A Note from Andrew Mroch, PBMI Board Member:
Andrew Mroch
JaRod Hall has been contracted as the 2026 Phi Beta Mu International Commission composer. This project was initiated by the International Board at its December meeting. Recently, the Board decided to move to an every-other-year format. It is the hope of the Board that chapters will feel comfortable contributing to this project on a biennial schedule.
PBMI provides the initial $1,000, and the goal is for chapters and individuals to contribute an appropriate amount to cover the remaining cost. The total commission cost this year is $4,000 (as was the 2024 commission by Carol Brittin Chambers). We are grateful that inflation has not significantly impacted this area of our economy. As soon as Midwest performers are selected, I will actively seek a band to perform this work. JaRod has committed to completing the commission by the end of September. We have paid the initial down payment of $1,000 and will need to pay the remainder upon completion of the commission.
A typical chapter contribution is $200, but contributions of any amount are certainly appreciated. Individuals have also contributed to honor a loved one or to acknowledge a job well done.
This piece will undoubtedly be premiered at the Midwest Clinic in December 2026. Contributing chapters and individuals will be acknowledged in the score and included in the program notes.
Below is a brief bio of the composer:
JaRod Hall
JaRod Hall (b. 1991) is a Texas-native educator, performer, and composer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of North Texas, where he studied conducting with Nicholas Williams and Dennis Fisher. JaRod’s bands have received consistent sweepstakes awards at the Texas University Interscholastic League Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluations and have been recognized at the state level. In 2018 and 2019, JaRod’s bands at Griffin Middle School earned the Citation of Excellence Award, honoring the top two non-varsity bands in the state of Texas.
A passionate performer, JaRod has been a part of many ensembles, including the North Texas Wind Symphony, 3 O’Clock Lab Band, Carrollton Wind Symphony, and Metropolitan Winds. He served as drum major for the 2013 Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps and was a member of the 2014 Disneyland All-American College Band.
As a composer, JaRod’s works appear on the Texas Prescribed Music List, the J.W. Pepper Editors’ Choice list, and the Bandworld Top 100. His piece Through the Storm won the 2021 Barbara Buehlman Prize for Composition, presented by the Midwest Clinic. JaRod is a nationwide marching band and WGI arranger and consultant. He resides in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife, Rachel.
