Get Involved!!

It is my pleasure and privilege to serve as your President. Over the years, The Alabama Vocal Association has allowed me to grow as an educator, as a conductor, and as a person. I have been able to serve as a coordinator and monitor for All-State and Honor Choirs, to present interest sessions, and to conduct choral groups at Conferences. Each of these experiences has been memorable, satisfying, and valuable.

Thanks to the Association, I have been able to learn from some of the most highly respected music educators in Alabama. I am sure that many of you have had some of the same opportunities. I truly believe that we have one of the best vocal organizations in the South. Over the years, AVA has grown from having one SATB All-State Choir to having six All-State Choirs, as well as an Honor Choir at AMEA. This is due to all of your hard work and dedication to choral music in our State.

Our organization offers countless opportunities for teachers and students to grow and to learn more about choral music. Please, take advantage of all the wonderful learning opportunities our organization presents. Please, let the AVA Board know if you would like to help in any way, because we need your help. This is your organization: Please, take advantage and Get Involved!!

This year's Fall Workshop will be held at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Birmingham on September 5-6, 2008. A full schedule of events and registration will be sent to you in the mail by Pat Blackwell. Dr. Kevin Fenton, Associate Director of Choral Activities at Florida State University, and Dr. Rollo Dilworth, Director of Choral Activities at North Park University, will be our featured clinicians. In addition, we will have informative interest sessions, reading sessions sponsored by Hal Leonard, concerts presented by established choirs, and All-State music reading sessions. Please plan to attend!

The Fall Workshop is also a time for us to talk and socialize as we prepare for another successful school year. This year, in an effort to get younger teachers more involved, we will offer a special lunch invitation for teachers who have taught for five years or less. If you are a new teacher, or if you are in your 5th year of teaching, please plan on joining us for this event . If I or any member of our Board can be of any help to you, please let us know. We are here to serve you!!

Damion Womack

President, Alabama Vocal Association