PHI BETA MU
PHI BETA MU INTERNATIONAL BANDMASTERS FRATERNITY BOARD MEETING
CHICAGO HILTON HOTEL CHICAGO, IL
DECEMBER 17, 2014
The Meeting was called to order by President Paul Worosello at 3:00 P.M.
The Invocation was given by Secretary, David Lambert
President Worosello began the meeting by saying that he would first like to thank all members of the International board and executive committee for your service to the fraternity and look forward to your reports in a few minutes. Congratulations are due to Cathy Williams and Rodney Bennett for their reelection to the International Board. I would like to thank David Lambert for his work in organizing the breakfast so tomorrow we can honor Paula Crider and Kenneth Neidig for their service to our profession. We will also have our first “meet and greet” tomorrow with chapter secretaries, also organized by David.
Technology continues to provide us with opportunities to serve the fraternity better, while continuing to present challenges due to its rapidly changing presence. Phi Beta Mu presence on Facebook recently had a successful launch. Online voting was up significantly. 2013 saw a 53% increase. This year saw an increase of 65% over last year, however, that is still less than 10% of the total membership. We must continue to work to increase membership participation. Some things in the works to actively involve chapter members in International activities may help with this. The newsletter is something that needs our attention, what with changes of technology and the constantly evolving ways we view data and information in today’s society.
Lists of email addresses have been cleaned up some, however, there are still concerns that all our members are not receiving information being sent out. It has recently come to my attention that some servers require email addresses to be added to a “safe” list or it will not even appear in the spam folder. Getting that information to all members may significantly improve that concern.
Descriptors for portfolios are posted on the website. These will be living documents that will be modified and duties/timelines change. Consistency and continuity as new people assume committee responsibilities will make transition much easier.
We must continue to improve ways of communication. With instant access to virtually everything today, we need to find even better ways of communication. The Chapter Secretary reception tomorrow will provide an opportunity to receive much needed dialogue with individual chapters…how we can assist chapters, what frustrates members, what is their view of their own chapter and International.
He also stated that he was excited about the future potential of Phi Beta Mu. He said that he had experienced the work ethic of this board and look forward to continuing to work with them as the board continued to make our fraternity an even greater resource for our profession.
Secretary/treasurer, David Lambert provided the financial report. Mr. Lambert then presented the formal review of the 2013 budget by the accounting firm of Cooper and Deska. Mr. Lambert then presented informational items regarding the current year’s budget. The current balance is $63,733.54. He stated that Midwest expenses would deplete that fund by approximately $20,000. He said there were several chapters in arrears with their dues and that he was in contact with those chapters to see if they had paid their dues and he had erred in posting them.
There was no correspondence that required action from the board.
Committee report began with Outstanding Bandmaster report presented by Barbara Lambrecht. Barbara reminded the board that the 2014 Bandmaster of the Year would be Paula Crider. It was determined that the bandmaster of the year for 2015 would be Anthony Maiello, George Mason University. It was determined that others on the list would “roll over” to the next year for consideration at next year’s board meeting.
The Outstanding Contributor report was presented by Cathy Williams. She reminded the board that Paul Neidig would receive this honor at the breakfast on Thursday morning and that the 2015 recipient would be Mark Camphouse. It was determined that those not selected would remain on the list for consideration next year.
The Constitution and By Laws Committee report was presented by Rodney Bennett. The newly revised International Constitution and By Laws was adopted at the General Assembly meeting in 2013. The language of the document continues to reflect the intent of the founders, and yet provides a framework and flexibility for growth of the fraternity. This was a four year project with multiple drafts. It was determined that each year there may be minor changes that will have to go before the membership as the Constitution and By Laws continues to be updated to stay current with changes in verbiage that may require to keep the document up to date.
The Project and objectives report was presented by Wayne Sagen. He indicated numerous activities/projects that various chapters were doing to achieve recognition and provide assistance to the membership of those chapters as well as assisting other chapters, states, and provinces.
RHO Chapter, Alabama – The Chapter published “Tips that Click,” four times a year in our State Journal, “Ala Breve.” We provide an annual scholarship to a high school senior pursuing an instrumental music degree from a college in Alabama. We hosted All State Guest Directors at annual State business/ lunch meeting and presented the Band Director of the year Award and Administered Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame.
MU ALPHA Chapter, Alberta, Canada – The Chapter held two meetings; the AGM in October at the Provincial Music Conference and in June the Spring Social both in Edmonton. We provided scholarships to band members in Alberta who qualified for the Canadian National Youth Band. The Chapter presented special recognition to outgoing Mu Alpha Treasurer (Charter member, Past President and Hall of Famer) Brother Mike Achtymichuk, for his “36 years of continuous service” on the Board of Phi Beta Mu-Mu Alpha.
OMICRON Chapter, Arkansas – The Chapter provided financial support for the Raymond Brandon Scholarship given to a new band director each year in Arkansas. We have provided a mentoring program for new directors the last few years and, now, are entering a new revival phase. PBM members, both retired and active, make themselves available to go into other band rooms and assist when requested by just listening, making suggestions, or working with the students. The Chapter financially sponsors clinics each year at our Arkansas Bandmasters Convention. We provide continual upkeep for the Arkansas Bandmasters Hall of Fame housed permanently at Hot Springs Convention Center. Our newest member, Dr. William Clark, will be inducted in February 2015. We have begun work on a Chapter history, an ongoing project for our Omicron Chapter.
GAMMA Chapter, Indiana – Report successful ongoing Mentoring and Podium Exchange projects. We continue to have a list of available Guest Conductors listed on our chapter website.
IOTA Chapter, Kansas – Continuing to provide the “Future Band Director” Scholarship to a nominated and selected Junior or Senior in a Kansas College or University who is enrolled in an Instrumental Music Education program. Present an “Outstanding Young Bandmaster” Award each summer at the Kansas Bandmasters Convention to someone who has been teaching at least seven years. Co-sponsor the “Outstanding Bandmaster” and “Outstanding Contributor” Awards with the Kansas Bandmasters and present them each summer at the Convention of KBA. Working to increase our membership of the successful “younger” people in our profession to perpetuate the Goals and Objectives of the International Fraternity.
KAPPA THETA Chapter, Minnesota – The Chapter supports a Mentoring project in conjunction with the Minnesota Band Directors Association. We match up our experienced members with new band directors throughout the state.
LAMBDA Chapter, Missouri – Our Chapter holds a luncheon/business meeting annually at the Missouri Music Educators Association Annual State Conference attended by 140 of the 200+ active members. A guest chamber group, often from area military bases, performs at the luncheon. We annually present
the Charles Emmons Outstanding Band Director Award and Student Scholarship. The recipient of the award is given $200 to be awarded to student members of his/her band. $1,800 in scholarship money has been awarded to date. Lambda Chapter recognizes bands that perform at the MMEA Conference. We recognize bands that have performed at National level events during the previous year. We continue to sponsor Monday Night Concert Reception at the Missouri Bandmasters Association Summer convention. Every three years we administer the Claude T. Smith Band Memorial Composition Contest, open to composers of 30 years of age or younger. The composition must be a grade three or four level and conform to standard instrumentation. Our Chapter continues to support annually the “Missouri Band Together Fund” which was developed to foster a fraternal spirit among Missouri Bands through financial contributions to bands that have experienced unusual hardships.
NU Chapter, Pennsylvania – The Chapter is pleased to report the continuation of our scholarship program for outstanding high school seniors planning a career in Music Education. Applicants are accepted throughout the State of Pennsylvania. In the spring, selected Brothers and Sisters of the Chapter will chair a round table discussion at the PA State In-Service Conference for pre-service/new band directors. The new initiative begun this year by the Chapter, was the creation of the Nu Chapter Lifetime Achievement Award that will be presented at the annual meeting.
MU Chapter, Ohio – The Ohio Mu Chapter has a tradition of commissioning works for concert band. Past and current commissions include: Seagate Overture by James Swearingen; Knightsbridge Chronicles by Barry Kopetz; When Angels Weep by David Shaffer; and the premier on February 6, 2015 of the new commission will be by composer Ryan Nowlin.
ETA Chapter, Tennessee – The Chapter annually votes and selects the All State Band Conductor for the following year’s TMEA State Music Conference. The All State Band Conductor is a guest and attends the annual Phi Beta Mu meeting held at the convention. The Chapter revised criteria for membership and revised criteria for voting members of Eta Chapter.
ALPHA Chapter, Texas – The Chapter continues its sponsorship of the Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame each summer at the Texas Bandmasters Convention. In 2014, Jeff Doughten, James Hejl, David Lambert, Ray Lichtenwalter, Anthony Michalsky, David Riker, and Lee South were honored. Another Alpha initiative, the Band Directors Support Network, continues to supply mentoring and free clinics to any band director in the state requesting the service.
ALPHA CHI Chapter, Virginia – Our Chapter continues to offer seminars at the Virginia Music Educators Conference held each November. Simply entitled “Young Band Directors Forum,” the young band directors are welcome to ask questions and discuss teaching issues with a panel of veteran directors our Chapter provides for the forum. This has proved to be a popular session at VMEA. We are now ready to “hit the road,” with this same concept in order to reach young directors in all geographical areas of Virginia.
Keith Rudolph presented the Public Relations Report. Mr. Rudolph stated that contact has been established with all chapters except Alabama, Hawaii, Maryland, and North Carolina. Similar to the same ones that Secretary Lambert indicated that he had not been able to contact.
Profile Project: Following a suggestion by Past President Sheryl Bowhay, a profile of Gamma (IN) Chapter was completed for use as a template for others chapters to consider.
- 7 Chapter Profiles are complete: Alpha/Texas; Alpha Theta/Nebraska; Gamma/Indiana; Lambda/Missouri; Lambda Iota/Ontario; Mu Alpha/Alberta; Nu/Pennsylvania.
- Several chapters working on profiles include: Lambda Alpha/Connecticut; Delta/Mississippi; Mu/Ohio; Omicron/Arkansas (history); Theta/South Carolina.
- In early 2015 Mr. Rudolph said that he plans to send all other chapters a google form asking for the information needed for me to complete their profile.
Additionally, each chapter was asked:
- What would you like to know about other Phi Beta Mu Chapters?
RESPONSES:
We would like to know the process other chapters use when commissioning works for concert band. (New Mexico)
The most recent (question) was regarding our chapter bylaws. The board was looking for other chapters’ official documents that we might use as a model for ours. I suppose the quick answer would be: the most basic information re: governance and activities. (Nebraska)
(What are) different things that chapters are doing to impact the music profession? (South Carolina)
I would love to know what other chapters do for projects or awards (South Dakota)
How many times do other chapters meet annually? How many members do other chapters allow to be on their active list? What projects are other chapters doing? (Mississippi)
. . .would love to know other project ideas from others! (Arkansas)
We here @Alpha Chi (Virginia) would like to know what type of projects other chapters carry out through the year?
- What would you like other PBM Chapters to know about your Chapter?
RESPONSES:
On New Mexico’s Centennial Celebration we commissioned Dr. B.J. Brooks to compose a work for the combined collegiate band of the New Mexico Colleges. This was performed at
the New Mexico All State Conference and Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The work was entitled “El Simbolo Zia” and based on the New Mexico State Song “O Fair New Mexico”. It was to honor New Mexico’s Birthday and was well received. Dr. Brooks is a well-known composer teaching at WTAMU. He also has New Mexico roots with his early years spent in Portales, New Mexico. We are now beginning work on a new commissWe do have some exciting info with our chapter as we have commissioned a band selection to be premiered at our annual fall conference here in Missoula. (Montana)
The Theta chapter recognizes outstanding contributors to music education, outstanding bandmasters, and bandsmen each year. In addition to this the chapter provides a scholarship to music education majors through a competitive audition at our all-state weekend. (South Carolina)
We are in the process of making a PBM membership booklet which will give short bios on each of our members. We also select an Outstanding Band Master Award and Distinguished Service Award each year. They are surprised at our All State Band Concert in the spring. (South Dakota)
Omicron Chapter has several ongoing projects including: 1. a mentoring program for new directors; 2. Sponsoring clinics at our Bandmasters Convention; 3. Gives to a scholarship which give money to a first year director for classroom needs; 4. In 2009 commissioned a work by David Gorham; and recently was given a home in the Hot Springs Convention Center for our Hall of Fame portraits. (Arkansas)
Alpha Chi has (for 5 years) offered seminars in conjunction with the VMEC entitled “Young Band Directors Forum.” A panel of veteran directors addresses issues brought forth by the young (teachers). We are now about to “hit the road” with this same concept in order to reach young directors in all geographical areas on Virginia. . . many are unable to attend the state conference due to travel restrictions, schedules, and financial constraints. (Followed by extended information on the challenges in the widely varied areas of the state).
Keith Bearden gave the Extension and Special Projects report.
Extension: He said that Solid contacts have been made in Denmark, Japan, Malaysia, Brazil, and The Netherlands. It is my hope by December 2015 we will add at least one or two more
international chapters. The process of building a relationship and understanding of Phi Beta Mu with the language barriers have exceeded his original plans to have one addition by December 2014. Board discussion is on-going at the time of this committee report concerning The Netherlands. I am confident in the future success of adding more international chapters, while continuing to develop more state and province chapters.
Demark: Mr. Jan Hansen, Copenhagen Japan: Mr. Yoshito Ebisawa, Yokohama Brazil: Mr. Andre Oliviera
Malaysia: Mr. Jimmy Wong; Mr. Tang Chia Hoe
The Netherlands: Major Peter Kleine Schaars (contact: Sheryl Bowhay)
Special Projects: The process continues regarding the recording and posting of interviews of Outstanding Bandmasters on the International Phi Beta Mu website. Mr. Bearden indicated that he had prepared a plan for site interviews of the following individuals.
Midwest Convention:
Arnold Gabriel (skype Charles Emmons (skype) John Bourgeois
Ray Cramer Robert Sheldon Eldon Janzen Frank Wickes Robert Jorgenson Mallory Thompson
Myron Welch or at TMEA Don Wilcox
Robert Reynolds John Locke Brandon
George Brite
David Holsinger or at TMEA Robert Foster or at TMEA
Find previous recordings/interviews of deceased
James Copenhaver James Croft Frederick Fennell Francis McBeth Harry Begian
Texas Music Educators Association Convention
Eugene Corporon John Whitwell Paula Crider
Robert Foster possibly David Holsinger possibly Myron Welch
Those Completed
Charles Enloe Lowell Graham James Keene Gary Garner
It was pointed out that James Copenhaver and James Croft had recently passed and needed to be moved to the deceased list. The question was asked had John Paynter been an Outstanding Bandmaster. There was no record that he had ever been selected. _______________________________________________
Elva Kaye Lance presented the Commission Committee Report. She reminded the board that Johnnie Vinson had been commissioned to write a grade three piece for $3,000.00. That project has been completed. Mr. Vinson granted the first performance to be by a band chosen by Phi Beta Mu International. That performance has not yet occurred. (Barbara Lambrecht was to look into a possibility for a performance in the summer.)
The commissioned piece is entitled “O’Er the Land of the Free”. And is 4:15 in duration
The year 2014 is the anniversary of:
- 200th anniversary of the writing of The Star Spangled Banner. • 100th anniversary of the beginning of WWI
- 70th anniversary of Operation Overlord, the a944 invasion of German occupied France
It is in remembrance of these events that the composition was written. The primary theme is original, employing alternating measure in four-four and three-four time. Interwoven throughout are the opening motive of America the Beautiful and The Star Spangled Banner.
It is dedicated to the International Bandmasters Fraternity Phi Beta Mu.
The Board decided to proceed with the grade one commission and a grade four commission. It was also decided to ask a number of directors from different chapters to recommend a composer to handle the commission.
Mike Townsend presented the webmaster report for Robert Eklund who was unable to attend. Mike stated that the backend of the site was working as it should. He indicated that we still have a lot of non-functioning emails. Members need to be notified that how to log on to the website and be sure that they keep their emails up to date. He stated that we have some chapters that either no longer exist, have not paid dues, or the International Web site has very few of their membership in place. Mike said that he would be happy to take it on and see what he can do to help resolve the situation. Mike added that Honorary Members from the local chapters are automatically in the International Chapter. Rodney
Bennett added that he would take recommendations for a possible revision of the verbiage in the constitution. He also would take any recommendations to develop policies regarding deactivation of chapters, payment of dues, etc
Past President, Sheryl Bowhay, presented her report regarding the updates to the website and implementation of a Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Facebook page.
Website:
PBM website continues to be a valuable and versatile tool for the fraternity.
It functions as:
- storage of records/documents/archives
- vehicle for communication re: ongoing programs, events and news • resource page for International Board members
- offers us the ability to share resources with public and members • allows us to perform annual board elections efficiently
Past President has the role/responsibility to liaise with the website team on behalf of the International Board.
Past President is engaged in all website content and communication.
Communication is transparent as board members/executive officers are copied on all pertinent correspondence.
New Features:
Chapter Profiles – Keith Rudolph covered plans in his report
Learn from the Masters – Keith Bearden covered in his report
Outstanding items to be posted:
International Honorary Members 2010 – bios/photos
- Richard Crain • Robert Eklund • Jim Slutz
Article re: Mu Alpha Dominica Project
Enloe Interview
Future Development:
Develop the Links page to be a greater resource for our members/public. I believe we should access a broader perspective in the resources/links that we choose to highlight.
Areas of growth:
- Advocacy
- wind repertoire
- professional development opportunities
Need to develop a policy statement to guide the placement/addition of sites and information. Statement will be sent to board in January to receive feedback.
PBM Facebook Group:
Objective: To build community and engagement amongst PBM members.
Access/search: Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity
Closed Group:
Currently set as a closed group with membership by invitation only.
Anyone can see that the fraternity exists and who is in the group.
Conversations/posts are visible to members only.
Non-members are unable to access internal site.
Any member can add members. Admins must approve them.
Site administrators manage invitations and monitor postings:
- Travis J. Weller Nu Chapter
- Sheryl Bowhay Mu Alpha
Posting Permissions:
Members and admin can post to the group.
Admins monitor postings.
Positive Features:
Information goes to PBM members who are in the Facebook Group i.e. events, news items (feeds) and they then have the opportunity to “like” or respond thus creating a dialogue.
A website is a static source of information whereas Facebook is interactive.
Facebook Group directs/links our members to the website to access more information or resources.
PBM Facebook Group has been up for 3 weeks and currently has 31 members. Please share this opportunity with members of your chapter who would like to link with other PBM members in this medium.
Site administrators are currently developing a policy statement regarding the management of site.
The board thought this was a very positive step forward and several already had indicated they had been on the page and gave positive feedback as to ease of use and probable success in adding one more means of communication with the membership.
New Business:
President Worosello discuss a conversation that he had recently had with Buzzy Green, the present Newsletter editor. Buzzy had indicated that he was resigning his position because he felt that he was not doing as a good a job as should be done and the difficult issues in trying to convert the newsletter to work on the website. President Worosello presented an idea of a quarterly newsletter designed similar in presentation as “The Drudge Report” where articles could be accessed by following a link from the “newsletter” page. A motion was made by Keith Bearden to approve pursuing the idea. The motion was seconded by Dwayne Sagen and passed unanimously. (Hopefully, Buzzy will remain as the newsletter editor.)
President Worosello presented a draft of possible guidelines for implementing” The program of Excellence Award”.
Leadership
- Does the director of the program under consideration exemplify true professionalism, exemplary pedagogy, and genuine personality consistent with the core values of Phi Beta Mu?
- Does the director of the program instill ethical values and attitudes within the students that are consistent with core values of Phi Beta Mu?
- Does the director of the program seek to merge research appropriate to the field with best practice in an effort to best meet the music education needs of his students?
- Does the director of the program utilize outside resources (e.g. Master Classes, Guest Clinicians, and Private Teachers) to improve the overall experience and quality for all members of the band?
Performance
- Does the program under consideration consistently perform repertoire of merit to meet the demands of the performance venue?
- Does the program under consideration have quality ensembles of varying size with different purposes (e.g. Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Groups)?
- Does the program under consideration balance the process of music teaching and learning with the product of public performance?
Community – Outreach, Culture, and Developing Interest in Bands
- Does the program under consideration generate public interest through their performances in bands and band music?
- Does the program under consideration contribute to the culture of the community in which it is situated?
- Does the program under consideration bring in guest artists or commission new works of merit to enhance the musical experience for the musicians, audience, and community?
Awards and Honors
- Has the program maintained a level of excellence in competition and adjudicated events?
- Has the program been recognized at the state/national/international level for excellence in performance at various conferences and clinics?
- Has the program earned distinguished honors at competitive and adjudicated events?
- Have individual students within the organization been recognized for performances as a soloist or small ensemble member while representing their school band?
- Have individual students within the organization been recognized for Regional or All- State accomplishments
Legacy – Development of Students into Music Educators and Professional Musicians
- How many music educators, and specifically band directors have come out of the program under consideration?
- How many professional or military musicians have come out of the program under consideration?
Criteria for Phi Beta Mu Program of Excellence (Bullet points only)
- A five year sampling from date of nomination will be used for evaluation. • Director must be the same for those five years.
- Initially, this will only be open to high school programs.
- Any Phi Beta Mu member may nominate one program. (Exception – Member may not nominate their own program, or program in their cluster).
- Director of the nominated school will be notified of the nomination
- Director of nominated school is responsible for providing all supporting documentation needed in the selection process.
- Five years must elapse before a school can make a submission again after winning the award. • Some video will be required from the representative sampling from the band.
- Points will be established for each element of the evaluation. Schools achieving a certain total will receive the award.
- The evaluation committee will be comprised of PBM members from various chapters, overseen by someone on the International Board or Executive Officers. There can be no more than one representative from any chapter.
- Submission deadline will be determined by postmark and will be rigidly enforced.
Still to do:
- Determine what specifically needs to be evaluated • Determine what materials need to be submitted
- Determine point totals for each category • Develop descriptors for each item
- Timeline for submission
- Design of physical award (if needed) • Establish evaluation committee
President Worosello presented the idea of term limitations. It is understood that the incumbent usually has the advantage in an election so the recommendation was made that board members could serve only two consecutive terms. Allowing other members of the fraternity to serve. Sheryl Bowhay made a motion to adopt term limits of two consecutive terms. The motion was seconded by Keith Bearden and passed unanimously.
President Worosello pointed out that the fraternity and many years of history and that some type of archiving documents needed to be considered. David Lambert, Executive Secretary, said that Richard Crain had those documents in storage and we see to it that they were acquired so a recommendation could be made as to what to do with them.
Discussion began regarding non International Board Members attending board meeting. It was determined that this might not be a good idea and would require further review. It was decided that for the present, only International Board members would attend the board meeting. It was also decide that all in attendance at any business meeting must be a member of Phi Beta Mu. It was decided that at the General Assembly Major Peter Kleine Schaars, Conductor of the Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy would be inducted as an honorary member of the fraternity. It is hoped that he will be able to pursue beginning a chapter in that country.
David Lambert recognized the benefit of awarding an International Bandmaster of the Year and an Outstanding Contributor of Band Award each year. He indicated that rather than giving an Outstanding Bandmaster Award, Alpha Chapter (Texas) presents an Outstanding Young Bandmaster Award each year. He suggested that the International Chapter consider adding such an award each year to an outstanding young bandmaster from one of the state or province chapters. The board thought this might have some merit and asked him to pursue obtaining guideline so the board could review and make a decision.
President Worosello thanked the board for their hard work and adjourned the meeting at 5:49 P.M.
