NEWS: MARCH 26, 2020
Earl D. Irons Program of Distinction has been postponed:
Greetings Brothers and Sisters of Phi Beta Mu,
It is with great disappointment to announce that, after consulting with the International Board, we have decided to postpone the Earl D. Irons Program of Distinction this year due to the uncertainties surrounding the current environment due to the COVID-19 virus.
The good news is that all applications and deadlines have been extended for one year and the process resuming next year with presentations during the 2021 Midwest Clinic.
It is inspiring to see all the creative ways people are dealing with this unprecedented situation. One positive to come out of this might be a stronger student awareness and appreciation of the daily gift we give each other making music.
Prayers for you, your family, staff and students,
Paul Worosello
[l to r:] Richard Armstrong, Director of Bands, Waxahachie High School; Paul Worosello, Phi Beta Mu International
photo: Robert James Cesario
One band was selected as recipient of the Earl D. Irons Program of Distinction in the third year of the award. Congratulations to:
Waxahachie High School, Waxahachie, Texas
Richard Armstrong, Director
This outstanding band program was recognized and celebrated during the Midwest Clinic [December 17-21, 2019] at the Phi Beta Mu Awards Breakfast.
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2020 Award. The Phi Beta Mu Earl D. Irons Program of Distinction is open to all high school band programs. Director must have been at that program for at least the previous five years.
Any Phi Beta Mu member may nominate one program. The initial nomination occurs in confidence with the Director unaware of the nomination, just as a potential member is nominated for membership to a state/province chapter.
Bands may be nominated at any time up to April 30 of the current academic year.
Note: The earlier the nomination is received, the more time the nominated program has to assemble all required material.
Name of nominated program, director and contact information is sent to Paul Worosello: (<http://www.privatedaddy.com/?q=N3RATFhcS3FXXmQCe3pBAGJ4eHh1RFQ-3D_360>) who, within a week, will notify director of the nomination by sending a letter of congratulations and information on how to proceed. Bands are under no obligation to act upon the nomination.
For more information visit: Earl D. Irons Program of Distinction.
[Please note that members must log in first.]
Phi Beta Mu Awards 2020
|
Outstanding Bandmaster 2020Alfred L. Watkins |
Outstanding Contributor 2020 John M. Stoner Jr. |
A highlight of the annual Phi Beta Mu Awards Breakfast is the opportunity to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to our profession. Even as we honour them they continue to inspire us with their wisdom and demeanour. They truly exemplify the ideals of our fraternity; life, love and music.
Commission Projects
We are excited to announce a new commissioning opportunity for a Grade 2-2.5 piece by composer Quincy Hilliard.
Phi Beta Mu is committed to the development and release of new repertoire for our profession. This opportunity is facilitated by the financial commitment of the Phi Beta Mu international board and the collaboration of our Phi Beta Mu member chapters and individuals.
We invite you to join us! Consider using this opportunity in memorium or to honor an individual or group. There are two ways to participate in the consortium:
- Chapters may participate for a fee of $200.
- Individuals may participate for a fee of $100.
Text for acknowledgement and payment must be received by August 1, 2020 to facilitate publication deadlines and performance consideration at the Midwest Clinic 2021. All inquiries and fees should be sent to our Executive Secretary, David Lambert at <http://www.privatedaddy.com/?q=JHdTTklcVWkiGFMDcXtOT39pInxYZ3h1RFQ-3D_360>.
More information is available about our composers, the commissions and performers.
Phi Beta Mu Partners with Conn-Selmer to Inspire and Motivate
Phi Beta Mu International is continuing our partnership with the Conn-Selmer Institute. This three-and-a-half-day professional development conference is comprised of inspiring workshops and classes led by world-class clinicians. Conn-Selmer has agreed to offer fifteen band directors sponsored by Phi Beta Mu the opportunity to attend at a reduced registration fee of $249.00. Attendees will be responsible for their own housing accommodations, transportation, and meals. Chapters may submit two names (non-members of Phi Beta Mu) to apply to attend the Institute.
This initiative gives us all a chance to invest in the future of our profession by helping to facilitate this potentially life-changing opportunity for a young teacher in our region. The deadline is March 1st, 2020. These fifteen positions will fill soon. Please submit all inquiries and nominations to Vice President, Dwayne Sagen at <http://www.privatedaddy.com/?q=JDVBQkxcSV10Qn4Df2VZAGJ4eHh1RFQ-3D_360>.
We had nine sponsored band directors attend the 2019 Conn-Selmer Institute with representation from the following chapters: Alpha Chapter, Texas; Delta Chapter, Mississippi; Eta Chapter, Tennessee; Gamma Chapter, Indiana; Kappa Zeta Chapter, Arizona; Mu Alpha Chapter, Alberta; Omicron Chapter, Arkansas and Zeta Chapter, Georgia.
Dan Bittner, Kappa Zeta Chapter, Arizona shared the following comments:
The learning environment that Conn-Selmer creates encouraged me to learn. The collective knowledge of everyone in attendance was staggering and I strove to learn as much as I could. Highlights were a lecture from Frank Tracz where he told stories of his personal experiences from his unique perspective and a workshop on teaching swing feel from Tony Garcia. We have been using his rhythm warm up in jazz band with huge improvement! Alfred Watkins shared succinct tips for better rehearsals; so much of what he said was immediately applicable and has improved my rehearsals. Reading Band with Richard Saucedo and Michael Sweeney was interesting and just so cool! Having a cup of coffee with Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser…what a kind and genuine man. However, the biggest lesson was to always be an advocate for my students, both in and out of the classroom. Dr. Tim made me realize that the most important part of my job is to build students up into better people. I have tried to change the way I teach. This year has been more successful, my students feel important and they are respected in our program.
Phi Beta Mu Reaches Out to International Band Scene
The Phi Beta Mu Board of Directors has created an International Assistance Fund (IAF) to provide assistance to school/community bands in foreign countries. Funding is to be used for supplies or classroom equipment purchased locally in the foreign country or, for assistance in the transport, shipping, or mailing of items. Awards will not exceed $500 to any one school or program.
Applications from Phi Beta Mu members will be received at anytime during the year. Inquiries and submissions are to be directed to the International President Elva Kaye Lance. Requests will be approved or declined within seven working days.
Please use your member login and go the Forms & Documents page to access more information regarding the application process.
Chapter Profiles
We want to know more about you!
Public relations chair Martin Carey-Becker is soliciting information in order to expand our awareness of each of our 35 chapters. Even though we have much in common, each of our Phi Beta Mu chapters is unique. By sharing this information we become more connected as a fraternity and the bonds of life, love and music are strengthened.
For more information about this project contact Martin Carey-Becker at becker.martinandjudy@ gmail.com
View the profiles from 27 of our 35 chapters. Help us complete our roster by submitting your chapter profile today.
Chapter Special Projects
It is exciting to see the themes of mentorship, collaboration and leadership demonstrated by the actions of Phi Beta Mu members and chapters. The ideals of our fraternity are reflected in the special projects that local chapters focus their time and energy on each year.
Discover the common threads of service to our profession that bind our chapters and fraternity together.
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Join our group
We encourage you to invite other Phi Beta Mu members to join our group.
This is a private group; others will be able to see who the members are and what Phi Beta Mu is about. However, they will not see posts or any information that is located on the site.
Take the time to join our Facebook group. Get the latest news and stay connected with your Phi Beta Mu colleagues and friends.
Questions or comments?
Contact any of the members below.
| International President | Elva Kaye Lance |
| International Executive Secretary | David Lambert |
| Website/Social Media Facilitator | Sheryl Bowhay |
Phi Beta Mu is a non-political, non-profit fraternity organized to promote fellowship among its members, to encourage the building of better bands and the development of better musicians in schools throughout the world, to foster a deeper appreciation for quality wind literature, and to encourage widespread interest in band performance.