What a great AMEA Conference! Thanks to everyone who attended. If you did not attend, I hope you will try to be in Montgomery for the 2011 conference. This year, there were many outstanding clinics and concerts. I would like to thank the performing ensembles for their hard work and impressive performances. Please consider applying for your group to perform at the 2011 conference. The application can be found online.  All requested material must be turned in to Garry Taylor by June 1. I would also like to thank those ABA members who presented sessions at this year’s conference. I am impressed by the wealth of knowledge we have among our membership. As always, if you have a suggestion for a future session, let one of the ABA Board members know.

This year, our Music Performance Assessment will be by district. The ABA Board of Directors has made every effort to ensure that the event runs smoothly and will be a great musical experience for all participating bands.

Registration for All-State will be online this year. Please FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS given at the AMEA conference and found online. If you have questions contact Doug Farrris.

The 2010 All-State Clinic will be held April 15-17 at Auburn University. Our conductors are Sean O’Loughlin for Middle School; Dr, Greg Grunner for Blue Band; Dr. David Holsinger for White Band; and Dr. Thomas Fraschillo for Red Band. The All-State Solo Festival will be held on Wednesday, April 14 with the finals event planned for 7:30 pm. If you can, I would encourage you to come early and try to attend this event as it showcases some of the finest High School musicians in our State. As many of you are aware, this is our final All-State Clinic at Auburn University. Please take the time to thank Dr. Vincent, Dr. Good, Dr. Spurlin, and their staff for all they have done for the ABA through the years.

The ABA Summer Conference will be held June 23-24, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Orange Beach.

 The Board and music selection committee will meet on June 22. Reservations must be made by June 1 to receive the conference rate. Contact the Hilton Garden Inn at 877-782-9444. Our group code is ABA. We will offer several clinics as well as our inaugural Music Performance Assessment Adjudicator Certification class at this conference. More details will be given at the All-State meeting.

I am excited to inform you that we have contracted with the city of Mobile to host the All-State Clinic April 14-16, 2011, and April 12-14, 2012. We will be using the Renaissance Riverside Hotel, The Mobile Convention Center, and The Mobile Civic Center. Mark your calendars for this exciting event.

Finally, congratulations to Any Pettus and the Hillcrest High School Wind Ensemble for an awesome performance at the 2009 MidWest clinic. Thanks also to the many directors from our State that attended and supported this fine group.

As always, if I can be of assistance, please let me know. May you and your students be musically blessed as we finish the school year.