The NBA 2004 National Convention

An Overview of the Success
by David Gregory, Immediate Past President, NBA
July, 2004

A fitting and appropriate end to each NBA presidency is our national biennial convention, and the 2004 national conference was a most memorable week. I can think of no better or more rewarding way to bring the 2002-04 biennium to a close.

This year’s event was held June 20 – 23 in conjunction with the Bands of America Summer Symposium on the campus of Illinois State University, and was a success in every aspect of the word. Our clinics were outstanding, the concerts were stunning, and our special programs reaffirmed the NBA’s position as a national and international leader in the profession. It was a great way to finish the biennium!

Highlights of our convention included: the NBA National Community Band organized by Gerald Guilbeaux and conducted by Dr. Lowell Graham; our Young Composer and Young Conductor Mentor Projects organized by Mark Camphouse and Paula Crider respectively; the Air Force Band of Mid-America concert conducted by Lt. Col. Steve Grimo; Young Composer Mentor clinicians Mark Camphouse, Don Grantham, and Dana Wilson; Young Conductor Mentor clinicians Tom Fraschillo, Jim Keene and Frank Wickes; the Saitama Sakae Wind Orchestra concert conducted by Minoru Otaki; our NBA collegiate member clinic organized by Mark Heidel and Christian Zembower; clinicians Paula Crider, Tom Fraschillo, Lowell Graham, Charlie Menghini, Alfred Watkins, and Frank Wickes; collegiate member clinicians Nancy Coddington, Michelle DeGroot, Rhianna Franklin, Chris Paulson, Wesley Schultz, and Andrei Strizek; Young Composer mentees Daniel Boothe, Roy Magnuson, and Carl Schroeder; Young Conductor mentees Travis Cross, Brian Dell, Andre Feagin; and master mentor Dr. Frederick Fennell. In short, the 2004 national convention was one of the most successful and productive ever.

There is no way I can thank appropriately those who contributed their time and talents, and further demonstrated their commitment to our profession through service to our organization during the national convention. Please know how much I appreciate your professionalism. I want to thank also those hundreds of NBA members who supported our work and convention through attendance at it or assistance in preparation for it. Without that enthusiastic encouragement and willingness to provide whatever was asked, our biennial gathering would not have been the highly successful musical and educational venture it was. My sincere gratitude and humble appreciation are expressed to all who played a part in this massive undertaking. Your commitment helped make the NBA even stronger.

Finally, this unique undertaking would not have been possible without the vision, courage, and cooperation of Bands of America. In particular I want to thank President Scott McCormick, Executive Vice President Eric Martin, and Symposium Director Gary Markham. These gentlemen, along with the incredible BOA staff, made certain the NBA had every opportunity to succeed in our convention activities. A special "Thank You" to Bands of America for helping to make this first-ever joint conference an overwhelming success.