AMEA 2010 Clinicians and Performers
Peter and Mary Alice Amidon are master teachers of traditional dance and singing games, prolific collectors, composers and publishers of great songs for children and children’s choirs, inspired leaders of harmony singing with adults, and dynamic storytellers for all ages. They are in demand throughout the United States at Orff and Kodaly regional music teacher workshops, and have been headliners at several AOSA and OAKE national conferences. They are founding members of New England Dancing Masters, publishers of dance materials for children and teachers. They are both former elementary school music teachers.
The Oak Mountain Middle School Advanced Symphonic Band is made up of 75 of the top seventh and eighth grade musicians at Oak Mountain Middle School. This auditioned group has consistently made superior ratings at district and state assessments, and most recently received all Superior ratings at the Trills and Thrills Concert Band Festival in Pigeon Forge, TN. Many of the students are active participants in All-State and honor bands throughout the state. In 2009, 5 students made the All-State
Band, with 4 alternates, 24 students were selected to participate in the District IV Honor Band, and 47 students made up over 50% of the students selected for the Shelby County Middle School Honor Band. Oak Mountain Middle School is located in north Shelby County, Alabama. The band program has 300 students this year. Performing groups include the Advanced Symphonic Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, and Beginner Band. Heather Holmes is the Assistant Director and directs the Symphonic Band.
Under the direction of Leslie Owens, the Spanish Fort Middle School Symphonic Band has earned Superior ratings each year at District VII Contest and Superior ratings at State Contest in 1999, 2003, 2004 and 2009 (during years 2006 – 2008, the middle school students were temporarily relocated to SFHS). In 2001 and 2002 the band earned an Excellent rating at State Contest. The band program each year has placed up to half of the band students in the Baldwin County Honor Band and has also placed 1 to 8 students in the Alabama Jr. High All State Band. Several of Spanish Fort Alumni students are members of the Mobile Youth Symphony Orchestra. Each year the Beginner Band and 7th & 8th Grade Symphonic Band perform Christmas and Spring Concerts. The majority of the band students have participated in the District VII Solo & Ensemble Festival each year.
Occasionally, the
Symphonic Band has attended and earned Superior ratings at festivals in Gatlinburg, TN and Houston, TX. The band has also attended and performed at the Alabama Music Educator’s Conference in 2004. Each year brings new experiences and as the band director of these fine students I realize that I have had the wonderful and rewarding opportunity to be their band director. Each day I look forward to their efforts, wonderful attitudes and determination as well as their smiles and laughter. The most rewarding part is to see the smiles on their faces when they have accomplished a task (individually or as a group) that they can be proud of.
6 October 2009
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63