Goals for group:

The Brass Band of Huntsville has performed concerts in the local area and has even played at an international trumpet competition. In order to continue our growth, I have selected additional performance venues and projects for this group to accomplish in the next five years:

#1 Perform at Alabama Music Educators Association Conference - Tuscaloosa, Alabama
#2 Perform at Great American Brass Band Festival - Danville, Kentucky
#3 Perform at Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic - Chicago, Illinois
#4 Begin annual high school tour to promote brass bands
#5 Begin youth brass band program to make brass band music accessible to high school students
#6 Commission a major work for the brass band medium
#7 Develop an esprit de corps/work ethic that is professional and pleasant
#8 Become one of the premier performing groups in the southeast United States

Since my term is for one year with the possible extension of another year, these are the action items I would like to implement in order to begin the path towards our goals.

Action Items in order to achieve goals:

#1 Rehearsal Attendance Guidelines (promotes group unity, musical excellence)

1. 75% attendance is expected.

2. Dress Rehearsal is always mandatory.

3. Attendance during current concert cycle will be a factor in determining part assignment for the next cycle.

#2 Rehearsal Preparation/Planning (promotes musical excellence, builds premier capabilities)

1. Rehearsal plan will be sent out prior to the Monday before each rehearsal.

2. Members are expected to learn the notes and rhythms as outlined in the rehearsal plan prior to each rehearsal.

3. Sectional rehearsals (Low Brass, High Brass & Percussion) will become part of each concert cycle.

#3 Literature selection (broadens repertoire for different venues, brass choir literature reduces learning time)

1. Sincere effort will be placed into planning programs that are challenging and accessible to both players and audience. This would also include length of program.

2. The brass band will utilize literature from both the traditional brass band literature and brass choir. This will facilitate the use of bass clef tuba/trombone parts and F horn parts.

#4 Publicity/funding (greater turnout raises revenues to support regional travel, promotions, literature purchase and commissioning)

1. All members of the band need to contribute toward the publicity of each concert.

2. Continue to develop system of inviting schools, churches, retirement homes, etc. to brass band concerts

3. Continue to develop system of media saturation via radio, newspaper, Internet, and television.

4. Board of directors needs to appoint a music director to serve as advocate for the band at the state and national programs.

5. Greater effort needs to be placed on the acquisition of grant monies.

6. Develop a "Friends of the Brass Band" financial support network.

In closing:

It is my sincere hope that this document will guide the direction of our Brass Band both in terms of vision and practical application. It is not meant to be a "pie in the sky" dream. With hard work and dedication, we can achieve these goals and beyond.

Sincerely,

Joel Mason

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