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Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association

ASBOA General Business Meeting Minutes - Draft

Thursday, July 26, 2007 – 4:30 pm DoubleTree Grand Ballroom – Little Rock

Trey Reely, President 2006-2007, called the meeting to order at 4:36 pm on Thursday, July 26, 2007. Following a moment of silence in memory of Steve Platt (Vilonia), Stephanie Enis (wife of Ryan Enis, Greenland) and the many other students, relatives and friends that were lost during the past school year, Mickey Cox led the invocation. Trey asked for a report from the nominating committee. Jan Cunningham, Chair, presented the following slate of officers: John Webb, President; Joe Trusty, 1st Vice President; Jennifer Steele, 2nd Vice President; Sheila Brooks, David Stuart, Cathy Williams, Board Members; Grant Brinkle, Board Member-Elect; and Karen Dismuke, Parliamentarian. Action – Pass After thanking the board, Jeannine and Julia for their assistance, Trey turned the meeting over to John Webb. John Webb thanked Trey for the advancement of the organization under his leadership.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Resolutions – Greg Wooldridge, Chair On behalf of the membership of ASBOA, Greg presented 2006-2007 President, Trey Reely with the $500.00 honorarium for his outstanding work and service to our organization. The committee recommended Donald Minx, Steve Platt, Phil Burns, Earl Allain, Tommy Runnels and Bob Kilgore for ASBOA Honorary Membership. Action – Pass Greg then presented Distinguished Service Awards. 15 years – David Yarbrough, Jimmy Hynum, Joe Finley, Starla Welty, Martha Bennett, Christopher Pinkston, Kim Madlock, Charles Strange, Darrell Lawrence, Sandra Cross, Christie Bonds, Eddie Paul, Kari Jo Douglas, Mike Packard, Omar Taweel 20 years – Chuck Hughes, Kevin Lusk, Bryan Thomas, Ken Moorehead, Linda Horton, William Teague 25 years – Ken Elliott, Mickey Cox, Rick Sowell, Joe Trusty, Tony Terry, Robert Wells, John Thellman, Ralph Johnson, Jack Pritchett, Sylvia Summers, Larry Cross, Karen Dismuke, Belinda Thomas, Russell Robinson, Rick Endel, Truman Self, Allen Simmons 30 years – John Combs, Dale Marlow 31 years – Bill Clement, Tom McDonald, David Johnson, Mike Jones 32 years – Marty Martin, Bill Stoecker, Wes Sossamon, Steve Platt, Allen Simmons 33 years – John Webb, Edward Duncan, Thomas Walker, Bill Maxwell, Steve Collins, Sissy Pierce, Jan Boseman, Lonnie Landers, Judith Landers 36 years – Bob Kilgore 37 years – Curt Derden, Travis Beard 38 years – Mike Croom 46 years – A. R. Worthen

All-State Clinicians – Joe Trusty, Chair All-State Wind Symphony – Gary Hill – Arizona State University All-State Symphonic Band – Robert W. Brumbelow – Columbus State University All-State Concert Band – Greg Wolynec – Austin Peay State University

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Audit and Finance – Judy Harkrider, Chair

The Audit and Finance Committee reviewed the financial reports on Wednesday evening and found the books to be in good order. They commended the ASBOA office for the careful attention to details of our resources.

Financial Report – Julia Reynolds We try to operate the office in a very cost-effective manner, however, overall revenues from regions are down and costs for the daily operations of the office have increased – office supplies, postage, printing, computer software, office equipment, and minimum wage for contract labor. Even after reducing expenses where possible, we had to use money from the contingency fund the last two fiscal years. In addition to the monies needed for the proposed mileage increase, additional funds are needed for standard operations. Motion: Limit discussion to 3 for and 3 against with a two minute time limit each on each proposal. Leonard/Cox Action – Pass

All-State Jazz Committee – Bill Spainhour, Chair

Make updates and changes to the Constitution – Rules & Regulations Governing Student Participation - Section VIII – F. All-State Jazz Bands

1 - Delete - F. 2. (2) (b) “(b) If a region has no jazz band clinic, the jazz band coordinator from that region will enlist students to

audition as follows: 1. The wind players will qualify through their senior concert band clinic. The option to audition will go to the first chair wind player on that instrument. The next option will go to the next available player, until all “chairs” and alternates have been selected. In the event that a region does not have enough saxophones of a specific type to fill that region’s allotted number of slots for All-State tryouts, the region may fill the slots with saxophonists who are willing to change to a different voice. These will be drawn from the region band’s alto, tenor and baritone saxophones, in that order. Trombones may be drawn from the bass trombone ranks after tenor trombones to fill available slots. 2. Rhythm players will be selected by taped auditions. Material will come from the four prepared exercises which are required at All-State Jazz Band Auditions. The material must be taped in the presence of the applicant’s band director, and the director must send a statement affirming that this requirement has been met. These tapes must be presented by the applicant’s band director only, and must be in the possession of the region jazz band Coordinator by the end of the first day of their senior region clinic. Region jazz band coordinators are responsible for seeing that the tapes remain anonymous, and that they are judged and ranked. It is suggested that the coordinator head a panel to evaluate these tapes at the clinic. Rhythm players will audition “live” at All-State tryouts.”

Rationale: All regions have All-Region Jazz Auditions and Clinics. Material selection is different now. Board Recommends Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: Same as above Action – Pass

2 – F. 2. (4) (a) – Require all natural minor scales (Aeolian mode). Rationale: Align with concert auditions – currently requiring only a, b, c, d, e, f# and g (concert pitch) scales. Board Recommends Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: Same as above Action – Pass

3 – F. 2. (4) (a) – Add “and/or articulation” to – “Any student not playing the required tempo and/or rhythmic pattern should receive credit, but shall not be scored above the center line of the scale score sheet.” It will become - Any student not playing the required tempo and/or rhythmic pattern and/or articulation should receive credit, but shall not be scored above the center line of the scale score sheet. Rationale: Align with concert auditions. Board Recommends Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: Same as above Action – Pass

4 – F. 2. (4) (b) – Add “(Skeletal patterns available for guide only)” after “Drummers will play 8 measures of specific beat patterns which will include in 4/4 time-bossa, funk, rock, samba, shuffle, and swing; and 3/4 time-jazz waltz.”

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Rationale: Make sure directors and students understand that the available rhythm patterns are just guides for the indicated styles and not intended to be played exactly for 8 measures. Board Recommends Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: Same as above Action – Pass

5 – F. 2. (8) – Change point deduction for missing audition time from “five (5) points per sheet” to 5% per sheet. Rationale: Align with concert auditions. Each sheet is now 400 points to eliminate use of decimals – 5 points per sheet was set when sheets were only 110 points each. Board Recommends Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: Same as above Action – Pass

6 – Add to F. 2. – A drum set, an amplifier and a piano will be provided by the host in the rhythm rooms. Any set-up of personal equipment should be done before auditions begin. If this is not possible, no more than 4 minutes will be allowed for set-up. Rationale: This is included on the ‘All State Jazz Band Audition Information’ sheet – should be in this section of the Rules and Regulations.

Amendment – Add ‘without incurring a late penalty” to end of last sentence. Brooks/Steele Motion withdrawn by Brooks/Steele

Amendment – Delete “If this is not possible, no more than 4 minutes will be allowed for set-up.” Brooks/Madlock Action on Amendment – Board Recommends Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: Same as above Action – Pass

Motion as Amended – Add to F. 2. – A drum set, an amplifier and a piano will be provided by the host in the rhythm rooms. Any set-up of personal equipment should be done before auditions begin. Board Recommends Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: Same as above Action – Pass

Music and Materials Committee – Marcy Wells, Chair

The Music and Materials committee would like to propose the following: 1 - The required difficulty levels for Concert Assessment for High School bands be as follows: A will play one selection from grade 2 or above, one grade 1 or above and a march* AA will play two selections from grade 2 or above and a march* AAA will play one selection from grade 3 or above, one selection from grade 2 or above and a march* AAAA will play two selections from grade 3 or above and a march* AAAAA will play one selection from grade 4 or above, one selection from grade 3 or above and a march* *Orchestras may play one other piece from any source in lieu of the march.

Amendment: A will play two selections from grade 1 or above and a march.* AA will play one selection from grade 2 or above, one selection from grade 1 or above, and a march.* AAA will play two selections from grade 2 or above and a march* AAAA will play one selection from grade 3 or above, one selection from grade 2 or above and a march* Pierce/Taylor Action on Amendment – Board Recommends Do Pass For: 12; Against: 6 Rationale: Raise the bar for our bands without imposing too much on the smaller bands. Motion: Table Nichols/Fultz Action on Motion to Table – Fail Action on Amendment – Fail

Action on Original Motion – Fail

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2 - The required difficulty levels for Concert Assessment for Junior High bands be as follows: All 7th grade groups (7E through 7EEEE) will play two selections from grade 1 or above and a march* 8E and 8EE will play two selections from grade 1 or above and a march* 8EEE will play one selection from grade 2 or above, one selection from grade 1 or above, and a march* 8EEEE will play two selections from grade 2 or above and a march* 9E and 9EE will play one selection from grade 2 or above, one selection from grade 1 or above, and a march* 9EEE will play two selections from grade 2 or above and a march* 9EEEE will play one selection from grade 3 or above and one selection from grade 2 or above and a march* *Orchestras may play one other piece from any source in lieu of the march.

Amendment: 8EEEE will play one selection from grade 2 or above, one selection from grade 1 or above, and a march* Marlow/Steele Board Recommends Do Pass For: 8; Against: 2 Rationale: Raise the bar for our bands without imposing too much on the smaller bands. Action on Amendment – Fail

Action on Original Motion – Fail At this time, the committee does not propose any changes to Class “D” or “N” .

Special Awards Committee – Jeff Kee, Chair

Below are the issues that the ASBOA Board presented to us at ABA 2006. At all-state, we found the following solutions:

New Design for combination first division concert and sight-reading plaque. Use current plaque, but add another plate to address the sight-reading first division rating. The ASBOA membership has already approved this change to one plaque for first division concert and sight-reading awards. No action needed.

NOTE: Individuals whose groups make a first division in concert and sight reading may choose to order the separate sight reading plaque at their own expense.

Marching Contest Trophy – Shipping Cost Issue At ABA 2006—we presented the membership a proposal to order all trophies after each region’s marching contest to reduce shipping costs. We have now been informed that the overall cost of shipping trophies to individual directors was actually higher than shipping all trophies to the host and the restocking fees.

1 – Develop a set of specifications for the first and second division marching trophies and allow BOTH the region chair and region marching contest host to order trophies for their region’s contest from a local awards company, either before or after the contest date. Trophy costs will be capped at $50 for the first division trophy and $45.00 for the second division trophy including tax and shipping. Board Recommends Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: Save costs on shipping and returns Action – Pass

Sweepstakes Plaque 2 - Replace the current sweepstakes trophy (current cost is $130+ with shipping) with a large sweepstakes plaque. The new plaque will accommodate smaller plaques that will “slide-on” to the large plaque. Regions will purchase (if funds are available) one of these large plaques for the high school bands that achieve the sweepstakes award. Thereafter, the region will purchase only the “slide-on” plaques for the high school groups, and the bands will purchase all other needed large sweepstakes plaques in the future.

Amendment – Insert “and junior high bands that meet the high school criteria” after plaques for the high school groups in the third sentence and in the last sentence so that it reads – “Regions will purchase (if funds are available) one of these large plaques for the high school and junior high bands that meet the high school criteria that achieve the sweepstakes award. Thereafter, the region will purchase only the “slide-on” plaques for the high school groups and junior high bands that meet the high school criteria, and the bands will purchase all other needed large sweepstakes plaques in the future.” Taylor/Steele Action on Amendment – Board Recommends Do Pass Unanimous Action – Pass Rationale: Should apply to junior highs that make a 1st division at marching contest as well as to the high schools.

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Motion as Amended - Replace the current sweepstakes trophy (current cost is $130+ with shipping) with a large sweepstakes plaque. The new plaque will accommodate smaller plaques that will “slide-on” to the large plaque. Regions will purchase (if funds are available) one of these large plaques for the high school and junior high bands that meet the high school criteria that achieve the sweepstakes award. Thereafter, the region will purchase only the “slide-on” plaques for the high school groups and junior high bands that meet the high school criteria, and the bands will purchase all other needed large sweepstakes plaques in the future.

Action on Motion as Amended – Board Recommends Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: New plaque saves money and space. Action – Pass

NOTE: Individuals whose groups qualify for a Sweepstakes may choose to order the large trophy at their own expense. Individuals who wish to order the slide-on bars for previous years may choose to order them at their own expense.

Executive Advisory Committee – Mark Tenney, Chair Raymond and Ruth Brandon Scholarship The Raymond and Ruth Brandon Scholarship was established to honor their many years of faithful service to the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association and the Arkansas Bandmasters Association. The ASBOA Executive Advisory Committee was given the responsibility of administrating the scholarship. Since many scholarships are available for entering music majors, the committee decided to offer this scholarship to an individual entering the instrumental music profession in the state of Arkansas. This scholarship could help with the transition time until their first paycheck in September, or it could be invested in professional materials. In keeping with the spirit of Ray and Ruth’s selfless service to others, we seek individuals who have demonstrated high scholastic achievement, leadership ability, and a desire to help and serve others – the ‘we - us’ mind-set, not the ‘I - me’ attitude. Thank you to all who applied for this scholarship. The 2007 Recipient of the Raymond and Ruth Brandon Scholarship is Micah Glover, graduate of UCA. He will be teaching this fall at Mayflower. We would like for this to become an endowed scholarship. We need a minimum of $20,000 in the account – currently we have about $5,500. Please consider having your band boosters, directors, and vendors contribute to this worthy endeavor. Adjudication Training The purpose of revising the adjudication process is to: - Improve the consistency of the concert assessment across the state - Provide a more educational experience for both the students and teachers. We are beginning with the concert assessment. After studying several region proposals that addressed concert assessment concerns, the Executive Advisory Committee submits the following proposal. ASBOA Certified Adjudicator Program Training will begin this school year, 2007-2008. Positions for the training workshops will be filled on a first-come, first-paid basis. Online registration will be available, but the positions will not be finalized until payment has been received. 1 – Motion: Applicants to become certified adjudicators must: 1. Have completed 5 years of instrumental teaching. 2. Submit 3 professional letters of recommendation from outside the applicants’ school district. Letters need to be from established music educators, music administrators, college music instructors, etc. Letters must validate the quality of the applicant’s teaching and assessment abilities. 3. Successfully complete the initial 6-hour training session at their own expense. At this time, a minimal fee of $30 will be charged to cover the cost of materials. 4. Certified adjudicators must complete a 2-hour refresher course every 3 years. 5. All concert assessment adjudicators will be assigned by the ASBOA Executive Secretary beginning 2008-2009. Every effort will be made to keep expenses at a minimum. 6. For 2008-2009, at least one adjudicator from the certified list will serve at each site. For 2009-2010, at least two adjudicators from the certified list will serve at each site. The remainder of the adjudicators may come from approved lists from other states and/or from a list submitted by the regions. Submissions must include names, contact information, brief work history, years of experience and other pertinent information. 7. Teachers will be asked to complete a post-evaluation of the adjudication panel members. Board Recommends Do Pass

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Motion: Table. Jeff Marlow/Kesner Action on Motion to Table – Fail Action on Original Motion – Pass The Executive Advisory Committee will continue to oversee the development and implementation of this process. The committee should have a revised Solo-Ensemble adjudication form online for you to consider before the All-State business meeting. Mileage Increase After studying the mileage rate paid by ASBOA and the financial statement, we recommend that the rate be increased from $.23 to $.33 per mile provided the following fees are increased: 2 – Motion: Minimum Fee Increases Needed to Fund Mileage Increase Currently $.23 Raise to - $.33 (+43%) Region Concert & Marching Assessment from $125 to $150 All-Region Clinic Auditions & Clinic Winds/Percussion – From $2 - $2 to $3 - $3 Orchestra – From $3 - $5 to $4 - $6 Jazz – From $5 - $10 to $6 - $12 $.50 per student, for each audition and clinic fee, sent to ASBOA Office immediately following the clinic All-State – Hopefully new fees passed last year for coming year will cover. $10 - $15 Committee and Board Travel Expenses Registrations Band/Orch – From $135 to $140 Jazz/Beginner – From $65 to $75 Associate – From $10 to $15 Sustaining – From $25 to $30 - $75 Sustaining Members may pay $30 to be listed in the Roster or $75 to be in the Roster and have a hyperlink on the ASBOA web page. Board Recommends Do Pass Membership Recommendation – Pass (Will require a ballot signed by administrator) Result of Administrator Ballot – Pass For - 84 Against – 4

New Members Committee – Cindy Barrington, Chair Special thanks to Julie Konzelman, Tammy Sangster and Jennifer Steele for the outstanding clinic at the New Directors and College Students Mixer. Thanks also to Amro Music and the Shirt Shop for support of this meeting/clinic.

Special Solo-Ensemble Committee – Tim Cunningham, Chair

The Special Solo & Ensemble Committee would like to make the following Motions: 1 - Any school that is unable to attend the Region Solo & Ensemble Assessment may request, through the Region Solo & Ensemble Host, to host their own ASBOA Solo & Ensemble Assessment site. This is to be one festival with possible multiple sites and dates. ASBOA will not be responsible for any financial deficit at any alternate site. Deficits at alternate sites are the responsibility of that host. Alternate sites must follow the same ASBOA Constitution guidelines as the main Region Solo & Ensemble site. The total balance from Concert and Solo & Ensemble Assessments be split ¾ to ASBOA and ¼ to the Concert Assessment Host. Board Recommends Do Pass Action – Fail Standing Vote – For - 57 Against - 77 2 -Region Solo & Ensemble fees be limited in regards to large ensemble as follows: Each ensemble up to and including 10 members be charged the regular $4.00 fee. Any group over 10 members be charged $4.00 for each of the first 10 members and $2.00 for every member after that. Board Recommends Do Pass Action – Pass

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Special Vision Committee –Mike Echols and Kim Madlock Kim Madlock presented a synopsis of the Special Vision Committee’s report. She thanked those who had already gone online and filled out the survey, and encouraged others to take time to express their opinions. What is a Special Vision Committee? Just like you, we are people passionate about kids & music who asked where are we now, and where do we go from here. Our goal is to enhance music education for students, teachers, & all music advocates in Arkansas and to inspire and secure music for generations to come. We have learned the following:

• We need long term goals • There are untapped resources, music advocates, & advisors • We are not alone, many states have similar concerns & are considering utilizing a legislative lobbyist

OUR STRENGTH

Arkansas possesses an enormous wealth of untapped resources (i.e. music advocates, highly talented students, & musicians)

OUR WEAKNESS Music Education on a state level is not unified as one comprehensive voice. OUR NEEDS

• To share our ideas, methods, & secrets of success • To draw from our assets at all levels in order to help those needing assistance

We need a PLAN! It is not an amendment to the constitution. Simply, it is a document for direction. 20 plans have been researched. In particular, 5 state music plans. This research led the committee to develop: A Strategic Plan to Promote Music in Arkansas 5 Critical Areas

1. Unity 2. Public Relations & Communications 3. Technology 4. Recruitment & Retention 5. Curriculum Strategies & Leadership

Please understand the latitude of this Plan. Our goal is to involve working with music educators statewide. Recommendation We desire additional feedback. We need as many people as possible to view and complete the survey. Share your opinions and advice

1. Complete the Survey. It will remain open until August 30th. 2. Results will be shared online with the membership by September 15th. 3. The committee will reconvene and determine the next step.

Clinic/Festivals – Joe Trusty, Chair Joe requested input concerning the Sight-reading portion of the concert assessment – what you like and/or dislike about the process.

REGION PROPOSALS

Orchestra – James Hatch, Chair

No proposals

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Region I – Doug Blevins, Chair; Daniel Hodge, Secretary

1 – No region shall offer an adjudicator contract for Region Marching Assessment, Concert Assessment or Solo & Ensemble Festival to a person who is a relative to any director or student performing at that particular event. Rutledge/Lesso Rationale: The pressure of having to perform for that individual or adjudicate the performance is neither fair to those involved nor is it good professional ethics. For: 26; Against: 0. Amendment – No adjudicator can judge a relative at region marching assessment, concert assessment, or solo and ensemble festival. Trusty/Marlow Amendment – Board Recommends Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: Board agreed that adjudicators should not be judging relatives – however, this wording change allows regions to use a judge at the solo-ensemble festival as long as they do not adjudicate their relative. This is in line with our policy for all-region and all-state auditions. Action on Amendment – Pass Standing count – For 76 Against 43

Motion as Amended - No adjudicator can judge a relative at region marching assessment, concert assessment, or solo and ensemble festival. Action on Motion as Amended – Board Recommends Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: Same as above Action – Pass 2 – To reduce the time allowed for tuning each timpani from 15 seconds to 10 seconds at jr. high and sr. high all-region tryouts and all-state tryouts. Lewis Clark/Becky Gale Rationale: This will help cut down the time in the timpani room and streamline the entire percussion tryout. For: 25; Against: 0. Board Recommends Do Not Pass For: 2; Against: 11 Rationale: Board felt that 10 was not enough time. Action – Fail 3 – To eliminate sight reading for the timpani portion of the percussion tryout at jr. high and sr. high all-region tryouts and at all-state tryouts. Becky Gale/Lewis Clark Rationale: Students are sight reading on two instruments, snare drum and keyboard. Sight reading on timpani adds at least 90 seconds to each tryout. Eliminating timpani sight reading will reduce the tryout time by an hour and a half or more. For: 13; Against: 17 Board Recommends Do Not Pass Unanimous Rationale: Favored #6 Action – Fail (Considered #6 at this time) 6 – To Keep the timpani sight reading tuned pitches the same as the prepared. Donnell/Ford Rationale: For: 33; Against: 0 Board Recommends Do Pass For: 11; Against: 0 Rationale: Keeps sight-reading on timpani – saves the time it takes to tune drums to new pitches. Action – Pass

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4 – Any band or orchestra director that has students wishing to participate in an ASBOA event shall be required to attend and participate with the student at the event site. The director will be required to assist in an assigned position as needed. Directors will sign in at start of an event. This list will be kept by the Region Chair. Failure to appear or sign in at an event will result in a letter of notification to the executive chairperson and proper school administrator and student or students will not be allowed to tryout or participate in the event. Director absences must be excused at least two weeks in advance by the chairman unless an emergency arises that the region chairperson deems acceptable. Todd Mitchell/Jim Spillars Rationale – Replaces ARTICLE II - ADMINISTRATION OF INTERSCHOLASTIC EVENTS, page 19-20 Rule 3. C, 2 (Refers to superintendent and/or principal) to authorize a full time faculty member of his/her school to be the school representative of the organization representing his/her school unless he/she serves as the school representative, except that for activities involving fewer than six students a responsible adult may be authorized (authorization must be in writing) as the school representative; however, said individual shall not represent more than one school. Such assignment, however, shall not relieve the school and the superintendent or principal of responsibility to the association. * (This rule in effect 1992-1993) The Region or State chairman, or host of the event, shall notify the administration of any school who violates this regulation for interscholastic events. (Revised 1996) For: 24; Against: 1. Board Recommends Do Not Pass Unanimous Rationale: Board feels that this may be too restricting to schools and directors and may actually discourage directors from bringing students to participate in events. Board agrees that the director must follow the proper procedure for having an authorized adult IN WRITING when fewer than six students are involved – directors should participate at the events where students are involved unless there are extenuating circumstances. Action – Fail 5 – The entry fee for ensembles at solo & ensemble assessment be changed from $4 per person to $4 entry fee plus $2 per person involved in the event. A duet would be a $4 entry fee plus $4 ($2 x 2) for a total of $8. An ensemble of 30 students would be a $4 entry fee plus $60 ($2 x 30) for a total of $64 compared to $120 currently. Russell Robinson/Jeremy Ford Rationale: The rationale is to make large ensembles more affordable to take to solo & ensemble. For: 31; Against: 0 Refer to Special Solo and Ensemble Committee Brooks/Williams For: 13; Against: 2 Rationale: Similar to proposals that are being considered by the Special Solo and Ensemble Committee No Action – Already Covered in Committee Reports

Region II – Sean Carrier, Chair; Adam Coats, Secretary

1 – Each band will provide 3 cassette tapes for the judges at the Region Marching and Concert Assessments. Ratcliff/Carter Rationale: The cost and availability of cassette tapes is much easier handled in small quantities at the local level than for an entire Region event. This will reduce the expenses for these events also. For: 48; Against: 0; Abstentions: 0. Board Recommends Do Not Pass For: 2; Against: 13 Rationale: Probably will be considering alternate recording methods for future, but for now, several online places to buy the tapes in bulk that are much more economical than the packages in most retail stores now. Action – Fail 2 – Only slide trombones may be used at All State Concert and Jazz Tryouts (no valve trombones). Manley/Clark Rationale: This will allow students who want to learn a secondary instrument (i.e. euphonium to trombone) the opportunity to learn the specific idiosyncrasies of the traditional trombone. It will also “level” the field between slide and valve in an audition when a judging panel is attempting to keep a consistent standard (apples to apples). For: 48; Against: 0; Abstentions: 0. Board Recommends Do Pass For: 15; Against: 2 Rationale: Same as above Action – Pass

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3 – Students auditioning for All Sate Tryouts (both concert and jazz) may not use a metronome, tuning device, or other similar aids in the audition room. Manley/Carter Rationale: This will encourage independence and even more preparation by student musicians. In addition, it will “level” the field between those who use these types of aids and those who don’t, making it easier for a judging panel to maintain a consistent standard. For: 48; Against: 0; Abstentions: 0. Board Recommends Do Not Pass For: 6; Against: 7 Rationale: Mixed feelings from the Board Action – Pass Standing Count – For 57 Against 38 4 – That the ASBOA Board report on the status of the judging standard clinics that were discussed several years ago. Manley/Carter Rationale: It’s a neat idea. For: 48; Against: 0; Abstentions: 0. No Action Already Covered in Committee Reports 5 – That the appropriate committee research a restructuring of the ASBOA Concert Assessment, using Oklahoma as a guide. For instance, using the same panel of out-of-state judges at two different sites in the state, all the AAA’s and AAAA’s on one half of the state could be heard in two days, with the other half of the AAAA’s and AAAAA’s heard the next two days at the other site. The same procedure for the other classifications would be used, using different panels and different sites. Manley/Carter Rationale: This procedure will help maintain a consistent adjudication standard, particularly when used in conjunction with the new rubric. For: 22; Against: 2; Abstentions: 0 Board Recommends Do Pass - Sent to Clinic Festivals Committee Unanimous Rationale: Same as above Moved to Associated Action in New Business Motion: Reconsider Region II #5 – Williams/Trusty Action – Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: Cathy questioned sending a proposal to committee for further study if we are not in favor of that proposal.

Upon Reconsideration – Board Recommends Do Not Pass For: 18; Against: 1 Action on Original Motion – Fail 6 – Change the sight-reading scoring on the ASBOA Wind & String Audition Sheet back to the original scoring format. Duraham/Coats Rationale: The categories of “Musical Expression” and “Technical Accuracy” make it more difficult to judge fairly. Musical Expression is hard to judge when the given exercise has no dynamic or style markings. Technical Accuracy is open to interpretation. Do we mean “note/key accuracy?” For: 30; Against: 1; Abstentions: 0 Board Recommends Do Not Pass For: 6; Against: 12 Rationale: Some feel that the three categories serve the student very well, yet some feel that the old sheet gave judges a more accurate way to assess students. Action – Fail

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7 – To appoint a committee to study the current concert sight reading contest and evaluate its validity as an assessment tool, its cost effectiveness and its use of time. The committee would report to the membership no later than the February 2008 business meeting. Carter/Manley Rationale: In its current format, the ASBOA Sight Reading process is expensive, provides little, if any useful information, and takes an enormous amount of time. For: 26; Against: 5; Abstentions: 1. Motion – Send to Clinic Festivals Committee Carrier/Blevins Unanimous Rationale: Honor request 8 – Change the articulation of the scales for All-Region and All-State Auditions to “tongued ascending and slurred descending.” This would apply to all scales. Ratcliff/Carter Rationale: Hearing the descending portion of the scales slurred would provide the judges with a very clear picture of the student’s finger technique. Sloppy fingering/hand position would not be hidden by the articulation. For: 48; Against: 0; Abstentions: 0. Board Recommends Do Not Pass For: 2; Against: 12 Rationale: Favor current articulation Action – Fail

Region III – Kim Madlock, Chair; Tara Stevens, Secretary

1 – No electronic instrument including electric keyboard, malletkat, bass guitar, etc., may be used to substitute for an All-State instrument at region concert assessment. This proposal is not to include harp, piano or celeste parts. Monty Hill/Jon Shultz Rationale: This proposal clarifies an existing rule that lists only electronic keyboard as an instrument that is not allowed. For: 18; Against: 7; Abstain: 8. No action at first – waited until after Region 6 #1 - Back from Region 6 - Amendment 1 – Insert “wind” between All-State and instrument. Sterling/Brooks

Action on Amendment – Board Recommends Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: Currently, the only prohibited electronic instrument is an electronic keyboard. Board felt the term “electronic” needed to be expanded to include additional electronic devices that might be used to substitute for an all-state wind instrument. Action – Pass

Motions as Amended – No electronic instrument including electric keyboard, malletkat, bass guitar, etc., may be used to substitute for an All-State wind instrument at region concert assessment. This proposal is not to include harp, piano or celeste parts. Motion as Amended – Board Recommends Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: Same as above Action – Fail Standing count – For 42 Against 71 2 – Region clinicians who wish to perform their own compositions may only program one of their own pieces. Jim Lloyd/Freddy Bell Rationale: Students need to be exposed to a variety of educational compositions and composers. Our region bands are not to be used as a composer’s lab band. For: 36; Against: 0. Board Recommends Do Not Pass Unanimous Rationale: Leave to the discretion of the region – could be affected by the individual clinician and the variety of his/her compositions. Action – Fail

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3 –Valve trombone instruments should not be permitted to audition for all-region and all-state jazz band auditions. Katrina Struckman/Blake Henley Rationale: Section VIII, Rule F.2.(3)(b) states that valve trombones are acceptable, but all players must read bass clef, otherwise only instruments listed are permitted to audition. However, valve trombonists have an advantage over slide trombonists in executing technical passages. The valve trombone is not a traditional jazz instrument. The valve trombone has been used to offer an easier opportunity for baritone, euphonium and trumpet players to play trombone parts and participate in jazz band. Although this offering encourages more participation, we have enough qualified slide trombonists to fill the positions in our all-state jazz bands. This was discussed at the IAJE meeting. For: 9; Against: 18; Abstain: 9. No Action – covered Region II – No. 2 – NOTE – All-Region should have been addressed here, but was later in Region VIII proposals.

Region IV – Sissy Pierce, Chair; Charles Freeman, Secretary 1 – That all instruments in All-State/All-Region have the same number of assigned pieces. Since Percussion has three, then the logical number would be 3 full pages for each instrument plus scales. John McClaren/Steven Keith Rationale: Many states manage to have excellent All-State Bands with less music than Arkansas does. Some don’t include scales and/or sight-reading. We should be able to pick musicians from a less intimidating list of music. I’m not advocating a lesser quality of music, just a lesser quantity of music. For: 8; Against: 0; Abstain: 13 Motion Refer to Clinic Audition Materials Committee Carrier/Trusty Action – Do Pass Unanimous No Action NOTE: This is the year to submit revisions for the next three-year cycle of material. 2 – That the keyboard portion of the Arkansas All-State Audition music for Percussion be re-visited. John McClaren/John McBee Rationale: Proportionally the Keyboard music is much harder than the Snare and Timpani music. They should be more in-line as far as the level of difficulty. No one argues about the need for Keyboard in the audition, nor would most people think the music should be “dumbed-down.” It is, however, technically much harder than the other two instruments that must be played. For: 3; Against: 0; Abstain: 18 Motion – Refer to All-State Percussion Committee Blevins/Trusty Action – Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: This is the year to submit revisions for the next three-year cycle of material. Percussion committee can evaluate the success of the comprehensive percussion audition and consider changes that might need to be made. No Action

3 – Since the ASBOA Festivals are now called “Marching Assessment” and “Concert/Sight-Reading Assessment,” change the terminology to reflect this change. Rating Old Term New Term 1st Division Superior Superior 2nd Division Excellent Advanced 3rd Division Good Proficient 4th Division Fair Basic 5th Division Poor Below Basic John McClaren/Steven Keith Rationale: Simply making the terminology align with the name of the event.. For: 17; Against: 2; Abstain: 2 Board Recommends Do Pass For: 7; Against: 6 Rationale: Board was split – president broke the tie in favor of the motion. Action – Fail

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Region V – Kevin Taylor for Robert Brown, Chair; Jon West, Secretary

1 – At the end of the school year, each region be allowed to keep 60% of their financial balance with an absolute minimum of $250.00 retained by the regions and the rest of the income be submitted to the state organization. Kevin Taylor/John Webb Rationale: With the increased amount of income retained by the regions, each would then in turn be more financially and fiscally able to pay accrued expenses and thus better meet financial obligations for the coming school without facing the repercussions of financial distress. For: 22; Against: 0 Amendment – Strike “60% of their financial balance with an absolute minimum of” and “retained by the regions” Taylor/Steele Action on Amendment – Recommend Do Pass Unanimous Action on Amendment – Fail Action on Original Motion – Fail

2 – Increase the amount of mileage paid to judges and clinicians from the current substandard amount (23 cents per mile) to meet that of the state level (37 cents per mile or higher) to better compensate members for the massive increases in fuel costs. This increase could be absorbed with the passage of the above proposal for increased region sharing. Kevin Taylor/Cindy Barrington Rational: The sustained massive increase in fuel cost is limiting the amount of miles a judge or clinician can afford to drive thereby curtailing opportunities for our students to have access to those only within a limited geographical area. For: 22; Against: 0 Motion – Table until all region financial statements are received and studied to determine percentage fees would have to be raised to cover the increase. Taylor/Pierce Action – Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: Need the correct data to make decision No Action – Already Covered in Committee Reports 3 – The number of the judges in the sight reading room is to be increased from one person to a panel of three to ensure the diversity of opinions in ratings as is demonstrated in all other areas of assessment. Kevin Taylor/Shawn McCracken Rational: No other area of judging is based solely on one person’s opinion yet carries as much weight as that adjudicated by a full judging panel. More that one opinion is needed to make a fair and equitable decision in this area. The added financial expenses of additional judges could be off-set by each region being allowed to retain a larger portion of its yearly income as proposed above. For: 22; Against: 0 Amendment: Raise the fee for the concert assessment to $150.00 to cover the additional expense of hiring two more judges. Shawn McCracken/Susan Ford For: 22; Against: 0. Action on Amendment – Board Recommend Do Not Pass Unanimous Rationale: Fee increases are being studied to possibly increase mileage – an additional $25 per band would not cover the additional expenses of two more judges in most regions.

Action on Original Motion – Board Recommend Do Not Pass Unanimous Rationale: It is not feasible financially or logistically. No Action – In Committee

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4 – Appoint a study committee to study demographics. Cindy Barrington/Sherry Roddy Rational: Due to changing demographics, a committee is needed to study the shifts in population in order to more evenly divide the regions of the state based on population. For: 22; Against: 0. Board Recommends Do Not Pass Unanimous Rationale: With population shifts in our state, it may need to be studied in the future. However, there have been several attempts to realign that have failed. Action – Pass

Region VI – Tricia Sterling, Chair; Josh Jackson, Secretary

1 – Revise Section VIII, Region Concert Assessment, Rule #16. During concert assessment, electronic keyboard may only be used for instruments not covered by the All-State Instrumentation list, except when the instrument is not present in the organization. (i.e. string bass, etc.) Electric guitars may only be used if there is a specific part written for that instrument. Patty Sacrey/Josh Jackson Rationale: The current rule does not allow for the string bass. Most schools do not have string bass players and the part is not always doubled in tuba. For: 13; Against: 1. Recommends Do Not Pass Action – Fail

Region VII – John Prater, Chair; Kara Reynolds, Secretary 1 – The following change be made to the ASBOA constitution page 18 part G: Change the word “competition” to “assessment” in regards to region solo/ensemble. Ken Tabor/Joe Trusty Rationale: Small bands that do not attend marching or concert assessment would have the solo/ensemble assessment as an option for their assessment. For: Unanimous Board Recommends Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: All bands should be able to count this as one of their assessments. Action – Pass 2 – A new form of the solo/ensemble rubric be developed and adopted (possibly referred to committee first). See attached templates. Can be altered as needed. John Prater/Joe Trusty Rationale: When judging solo/ensemble, we tend to write many of the same comments on every sheet. By providing a rubric that allows general comments to be circled, judges may spend more time writing specific comments. Time would also be saved in between events by spending less time writing. For: Unanimous Motion Refer to Executive Advisory Committee Blevins/Trusty Action – Do Pass No Action – In Committee Templates on following pages – A & B from Region VII Following those templates are 3 pages of Supplemental Forms that an adjudicator may choose to use in addition to the required adjudication sheets. They do not replace the adjudication sheets. Executive Advisory has them under consideration.

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Template A

Solo/Ensemble Festival Adjudication Sheet

Winds

Name______________________________________ Instrument________________________ School_____________________________________ Years Experience___________________ Tone Accompaniment Mature sound, mostly well-supported Mostly stayed with accompaniment Too loud, uncontrolled Some problems staying with accomp. Too soft, needs more air support Many problems staying with accomp. Needs faster air No accompaniment Embouchure is too loose Needs more focus Ensemble Performance Needs vibrato Good precision Some precision problems Rhythm Poor precision Accurate performance Balance/blend work needed A few inaccuracies Many inaccuracies Miscellaneous Good posture/hand position Notes Poor posture/hand position Accurate performance Solo suitable for performer A few inaccuracies Solo too easy for performer Many inaccuracies Solo too hard for performer Correct fingerings/positions, but incorrect pitches Missed key signature Major Strengths Style/Articulation Good attempt at marked style No attempt at marked style Articulation is too hard Articulation is too light Could not hear articulation Inaccurate articulation Dynamics Volume contrast present Volume contrast somewhat present (more needed) Volume contrast not present Major areas for improvement Phrasing Good attempt at phrasing Seemed to breathe whenever convenient Tempo Tempo too fast/slow Tempo unsteady Intonation Tuned well Need to tune better Assigned to Division_________________ __________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5 Signature of Adjudicator

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Template B

Solo/Ensemble Festival Adjudication Sheet

Percussion

Name______________________________________ Instrument________________________ School_____________________________________ Years Experience___________________ Technique Accompaniment Evenness of hands (left to right needs work) Mostly stayed with accompaniment Good rolls Some problems staying with accomp. Roll lengths not consistent Many problems staying with accomp. Good rudimental work No accompaniment More rudimental work needed Good sticking Ensemble Performance Sticking needs attention Good precision Work on controlling mallets Some precision problems Poor precision Rhythm Balance/blend work needed Accurate performance A few inaccuracies Miscellaneous Many inaccuracies Good posture/hand position Work on ___________ rhythm Poor posture/hand position Solo suitable for performer Notes Solo too easy for performer Accurate performance Solo too hard for performer A few inaccuracies Many inaccuracies Major Strengths Missed key signature Style Good attempt at marked style No attempt at marked style Dynamics Volume contrast present Volume contrast somewhat present (more needed) Volume contrast not present Major areas for improvement Tempo Tempo too fast Tempo too slow Tempo unsteady Timpani Tuning Tuned well Need to tune better Assigned to Division_________________ __________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5 Signature of Adjudicator

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3 –The following change be made to the ASBOA constitution page 18 part H: The word “competition” should be changed to “assessment” in regards to state solo/ensemble. Ken Tabor/Joe Trusty Rationale: Small bands that do not attend marching or concert assessment would be able to use solo/ensemble as an option for their assessment. . For: 24; Against: 0; Abstain: 6. Board Recommends Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: All bands should be able to count this as one of their assessments. Action – Pass

Region VIII – Michael Cole, Chair; Brenda Harbison, Secretary

1 – Trombone players auditioning for All-Region or All-State Jazz Bands must audition on slide trombones. Hall/Matthews Rationale: The difficulty of the new audition material gives the valve trombone an unfair advantage. For: 11; Against: 10; Abstain: 0. Board Recommends Do Pass For 10; Against: 4 Rationale: This proposal includes All-Region as well as All-State Jazz Bands – same intent as Region II Action – Pass 2 – The All-Region Jazz Bands and All-State Jazz Bands cut the rhythm section to 1 Piano, 1 Guitar, 1 Bass, and 1 Drum set for each band. Each region would still have two of each qualifying for All-State Tryouts. (1st and 2nd band rhythm sections would both qualify to tryout for All-State) Leonard/Pearson Rationale: We do not require any other parts to be doubled. The students only get to play on half of the clinic concert at Region and All-State. For: 24; Against: 0; Abstain: 0 Board Recommends Do Not Pass Unanimous Rationale: Allow more students to be involved. Action – Fail

Region IX – Blake Owen, Chair; Lisa Alford, Secretary

Due to the increasing cost of gas and the increasing cost of living, the above proposal will compensate judges and clinicians for the increases. The raising of the fees will help fund that raise. (Note: The following was made as one motion) George Pokorski/Jimmy Hynum For: 9; Against: 1; Abstentions: 1. Raise clinicians and judges fees to $160 a day (from $135) Raise mileage to .33 cents a mile (from .23). Raise the band tryout for jr clinic and sr clinic from $2 a student to $4 a student; raise the orchestra tryout fee from $3 to $4; keep jazz as is. Raise a group's participation fee at the Region Marching Assessment and Concert Assessment from $125 a band to $150 a band. No Action – Waiting on concrete figures Already Covered in Committee Reports

NEW BUSINESS

1 – Allow timpanist to use an electronic version of a pitch pipe such as the Farley'S Pockettones Chromatic Tuner. These devices many only emit indicated pitches, they may not visually indicate pitch intonation. Reely/Trusty Board Recommends Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: Same as pitch pipe – more hygienic. Action – Pass

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2 – Amendment to Music Materials Committee music requirements for Senior High Bands - AAAAA will play two selections from grade 4 or above and a march.* Trusty/Carrier For: 4; Against 8 Board Recommends Do Not Pass Rationale: Mixed feelings – a smaller class AAAAA might find it difficult to program two grade 4’s each year. Large discrepancy in enrollment of our AAAAA classification. Action – Fail 3 – Reconsider Region III #1 – The motion that these refer to was defeated earlier in the meeting so no action was needed on these amendments. Brooks/Madlock Action – Do Pass Unanimous

Amendment 2 – Omit ‘All-State’ Madlock/Taylor Board Recommends Do Pass Rationale: Should also omit non-all-state wind instruments such as English horn and piccolo.

Amendment 3 – Reword - ‘wind instrument for band or string instrument for orchestra.’ Hatch/Vick Board Recommends Do Pass Unanimous No Action 4 – No director shall be allowed to conduct a band on the field during the performance at Region Marching Assessment unless there are extenuating circumstances approved in advance by the Rules Committee. Pierce/Carrier Board Recommends Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: Directors should not be moving around on the field in the capacity of a drum major. Action – Pass 5 – In the sight-reading portion of concert assessment, directors will not be allowed to give oral comments after the allotted instruction time. Oral comments given after the group begins playing will result in a deduction in rating. Carrier/Brooks Board Recommends Do Pass For 14; Against 1 Rationale: Excessive comments by directors during the performance distract from the performance of the music. Bands cannot be effectively judged if directors are yelling instructions throughout the performance. Motion: Refer to Clinic/Festivals Committee Amy Manley/Danny Davis Action – Pass The following motion was made and deemed to be necessary to be acted on before the next business meeting at All-State. An online ballot will allowed the matter to be handled at this time. It was not a new concept, simply a step to rectify a situation caused by passing a proposal that prohibited students from using a tuning device which did not exempt timpanists. Although not the intent of the proposal, timpanists were not exempt. The following proposal made in New Business will allow timpanists to continue to use a tuning fork, pitch pipe or mallet percussion instrument to tune the timpani.

Prior Rule: Rules and Regulations Section VIIII. E. 14 - No tuning aids, whether electronic or manual will be allowed in the tryout room with the exception of the following: (1) tuning fork (2) pitch pipe (3) mallet percussion instrument. Mounted tuning gauges/devices on a student’s own set of timpani, must be covered and disengaged prior to entering the tryout room.

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Two proposals that passed at the General Business Meeting that affected this rule. 1 - 'Allow timpanist to use an electronic version of a pitch pipe such as the Farley's PocketTone - these devices may only emit indicated pitches, they may not visually indicate pitch intonation." 2 - 'Students auditioning for All-State Tryouts (both concert and jazz) may not use a metronome, tuning device, or other similar aids in the audition room.'

New Rule as result of the General Business Meeting: No tuning aids, whether electronic or manual will be allowed in the tryout room with the exception of the following: (1) timpanists may use the electronic version of pitch pipe such as Farley's PocketTones which may only emit indicated pitches, they may not visually indicate pitch intonation. Mounted tuning gauges/devices on a student’s own set of timpani, must be covered and disengaged prior to entering the tryout room.

Motion in New Business: Allow timpanists to continue to use tuning fork, pitch pipe or mallet percussion instrument to tune the timpani. Tenney/Davis Board Recommends Do Pass Result of online ballot – Pass For 191 Against 3

New version of the rule: No tuning aids, whether electronic or manual will be allowed in the tryout room with the exception of the following: (1) tuning fork (2) pitch pipe (3) mallet percussion instrument (4) electronic version of pitch pipe such as Farley's PocketTones which may only emit indicated pitches, they may not visually indicate pitch intonation. Mounted tuning gauges/devices on a student’s own set of timpani, must be covered and disengaged prior to entering the tryout room. (Revised ABA 2007)

STILL IN COMMITTEE 1 – Make sure that the computer-generated sight-reading is accurate. We have received several complaints about the quality and accuracy of sight-reading music that has been computer-generated by some individuals. Some of the ‘original’ sight-reading has been very well written, however, some are using music that is not as accurately notated. Some have suggested that we hire someone out of state to write all of our sight-reading music. Board Recommends – Refer to Clinic Materials Committee Still in Committee

2 – To establish a database of certified judges for marching, concert and sight reading contests. The database will provide the following information for each teacher who wants to be considered for judging responsibilities:

• Name, work history, years of experience and curriculum vitae. • Number of contests previously judged. • Location of contests previously judged. • Classifications of ensembles taught (9EE, 8EEE, etc) • History of contest ratings for the last 5 years. • List of contest literature performed with students for the last 5 years.

This database should identify the teacher as a Novice, Experienced, or Master adjudicator based on judging experience, not only years of teaching service. This database should be updated yearly to reflect the changes in the teacher’s professional status and history. Ball/Sillavan Rationale: The band directing community has become so extensive that the professional record and qualifications of colleagues across the state are not well-known. This database will serve as a tool in helping regions select experienced, qualified panels. For – 42 Against – 0 Executive Advisory Committee is addressing 3 – To establish an adjudication training program to prepare and qualify band directors for the purpose of judging marching, concert, and sight reading contest.

• ASBOA will sponsor the training program at every state convention (summer ABA, and All-State). • Judge candidates will be trained by a panel of experienced, veteran judges. • Trainees will listen to samples of band performances while reading scores and marking comments simultaneously.

Musical samples will consist of a variety of literature difficulty, ensemble age, ability levels and performance quality.

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• Trainee comments will be read and evaluated by the panel of trainers. The evaluation will focus on the accuracy of comments with regard to the basics of instrumental performance and pedagogical solutions to problems. Any comments related to personal taste or preferred interpretation will be eliminated.

• Trainers will instruct the judge candidates and establish a consensus about the definition of each rating level. • Trainers will recommend a successful or unsuccessful completion of the course. Trainees whose ratings differ

from the majority by more than one level should be recommended for re-training. • The training program will meet intermittently for not less than three hours: I. Instruction on listening and

appropriate use of the score sheet (1 hour) II. Listening and practice in scoring (1 hour) III. Review of comments and recommendation for further training (1 hour)

• Trainees who successfully complete the course should be compiled in a database and distributed to regions as legitimate certified contest judges.

• Judges should attend “refresher” clinics no less than once every three-five years. Refresher clinics would be 1 hour sessions and less intensive than the initial certification process.

• This program should be implemented in phases for practical purposes. Teachers with more than 15 years experience and a minimum of 5 judging assignments should be “grandfathered” into the system. Initial trainees should consist of teachers with fewer that 15 years experience and less than 5 judging assignments.

Ball/Sillavan Rationale: To improve consistency of the assignment of ratings given by judging panels, and to diminish the disagreement and conflicting comments by members of the same panel. The ability to direct a band does not guarantee the teacher’s critical listening skills when hearing performances of groups different from their own experience. For – 42 Against – 0 Executive Advisory Committee is addressing some aspects of this proposal 4 – Develop a Strategic Plan to promote Music Education in Arkansas. The scope of the plan could include but not be limited to the following:

• Visionary • Innovative • Promote music inside the classroom, via media, government • Descriptors how to achieve goals • Increase participation, augment required courses • Expand our basis from Fine Arts to areas such as Smart Music, music composition, sound engineering,

pedagogy, music history • Broaden our professional learning community unifying Music Educators, enhancing our websites, links

on other websites, via media • Fast track (what can be accomplished in the shortest period of time) • 2 year & 5 year goals

Echols/Landers Rationale: Every aspect of education in Arkansas has expanded its scope. These trends show many new subjects arise to be written into the frameworks and included in the requirements in the daily life of children. Mandated class sizes continue to diminish in all areas except in the area of music education. We understand Music Education as the area where more course requirements and financial burdens are placed on individuals to graduate. (Who have we not educated the skills this profession requires?) Music educators typically labor longer hours with larger classroom sizes for far less compensation than their peers. Upon employment, further expertise is required in a multi tasked, creative, and artistic environment where reading, math, science, history, foreign language, higher order thinking skills, and physical coordination are learned to proficient levels. In addition, more than 30 listening skills are simultaneously presented, assimilated, and tweaked for a performance atmosphere. Where will we go from here while new standards persist to be introduced that continue to burden our hearts and souls love for music? Music Education should dream a dream, take on a vision, and lend a hand in shaping the future of education in Arkansas. We need to develop strategic plan to help us see this vision. For 39 Against 0 Motion: Refer to Special Committee. Gordon Manley/Laura Hunt Do Pass Unanimous Rationale: Board agrees with above rationale. Action: Refer to Committee

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