02.22.10 - The Colorado State University Director of Bands, J. Steven Moore, will be inducted into the American Bandmasters Association (ABA) during the organization’s annual convention March 3 – 6 in Charleston, SC.
During the convention, Dr. Moore will guest conduct the University of South Carolina band for a performance of his own edition of Aegean Festival by Andreas Makris.
Moore originally received national recognition from the ABA at the 2009 convention held in College Station, TX, when, through a vote by current ABA members, Dr. Moore was nominated for membership. Alongside Moore, eight inductees make up the class of 2010, including Mark Scatterday, conductor at Eastman School of Music, and John Lynch from the University of Georgia.
Founded in 1929 by famous bandmaster Edwin Franko Goldman, the objectives of ABA are: the recognition of outstanding achievement in the field of Concert Band and its music; helpfulness and fellowship among members; an increasingly higher standard of artistic excellence for the Concert Band, its performers, conductors, and literature; and a constantly greater contribution through the Concert Band to the musical life and culture of all peoples. America’s foremost bandmaster, John Philip Sousa was instrumental in the formation of the association and given Honorary Life President honors.
A crucial element of the selection process was the submission and review of a highly acclaimed performance recorded by the Colorado State University Wind Ensemble at the annual Colorado Music Educators Association convention in Colorado Springs in January 2008.
“The CSU Wind Ensemble members exemplify a ‘high standard of artistic excellence,’ an important objective of the association,” says Dr. Moore. “This recognition, paired with the recent honors given the marching band by the College Band Directors National Association, increases awareness of our band and music program to band directors from around nation.” says Moore.
Dr. Moore shares ABA membership honors with another CSU band director, Gregory A. Bueche. Mr. Bueche was head of Instrumental Music at Fort Collins High School from 1931 – 1937 and “became band director and head of the Music Department at Colorado State University in the late 1930s. He was elected to the American Bandmasters Association in 1949, and remained musically active at least into the 1960s. As one might expect, as a composer and arranger he apparently concentrated on works for band and band instruments, but his works also include Heritage for chorus with orchestra or organ, written for the 1964 Centennial Celebration in Fort Collins, Colorado.” ~Jacksonville Public Library Music @ Main website.
Dr. Moore will commence attendance at the annual ABA meetings, focusing on furthering support for national and international band education, culture, composing, and research projects.