The American Bandmasters Association, founded in 1929, with John Philip Sousa as Honorary Life President, recognizes outstanding achievement on the part of Concert Band conductors and composers. The current membership (invitational) comprises approximately 300 band conductors and composers in the USA and Canada, and 70 Associate Members (music businesses and corporations that provide significant services to bands and to the publication of band music.)
Greetings
from Betsy and Scott:Hopefully we are about to break this weird cycle of weather events that seems to be impacting the entire country. Some have dealt with tornados, some with rain and floods, some with hurricanes, some with fires, and many have just been scorched by the heat. In all cases, I am sure you are looking forward to the change of seasons. For those of us in Texas, that means no more 100 degree days; we are at 62 and counting. Not to mention the need for rain. Can we order up some rain dances?
Many of you have traveled, some have relocated, several have retired, and sadly we have lost a few members or spouses. Please contact Bill Moody if you need to update any of your contact information (wmoody4250@att.net). This is very important since we are now using the world of technology to facilitate more and more of our business.
The Board of Directors is excited about offering you the opportunity to process all evaluation documents electronically. The process is quite simple, takes very little time, is confidential, and it saves hundreds of dollars in shipping costs. David Waybright has done an absolutely superb job of refining the process so that it is very manageable.
Perhaps the most important task for the President is the oversight of the convention. Having next year’s convention in Indianapolis has been a blessing. The “hosts” Dan Bolin, Bob Grechesky, Tom Caneva, Jay Gephart, and Stephen Pratt are doing a fantastic job of creating an agenda that will be suitable for all of us. Rumor has it that there will be an Indy style race between the members of the Big Ten and those of the Big Twelve (if there are any left)!
One of the best deals of the “century” is the Hyatt hotel in downtown Indianapolis. Three weeks prior the ABA convention they will host the NFC Super Bowl team. Millions have been spent to remodel our hotel. You will not have to worry about the weather because the Hyatt is connected to major shopping and quality restaurants by a series of enclosed walkways. You will not have to go outside unless you want to. The rates are great and breakfasts are free. There are some great airfares available for the early shoppers. DON’T WAIT! You don’t want to be left out. Make your plans soon by clicking here.
Betsy and I are looking forward to seeing all of you in Indy. Great concerts, excursions, super eating choices and, as always, renewal of friendships.
WE WANT TO SEE ALL OF YOU !!!!!! Have a great fall.
Scott Taylor
ABA President