AMEA 2014 Performing Groups


The Alabama Jazz Collective Dr. Andy Nevala, Piano, Director of Jazz Studies, Jacksonville State University Dr. Tony McCutchen, Drums, Percussion, Jacksonville State University Dr. Tom Wolfe, Guitar, University of Alabama Chris Kozak, Bass, University of Alabama Ken Watters, Trumpet, University of Alabama-Hunstville Dr. Dave Lambert, Trombone, Trombone, Jacksonville State University


The Alabama Jazz Collective was formed in the spring of 2013 to enhance and promote Jazz Education throughout the state of Alabama, and to help raise the level of jazz education in the region. Jazz is Americas music, was developed right down the road in New Orleans, and its popularity continues to grow. The performance skills and musical knowledge required to perform jazz are extensive, and this ensemble represents musicians who have combined: knowledge (those who can teach) with a high level of musicianship (those who can play) and experience (those who have done). We will be performing original compositions, jazz standards, and everything in between.


The Alabama Jazz Collective will perform during the Grand Opening of the Exhibits, Thursday, January 23 at 10:00 a.m.


The formation of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) began with the first performance by a group of volunteer musicians in 1921. That group would evolve from a volunteer ensemble to the state's only full-time professional orchestra. Today, the ASO is continuing to make music and provide vital services to the residents of the state, serving nearly 100,000 individuals a year through concert series, youth programs, and educational and community engagement efforts to fulfill our mission to change lives through music. As the state's premier performing arts organization, the ASO employs 54 salaried musicians who give more than 190 performances per year. The organization is supported through the ASO's Board of Directors, which consists of 60 civic and business leaders. The ASO has a volunteer pool of more than 400 individuals who are members of the Symphony Volunteer Council, Symphony 30, Greystone Symphony Society and the Youth Orchestra Parents Association. In addition, the ASO currently employs a full-time staff of 24.The ASO partners with more than 50 other arts, community and educational organizations throughout Alabama to better serve our community.


Photograph by Kelly Newport


The Albertville Percussion Ensemble was formed in 2006 with eight members and since that time, the group has grown to 32 members and continues to grow each year. In 2011, the ensemble was invited to perform at the Tournament of Roses Presidential Ball in Pasadena, California. At the event, the students were given the chance to perform in front of nearly 500 guests including corporate parade sponsors and news and media representatives covering the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl Game. The ensemble remains active throughout the year performing at school events, community events, and Days of Percussion throughout the Southeast. The AHS Percussion Ensemble is proud to endorse REMO Drumheads and Innovative Percussion Sticks and Mallets and is honored to have been selected to perform at the 2013 AMEA In-Service Conference.


The Austin High School Concert Band from Decatur, Alabama is the intermediate instrumental music ensemble for the Austin High School Band program. It is comprised of ninth and tenth grade musicians in the Austin High School Band, with approximately 75% of its membership being ninth grade students. The band was created in 1990 to serve as a feeder group for the Austin High School Symphonic Band. Since its creation, the band has performed at state and national concert festivals, and has consistently received superior ratings performing grade 3 and 4 literature. Members of the Austin High School Concert Band move on the become members of the nationally recognized Austin High School Symphonic Band.


44 October/November 2013


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