratitude for their vision and wisdom in creating a band culture which continues to thrive today. I encourage you to seek out those with experience in your area of the state. Listen to their tales and take their advice to heart. I believe we should honor their service and involve them whenever possible.

Could the creators and founders of the Texas Bandmasters Association envision that, six decades later, TBA would be the largest bandmasters affiliation in the world? Perhaps. I believe they first came together to share best practices in a social setting involving the entire family. I hope the founders can embrace the current TBA which provides a fantastic convention for band directors at every level, attracts hundreds of exhibitors crucial to the profession, and provides additional professional development opportunities across the state throughout the year.

Be sure to make plans now to attend the summer convention in San Antonio. It is my hope that the later school start date will relieve the dilemma some have felt in recent years over attending TBA or getting "a jump" on summer band. I know that President Rey Meza has an incredible convention planned…you don't want to miss it!

One additional thought. The State Board of Education has recently taken action regarding the new 4x4 graduation requirements. It is imperative that we stay abreast of issues regarding this issue. I encourage you to create four year plans for your students demonstrating how they can meet these new demands and still remain involved in elective programs. Further, encourage your district to create opportunities for your students to attain math credits in middle school in order to relieve some pressures on high school student schedules.

Please visit the TBA web site for downloadable previous convention descriptions and clinic handouts, educational articles and an upcoming event schedule. Contact the office, board members, or region representatives with your convention ideas and suggestions. Have a great holiday and a terrific year.