September 2009
Volume 75, Number 1

LBA
Mary Wilkinson, President

As your new LBA President, I so excited to share that 133 students from 26 different schools participated in the 2009 LBA All-Star Middle School Bands. Nationally known director and clinician, Quincy Hilliard conducted the Symphonic Band, and Nathan Wilkinson, LBA Bandmaster of the Year from Berwick Junior High School conducted the Concert Band. A special thanks goes to the Lafayette High School rhythm section for contributing to the revival of the Jazz Band, which was a smashing success under the direction of Ronnie Gleason, Band Director at Lafayette High School. This team of conductors and students presented an extraordinary concert!

The Music Department at University Louisiana, Lafayette deserves many thanks as well for providing a home for the All-Star Bands which has proven to be an ideal facility. Thanks to the music faculty and staff who have patiently and graciously helped with everything we have asked for and allowed us to make ourselves at home. My heartfelt thanks is expressed to the numerous directors who volunteered their time and efforts to move chairs and equipment, judge chair auditions, monitor rehearsals, and help with all those other “little things that just sort of pop up.”

We are looking forward to expanding 2010 All-Star clinic to include a general business meeting and clinics that will appeal to middle school and high school directors alike. Mark your calendars. The 50^th Annual LBA All-Star Middle School Bands will rehearse Tuesday and Wednesday, June 1-2, 2010, in Angelle Hall on the campus of University of Louisiana, Lafayette.

Thanks to Past President and All-Star Co-Coordinator Robin Hochkeppel, All-Star Co-coordinator Walter Shepherd, and an outstanding Board of Directors, LBA is pressing forward and continuing to provide a venue for improving and promoting music programs in Louisiana as well as a common meeting ground for the exchange of ideas and methods within an environment of professionalism, friendliness, and fellowship.

Please feel free to contact me with concerns or suggestions for next year’s All-Star clinic. 318.443.3688 Brame Middle School wilkinsonm@rapides.k12.la.us