Music for All is proud to partner with concert band festivals across the country to present “Affiliate Regional Concert Band Festivals.”
This new initiative is part of our ongoing support of the essential “core” of every band program: the concert band. Music for All will provide one National Concert Band Festival evaluator to participate, as well as student and teacher scholarships to the Music for All Summer Symposium.
We spoke with San Joaquin Valley Concert Band Invitational Festival Coordinator, David Lesser, about the event, and what it means to partner with Music for All. Mr. Lesser is the Director of Bands at Clovis North H.S.
Why did you decide to host an Affiliate Regional Concert Band Festival?
It is an honor to be associated with an organization that believes in the educational value and artistry in creating music. MFA has helped to increase the resources available for our festival which will also increase the musical and educational experience for each student and director involved with performing at our festival. MFA has allowed us to continue with a truly musical and educational approach to providing a great performance opportunity for music programs while enhancing certain areas of the experience.
How many groups are performing, are they all from around your area?
There are eleven groups performing. This year all are from the Central California. In the past we have had groups from all areas of the state.
Have you presented something similar to this in the past? If so, how is hosting this festival different?
This is the 6th Annual San Joaquin Valley Concert Band Invitational. The festival was created to provide a musical performance opportunity to celebrate artistry and camaraderie between performers rather than apply a score to art. MFA has been very supportive of maintaining that vision. The only main difference is the support MFA has given to enhance what we have previously been doing.
How have your parents and students been engaged in helping plan and prepare for the festival?
Our festival is facilitated by each of our students in the band program. They all will volunteer 4-5 hours assisting prior to and throughout the day of the festival.
Who will be evaluators for your festival? What criteria did you use to select them?
Mr. Ramiro Barrera, Director of Bands, James Logan High School, Union City California. Retired
Col. Arnald Gabriel, Conductor, United States Air Force Band, Retired
Dr. John Locke, Director of Bands, University North Carolina, Greensboro
Mr. Alfred Watkins, Director of Bands, Lassiter High School, Murrieta Georgia, Retired
These gentlemen were selected as collaborators because of their extreme high standards and dedication to music education as well as their expertise in our country. The ability to have such outstanding adjudicators along with our performing venue is what drives directors to choose to attend our festival.
How much are tickets? Are there still more tickets available?
The performances throughout the day are free. Attendance to our evening gala concert is $10.00, and we have about 300 seats still available.
Any special performances planned (not HS ensembles)?
We have a gala concert beginning at 7pm where each of the adjudicators for the day will conduct a piece with the Clovis North High School Wind Ensemble. Following will be our featured performer, the California State University Fresno, Wind Orchestra conducted by Dr. Gary P. Gilroy.
What has been your past involvement with Music for All/ BOA?
This is my first personal involvement with MFA and BOA. I have had students perform in the Honor Band of America as well as am colleagues with many educators who have adjudicated for BOA or had ensembles perform at MFA or BOA events.
How many volunteers does it take to run a festival like this? How did you recruit them?
It takes about 80 volunteers to run the event at this time. They were recruited through our monthly parent meetings, phone calls and the wonderful colored hand button on the CHARMS Office Assistant calendar.
How long have you been teaching at Clovis N. H.S.?
I have been teaching at Clovis North since the first day the school opened a short 7 years ago in 2007,and this is my 13th year teaching.
What is your favorite part of teaching?
My favorite part of teaching is seeing the “light bulb” moments students have on a daily basis while witnessing them become greater than they thought they could be.
Proudest moment as an educator?
When I know students have developed a life-long appreciation for music and it is due to our work together in band.
Keys to a successful career in music education?
Surround yourself with great people, people who are better than you, and always keep learning.
Anything at all that you would like to add?
I am extremely proud of all the work that the volunteers and students do in order to run an event such as this. We are extremely privileged to have the facilities we do and are overjoyed to be able to share those facilities with ensembles from outside our area. We are also thankful that Music For All has recognized the experience we provide for students, educators and parents and have agreed to support our festival!!!
