AMEA 2014 Performing Groups
In only its second year of existence, the Bumpus Middle School Symphonic Band, from Hoover, Alabama, is the top performing ensemble in the Bumpus/Brock’s Gap Band program, which encompasses over 300 students performing in a variety of ensembles including Jazz Band, Beginning Band, and three ability-based concert bands (Symphonic Band, Concert Band I, and Concert Band II). Students take beginning band in 6th grade at Brock’s Gap Intermediate School and then continue as 7th and 8th graders at Bumpus. Since its inception in 1999 when the school was founded, the bands at Bumpus have consistently received superior ratings at District Assessment, State Assessment, and the ABA Music Performance Assessment. The Bumpus Bands have also been honored to perform and receive superior ratings at
regional and national events such as the Southern Star Music Festival and Music in the Parks Music Festival in Atlanta, GA, Festival Disney in Orlando, FL, the National Festival of the States in Washington, DC, and the National Adjudicators Invitational in Atlanta, GA. In addition to their AMEA In-Service Conference performance, the Bumpus Symphonic Band will also perform this year at the 2014 Music for All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, IN.
The Daleville City Schools’ Band Program serves approximately 298 students grades 6-12. The musicians themselves make up 38% of the school’s population, while 45% of the school attends classes in the music department at some point during the school day. Program offerings include the “Pride of the South” Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Intermediate Band, Advanced Beginning Band, Beginning Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band I, and Jazz Band II. The program also offers numerous student-led small ensembles such as jazz combo, brass choir, trumpet ensemble, sax quartet, and woodwind quartet. Two directors work together to team teach all of these ensembles. The marching band consistently earns Superior ratings and Best in Class awards in competitions all over the Southeast. This ensemble includes auditioned musicians from grades 8-12 who split into two ensembles for concert band. The Wind Symphony has consistently earned Superior ratings at MPA throughout the history of the band and recently earned the recognition of receiving a “Superior with Distinction.” The newly formed Symphonic Band continues to work to build a reputation of excellence. Nationally, the band has earned Superior ratings and many first place awards in New York City, Gatlinburg, St. Louis, Orlando, Houston, Tampa, Chicago, San Antonio, and Toronto. In 2010, the band performed at the Cotton Bowl and Dallas New Year’s parade, earning first place in both the concert and parade competitions. The band recently won the Heritage Festivals’ concert and jazz competition in Orlando and was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. Student led ensembles have also achieved success performing in the lobby at the 2012 and 2013 AMEA conferences.
The Florence Middle School Choir is under the direction of Jane Powell and is a non-auditioned group which meets daily and has an active performance schedule each year. They participate in honor choirs, Alabama All-State Chorus, State Choral Performance Assessment, State Solo & Ensemble Choral Assessment, as well as Winter and Spring Concerts and a school wide talent show. The 130 voice middle school choir contains numerous performance groups, including girls groups at each age level, boy’s choir, mixed choir and select ensembles. The Florence Freshman Center choral students meet daily on the same campus as the middle
school. The 100 voice choir is taught jointly by Jane Powell & Rebecca Rockhill the first period of each day. Each of the various choral groups in which these students participate consistently is awarded superior ratings in the assessment process. The combination of the Florence Middle School 8th Grade Girls & the Freshman Center Girls is a unique group of singers who enjoyed singing together in the middle school setting and are continuing to work and make music together. They are thrilled to be performing for the Alabama Music Educators and would like to express their appreciation to the AMEA board for this opportunity.
The Gardendale High School Choral Department has grown since it was reopened in 2001. The first spring semester, there were 16 members and now the program contains of 140 members. It consists of four choirs: Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Women’s Chorus and Men’s Chorus. They consistently receive superior ratings at AVA Competitions. The group performs in at least 5 concerts yearly and the Jefferson County Music Festival. They travel annually to compete in the Worldstrides Heritage Festival. Last year in San Francisco the choir received a Gold Award. Seventeen students were members of the 2013 Alabama All-State Choral Festival, 13 in SATB and 4 in TTBB.
46 October/November 2013
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