This rehearsal clinic will provide practical information to band directors regarding: building ensemble sound, the establishment of daily fundamentals, developing a variety of articulation, appropriate use of dynamics, establishing melodic and vertical intonation and interpretative ideas with a small school program.
Brian Balmages
- Biographical Information
Brian Balmages is known worldwide as a composer and conductor who equally spans the worlds of orchestral, band, and chamber music. His music has been performed by groups ranging from professional symphony orchestras to elementary schools in venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Sydney Opera House, and many more. He is a recipient of the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association and won the 2020 NBA William D. Revelli Award with his work "Love and Light," which was premiered by ÒPershing's OwnÓ United States Army Band. He was awarded the inaugural James Madison University Distinguished Alumni Award from the School of Visual and Performing Arts and was recognized by the University of Miami as a Frost School Centennial Medalist during its Centennial Celebration. As a conductor, Mr. Balmages enjoys regular engagements with all-state bands and orchestras as well as university and professional groups throughout the world. Notable guest conducting appearances have included ÒThe President's OwnÓ United States Marine Band, United States Air Force Band, Air Force Band of the West, and performances at the Midwest Clinic, Western International Band Clinic, Maryborough Music Conference (Australia), Teatro dell'Aquila (Italy), and many others. He has performed in nearly all 50 states, is an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association, and is the 2024 recipient of the Phi Beta Mu International Outstanding Contributor Award. He is Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred and MakeMusic.
Tianna Harris has been the band teacher at Bangor Public Schools since 2010. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Music in Music Education from Michigan State University. Throughout her career, Tianna has been dedicated to inclusive music education that engages students from diverse backgrounds and helps them grow as individuals through quality musical experiences.At Bangor, Tianna directs the marching band, concert bands, and jazz bands for students in grades 5-12. Under her leadership, both the middle school and high school ensembles consistently earn Division One ratings at Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) events, including the State Band and Orchestra Festival. She also established the Middle School and High School Jazz Band programs, giving students the opportunity to explore a variety of musical genres at every level.Tianna is a member of MSBOA and currently serves as Vice President of State Solo and Ensemble. Her work has been recognized with the Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial Hometown Hero Award (2015-2016), the Bangor Public Schools Valued Viking Award (2016-2017), the Van Buren Intermediate School District Educational Hero Award (2017-2018), and the MSBOA District 6 Teacher of the Year for Band (2018-2019).Though grateful for these recognitions, Tianna credits her success to the unwavering support of her family, friends, and the community she serves, especially her students. She is particularly inspired by her mother, Alice Huyser, a retired music educator with 39 years of teaching experience, and by dear friends in the music education field whose character and work inspire her daily.