Louis Pizitz Middle School Symphonic Band

Performer Details

Performer Bio Synopsis

The Louis Pizitz Middle School Symphonic Band, under the director of Kim Bain and Leah Seng, is comprised of the top wind and percussion students in the seventh and eighth grades. The band consistently earns superior ratings at the Alabama Bandmaster's Music Performance Assessment. Most recently, the Pizitz Band received the National Band Association Blue Ribbon National Middle School Award of Excellence. Last fall, the Symphonic Band performed at the Southeastern United States Band Clinic at Troy University. In spring 2014, the Symphonic Band performed at the SDNBA/CBDNA Conference in Jacksonville, Florida. In 2013 the band received the John Phillip Sousa Foundation's Sudler Silver Cup as well as performed at the 2013 Music for All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. Each year, Pizitz Band students participate in the Alabama All State Band process, with seven students selected to the 2015 All-State Band. Students from all grade levels have opportunities throughout the year to play in small ensembles and prepare solo literature. Approximately 98 percent of all Pizitz band students across grades six through eight receive superior ratings at Alabama’s Solo and Ensemble Festival annually. Also, many Pizitz Band students take advantage of the great staff of private lesson instructors who teach throughout the year.

Louis Pizitz Middle School Symphonic Band

Conductor's Bio

Kim Bain is in her tenth year as Director of Bands at Pizitz Middle School in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Ensembles under her leadership have consistently been cited for musical excellence at both the state and national levels throughout her 25 years of teaching. Ms. Bain was named 2012 Teacher of the Year for the Vestavia Hills City Schools. In 2013, her Pizitz Symphonic and Concert Bands performed at the Music For All National Middle School Music Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. The John Phillip Sousa Foundation awarded the Sudler Cup to the Pizitz Band program that same year. In 2014, the Pizitz Symphonic Band performed at the CBDNA/NBA Southern Division Conference at the University of North Florida. In December of 2014, the band performed at the 15th Annual Southeastern United States Middle School Clinic at Troy University. Recently, the Pizitz Band was declared a national winner of the National Band Association’s Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence. While at Pizitz Middle School, Ms. Bain’s bands have received special recognition at Festival Disney, Orlandofest Music Festival, and at the Heritage Music Festival in St. Louis, Missouri. She has served as a clinician for the Alabama Bandmaster’s Association and guest conducted numerous honor bands and camps in Alabama and Georgia. Ms. Bain received National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in November 2010. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, a Master of Arts in Music Education, and an Education Specialist degree from the University of Alabama. She also holds a Master of Music degree in saxophone performance from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. Ms. Bain’s professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, Alabama Music Educators Association, Alabama Bandmasters Association, the National Band Association, and Phi Beta Mu. In addition to her teaching activities, Ms. Bain is an active freelance musician in the Birmingham area.