2020 Honor Band Invitation
August 28, 2019
Dear Colorado Band Directors,
It is my pleasure to submit to you the materials for the 2020 All-Colorado Honor Band. My name is Dr. Steven Siegel and I am the Director of Bands at Western Colorado University. I hope you are enjoying the start of another school year as I understand how busy you are with marching band, other ensembles and music courses. Please take a moment to look over the materials for this year’s All-Colorado Honor Band.
Date: Please find the enclosed application and audition materials for the All-Colorado Honor Band. February 27-29, 2020 will mark the 68th meeting of this prestigious ensemble.
Activities: Registration will begin on Thursday, February 27, at 1:00 p.m. followed by an opening meeting at 1:30 p.m. Recorded auditions will serve as acceptance into the ensemble and will determine chair placement. Rehearsal will begin on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. The Host Band Concert will take place Thursday evening. Friday will be a full day of rehearsals followed by separate social activities for directors and students in the evening. Please plan on attending the Director’s Banquet while your students are at the Student Dinner and Dance.
Audition Materials/Deadlines/Fees: Please make copies of the enclosed form for each student auditioning. Each audition recording must have a separate form. Audition recordings and forms should be submitted electronically as an .mp3, .mp4, or .wav file to ssiegel@western.edu. All forms and recordings must be received by Friday, November 22, 2019. This deadline is critical to ensure that the band is selected and the music can be distributed in a timely manner. All materials will be available online on the WCU Music website. Audition fees at $5 and should be mailed to Dr. Steven Siegel at 1 Western Way, Gunnison, CO, 81231. If a student is accepted to the event, an additional participation fee of $30 will be required should they accept their position.
Guest Conductor: Mr. Scott Rikkers serves as the Assistant Director of Bands at James Madison University (JMU) where he directs the Symphonic Band and the Marching Royal Dukes. A native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, he received his Bachelor of Music Education from Western Michigan University and Master of Music in Education from James Madison University. Prior to his appointment at JMU, Mr. Rikkers was the Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Montana, where he coordinated the athletic band program as well as conducted the University Concert Band and assisted with the Music Education curriculum. Prior to his appointment at JMU, he taught K-12 music in Michigan, holding positions in general music and middle/high school band. Mr. Rikkers holds affiliation with the Virginia Music Education Association, Virginia Band and Orchestra Association, Collegiate Band Directors National Association, International Conductor’s Guild, College Music Society, and the Music Educators National Conference. He has been a clinician throughout the United States and continues his work in the field of music education as an active clinician for both marching and concert venues.
Brass Band: The Colorado Brass Band will meet as in years past. This group provides a wonderful opportunity for players and listeners alike to experience the beauty of the brass band genre. The ensemble is open to participating directors. All brass players are encouraged to get involved. If you are a director who plans to participate in the Brass Band, please let me know as soon as possible so repertoire can be selected. Joining the brass band this year will include guest soloist Vince DiMartino! Vince is an internationally renowned trumpet virtuoso and pedagogue, and we are thrilled to have him join us this February!
I look forward to seeing you in the near future and wish you continued success and musical growth over the coming months. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me through the Western email address provided at the bottom of this letter.
Best,
Dr. Steven Siegel
Director of Bands and Brass
Western Colorado University
ssiegel@western.edu
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