TN Musician Vol. 75 No. 2

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Music Education Association 

TMEA 2023 

CONFERENCE 

PERFORMANCE 

ENSEMBLES 

p. 9 

TMEA 2023 

ALL-STATE 

CONDUCTORS 

p. 22 

NEVER TAKE “NO” 

FROM AN INANIMATE 

OBJECT: A GUIDE FOR 

TEACHING OBOISTS 

by Kathleen Carter Bell 

p. 24 

VOLUME 75, NO. 2

School of 

Music 

B.M. in Music Performance: Composition • Instrumental • Jazz • Musical Theatre • Piano • Vocal 

B.M. in Music Education: Vocal/General Music, K-12 Licensure • Instrumental/General Music, K-12 Licensure 

Music Minors: Music History • Music Performance • Music Technology • Music Theory & Composition 

tntech.edu/music 

(931) 372-3161 

music@tntech.edu 

1000 N. Dixie Ave. 

Campus Box 5045 

Cookeville TN 38505-0001 

CFA033-PRNT-23

NASHVILLE SYMPHONY 

Student tickets 

$10 student access with code SOUNDCHECK 

HOW TO BUY YOUR $10 

CLASSICAL SERIES TICKETS 

ONLINE: NashvilleSymphony.org/Soundcheck 

Enter code SOUNDCHECK at login. 

PHONE: 615.687.6400 

Questions: Tickets@NashvilleSymphony.org 

Limit two SOUNDCHECK tickets per student. Availability may be limited — fi rst come, fi rst served. 

Giancarlo Guerrero, Music Director

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2023 VOLUME 75, No. 2 

PROGRAM NOTES 

04 

05 

07 

TMEA Board and Council Directory 

2022-2023 

Tennessee Musician Advertiser Index 

Issue No. 2 

TMEA President’s Message 

Ryan Fisher 

24 

27 

TEACHING IN TENNESSEE 

Never Take “No” from an Inanimate 

Object: A Guide for Teaching Oboists 


TMEA Back Then 

May 1964 

Tennessee Musician is mailed to members four times each year at an annual 

subscription rate of $5.00 (included in dues). 

Non-member subscription rate (includes S&H): $30.00 per school year; 

single copies: $10.00 per issue. Cover Image: Archiwiz/Shutterstock.com 

09 

22 

64TH ANNUAL TMEA CONFERENCE 

TMEA 2023 Conference 

Performance Ensembles 

TMEA 2023 All-State Conductors 

Postmaster - Send address changes to: 

Tennessee Musician 

c/o Tennessee Music Education Association 

2441-Q Old Fort Pkwy, #635 

Murfreesboro, TN 37128-4162 

Published by Slate Group: 6024 45th Street, Lubbock, Texas 79407. 

Graphic Design: Nikki Davis. Account Executive: Ian Spector (800-794-5594). 

Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization. U.S. Postage Paid at Lubbock, Texas. 

ISSN Number 0400-3332; EIN number 20-3325550. 

Copyright © 2023 Tennessee Music Education Association. Reproduction in any form 

is illegal without the express permission of the editor: Anna Laura Williams, Managing 

Editor & Advertising Manager; anna.laura.williams@tnmea.org. 

Tennessee Music Education Association | www.tnmea.org | 3

TMEA BOARD AND COUNCIL 

tmea executive board 

TMEA Executive Director 

Michael W. Chester 

michael.chester@tnmea.org 

TMEA President 

Ryan Fisher, Ph.D. 

ryan.fisher@tnmea.org 

TMEA President-Elect 

Joel Denton 

leaderslead@yahoo.com 

TMEA Immediate Past-President 

Alexis Yatuzis-Derryberry 

derryberrya@rcschools.net 

TMEA Secretary 

Dian Eddleman 

deddleman@usjbruins.org 

tmea council 

WTGMEA President 

Jennifer Proseus 

wtgmeamemphis@yahoo.com 

WTGMEA President-Elect 

Allen Moody 

amoodyteacher@gmail.com 

WTVMEA President 

Adrian Maclin 

maclinal@scsk12.org 

WTVMEA President-Elect 

Reachel Hudgins 

reachelhudgins@dcchoctaws.net 

WTSBOA President 

Jennifer Cupples 

jennifer.cupples@wcsk12tn.net 

WTSBOA President-Elect 

Benjamin Martin 

bmartin@huntingdonschools.net 

tmea board of directors 

TMEA State General Music Chair 

Ben Torres 

benjamin.torres@cmcss.net 

TMEA State Choral Chair 

Demetrius Robinson, Ed.S. 

dlrbnsn2@memphis.edu 

TMEA State Orchestra Chair 

Cynthia Wright 

cynthia.wright@maryville-schools.org 

TMEA State Band Chair 

Ollie Liddell, Ph.D. 

liddello@scsk12.org 

TMEA State Higher Education Chair 

Lauren Ramey, Ph.D. 

lauren.e.ramey@gmail.com 

MTGMEA President 

Corynn York 

yorkc@rcschools.net 

MTGMEA President-Elect 

Abbi Miller 

abigail.miller@cityschools.net 

MTVA President 

Lorna Pyka 

lornapyka@yahoo.com 

MTVA President-Elect 

T.J. McLaughlin 

t.j.mclaughlin@sumnerschools.org 

MTSBOA President 

J.R. Baker 

john.baker@rcstn.net 

MTSBOA President-Elect 

Stacy Jernigan 

stacy.jernigan000@gmail.com 

TMEA NAfME Collegiate Chair 

Michael Chandler, Ph.D. 

chandlermd@apsu.edu 

TMEA Society for Music Teacher 

Education/Research Chair 

Loneka Wilkinson Battiste, Ph.D. 

lbattis2@utk.edu 

TMEA Advocacy and 

Government Relations Chair 

Christopher Dye, Ed.D. 

christopher.dye@mtsu.edu 

TMEA Communications Manager, 

Publications Editor and 

Advertising Manager 

Anna Laura Williams 

anna.laura.williams@tnmea.org 

ETGMEA President 

Bryant Adler 

etgmea@gmail.com 

ETGMEA President-Elect 

Hannah Strong 

hannahstrong@hvocals.com 

ETVA President 

Kristen Wiram 

KristenWi@gmail.com 

ETVA President-Elect 

William Brimer 

william.brimer@knoxschools.org 

ETSBOA President 

Jim Burton 

president@etsboa.org 

ETSBOA President-Elect 

Megan Christian 

presidentelect@etsboa.org 

tmea project chairs 

TMEA Modern Band Education Chair 

Michael Parsons 

mlparsons@briarcrest.com 

TMEA Jazz Education Policy Chair 

Frank Zimmerer, Ed.D. 

frank.zimmerer@mnps.org 

TMEA Tri-M Chair 

Pamela Wilensky 

wilenskypb@scsk12.org 

TMEA Music In Our Schools Month Chair 

Lisa Crunk 

crunkl@bedfordk12tn.net 

TMEA Music Merchants Industry Chair 

Scott Lane 

scott@lanemusic.com 

TMEA Retired Teachers Chair 

Deborah Gouge 

debbie.gouge@ecschools.net 

TMEA Webmaster 

John Womack 

john.womack@tnmea.org 

tmea all-state & conference management team 

TN All-State Choral Chair 

Brian Russell, DMA 

brian.russell@tnmea.org 

TN All-State Instrumental Chair 

Carter Noblin 

carter.noblin@tnmea.org 

TN All-State Jazz Band Chair 

Cord Martin 

corderyl.martin@gmail.com 

TN Treble Honor Choir Chair 

Tiffany Barton 

tntreblechoir@gmail.com 

TMEA Conference 

Registration Chair 

Mark Garey 

mgarey86@comcast.net 

TMEA Conference Performing 

Ensembles Instrumental Chair 

John Mears 

mearsj@rcschools.net 

TMEA Conference Performing 

Ensembles Choral Chair 

Susan Kelly, DMA 

kellysu@rcschools.net 

4 | TENNESSEE MUSICIAN | 2023 | Volume 75, No. 2

TENNESSEE MUSICIAN ADVERTISER INDEX | VOLUME 75, No. 2 

Tennessee Musician 

The Official Publication of the 

Tennessee Music Education 

Association 

Inside Front Cover 

Tennessee Tech. University 

University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music 

02 | Nashville Symphony 

06 | East Tennessee State 

University 

08 | Austin Peay State 

University 

14 | Maryville College 

16 | University of Tennessee 

Knoxville Bands 

Center Page 

Bethel University Renaissance 

Inside Back Cover 

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 

Back Cover 

Lee University 


Knoxville School of Music 

19 | Middle Tennessee State 

University 


Martin 

28 | Slate Group 

The Tennessee Music Education 

Association (TMEA) was officially 

formed in 1945 as a voluntary, nonprofit 

organization representing 

all phases of music education at all 

school levels. The mission of TMEA 

is to promote the advancement of 

high-quality music education for all. 

Active TMEA membership is open to 

all persons currently teaching music 

and others with a special interest 

or involvement in music education. 

Collegiate memberships and 

retired memberships are available. 

Additional membership information 

is available on the TMEA website: 

www.tnmea.org. 

The Tennessee Musician was 

founded in 1948 with J. Clark Rhodes 

appointed by the TMEA Board of 

Control as inaugural editor. 

Tennessee Musician was preceded 

by an earlier publication, Tennessee 

Music Editors’ Downbeat, which was 

discontinued by the TMEA Board of 

Control at the spring board meeting, 

held in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 

1948. 

All advertising and editorial 

materials should be sent to 

Anna Laura Williams, Managing 

Editor and Advertising Manager; 

anna.laura.williams@tnmea.org; 

615-784-8632. 

Advertising information is available 

on the TMEA website: 

https://www.tnmea.org/advertising. 

html. Submit editorial materials by 

e-mail in Microsoft Word format. 

Non-member subscriptions and 

single copy orders can be placed via 

e-mail to the editor. 

Deadlines for advertisement orders 

and editorial materials: 

Issue No. 1 – Deadline: September 15 

(in home delivery: December/January); 

Issue No. 2 – Deadline: November 15 

(in home delivery: January/February); 

Issue No. 3 – Deadline: February 15 

(in home delivery: March/April); 

Issue No. 4 – Deadline: April 15 

(in home delivery: May/June) 

The views and opinions expressed in 

the articles included in the Tennessee 

Musician are those of the authors and 

do not necessarily reflect the official 

policy or position of TMEA, the 

members, the staff, or the advertisers. 


DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC 

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Education, Contemporary Music 

Performance, Composition, and 

Music History 

• Nationally-recognized classical 

and contemporary ensembles 

• Award-winning faculty who care 

about student success 

Make Your 

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to full tuition available for 

music majors 

• Scholarships available to 

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ETSU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action University: etsu.edu/universitycounsel/compliance. ETSU-230761-A-23 Designed and produced by BMC Creative.

TMEA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 


University of Memphis 

IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY, BE SURE YOU 

REGISTER FOR THE 64TH ANNUAL TMEA 

CONFERENCE IMMEDIATELY. 

Tennessee Music Education Association leadership has been 

hard at work over the last few months. I am excited to share 

more information about the exceptional successes that your 

TMEA Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Council 

Members, and Project Chairs have accomplished for you. 

Our organization now has a TMEA Constitution and has 

substantially amended our TMEA Bylaws to improve the 

overall flow and structure while also removing redundancies 

and contradictions. You can review these recently adopted 

amendments on the TMEA website. 

One of my priorities as president of TMEA was to create our 

first Equity in Music committee. The board approved the 

committee members at the end of the Fall semester, and the 

committee has now had several meetings. Roland Wilson and 

Jasmine Fripp are co-chairing this important committee, and 

they have already started several research projects to examine 

equity in our organization and our music programs across 

the state. The committee will also present a session at the 

conference and solicit your feedback on your perceptions of 

diversity, equity, inclusion and access to develop programming 

to address potential issues identified. 

We are also elated to launch the inaugural All-State Modern 

Band this Spring. Our TMEA Modern Band Project Chair, 

Michael Parsons, has done a fantastic job in organizing the 

audition process and will host and lead the ensemble at 

Briarcrest High School prior to our professional development 

conference. We hope to show you some video footage from the 

modern band event at the conference. 

As we approach our 64th Annual Tennessee Music Education 

Association Conference, I want to encourage you to purchase 

your ticket to attend the TMEA Awards Banquet on 

Thursday, April 20, 2023. Dr. Cedric Dent, MTSU professor 

and Take 6 legend, will present the keynote address, and Susan 

Smith, President-Elect of the NAfME Southern Division, 

will share information on the exciting things our national 

organization has done and is planning to execute in the coming 

months and years. My favorite part of this event is recognizing 

our outstanding music educators in Tennessee. We have added 

several award categories in order to ensure music teachers of 

various grade levels are acknowledged for the essential work 

they do to expose our students to a quality music education. 

Sound Fuzion, the phenomenal modern band from the 

University of Memphis, will perform at the conclusion of 

our banquet. 

In this issue, you will read about the incredible ensembles 

that have been selected to perform at this year’s conference. 

On Wednesday evening of the conference, we will present two 

community music ensembles: Tennessee Wind Symphony 

and Music City Chorus. Thursday morning will feature the 

Collierville High School Wind Ensemble; the Nolensville 

High School Wind Ensemble will perform afterwards as part 

of the Tennessee Bandmasters Association Awards Ceremony. 

That afternoon, we will present a power-packed, two-hour choral 

performance session that features Athena Treble Choir from 

Stewarts Creek High School, the Farragut High School 

Advanced Mixed Choir, TEBA (Tenor Bass) Chorale from 

Middle Tennessee State University, and the Cordova High 

School Concert Singers. We will also have chamber ensemble 

performances during the conference from the percussion 

ensembles at Blackman Middle School, Blackman High 

School, and East Tennessee State University. 

Finally, our All-State ensembles will be led by a diverse 

representation of the very best conductors and educators in our 

country. You can read more about their accolades and credentials 

in this issue. I can’t wait to witness the impact these talented 

directors will make on our students. If you haven’t already, 

be sure you register for the 64th Annual TMEA Conference 

immediately. All details on the presenters and schedule 

are available through our conference app (Whova). This 

conference will be one you will not want to miss. 


39th TMEA President 


DEPARTMENT OF 

MUSIC 

CONCENTRATIONS IN: 

Music Performance • Music Education • Music Therapy 

Composition • Liberal Studies 

Visit us online for audition dates and 

scholarship information. 

apsu.edu/music 

931-221-7818 • music@apsu.edu 

Austin Peay State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, 

status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by APSU. Policy 6:001 

AP119/10-21/1

TMEA 2023 CONFERENCE PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLES 

TENNESSEE WIND SYMPHONY 

Performance on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at 9:00 p.m 

The Tennessee Wind Symphony (TWS) was founded in 1991. 

It presents a year-round series of concerts in a wide range of 

venues. The TWS is dedicated to excellence in symphonic 

band performance and to providing quality band music for the 

people of Tennessee. 

In addition to a regular schedule of concerts in Tennessee, the 

TWS has performed in Washington, D.C.; London, England; and twice at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY. The TWS has received numerous 

awards and recognitions, most notably the 2007-2008 John Philip Sousa Foundation Sudler Silver Scroll, North America’s most 

prestigious award for community concert bands. 

The Wind Symphony typically provides admission-free concerts, being a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation chartered in the State of 

Tennessee, funded entirely through membership dues, donations, and corporate sponsors. The TWS membership consists of a wide 

range of ages, professions, and musical backgrounds. Members live and work all over East Tennessee, assembling weekly in Knoxville 

for rehearsals. 

The Tennessee Wind Symphony is a member of the Association of Concert Bands, the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville, and 

is supported by the Tennessee Arts Commission. 

Dr. John Culvahouse 

John N. Culvahouse retired as Professor of Music Education at Kennesaw State University in 

2014. From 1991 until 2007, he served on the faculty at the University of Georgia, where he was a 

tenured Associate Professor and member of the Graduate Faculty. Prior to his appointment at UGA 

in 1991, Dr. Culvahouse taught in the public schools in South Carolina and Tennessee for seventeen 

years, where he directed high school, middle school, and elementary school bands. He received the 

Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees from the University of Tennessee and the Doctor 

of Musical Arts in Conducting from the University of South Carolina. In 2014, he was elected to 

the membership of the American Bandmasters Association. On April 24, 2018, he was appointed 

Conductor of the Tennessee Wind Symphony. 

Dr. Wayne Dorothy 

Wayne F. Dorothy, Professor of Music Emeritus, recently retired as Director of Bands and 

Professor of Music from Hardin-Simmons University where, for sixteen years, he conducted 

the Concert Band, “The World Famous” Cowboy Band, and taught graduate and undergraduate 

classes in conducting, band repertoire, and music education. His 39-year teaching career included 

appointments at Ball State University, North Dakota State University, Morehead State University, 

Kansas State University, and eight years as a public-school band director in Tennessee. Dorothy 

earned the B.S. and M.S. in music education from the University of Tennessee and the Doctor of 

Arts in conducting from Ball State University. His honors include the National Band Association’s 

“Citation of Excellence,” “1999 North Dakota Band Director of the Year,” Sigma Alpha Iota “Friend 

of the Arts,” East Tennessee School Band & Orchestra Association Honorary Lifetime Member, and 

elected membership in Phi Beta Mu International Bandmaster’s Fraternity (1985) and Pi Kappa 

Lambda. In 2008, his Hardin-Simmons University Concert Band performed at the College Band 

Directors National Association Southwest Region Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Dorothy has served as guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator in 17 states and performs as a clarinetist and saxophonist. Dorothy 

held elected office in the Texas Music Educators Association and served on the Board of Directors of the National Band Association, 

East Tennessee School Band & Orchestra Association, and North Dakota Music Educators Association. He has numerous publications, 

including entries in four volumes of the GIA Teaching Music through Performance in Band series. 



MUSIC CITY CHORUS 

Performance on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at 9:00 p.m. 

Under the direction of Dusty Schleier, the Music City Chorus 

(MCC) is a premier men’s a cappella chorus based in Nashville, 

Tennessee, known for its captivating and entertaining 

performances of diverse repertoire, including barbershop, 

musical theater, pop, and holiday favorites. MCC recently 

presented its second show at the historic Ryman Auditorium 

in December 2022 with special guest artist David Phelps. For the first time in its 75-year history, MCC was crowned International 

Chorus Champion of the Barbershop Harmony Society in 2022, fulfilling the dream of its 80+ chorus members. 

MCC focuses on building fellowship and camaraderie through the barbershop style. MCC is fortunate to have an incredibly talented 

music leadership team, with certified directors and coaches who seek to build the individual vocal craft and musicianship of each 

chorus member. Music, and especially a capella singing, has the power to change lives for the better; MCC takes its role seriously as 

an arts community leader in Middle Tennessee, striving to share their love and passion for vocal excellence with as many as possible. 

Performing at TMEA is a huge honor for the chorus, and it helps them fulfill their mission of exceptional singing and lifelong learning. 

Dusty Schleier 

Dusty Schleier joined the Barbershop Harmony Society in 1989. He is a second-generation 

barbershopper, and “grew up” singing with the three-time International Champion Phoenicians 

chorus. He served as an assistant director with the Phoenicians and directed the Mesa, AZ, chapter 

from 1998-2000. 

In June of 2000, Dusty moved to Connecticut and later won the Northeastern District Quartet 

Championship with Prelude. He directed the Bridgeport, CT, and the Westchester County, NY, 

chapters while living in the northeast. He led the Westchester Chordsmen to multiple 

Mid-Atlantic division championships as well as a Buckeye Invitational Championship. Dusty is 

also a past International Quartet competitor with Resolution and a four-time International Quartet 

Finalist with TNS. 

In 2007, Dusty relocated to Nashville and is the Director of Meetings & Conventions for the 

Barbershop Harmony Society. Dusty is a certified Performance Judge and travels the country coaching quartets & choruses. He 

resides in Smyrna, TN, with his wife, Erica, and daughter, Scarlett. 

Rick Spencer 

Rick Spencer has spent over three-quarters of his life immersed in barbershop harmony. He joined 

the Barbershop Harmony Society at age 10 and has dedicated most of his life to teaching others 

about the barbershop art form. 

As a quartet singer, Rick has won numerous district-level awards and has placed as high as 4th in 

international competition. He is a Music Judge for the Barbershop Harmony Society, a published 

arranger of men’s and women’s a cappella choral music, and an active music coach and clinician. 

Originally from Connecticut, Rick holds degrees in music and music education from the University 

of Connecticut. When he’s not doing music, Rick loves spending time with his wife Heather and 

their combined family of six children. 


COLLIERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 

WIND ENSEMBLE 

Performance on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. 

The Collierville Wind Ensemble (Collierville High School) 

is the top performance group comprised of 9th-12th grade 

students. The wind ensemble's mission is to expose students 

to the rich history of wind band literature and create 

memorable performance for the Collierville community. The ensemble has earned consistent superior ratings in concert 

performance assessment and ASBDA awards of distinction. The ensemble has worked with several esteemed conductors, 

including Dr. Scott Jones (Ohio State University), Dr. Steve Moore (University of Miami), Dr. Steven Meyer (Northern Arizona 

University), Dr. Christopher Morehouse (Southern Illinois University), Dr. Benjamin Diden (Georgia Tech University), and Dr. 

Albert Nguyen (University of Memphis). 

Thomas Richardson 

Mr. Thomas Richardson is a native of Charleston, South Carolina. He is a graduate of the 

University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Music in Education and the University of 

Southern Illinois with a Master of Music in Wind Conducting. 

Prior to joining Collierville High School, Mr. Richardson was Director of Bands at Berkeley High 

School in South Carolina before moving to Tennessee. From 2017 to July 2019, Mr. Richardson 

was vital to the growth of Collierville High School as the Associate Director of Bands. The 

concert bands earned consistent superior ratings, the winter guards were MIA medalists (2018- 

2019), and the jazz band earned its first superior rating in 2019. Mr. Richardson then became 

the Director of Bands at Collierville in the Fall of 2019 continuing the growth of the program 

to three concert bands, all earning superior ratings at concert assessment. The marching band 

became BOA regional finalist in 2019. The CHS band program has continued to grow their 

participation in the All-West, All-State, NAfME, and MFA national honor bands each year. 

Mr. Richardson’s professional organizations include the National Association for Music Education, Tennessee 

Bandmasters Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity. He still performs with multiple professional performing 

groups, including the Charleston Wind Symphony (South Carolina), Sacred Winds Ensemble (Pikeville, KY), and the 

Memphis Wind Ensemble. He continues to volunteer time to local band programs as an adjudicator and clinician. Mr. 

Richardson is the current conductor of the Memphis Youth Wind Ensemble and serves on the executive board for the 

Scheidt School of Music summer music programs. 



NOLENSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 

WIND ENSEMBLE 

Performance on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. 

The Nolensville Wind Ensemble (Nolensville High School) 

is the premiere instrumental ensemble of Nolensville Band. 

Currently in its fifth year, the Wind Ensemble is comprised 

of advanced young musicians representing grades 9 through 

12. The ensemble consistently produces MTSBOA All Mid- 

State Honor Band and Tennessee All-State Band members. In addition to annually achieving unanimous superior ratings at Concert 

Performance Assessment and the ASBDA Award of Distinction in Concert Performance, the Nolensville Wind Ensemble performed 

before 8 million viewers as a televised featured on ABC World News Tonight With David Muir. The ensemble is honored to perform 

the Tennessee Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame Concert at the 64 th Annual Tennessee Music Education Association Conference, 

which will feature the premiere of the first Nolensville Band commission by composer Brant Karrick. 

Benjamin Easley 

Benjamin Easley serves as Director of Bands at Nolensville High School, the newest Williamson 

County Schools high school which opened in 2016. Prior to starting Nolensville Band, Mr. Easley 

began his Tennessee teaching career at John Overton High School. He previously served as 

Associate Band Director at Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas, where his concert 

ensembles achieved the UIL Sweepstakes Award and the Mighty Ram Band performed his 

original compositions and arrangements as finalists at the 2012 TX UIL 5A State Marching 

Contest and multiple Bands of America Regional Championships. 

Under his leadership, Nolensville Band membership has increased by 450% since its beginnings 

in 2016. In addition to consistently earning unanimous superior ratings at Concert Performance 

Assessment and the ASBDA Award of Distinction in Concert Performance, recent Nolensville Band 

performances include appearances at the 49th Annual Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, 

Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and Nissan Stadium for the Tennessee Titans. 

Honored as a four-time CMA Music Teacher of Excellence, Manilow Music Teacher Award winner, School Band & Orchestra Magazine’s 

“50 Directors Who Make a Difference,” and 2018-2019 Nolensville High School Teacher of the Year, Mr. Easley graduated summa cum 

laude with a B.M. in Trombone Performance, M.M. in Instrumental Conducting, M.M. in Music Education, and M.M. in Music Theory 

Pedagogy from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. His primary professional mentors include Jack Delaney, John Kitzman, 

Ray Conklin, Lynne Jackson, Brian Merrill, Frank Troyka, and John Easley. As a performing artist, Mr. Easley has collaborated and 

performed live with Grammy-winning recording artists including Josh Groban, Norah Jones, Shane & Shane, and Béla Fleck & the 

Flecktones. He currently resides in Nolensville with his wife, Sarah, and their daughters, Ella (8) and Harper (6). 

Regina Go 

Regina Go serves as Assistant Band Director for Nolensville High School and Mill Creek Middle 

School in Nolensville, Tennessee. A native of Indiana, Regina graduated from Indiana University 

in 2019 with a Bachelor of Music Education. During that time, she performed with nearly every 

IU band and orchestra, including the Wind Ensemble and the Philharmonic Orchestra. She also 

performed at the Foster Farms Bowl in 2016 during her time with the IU Marching Hundred. She 

has been a member of the Steel Pan and the Afro-Cuban ensembles and performed with many extracurricular 

ensembles, such as the Southern Indiana Wind Ensemble. Regina spent multiple years 

with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps (summers of 2015, 2016, and 2018). 

Throughout her undergraduate career, Regina built and shared her skills as a middle and high school 

educator. She taught at Ben Davis High School (Indianapolis, IN) and served as a lead percussion 

instructor for Edgewood High School (Ellettsville, IN). She has taught private lessons since 2015, 

teaching lessons to students anywhere from ages 5-22. In 2019, Regina moved to Tennessee and 

became the Assistant Band Director at Woodland Middle School, and simultaneously worked with the Ravenwood High School marching 

band and winter percussion ensembles in Brentwood, Tennessee. She taught there for three years before moving to her current position 

in Nolensville. 


STEWARTS CREEK H.S. 

ATHENA TREBLE CHOIR 

Performance on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. 

The Athena Treble Choir is the flagship treble ensemble of 

the Stewarts Creek High School choral program, which also 

includes the Apollo Contra Ensemble (advanced tenor/bass), 

Bel Canto (intermediate treble), Giovani Voci (beginning 

treble), and Meistersingers (beginning tenor/bass). The 

Stewarts Creek Choirs are one division of the Stewarts Creek 

Fine Arts Academy, which, along with Visual Arts, Theater, 

and Instrumental Music, offers a collaborative, conservatory-style education within Stewarts Creek High School, offering students 

a focused study in the Arts while enjoying the benefits of a comprehensive public high school. The Academy also offers the Stewarts 

Creek Arts Certificate, a four-year diploma program that offers the highest-achieving students guided opportunities for growth, such 

as monthly advisory sessions, yearly performance evaluations, and a senior Capstone Recital/Portfolio juried by Stewarts Creek 

faculty. Nearly fifty students in the Stewarts Creek Choral and Theater programs take private voice instruction from two applied 

voice faculty who teach during the school day. Stewarts Creek students perform in two voice recitals and masterclasses each year. 

Stewarts Creek voice students are past winners of Regional NATS competitions and the Orpheus Vocal Competition and are regularly 

accepted into the All-County Choirs, Mid-State Choirs, All-State Choirs, Governor’s School for the Arts, and Regional/National 

Honor Choirs of the American Choral Directors Association. 

Dr. Susan Kelly 

Dr. Susan Kelly is Director of Choirs at Stewarts Creek High School, where she conducts five choirs, 

teaches Dual Enrollment Ear Training, and music directs the campus musicals and operas. She 

joined the faculty of Stewarts Creek in 2020. Prior to coming to Stewarts Creek, Dr. Kelly served as 

an Assistant Professor of Music/Choral Director at Tennessee State University where she directed the 

University Choir and Meistersingers, taught classes in Music Education and Conducting, and taught 

Applied Voice. She currently serves as an associate conductor for Vox Grata Women’s Choir and as 

Adult Choir Director at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Murfreesboro. Dr. Kelly is also in demand as 

a guest conductor, having recently conducted the KY-ACDA All-State Middle-School Choir, as well 

as choirs in Georgia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia. Additionally, she has sung 

soprano with the Tennessee Chamber Chorus, a professional choir based in eastern Tennessee and The 

Cecilia Ensemble, based in Augusta, Georgia. Susan holds undergraduate degrees in Music Education 

and English Education from Wilkes University, a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Choral Conducting from Temple 

University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from the University of South Carolina. Prior to her move to 

Tennessee, Susan was active in both PennsylvaniaMusic Educators Association (in which she served as Choral Coordinator of District 

9) and ACDA (in which she served as President-Elect Designate of PA-ACDA). She is serving as the Vice-President of TN-ACDA. 

Dr. Brian Russell 

Dr. Brian Russell is Director of Choirs at Stewarts Creek High School, where he conducts five 

choirs, teaches Dual Enrollment Music Theory, music directs the campus musicals and operas, 

and is Fine Arts Department Chair. Dr. Russell founded the Choral Program when Stewarts 

Creek opened in Spring 2013. Dr. Russell holds his Bachelor of Music degree from MTSU where 

he studied trombone, piano, violin, and voice. He received his Master’s and Doctorate degrees 

in Conducting from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, where he won the coveted 

Walter Hagan Conducting Prize and the Julius Herford Prize, awarded for outstanding research 

in his dissertation on the music of G. P. Telemann. Before returning to Murfreesboro in 2012, 

Dr. Russell was Assistant Professor of Music at Illinois Wesleyan University (Bloomington) and 

Hobart and William Smith Colleges (Geneva, NY), where he conducted vocal and instrumental 

ensembles, taught conducting and courses in secondary instrumental and vocal methods. He has also 

taught middle and high school instrumental and vocal music at five different schools in Rutherford and Sumner counties. 

He has been an invited guest conductor and clinician for regional and All-State choirs across the Southeast, Midwest, and Northeast. 

Dr. Russell is the Executive Music Director of Murfreesboro’s Ethos Youth Ensembles. Dr. Russell is also Director of Music at St. 

Andrew Lutheran Church in Franklin, the State Choral Performance Assessment Coordinator for the Tennessee Chapter of the 

American Choral Directors Association, and the All-State Choral Chair for the Tennessee Music Education Association. Dr. 

Russell lives in Murfreesboro with his wife and three children, all of whom attend Stewarts Creek schools. 



FARRAGUT HIGH SCHOOL 

ADVANCED MIXED CHOIR 


The Advanced Mixed Choir is the premiere ensemble in the Farragut High School 

Choral Program. Students selected for this choir have completed at least one semester 

of study in vocal music during which they have shown exceptional musical skill. The 

group focuses on performing a variety of repertoire while building skill in music theory 

and sight reading. Members of this ensemble regularly participate in All East Honor 

Choir, All-State Choirs, and Governor’s School for the Arts. In the last two years, the 

Advanced Mixed Choir has performed for the opening session of the Tennessee State Senate, scored straight superior markings 

at JB Lyle and ACDA State Performance Assessment, and performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City. 

Mitchell Moore 

Mitchell Moore is the Director of Choirs at Farragut High School, where he directs Women’s Chorale, 

Men’s Chorale, Concert Choir, Advanced Women’s Choir, Advanced Mixed Choir, and vocal directs the 

annual musical. Originally from Tifton, Georgia, Mitchell graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education 

from Georgia College & State University (Milledgeville, GA) in 2015. He served as Director of Choirs 

at Howard High School (Macon, GA) from 2015-2018. In 2020, he graduated with a Master of Music 

in Choral Conducting from the University of Tennessee (Knoxville, TN), where he directed the UT 

Women’s Chorale and VOLume men’s a cappella ensemble. Mitchell has been fortunate to participate 

in the 2019 Atlanta Summer Conducting Institute and the 2020 Southern Division ACDA Student 

Conducting Masterclass. He is proud to be serving his third year as the Choir Director at Farragut High 

School (Knoxville, TN). 

EVERYDAY 

UNEXPECTED. 

Develop and showcase your talents alongside caring 

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work and prepare for a wide range of careers in music. 

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• SIX PERFORMING ARTS MAJORS 

• FIVE CHORAL ENSEMBLES 

• THREE INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES 

(marching band program in development) 

• FULL TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE 

Apply now! 

More information at maryvillecollege.edu/fine-arts 

Apply online at maryvillecollege.edu/apply. For details, contact Admissions at 865.981.8092 or email admissions@maryvillecollege.edu 

MARYVILLECOLLEGE.EDU 502 E. LAMAR ALEXANDER PKWY., MARYVILLE TENNESSEE 37804

PREPARE. PERFORM. PRODUCE. 

JOIN THE 

EXPERIENCE 

VOCAL 

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With Renaissance, Bethel University’s Performing Arts 

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36+ offered majors! 

Students are empowered to uplift, inspire, and entertain 

through ministry and performance opportunities, while 

receiving hands-on learning experience that can be 

applied to their future professional careers. Participate 

in one of our upcoming audition days and see what 

opportunities are waiting for you with Bethel University’s 

Renaissance Program. 

AUDITION DAYS 

NOVEMBER 12, 2022 

FEBRUARY 4, 2023 

APRIL 1, 2023 

36 DEGREES OFFERED 

INCLUDING: 

- BIOLOGY 

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- EDUCATION 

- MUSIC 

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731.352.6980 

BethelRenaissance.com 

@BURenaissance

2023 PRIDE OF THE SOUTHLAND 

MARCHING BAND AUDITION DATES 

Video auditions may be submitted 

if you are unable to attend these dates 

Music Majors 

Woodwind/Brass/Percussion 

February 11, 2023 & February 18, 2023 

Non Music Majors 

Woodwind/Brass/Percussion 

February 18, 2023 & February 25, 2023 

Color Guard 

March 4, 2023 

Both live and virtual auditions available...For more information regarding video submission options for 

The Pride of the Southland Band visit our website www.utbands.com or call 865-974-5031 

CONNECT WITH UT BANDS

YOUR STAGE 

IS WAITING 

Join a close-knit network of passionate students and 

world-class faculty in a community of artists and 

scholars that will empower you to achieve your dreams. 

APPLY 

music.utk.edu 

music@utk.edu 

865-974-3241 @UTKSOM


MTSU TEBA CHORALE 


The MTSU TEBA Chorale began singing together in the Fall 

of 2019. The ensemble is open to all university students, 

staff, and faculty who sing tenor or bass. They perform 

two concerts each semester, with a varied repertoire from 

madrigals to musical theatre. The ensemble encompasses 

students from across many majors, with over half being 

non-music majors such as audio production, plant and soil 

science, and aerospace. They were invited to perform for the Williamson County Men’s Choir Festival, and they regularly appear 

in MTSU’s “Joys of the Season” produced by the College of Liberal Arts. 

Angela Tipps 

Angela Tipps is completing her 25th year at MTSU. She conducts the MTSU TEBA and SOAL 

Chorales, teaches basic and choral conducting, coordinates the music appreciation courses in the 

School of Music, and often serves as musical director for the Department of Speech and Theatre. 

Angela recently became the Musical Director of the Middle Tennessee Choral Society, which 

performs major choral works with orchestra each semester. She is also the Organist and Director 

of Music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Murfreesboro. Her choirs have sung for TMEA, state 

and regional ACDA conferences, and have been recorded for NPR’s Performance Today. The MTSU 

SOAL Chorale was invited to perform in the Nashville Symphony Chorus’s “Voices of Spring” 

concert in 2019. 

Ms. Tipps received the Bachelor of Music degree in organ performance from MTSU and the Master 

of Church Music degree from Scarritt Graduate School in Nashville. She studied conducting 

with Dr. Sandra Willetts and organ with Dr. Janette Fishell and Dr. Wilma Jensen. She is Past- 

President of the Tennessee chapter of the American Choral Directors Association, and a past college representative for MTVA. An 

active conductor and clinician, Angela has conducted the Virginia All-State Mixed Chorus, the Governors School for the Arts, and 

various collegiate and high school festivals across the region. 


Ensembles from 

jazz to orchestra 

to commercial music 

Make Music at MTSU 

Audition to Major or Minor in Music 

Virtual auditions accepted through May 1. 

More information about auditioning and available programs at mtsu.edu/music 

Music living-learning 

community on campus 

SCHOOL OF MUSIC 

615-898-2469 • Angela.Satterfield@mtsu.edu 

0821-9660 / Middle Tennessee State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, 

age, status as a protected veteran, or any other category protected by law. See our full policy at mtsu.edu/iec.


CORDOVA HIGH SCHOOL 

CONCERT SINGERS 


The award-winning Concert Singers is the top-performing 

ensemble at Cordova High School. “The Singers” are 

comprised of 10th through 12th grade honor students and 

occasionally a few 9th graders who meet the audition and 

academic requirements; they must maintain a C average 

in their classes to perform with this ensemble. Of this 

ensemble, 30 of these singers made the All-Southwest Tennessee Senior High Honor choir. “The Singers” continuously receive 

superior ratings, best in class, and overall top ensemble at local and national competitions. In 2018, “The Singers” reached 

national acclaim with over 9 million views on Facebook for their musical tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and have had 

additional viral videos surpassing over a million views on both YouTube and Facebook. “The Singers” by invitation have performed 

in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Hawaii, and New York at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall. This past Spring, “The 

Singers” were selected to perform at the 2022 Southern Conference of the American Choral Directors Association in Raleigh, 

North Carolina. The students continuously graduate with full vocal, choral, and academic scholarships to institutions of their choices. 

The Concert Singers are widely known for their inspiring and moving performances. 

Adrian Maclin 

Adrian Maclin is in his tenth year as director of choirs at Cordova High School. As a product 

of Memphis City Schools, Maclin was inspired by his middle and high school choral directors 

to become a music educator. Adrian is a graduate of Philander Smith College where earned his 

Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with emphasis on vocal performance. 

Adrian works hard to not only produce outstanding performing ensembles, but he is committed 

to educating and cultivating the total musician and student. Adrian works to inspire his 

students to allow music to inspire their next chapter in life. In addition to Adrian’s work at 

Cordova, he serves the Memphis-Shelby County School district on the Music Leadership team. 

In this role, Adrian’s primary focus is to support his choral colleagues and novice directors 

in professional development planning and presentations, and opportunities to organize team 

teaching and mentoring. Adrian also serves as President for the West Tennessee Vocal Music 

Educators Association and has served on the board for the Tennessee Chapter of the American 

Choral Directors Association. Through these roles, Adrian hopes he fulfill his part to aid in every child having access to a strong 

choral music education. 

Maclin has faithfully served his home church of Mount Moriah-East Baptist Church 18 years as the Minister of Music. Adrian 

has adjudicated festival as well as served as guest clinician in the Memphis area, Louisiana, Florida, and for the National Baptist 

Convention Lucie E. Campbell Music Workshop. Adrian was recently recognized by the Country Music Association Foundation 

as one of their 2020 Music Teachers of Excellence award recipients. Maclin has two daughters, Madison and McKenzie, who 

are the apples of his eye. 


APPLY & AUDITION 

Test Flight: Feb. 20, 2023 

Experience what it’s like to be a music major or minor at 

UT Martin and audition the same day. Additional audition 

dates upon request. 

Visit: utm.edu/audition 

SCHOLARSHIPS 

Available for music majors, music minors, 

and campus musicians. 

utm.edu/musicawards 

DEGREES 

Bachelor of Music 

Music Education, Performance, Pedagogy 

Bachelor of Arts in Music 

Music Minor 

More info at utm.edu/musicacademics 

SPRING EVENTS FOR 

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS 

Death by Voice 

Test Flight 

ChamberFest 

Piano Competition 

Register at 

utm.edu/musichighschoolevents 

DEDICATED INNOVATIVE INCLUSIVE 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: (731)881-7402 | music@utm.edu | utm.edu/music 

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/ Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status. 

Inquiries should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 303 Administration Building, Martin, TN 38238, (731) 881-3505 Office, (731) 881-4889 TTY, Hearing Impaired, (731) 881-3507 Fax, equityanddiversity@utm.edu, http://www.utm.edu/departments/equalopp/. In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (The Clery Act), UTM’s annual security 

report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on or around the campus and UTM’s emergency response and evacuation procedures. You can view the report at http://www.utm.edu/departments/publicsafety/_pdfs/annual security report 2014 adobe.pdf or you may obtain a paper copy of the report by contacting the Office of Public Safety, 215 Hurt Street, Martin, TN 38238 or 

calling (731) 881-7777. Data on intercollegiate athletics program participation rates and financial support may be found at http://www.utm.edu/about/consumer.php#3g and printed copies may be obtained through the Office of Intercollegiate Athletics, 1022 Elam Center, Martin, TN 38238 or by calling (731) 881-7660. E05-5220-00-002-23

TMEA 2023 TENNESSEE ALL-STATE ENSEMBLE CONDUCTORS 

DR. JULIE YU-OPPENHEIM, 

CONDUCTOR 

Tennessee All-State SATB Choir 

Dr. Julie Yu (She/Her/Hers) is Professor 

of Music and Co-Director of Choral 

Studies at Kansas State University 

where she oversees and conducts 

undergraduate choral ensembles, 

choral music education courses and 

the summer and residency Master 

of Music choral programs. Her choirs have performed in the 

following: Carnegie Hall; Hawaii; the National Cathedral in 

Washington, D.C.; Austria; the Czech Republic; France; Ireland; 

and Italy. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music 

Education from the University of Central Oklahoma, Master 

of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Oklahoma State 

University, and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral 

Conducting from the University of North Texas. 

EUGENE ROGERS, CONDUCTOR 

Tennessee All-State TTBB Choir 

A two-time Michigan Emmy Award 

winner, a 2017 Sphinx Medal of 

Excellence recipient, and a 2015 

GRAMMY® Award nominee, Dr. Eugene 

Rogers is recognized as a leading 

conductor and pedagogue throughout 

the United States and abroad. In 

addition to being the founding director 

of EXIGENCE and the director of choirs and an associate professor 

of conducting at the University of Michigan, Dr. Rogers is the artistic 

director of The Washington Chorus (Washington D.C.). Rogers 

holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in choral music education from the 

University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and the Master of Music 

and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in choral conducting from 

University of Michigan. 

JESSICA NÁPOLES, CONDUCTOR 

Tennessee All-State SSAA Choir 

Dr. Jessica Nápoles is Professor 

of Choral Music Education and 

Conductor of the Concert Choir at 

the University of North Texas (UNT). 

A native of Florida with a Cuban- 

American background, Dr. Nápoles 

taught in the public schools of Miami 

and Orlando, Florida. She received 

three degrees in Music Education from the Florida State 

University. Dr. Nápoles has conducted All-State and honor 

choirs in seventeen states. Additionally, she guest conducted 

honor choirs for the ACDA Southern, Eastern, North Central/ 

Central and Western regions of the American Choral Directors 

Association (ACDA) and was the featured conductor for the 

World Strides Honors Performance Series in Carnegie Hall on 

multiple occasions. 

KEVIN R. BURNS, CMSGT. USAF; 

DIRECTOR 

Tennessee All-State Jazz Band 

Chief Master Sergeant Kevin Burns 

was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and 

grew up in Cleveland, Tennessee. He 

enlisted in the Air Force in November 

1993. His first assignment was with 

the U.S. Air Force Band of the West, 

Lackland AFB, Texas. In 1996, he won a 

position with the U.S. Air Force Academy Band, Colorado Springs, 

Colorado, as lead trumpet with the Falconaires jazz ensemble. 

In 2002, he won a position with The U.S. Air Force Band as split 

lead trumpet with the premier jazz ensemble of the Air Force, the 

Airmen of Note. From 2017-2020, Burns led the Airmen of Note 

as flight chief. He currently serves in his 30th and final year in 

the Air Force. Chief Master Sergeant Burns’ duties also include 

leading the Marketing and Outreach shop for the entire unit. Chief 

Burns' music exposure began at a very early age thanks to his 

musical family. His senior year at Cleveland High School, he won 

the lead trumpet position with the Tennessee All-State Jazz Band 

(1985). His formal secondary music studies began at Lee University 

in Cleveland, Tennessee. He finished at Oral Roberts University in 

Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he completed a Bachelor of Music degree 

in performance and a Master of Business Administration degree. 

SHANNON JEFFREYS, 

CONDUCTOR 

Tennessee Treble Honor Choir 

Dr. Shannon Jeffreys is Professor of 

Music and Director of Choral Activities 

at Georgia Southern University in 

Statesboro, Georgia. Her focus is the 

Southern Chorale, teaching in the 

undergraduate and graduate conducting 

and music education curriculums, 

along with directing Southern Gentlemen. Dr. Jeffreys has led these 

choirs in six international choral competitions and two national 

competitions where the choirs won significant awards. Most 

recently, Southern Chorale won both of their categories in the 

2022 Sing Berlin International Choral Competition. In 2019, she 

received the Conductor’s Award from the Ave Verum International 

Choral Competition in Baden, Austria. Choirs under her direction 

have also been featured at multiple state and national conferences, 

most recently performing at the National Collegiate Choral 

Organization’s National Conference. She holds degrees in music 

performance and conducting from Birmingham Southern College, 

the University of Mississippi, and the University of South Carolina. 


ANGELA AMMERMAN, 

CONDUCTOR 

Tennessee All-State 

9-10 String Orchestra 

Dr. Angela Ammerman, referred to 

by the Washington Post as a “music 

teacher prodigy,” earned degrees in 

Music Education from the University 

of Cincinnati: College-Conservatory 

of Music, Boston University, and her Ph.D. from George Mason 

University. Dr. Ammerman has dedicated much of her musical 

career to providing access to quality music education for 

underserved populations of children, including the beginnings of 

a strings program at a children’s home in Chiang Mai, Thailand. 

Dr. Ammerman is in high demand as a clinician and guest 

conductor and has recently been invited to conduct the California 

Jr. High All State Orchestra as well as the Georgia Middle School 

All State Orchestra. 

KEVIN NOE, CONDUCTOR 


11-12 Symphony Orchestra 

Kevin Noe is currently Director 

of Orchestras and Professor 

of Conducting at the UMKC 

Conservatory of Music and Artistic 

Director of the Pittsburgh New Music 

Ensemble. A passionate promoter 

of the arts of our time, Noe has 

commissioned and premiered over one hundred new works 

to date. With a background in the theatre, he serves regularly 

as writer, stage director, singer, actor, and filmmaker for a 

variety of mixed-media productions. Noe has worked at 

Michigan State University, the University of Texas at Austin, 

the National Repertory Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony, 

Duquesne University, the Pittsburgh Opera, the Melbourne 

Conservatory, the Oberlin Conservatory, and the Jacobs School 

of Music at Indiana University, and has conducted All-State 

and honors orchestras all across the United States. 

ANDREA BROWN, CONDUCTOR 


9-10 Concert Band 

Dr. Andrea E. Brown was appointed 

the Associate Director of Bands at 

the University of Maryland in 2018 

where she conducts the UMD Wind 

Ensemble, serves as the Director 

of Athletic Bands, and teaches 

conducting. Brown is formerly 

a member of the conducting faculty at the University of 

Michigan and served as the Director of Orchestra and Assistant 

Director of Bands at the Georgia Institute of Technology in 

Atlanta. She is a frequent guest conductor, clinician, and 

adjudicator in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Originally 

from Milan, Tennessee, she is a graduate of Austin Peay State 

University and earned a Master of Music degree in horn 

performance and a Master of Music Education degree with 

a cognate in instrumental conducting from UNCG. She was 

awarded the Rose of Honor as a member of Sigma Alpha Iota 

Women's Music Fraternity and is an honorary member of 

Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma. 

LOWELL E. GRAHAM, COL. (RET.) 

USAF; CONDUCTOR 


11-12 Concert Band 

A native of Greeley, Colorado, Dr. Lowell 

E. Graham was named Music Director 

for the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra 

(GPO) in 2021. He previously served 

as Professor of Music holding the 

Abraham Chavez Professorship in Music at The University of Texas 

at El Paso (UTEP) from 2002 to 2021. Prior to that he served as 

Commander and Conductor of the United States Air Force Band in 

Washington, D.C. As a USAF Colonel, he became the senior ranking 

musician in the Department of Defense. He is a graduate of the 

University of Northern Colorado where he received a Bachelor of 

Arts degree in music education in 1970 and a Master of Arts degree in 

performance the following year. In 1977, he became the first 

person to be awarded the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 

orchestral conducting from The Catholic University of America in 

Washington, D.C. 


TMEA TEACHING IN TENNESSEE 

“ 

NEVER TAKE “NO” FROM 

AN INANIMATE OBJECT: 

A GUIDE FOR TEACHING OBOISTS 


Never take ‘No’ from an inanimate object.” These words, 

spoken by John Mack, legendary principal oboist of the 

Cleveland Orchestra, have been a comfort and, at times, a 

challenge to young oboists. Mr. Mack was speaking about reedmaking, 

but reeds aren’t the only challenge oboists face. This 

article provides strategies to help music educators and their 

students triumph when the oboe tries to say an emphatic “No!”. 

For music educators who aren’t oboists, starting students 

on oboe can be a daunting task. While I can’t speak to all the 

burning questions in one article, what follows are some things 

to consider: 

WHO SHOULD PLAY THE OBOE? 

There isn’t an exact recipe for the perfect oboist, but it helps 

to ask who might be a good candidate for the instrument. Since 

there are fewer band parts for oboes (and likely fewer available 

instruments), you don’t need as many in your program. That 

said, it’s often hard to choose quality high school repertoire 

with zero oboists. Encourage self-motivated students who 

seem enthusiastic enough to stick with band to try the oboe. 

Students who can persevere and will be dedicated to practicing 

are a must. I remember sitting in beginning band staring 

jealously at the flute players who already sounded decent on 

their shiny instruments, while I sounded like a strangled duck. 

Even though I was excited about my instrument, it was still 

disheartening. It’s common to feel behind even if you start 

learning to play when everyone else does. If possible, start 

oboists over the summer to give them a jumpstart. Students 

who are easily frustrated or embarrassed may not be happy 

with an instrument which, for good or ill, often puts players 

in the spotlight. Parental support is also very beneficial, 

since it is a perpetually expensive instrument: oboes are not 

cheap, great reeds often cost $25-30 each, private lessons are 

encouraged, and oboes are fragile, meaning regular repairs. If 

local organizations sponsor young students in music lessons or 

fund educational equipment, oboists would be great candidates. 

Philosophies differ regarding when and how to start students 

on oboe. Some programs have students learn another 

instrument and then transition to the oboe or bassoon; others 

start students directly on a double reed instrument, which 

I recommend. While there are pros and cons, I’ve found that 

students who switch from another woodwind instrument 

have already developed playing habits and strengthened an 

embouchure which doesn’t directly translate to the oboe (for 

example, proper clarinet embouchure is almost the exact 

opposite of good oboe embouchure). 

REEDS: 

One of the most crucial determinants of success or struggle on 

the oboe is the reed. Students may buy mass-produced reeds 

or professionally hand-made reeds. If you can help students 

find a reputable and reliable professional source, professional 

reeds are undoubtably the best choice. I purchased two of the 

same type of store-bought reed for a woodwind methods class, 

and the pitch was an entire step different between them. In 

that circumstance, how could students ever learn if their pitch 

issue is them or the reed? Students should always have 3-4 

functioning reeds. Consider keeping extras in your office, since 

reeds always seem to break on concert days. 

Reeds require special care and maintenance to make them last. 

Each student should have a small cup in which to soak the reed 

before playing. Soaking the reed with saliva is not the same as 

letting it soak in water. The reed should be placed gently, caneend 

first, in water almost up to the string. The cork shouldn’t be 

soaked, since it will be hard to fit in the oboe if it expands. The 

reed should be in the water between 1.5-2 minutes. Any less, the 

reed will not be soaked enough to vibrate well; any more, and 

the reed can oversoak, making it hard and too open, altering the 

pitch. Please try to give oboists enough time to get their reed 

out and soaked! It can be stressful for oboists to both treat their 

reed with care and hurry to get set up and ready to play. 

It is wise to perform periodic “reed checks” to confirm that 

the student’s reeds are in playing shape. The opening should 

not be overly closed or open, the reed should be without cracks 

(which are death to reeds), and the corners intact. If the reed is 

cracked, missing all corners, or extremely closed, it’s time for a 

new reed. 

REEDS REQUIRE SPECIAL CARE AND 

MAINTENANCE TO MAKE THEM LAST. 

FUNDAMENTALS: 

“Fundamentals” refers to the most important physical 

elements of playing an instrument: embouchure, breathing, 

hand position, posture, tone, pitch, etc. Great fundamentals 

are essential. They help us play successfully and enjoyably, 

ultimately helping us do everything we want to do musically. 

While it’s impossible to discuss all fundamentals in detail here, 

these are the most important elements for beginners: 

Embouchure 

Start by having students whistle (or pretend to, if they can’t). 

When we whistle, the corners of our lips are forward (“ooo” 

shape) and our chin is flat. This is a great start for the oboe 

embouchure. From the whistling position, have students very 


slightly tuck their lips inward and “firm up” the lips as if they’re 

cinching a drawstring bag. Instruct students to look in a mirror 

and work to memorize this feeling. The reed is then placed on 

the lower lip. Approximately 2/3 of the cane should be in the 

player’s mouth. The thread should not be touching the lips. 

Biting on the reed with pressure from the jaw or teeth should 

be completely avoided! Building an embouchure takes time and 

practice — it’s normal for the embouchure to get tired until new 

muscles develop. 

Breathing 

Breaths should be low, deep, and expansive. If students’ 

shoulders are rising and falling with each breath, they’re likely 

using only the top half of their lungs, which is insufficient. 

Have students envision breathing in warm air with their tongue 

on the floor of their mouth. Breaths should be noiseless but 

powerful. It is often necessary to let old, used air out before 

taking a full, deep breath in. Breath should always be supported 

using the abdominal muscles. 

Hand Position 

We always want students to aim for tension-free playing! Avoid 

flat fingers and collapsed finger joints, which lead to pain 

and greater problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Have 

students hold out their hand with their palm up, imagining 

they’re gently holding a baby chick or a ping pong ball. Fingers 

should curve around the imaginary object, not squeezing it. 

Holding that position, have students turn their hand over, and 

try placing it on the instrument. Fingers, especially the ring 

finger and pinky (which tend to straighten the most) should 

still be curved. Have students aim for quiet fingers that stay 

close to the keys. 

student is playing sharp: check the reed’s pitch (should sound 

a C by itself ), make sure the student isn’t biting the reed, and 

lastly have them take the reed a tiny bit out of their mouth. If 

a student is playing flat: check the reed’s pitch (as before, it 

should sound a C), make sure they’re blowing fast and supported 

air, and have the student put a little more reed in their mouth to 

raise the pitch. 

It’s tempting for directors to start beginning instrumentalists 

in the key of Bb, but the notes in a Bb scale are quite awkward 

for beginning oboists. Begin by teaching students the following 

notes: middle B, A, G, F#, E and D, all of which they can play by 

putting down one finger at a time. 

It is helpful to understand what I call the “F” situation on 

oboes: there are three ways to play a low or octave F. “Regular 

F” should be the default fingering, however anyone who takes a 

look at a fingering chart will see that we quickly run into finger 

problems if we go from D or Eb to this “regular F.” There are two 

solutions — a “forked F” fingering (often indicated in method 

books with an “x”) or a “side F” fingering. The “side F” fingering 

is far and away preferable due to the sound consistency, but 

many beginning oboes do not have the “side F” key. When 

available, it is always better to try teaching the “side F” fingering 

as opposed to the “forked F.” It is very hard to break students 

from relying on the “forked F” fingering — but necessary for the 

best pitch and tone. Make sure oboes you’re purchasing have 

the “side F” key and low Bb (the two keys most often omitted 

from student instruments). 

Posture 

Students should start with their feet flat on the floor for 

stability, their upper body lifted without tension, and their eyes 

looking straight ahead or slightly raised. The oboe should come 

up to the player, not vice versa. For the best embouchure and 

tone, the oboe is held at an angle of 45 degrees or less. Arms 

should be relaxed at the player’s side, rather than floating 

midair. 

Tone 

As early as possible, discuss what is meant by a “great oboe 

tone.” This ideal differs greatly from player to player. For me, 

a great tone means depth and richness, with resonance and the 

ability to produce many musical colors. A goal should be to have 

the different registers on the oboe match as much as possible, 

which means we need to constantly adjust our voicing (internal 

adjustments of throat, mouth and tongue placement). From the 

beginning, have students listen to recordings of great oboists. 

Pitch 

The oboe is very pitch-flexible. On the reed alone, we can 

achieve a whole range of pitches. Have students practice 

singing a pitch before playing it to develop their inner ear. If a 


WORDS OF WISDOM FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE SERIOUS 

ABOUT THE OBOE: 

Get a private teacher ASAP: A private teacher can help students 

fix specific oboe problems they encounter (and there will be a 

lot). They will also be experts in oboe repertoire and able to 

assist with reeds. If there isn’t a private teacher in your area, 

many teachers are open to giving online lessons, which can be 

a great alternative. 

Consider purchasing a personal instrument. Unless your 

school has a decent instrument that has received regular 

repairs and adjustments, students who can afford it will be 

better off purchasing their own oboe. There are many great 

brand options, including: Fox, Lorée, Yamaha, and Howarth. A 

big consideration is whether to purchase a plastic or wooden 

instrument. Plastic instruments are more resilient to heat and 

cold but lose something by way of tone. Wooden instruments 

require special care, including a break-in process and warming 

up wood before playing to prevent cracking, but often have 

more resonance and a richer tone. It may be best for students to 

purchase plastic unless they’re planning to continue studying 

oboe in college. 

Develop a consistent warm-up routine and practice plan: 

regular long tones, scales, and other exercises will help students 

improve rapidly and gain consistency. 

Listen to great oboe players: There are CDs and other recordings 

available for purchase or streaming on the internet and Spotify. 

Listening to incredible performers will help students know 

what they’re aiming for sound-wise. Some of my favorite players 

include Linda Strommen, Elaine Douvas, John Ferrillo, Jeffrey 

Rathbun, Roger Roe, Eugene Izotov and Frank Rosenwein. 

Students should attend any available events to learn about their 

instrument, including camps, faculty recitals, double reed days, 

and orchestral and band concerts. Exposure to great music will 

help make better musicians! 

KATHLEEN CARTER BELL 

A passionate educator and performer 

of solo, chamber, and orchestral 

repertoire, Dr. Kathleen Carter 

Bell has recently relocated with 

her husband to the Nashville area, 

where she serves as Instructor of 

Oboe and English Horn at Tennessee 

State University. Kathleen served as 

Oboe Lecturer at Auburn University 

for three years, is oboe faculty for 

Indiana University’s Summer Music 

Clinic, and taught at Interlochen this past summer as the 

Oboe Teaching Fellow. Kathleen has given masterclasses and 

presentations across the country and represented Indiana 

University at Seoul National University’s 2019 Chamber 

Music Festival. Her trio, Elicio Winds, has been awarded 

several grants, including: an Alabama State Council on the 

Arts grant to commission five woodwind trio pieces, which 

will be performed on an upcoming CD; a Draughon Center for 

the Arts and Humanities collaborative outreach project; and 

a SEC Travel Grant to the University of Arkansas. Kathleen 

recently performed with the Elicio Winds at the NFA 

Conference (Chicago) and presented several recitals at the 

IDRS Conference (Boulder). An advocate of new music, Bell 

has collaborated with several female composers, including 

Althea Talbot-Howard, Alyssa Morris, and Meera Gudipati. 

Kathleen and her husband, Conor Bell, have started an 

organization called Double Talk Workshop to equip educators 

to teach young double reed players. Bell is fascinated by the 

interdisciplinary arts and music’s place within the broader 

context of art and culture. Her current research includes the 

influence of the ancient Greek aulos on Wagner’s use of the 

oboe. Kathleen earned her DM degree from Indiana University 

and was one of six graduate recipients of the 2012 Barbara 

and David H. Jacobs Fellowship, granted for “excellence and 

leadership in the world of music.” 

Purchase: a good reed case, a tuner, metronome, and drone 

Explore double reed vendors online: Forrests Music, Midwest 

Musical Imports, RDG Woodwinds, Trev-Co Varner Music, 

Harvard Double Reeds 

The oboe is a beautiful instrument which presents many unique 

challenges. Helping students develop confidence and skill early 

will increase their enjoyment in making music and raise the 

overall level of your musical ensemble! 

A previous version of this article appeared in Ala Breve 

(February/March 2020), the official publication of the Alabama 

Music Educators Association, and is reprinted here with 

permission. 


TMEA BACK THEN 

➣ 

➣ 

➣ 

In this issue of the Tennessee Musician, then-TMEA 

President O’Dell Willis reflected upon the work of the 

TMEA under his leadership term and welcomed thenincoming 

TMEA President Tom Cowan. 

An announcement recognized O’Dell Willis on his honor of 

being elected to the American Bandmasters Association. 

According to the article, Mr. Willis was the only Tennessee 

member of the organization at the time of this May 1964 

publication. 

A news release highlighted the Knox County Junior-Senior 

High School Festival that was held at the University of 

Tennessee Alumni Memorial Auditorium on April 24, 

1964. Over 300 students participated in the High School 

Chorus under the direction of Mr. Edward H. Hamilton (a 

former TMEA Past-President and former conductor of the 

Knoxville Chorale Society). Additionally, approximately 700 

vocalists performed in the Junior High School Chorus with 

conductor Mr. J. B. Lyle (a former Supervisor of Music for 

Knox County Schools). 

➣ 

The summary of the East Tennessee Vocal 

Association’s spring East Tennessee Vocal Festival 

was included in this publication. This event occurred 

April 15-16, 1964, and was hosted on the campus 

of Maryville College. The following individuals 

served as adjudicators for the festival: 

Ê 

Ê 

Ê 

Ê 

Ê 

Ê 

Warner L. Imig (University of Colorado, Boulder) 

Paul W. Peterson (Salem College, Winston-Salem, 

North Carolina) 

Richard G. Cox (University of North Carolina, 

Greensboro 

Louis O. Ball (Carson-Newman College) 

Dan Linsinger (Maryville College) 

Gordon Leavitt (University of Tennessee, Knoxville) 

➣ Five bands from Tennessee performed in the 1964 

Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington, 

D.C. The Tullahoma High School Band, the 

Memphis Central Band, and the Cookeville High 

School Band were three of the bands that represented 

Tennessee at this parade. 

THE TENNESSEE MUSICIAN (MAY 1964) 

Volume 16, No. 4 – 12 pgs. 

O’Dell Willis, TMEA President 

Carolyn M. Scruggs, Editor 


you work hard at 

sounding good 

we work hard at 

looking 

good 

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TN Musician Vol. 75 No. 2

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