It's December - time once again to experience one of the most hectic months of the school year. Now that all of the football games are over and you do not have to ride any more of those yellow buses, you think you can relax. Wrong! It is time to give the gift of music to as many people as possible. The holiday season is such a unique time to bring joy and happiness to so many. Just think of the places and chances to share our gift of music - at a nursing home, mall, department store, hospital, downtown park, or an elementary school. Not everyone has the capability to share this special gift we have. What an opportunity to teach your students about the joy of using and sharing their talents.

It is a time when we can give back to those who have given to us. We always want our community to support us by buying those useful fund raising items; so now let us take the time to share our music with them. Take the opportunity to thank them for their support of your band program and how much it means to you and your students.

I know there are other things to think about like all region, area, and state tryouts - not to mention throwing in a Christmas parade along the way - but think of the joy you will bring to someone that needs a special touch from one of the songs you play. As a teacher, it is your responsibility to educate and touch as many people as possible. I just read a quote by Henry B. Adams that states, "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." Remember that the gift you give may not stop giving.

TBA is in the process of bringing clinics to your part of the state. We on the TBA board realize not all of you are able to travel to San Antonio in July to enjoy the educational clinics there. So we decided to bring the education to different parts of the state. TBA organized four Professional Development Clinics this fall and will be presenting two more after the first of the year. Please take advantage of these opportunities. Remember, TBA is a Continuing Professional Education Provider registered by the State Board of Education. You will be able to receive in - service credit hours for attending these clinics.

I was able to attend the Professional Development Clinic at Stephen F. Austin State University on October 7th. Fred Allen was a wonderful host and clinician. The title of the clinic was "Effective Band Warm-up." All clinicians did a great job of presenting ideas that have proven to be effective during their teaching career.

Clinicians were: Fred Allen from SFA, Melodianne Mallow from North Richland Middle School, Joe Ashbrook from Coppell MiddleSchool North, and Waymon Bullock who retired from Lufkin High School.

I personally appreciate the time and effort these clinicians put into presenting their material and preparing handouts to those who attended.

The sponsors for this event were Tatum Music Company, Powerlung, Music T's, and Director's Choice Tour & Travel. Without their financial support it would be difficult to bring all of these clinics to your part of the state.

I will be working with our colleges and universities to disperse information on the Malcolm Helm Memorial Endowed Scholarship to candidates. The scholarship is given to a Texas college student who attended high school in Texas and plans to teach band in Texas. If you know of someone who is interested, direct them to the TBA web site www.texasbandmasters.org and click on the link to read about all of the qualifications. If you want to contribute to the scholarship fund, contact the TBA office.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve our profession.