Scouts Honor: Inside a Marching Brotherhood

In this episode, Kathleen’s guest is Mac Smith, the founder of Gigantic Cranium, an independent film production outfit. Along with Tom Tollefsen, Garrick Gonzalez, John “JT” Torrijos and the other members of the team, they produced the documentary film about the Madison Scouts drum and bugle corps—Scouts Honor: Inside a Marching Brotherhood.

Mac’s family frequently brought him to movies and it was in 1977, when he watched Star Wars, that he decided that he wanted to make movies when he grew up. He experimented with video cameras and editing throughout his childhood. At 17, he attended the Summer Production Workshop at USC Film School. He studied film and also auditioned for the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps and marched for one year. He was the Music Director at the University of Iowa College radio station, KRUI, when he decided to start his career in sound editing for movies. He has worked on post production sound for over 75 films and was nominated for 10 Golden Reel Awards. Mac is grateful to his team, especially Tom Tollefsen, Director, Co-Producer for the success of their Scouts Honor movie.

• Mac talks about his life in the Bay Area with his wife Ashley, his son Admiral, and daughter Maven.
• Mac Smith’s experience in connecting with some people in Drum Corps Activity specifically Madison Scouts which starred in the movie Scouts Honor
• Mac’s purpose for making the movie
• Gigantic Cranium projects
• His efforts at marketing their work via the social media
• What Mac had learned in being independent in social media-based crowdfunding
• Mac’s advice for new music and independent film producers
• Criteria for selection of members of the Drum Corps
• Other details about his work

Movie website: www.scoutshonormovie.com

Gigantic Cranium website: http://www.giganticcranium.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadisonScoutsMovie/

About Mac Smith

Mac Smith (documentary filmmaker and sound designer) was born into a family of tuba players in Omaha, Nebraska. His parents and older siblings exposed him to films that were a bit mature for his age, and a wide variety of musical styles. Films that stand out from his early childhood are “Murder By Death”, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”, and “The Blues Brothers”. It was on that fateful day when his parents took him to see “Star Wars” in the theater in 1977 that changed it all. After that viewing, Mac knew that he wanted to make movies when he grew up. Mac experimented with video cameras, and picture editing throughout his childhood. He went off to Los Angeles at age 17 to take the Summer Production Workshop at USC Film School, and then made his home in Iowa City at the University of Iowa. Mac marched in the sousaphone section of the Hawkeye Marching Band, and studied film at Iowa. During his time in Iowa City, Mac decided to audition for the Madison Scouts drum & bugle corps in Madison, Wisconsin. He marched as a contra player for only one year due to age eligibility in 1995.

The lightbulb really went off for Mac when he got his hands on early digital audio editing software while he was the Music Director at the University of Iowa college radio station, KRUI. This is where sound and picture came together in his mind. The decision was made to start his career in sound editing for movies. Within a year of moving to Northern California, he found his way into the movie industry. Mac has worked on post production sound for over 75 films (“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” “The Birth of a Nation,” “Toy Story 3,” “Tron Legacy,” “Rango”) and has been nominated for 10 Golden Reel awards (Motion Picture Sound Editing).

In 2011, Mac and Tom Tollefsen started developing the concept of a documentary film that focuses on the drum corps activity that they wanted to direct and produce. The film, “Scouts Honor: Inside a Marching Brotherhood” screened at four film festivals from 2014 to 2015 and took home 3 awards. Through the “Theatrical on Demand” company Gathr, “Scouts Honor” screened in nearly 30 theaters around the USA in 2015 and 2016. In June, the film was released on DVD and Bluray and now it’s coming out on iTunes on November 8th.

Mac enjoys living in the Bay Area with his wife Ashley, his son Admiral, and daughter Maven.

The post Mac Smith of the Scouts Honor documentary appeared first on Kathleen Heuer.

On this episode of the Marketing Music Education podcast, I speak with Colonel Jim R. Keene, Master Sergeant Jason Stephens, and Staff Sergeant Heidi Ackerman of The United States Army Field Band. We discuss the group’s mission, where they fit in among the Army’s many other music ensembles, handling stress and burnout, and much more. In particular, we talk about their use of social media (especially live streaming) to achieve their goals, and how YOU can use it to achieve your music program’s goals!

Colonel Jim R. Keene

Colonel Jim R. Keene became the Commander of The United States Army Field Band in January 2015. Prior to this assignment, he served as Commander of the United States Military Academy Band at West Point, New York; Commandant of the Army School of Music at Norfolk, Virginia; and at The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in Washington, DC, the U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus in Heidelberg, Germany, and the Army Ground Forces Band in Atlanta, Georgia.

COL Keene has led numerous performances for international military and civilian leaders, dignitaries, and heads of state. During his time as Commander of the United States Military Academy Band at West Point, he led performances for the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty, co-directed the music for A&E’s and the National Park Service’s “A New Birth of Freedom” special for the 150th commemoration of the Battle of Gettysburg, and a one-hour music special holiday production by the West Point Band aired on Fox News, “A West Point Holiday.” COL Keene led The U.S. Army Chorus in performances at the interments of former Presidents Ronald Reagan in Simi Valley, California, and Gerald R. Ford in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has performed for seven U.S. presidents, at the 1996 Summer Olympic and Para-Olympic Games in Atlanta, the dedication of the National WWII Memorial, the one-year anniversary of 9/11 at the Pentagon, the “Kennedy Center Honors,” and the Military District of Washington’s production, “Spirit of America.” He has worked with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and Chorus and the National Symphony Orchestra, and has conducted the Dallas Wind Symphony, the Boston Pops Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic.

Prior to joining the Army, COL Keene served as Assistant Conductor of the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Symphony, Orchestra Conductor at the SMU International Conservatory Summer Festival in Taos, New Mexico, and Music Director of the Albuquerque Civic Light Opera. He holds a Master of Music degree in Orchestral Conducting from the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University and a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from the University of New Mexico. He is a violinist, fiddler, pianist, accompanist, and songwriter, and is a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Master Sergeant Jason Stephens

Master Sergeant Jason Stephens earned a Master of Arts degree from Florida State University and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of South Florida. He served in the 392nd Army Band. MSG Stephens has worked as a middle school band director, tuba player for Walt Disney World, and adjunct professor of Tuba at Troy State University. He currently serves as the Educational Activities Coordinator for The U.S. Army Field Band.

Staff Sergeant Heidi Ackerman

Staff Sergeant Heidi Ackerman received a Master of Music degree from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. She debuted with the Phoenix Symphony in 2011 singing Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” and enjoyed three seasons as a professional chorister with Arizona Opera. Before joining The U.S. Army Field Band, SSG Ackerman sang with the Cantos de Taos at the Taos Opera Institute, conducted church and community choirs, taught junior high music, and sang professionally throughout the greater Phoenix area.

Links & resources mentioned in this episode with the United States Army Field Band

armyfieldband.com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tusafb

http://www.youtube.com/USArmyFieldBand

http://www.facebook.com/FieldBand

http://www.facebook.com/jazzambassadors

http://www.facebook.com/armyrockband

http://twitter.com/fieldband

http://twitter.com/armyrockband

http://twitter.com/jazzambassadors

http://www.music.army.mil/

U.S. Army All-American Bowl

Military Band Funding

“If we really had a manning crisis, from my perspective, we would really tell people to put down the tuba and pick up a wrench or a gun.”
— Rep. Martha McSally, R-Ariz.

Articles

Congresswoman to Air Force: Put down the tuba, pick up a gun

Congresswoman calls for cuts to military music. by Anne Midgette

Politico: Gov’t Bands Face Chopping Block by College Marching

The Pentagon’s battle of the bands by Ellen Mitchell
Music in the military is a storied tradition, but some lawmakers say $437 million in yearly spending is too much.

U.S. HOUSE New National March: “The Stars and Stripes ForNever” by Daniel W. Boothe

NAfME Opposes McSally Amendment to Cut Military Band Funding

Petitions

Continue Military Bands Funding via We the People

Continue Military Bands Funding via Change.org

TAKE ACTION NOW

ACTION ALERT: Here’s What You Can Do To Help Defeat The Destruction Of Military Bands

The post United States Army Field Band appeared first on Kathleen Heuer.

Glenn Nierman is the current president of the National Association for Music Education. A blog post was published alleging that NAfME CEO Michael Butera made controversial comments about race and diversity at a recent event hosted by the National Endowment for the Arts. That’s when Dr. Nierman found himself near the eye of a public relations firestorm.

Halftime Magazine has a great recap of the timeline of events here.

Dr. Nierman was kind enough to join me Friday afternoon to talk about the week’s turn of events, and what comes next for NAfME. Here’s what we discussed.

Questions for NAfME president Glenn Nierman

How are board members selected?

How can NAfME’s current policies be adjusted to encourage increased diversity?

What was the selection process for the new CEO? Why was interim leadership not appointed?

What kind of experience does new CEO Michael Blakeslee have with diversity?

Where do the issues with diversity in music education begin? Are we not recruiting diverse students into music ed to begin with?

What would you tell people about what happened this week and what comes next?

How can music educators nationwide help increase diversity?

Ready to discuss?

So were we. Check out this Blab roundtable featuring Matthew Stultz of Together We Can, Olin Hannum of the AMusEd podcast, Bruce Faske of the Get Some Grit podcast, and via chat, Scott Lang of Scott Lang Leadership.

About NAfME President Glenn Nierman

Glenn E. Nierman, NAfME President for 2014-2016, is currently a member of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Music faculty. He teaches graduate classes in research and curriculum development, as well as a non-major popular music guitar class. His public school teaching experience includes work with middle school general music and choir, as well as high school band and orchestra. Glenn, a Past President of NAfME’s North Central Division and a Past President of the Nebraska Music Educators Association (NMEA), also served his state as the Chairperson of College/University Affairs and Chairperson of the Coalition for Music Education, the advocacy arm of NMEA. In these positions, he organized the state’s first Music Mentor Program for beginning music educators and helped to draft legislation debated before the Nebraska Legislature’s Education Committee to promote the need for standards in the arts.

Dr. Nierman has authored many journal articles, made numerous presentations at NAFME Conferences, and given addresses at World Congresses of the International Society of Music Education (ISME) around the world. He has authored chapters in NAFME’s Benchmarks in Action and Spotlight on Assessment publications. Honors and awards include recognition for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching and receipt of the Steinhart Distinguished Endowed Professorship in Music Education. He holds a B.M. in Music Education from Washburn University (Kansas), and M.M. and D.M.E. degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

Read Glenn Nierman’s resume.

Thanks to fellow podcaster Jason Heath for the recent shoutout on his blog! Find his podcast at contrabassconversations.com.

Now you can support the show on Patreon! Learn how it works here:

The post NAfME President Glenn Nierman appeared first on Kathleen Heuer.

There has been a stunning turn of events in the world of music education this week, and they concern diversity. The National Association for Music Education has replaced their CEO after allegations of possibly racist statements made at a NEA event.

Join me tomorrow, May 13, 2016 at 5:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time as I host my first Blab to discuss what happened, why, and where we go from here.

If you can’t be there in person, leave me a 90-second voicemail here, or share an mp3 file with me. You can also leave me your thoughts here in the comments or on social media, and I’ll be glad to read them.

The post NAfME & Diversity: Let’s talk about it appeared first on Kathleen Heuer.

Photo credit Fred Stucker

Read the full article about Jeff Grogan I wrote for the Music for All Orchestra America Newsletter here. Learn more about the Orchestra America National Festival here, and how students can apply to work with Jeff Grogan as a member of the 2017 Honor Orchestra of America here.

Don’t forget: subscribe here on Google Play, here on iTunes, or here on Stitcher to get each episode as soon as it’s available!

Jeff Grogan serves as conductor and artistic director of the InterSchool Orchestras of New York as well as the Greater Newark Youth Orchestras and music director and conductor of the New Jersey Youth Symphony. He is in his sixth season as the education and community engagement conductor for the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, where he leads the NJSO in a variety of concerts each season.

In addition, he spends a large portion of each season working with school music programs, festivals, and conducting All State Orchestras throughout the country. Prior to his appointment with the NJSO, Grogan was director of orchestras and associate professor at the Ithaca College School of Music. Grogan was previously on faculty at the University of Michigan and Baylor University. He taught public school in the Desoto (Texas) Independent School District. Grogan is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University and the University of Michigan.

Resources from my conversation with Jeff Grogan

InterSchool Orchestras of New York

Greater Newark Youth Orchestras

New Jersey Youth Symphony

Orchestra You at the New Jersey Symphony

NPR’s coverage of Orchestra You

Get Some Grit podcast with Bruce Faske:
Episode 16 – Spring Break? Or Spring Repair?

The post Jeff Grogan, 2017 MFA Honor Orchestra of America conductor appeared first on Kathleen Heuer.

I first found Dr. John Gallagher and NYSSMA on Twitter a couple of years ago. They linked to something called a “Swiss cheese” press release. I clicked the link and found not only a treasure trove of templates for public relations—all tailored specifically for music education programs—but tumbled down a deep rabbit hole of online resources all designed to help you market music education right in your own community.

I’m so glad John was able to join me on the podcast! Here are a few of the topics we touch on in this episode:

• What is a “Swiss Cheese” news release?
• What’s the best way to advocate for your program?
• The importance of engaging your community
• How to get your music program covered by local news outlets
• Lessons from failed attempts to organize a booster group
• The legality of using students’ images to promote your music program
• Great advice from a retired superintendent to battle burnout
• A few “out-of-the-box” fundraiser ideas
• The one thing that John says will improve your music program

Resources from this episode

NYSSMA Swiss cheese news releases

NYSSMA on Twitter

Email Dr. Gallagher

Why Music? PSAs for Music in Our Schools Month from NAfME

About Dr. John Gallagher

John J. Gallagher, Ed.D., is the Director of Fine Arts for the Longwood Central School District, a position he has held since 2006. He has served the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) as State Chairperson for Public Relations and Information since 2000; the Suffolk County Music Educators Association (SCMEA) as Commercial Membership chairperson since 2014; and the Suffolk County Chapter of the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education (NYSCAME) as director of professional development since 2015.

He has also held positions in community and public relations for school districts handling all aspects of communication including news releases, district calendars, and newsletters.

A dedicated advocate for arts education, Dr. Gallagher joined with leaders on the state and local levels to spearhead the creation of the Long Island Scholar Artist  program, an initiative that provides media coverage to students in the five areas of the arts. Students are featured each month of the school year in Newsday and were first introduced in September 2007. In December 2008, WLIW-TV, Long Island’s local PBS station, aired a documentary on the program.

School music programs under his leadership have received the designation of being among the Best Communities for Music Education in America and have been named a Finalist in the GRAMMY Signature Schools program. Bands under his direction have been featured in such venues as Walt Disney World, the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, the Empire State Plaza and Madison Square Garden. They have received high ratings in concert performance and his marching band earned a 2002 State Championship.

Before turning to a career in music education, John was employed in the field of public relations and marketing communications. He has held positions in the field of corporate and brand marketing, healthcare communications, and has handled public relations for various performing groups.

John Gallagher created and has presented an arts advocacy clinic to various arts educators associations and educational institutions along the East Coast. His writings on the topic have been published in NYSSMA’s Magazine, School Music News. John’s doctoral research studied the role of music administrators and music educators as advocates for their school music programs. A portion of his dissertation was published to create NYSSMA’s Advocacy manual.

John holds membership in the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), NYSSMA, NYSCAME, SCMEA  and Suffolk-NYSCAME and is a NYSSMA All State Brass Adjudicator.

He holds a B.S. in Communication Arts from St. John’s University, an M.S. in Music Education from C.W. Post College, an Advanced Graduate Certificate in School District Administration from the University at Stony Brook, and an Ed.D. in Educational Administration from Dowling College.

Dr. Gallagher lives in Middle Island, NY with his wife, Danielle, and their children Amanda, Thomas, and Michael.

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The post Dr. John Gallagher of NYSSMA appeared first on Kathleen Heuer.

In this episode, I speak with Greg Scapillato and Keith Ozsvath. They’re the coordinators of the brand new MFA middle school track at the 2016 Music For All Summer Symposium.

We’ll talk about how Keith and Greg met and where their careers have taken them. We discuss the challenges they face as middle school band directors, like recruiting, retention and burnout. They also share why they saw a need for a camp like the MFA middle school camp, as well as their approach to designing the event from scratch.

To learn more, listen in. Then click here to sign up to get more information as it’s available, and check out this feature article here.

http://musicforall.org/mscamp

Band Directors Facebook Group

About this week’s guests

Keith Ozsvath is passionate about teaching music, professional development, and integrating technology. He joined the music faculty at Rotolo Middle School in Batavia, Illinois, in 2000 and teaches the 8th Grade Band, Jazz Ensemble, and the Symphonic Band. Mr. Ozsvath is an active adjudicator and clinician in the Chicago area. He is a member of the American School Band Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, been recognized twice by “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” and is an Eagle Scout. He has been an Illinois Summer Youth Music conductor at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. Additionally, he has presented sessions at the National Middle School Association Conference, Illinois Music Educators All-State Conference, and at VanderCook College of Music. Keith currently teaches two VanderCook MECA classes: Tech Tools for the Music Educator and an online class, You Made This! Website Design & Creation for Music Educators. Mr. Ozsvath also authors a blog, www.teachingbandandmore.com, which provides practical teaching ideas for music educators.

Greg Scapillato teaches band in Northbrook District 28 (IL), conducting the Wind Ensemble and teaching lessons grades 4-8. Mr. Scapillato strives to create meaningful musical experiences for students in his care. While teaching the Beginning Band, he introduced a demonstration concert designed to improve parent investment and engagement. The NBJH Wind Ensemble, under Mr. Scapillato’s direction, has benefitted from special performance opportunities, including joint concerts with professional ensembles and service-based performances such as the local Veterans’ Day Ceremony. Mr. Scapillato also initiated a biennial alumni concert to connect students to those with a life-long love of music performance. In addition to music-related pursuits, Mr. Scapillato enjoys developing his expertise with technology and its integration to accelerate student learning. Success is not a solo adventure: Mr. Scapillato is grateful for supportive colleagues, friends, and family. He calls Arlington Heights, Illinois, home with his wife, son, and an incorrigible Golden Retriever.

The post MFA Middle School Band Camp appeared first on Kathleen Heuer.

In this episode of the Marketing Music Education podcast, I continue my talk with Richard Crain of the Midwest Clinic. We discuss why marching band is so big in Texas and why it’s so important for band directors to continue to hone their craft, plus the biggest lessons he’s learned over the course of his teaching career.

This is the second of two episodes with Richard Crain; find the first half of our conversation here!

Richard C. Crain has recently completed a tenure as Director of Instrumental Studies at Houston Baptist University. He previously served 21 years as Director of Music for the Spring Independent School District near Houston, TX.  He also previously served as Head Band Director at Westfield HS, Spring HS, and Belton HS. His Spring HS band performed at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago in 1980 and Belton HS in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA, in 1974 and won honors in concert and marching contests in TX, LA, VA, and CO. He currently is a frequent adjudicator, clinician, and consultant throughout the U.S.; and he has been a presenter for numerous university summer band camps, music education classes, and state music conventions throughout the U.S. and in Canada. Crain retired in 2000 from Spring ISD after 44 years of service in public school music education.

Crain has served on The Midwest Clinic Board of Directors since 1992 and as a Vice President in 2004. He was elected President of the Board in 2009. He and his wife Gayle were the Festival Coordinators for the National Concert Band Festival from its debut in 1991 through 2008, and he and Gayle were inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame in 2005. Crain is Past President of the Texas Bandmasters Association, the Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Mu, and the Texas Music Adjudicators Association. From 1977 through 2008, he served as International Executive Secretary of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, and he is included in the PBM Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame. He is a member of the American Bandmasters Association and is a co-author of Band Expressions, Books I and II, published by Alfred Publications. He and his wife Gayle served as Executive Secretaries for the University Interscholastic League Region IX band, choir, and orchestra contests for over 11 years.

In December of 2007, Crain received the Medal of Honor from The Midwest Clinic in Chicago for his contributions to music education throughout the U.S. and Canada; and in 2009, the Outstanding Contribution to Bands Award was presented to Crain at the annual meeting of Phi Beta Mu International at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Other honors include the Music Administrator Lifetime Achievement Award from TBA in 2006, the Richard C. Crain Fine Arts Building at Spring HS dedicated in 2000, the Distinguished Faculty Award from the SHS Alumni in 2002, the Texas Bandmaster of the Year Award by TBA in 1994, and the state and national 1994 Outstanding Music Educator awards from NFIAA. In 1974, Crain was named “Man of the Year” by the Chamber of Commerce of Belton, Texas. From the 1970’s through 2007, Crain was an organizer of the services held by the Fellowship of Christian Musicians at the TBA conventions, and he is currently a Deacon and the Orchestra Director for Spring Baptist Church in Spring, TX. In February 2011, Crain received the “Outstanding Contributions to Music Education Award” from the South Central Regional Music Conference in Monroe, LA., and in December of 2011, he received the “Al and Gladys Wright” award from the Women’s Band Directors International Association. The Texas Bandmasters Association presented Crain with The Honorary Life Membership award in July of 2012. In December of 2013, Crain was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame, in Chicago, Illinois, and received the Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Contributor Award in 2011.

Richard lives in The Woodlands, TX; his wife Gayle is a resident in The Isle at Kingwood. Their three sons, successful businessmen in nearby Houston, are Scott, with wife Jennifer and children Lauren, Emily, and Joshua; Chris, with wife Melissa and children Jacob, Caroline and Emma Kate; and Steven. Richard’s wife Gayle is a former college business instructor and college administrator who has worked with him for many music education organizations for 53 years and has provided invaluable assistance throughout his career. She is an honorary member of Phi Beta Mu International. She also served on the Board of the TBA Wives Association and as President in 1977.

The post More with Richard Crain of Midwest Clinic appeared first on Kathleen Heuer.

In this episode of the Marketing Music Education podcast, I talk with Richard Crain of the Midwest Clinic. He gives us an overview of the event, including who should attend and what to expect. We discuss the importance of professional development for music educators, especially as it relates to burnout and teacher turnover. We discuss his experience with volunteers, fundraising, and what he feels the most important discipline in the entire curriculum might be (hint: it’s music!)

This is the first of two episodes with Richard Crain; be sure to tune in next time for more!

Richard C. Crain has recently completed a tenure as Director of Instrumental Studies at Houston Baptist University. He previously served 21 years as Director of Music for the Spring Independent School District near Houston, TX.  He also previously served as Head Band Director at Westfield HS, Spring HS, and Belton HS. His Spring HS band performed at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago in 1980 and Belton HS in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA, in 1974 and won honors in concert and marching contests in TX, LA, VA, and CO. He currently is a frequent adjudicator, clinician, and consultant throughout the U.S.; and he has been a presenter for numerous university summer band camps, music education classes, and state music conventions throughout the U.S. and in Canada. Crain retired in 2000 from Spring ISD after 44 years of service in public school music education.

Crain has served on The Midwest Clinic Board of Directors since 1992 and as a Vice President in 2004. He was elected President of the Board in 2009. He and his wife Gayle were the Festival Coordinators for the National Concert Band Festival from its debut in 1991 through 2008, and he and Gayle were inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame in 2005. Crain is Past President of the Texas Bandmasters Association, the Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Mu, and the Texas Music Adjudicators Association. From 1977 through 2008, he served as International Executive Secretary of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, and he is included in the PBM Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame. He is a member of the American Bandmasters Association and is a co-author of Band Expressions, Books I and II, published by Alfred Publications. He and his wife Gayle served as Executive Secretaries for the University Interscholastic League Region IX band, choir, and orchestra contests for over 11 years.

In December of 2007, Crain received the Medal of Honor from The Midwest Clinic in Chicago for his contributions to music education throughout the U.S. and Canada; and in 2009, the Outstanding Contribution to Bands Award was presented to Crain at the annual meeting of Phi Beta Mu International at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Other honors include the Music Administrator Lifetime Achievement Award from TBA in 2006, the Richard C. Crain Fine Arts Building at Spring HS dedicated in 2000, the Distinguished Faculty Award from the SHS Alumni in 2002, the Texas Bandmaster of the Year Award by TBA in 1994, and the state and national 1994 Outstanding Music Educator awards from NFIAA. In 1974, Crain was named “Man of the Year” by the Chamber of Commerce of Belton, Texas. From the 1970’s through 2007, Crain was an organizer of the services held by the Fellowship of Christian Musicians at the TBA conventions, and he is currently a Deacon and the Orchestra Director for Spring Baptist Church in Spring, TX. In February 2011, Crain received the “Outstanding Contributions to Music Education Award” from the South Central Regional Music Conference in Monroe, LA., and in December of 2011, he received the “Al and Gladys Wright” award from the Women’s Band Directors International Association. The Texas Bandmasters Association presented Crain with The Honorary Life Membership award in July of 2012. In December of 2013, Crain was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame, in Chicago, Illinois, and received the Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Contributor Award in 2011.

Richard lives in The Woodlands, TX; his wife Gayle is a resident in The Isle at Kingwood. Their three sons, successful businessmen in nearby Houston, are Scott, with wife Jennifer and children Lauren, Emily, and Joshua; Chris, with wife Melissa and children Jacob, Caroline and Emma Kate; and Steven. Richard’s wife Gayle is a former college business instructor and college administrator who has worked with him for many music education organizations for 53 years and has provided invaluable assistance throughout his career. She is an honorary member of Phi Beta Mu International. She also served on the Board of the TBA Wives Association and as President in 1977.

The post Richard Crain of the Midwest Clinic appeared first on Kathleen Heuer.

This episode of the Marketing Music Education podcast is the second half of my conversation with Eric Martin of Music for All. Listen to part 1 here.

In the second installment, we discuss Music for All’s ticket pricing, and how Eric and his team strive to deliver a “‘Disney-like’ experience on a Mickey Mouse budget.” We cover how local music programs can implement ideas from Music for All and other sources, and how to tell if you’re stealing an idea, or just researching it. We discuss Eric’s leadership style and talk about who’s influenced him. We delve into funding for music education, including fundraising and sponsorship, and go deeper into the importance of music education advocacy at the local level. Finally, Eric shares the advice he’d give the parent of a potential incoming music student, the advice he’d give your music program, and the very best way he knows how to market music education.

About Eric Martin

Eric Martin is president and CEO of Music for All, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to create, provide and expand positively life-changing experiences through music for all. MFA promotes and advocates for music and arts education, and creates and produces music and music education events and programs serving 60,000 youth and 250,000 spectators annually throughout the nation.

Eric has more than 20 years of experience in special event planning and operations, in addition to 17 years of legal practice and 21 years of corporate executive management experience. Before coming to Music for All, he was the founder and sole proprietor of ELM Productions, Inc., a special events production company producing parades and festival programs and events, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Parade in Atlanta.

Links and Resources mentioned by Eric Martin

For more on MFA’s nonprofit status and ticket prices:

• Music For All: Who We Are
• Music For All: Financials
• Music For All on Guidestar.org

United Sound

Indiana High School Summer Track Marching Bands

Indianapolis Marching Band Tournament
(formerly known as the Indianapolis Public Schools Marching Band Tournament)

The Music for All Parent/Booster Institute

More about Miss Dorothy Emerson and the 4H Citizenship Short Course that influenced Eric

The post Eric Martin, CEO of Music for All: Part 2 appeared first on Kathleen Heuer.

In this episode of the Marketing Music Education podcast, I sat down with Eric Martin of Music for All. He’s one of my favorite people to talk to, and we covered a lot: enough for two episodes! Listen to the second episode here.

In this first installment, we talk about his experience as an African-American band student in a recently desegregated school, his love of the marching arts, his background as an aviation lawyer and how he got into event production. We also discuss the importance of music education and the power of music—and live events—in our society, and why Sarah Palin is a role model of his. We also touch on burnout and its effects not just on music educators, but on nonprofit staffers like those at Music for All and like the parent volunteers that power music programs like yours.

About Eric Martin

Eric Martin is president and CEO of Music for All, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to create, provide and expand positively life-changing experiences through music for all. MFA promotes and advocates for music and arts education, and creates and produces music and music education events and programs serving 60,000 youth and 250,000 spectators annually throughout the nation.

Eric has more than 20 years of experience in special event planning and operations, in addition to 17 years of legal practice and 21 years of corporate executive management experience. Before coming to Music for All, he was the founder and sole proprietor of ELM Productions, Inc., a special events production company producing parades and festival programs and events, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Parade in Atlanta.

Links and Resources mentioned by Eric Martin

International Festivals & Events Association and the Pinnacle Awards

Drum Corps International

Scott McCormick of the Association of Music Parents

South Carolina church shooting

Music for All’s Strategic Plan

Music for All’s music education advocacy efforts

NAfME’s Music Education Policy Roundtable

Scott Lang’s Be Part of the Music

The post Eric Martin, CEO of Music for All: Part 1 appeared first on Kathleen Heuer.