January Florida Bandmaster Newsletter
The latest Florida Bandmaster is posted, including minutes from the General Membership Meeting in January.

Bobby Adams 50th Anniversary Concert
As Bobby Adams celebrates his 25th year at Stetson University and his 50th year of teaching, join us in honoring him at his Stetson Symphonic Band concert on April 21, 2012, at Stetson University's DeLand campus.

Concert Music List
December 2011 additions have been posted. 

Hall of Fame 2011 - Another Great Weekend
The Florida Bandmasters Association expresses their deepest appreciation and thanks to Stetson University, Dr. Wendy Libby, President; Dr. Jean West, Dean of the School of Music; Dr. Bobby Adams, Director of the Stetson University Symphonic Band, for hosting the twenty-second annual FBA Hall of Fame activities on November 12 & 13, 2011. Your continual support and hospitality in making this annual event possible does not go unnoticed by the state-wide membership of the Florida Bandmasters Association. The historical significance of the FBA Hall of Fame and Roll of Distinction is unmatched in its scope with other music organizations from around the country. Thank you for supporting the FBA Hall of Fame and for your roll in confirming the importance of the Visual and Performing Arts in the lives of our young people.

New Auxiliary Rule
Members need to be aware of a rule change regarding Auxiliary Solos at S & E:  Performers must keep equipment in hand at all times except during release moves.

Past Concert Programs
Programs are now available along with the ratings of past district and concert MPA's going back to 2009-2010.

Hall-of-Fame Nomination Form

Roll-of-Distinction Nomination Form

Best Practices Report
The committee's report on Best Practices for Bands is now available under the "For Directors" menu.

In Memoriam: Rodney Dasinger
Rodney Lewis Dasinger of Panama City, Florida passed away in his home December 31, 2011.  He fought a long hard battle and never gave up.  He was born April 2, 1946 in Pensacola, Florida.  His entire life was dedicated to passing on the love and appreciation of music.  He taught in Alabama for 14 years before coming to Rutherford High where he was the band director for 29 years before his retirement in 2009.  His love for music was nurtured at an early age by his parents who provided piano and instrumental lessons starting when he was six years old.  He attended Escambia County, Florida schools and graduated high school at Kindley High in Bermuda.  He received a BA degree in music from the University of West Alabama and an MS degree in music education from the University of North Alabama.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Alvin and Genell Simmonds Dasinger, a brother, Roger Alvin Dasinger, and two nephews, Randall Story Dasinger and Bryan Neal Johnson.  He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Laurie Skipper Dasinger, brother, Dr. Norman Dasinger, Sr. and wife Sharon, sister-in-law, Louvena Johnson and husband Bo.  Numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews also survive.  Although he never had children of his own, he considered the thousands of students he taught over his 43 year career as his children.  He was a past member of Alabama Band Directors Association, Florida Bandmasters Association, American School Band Directors Association, and Phi Beta Mu.  He served as a clinician and adjudicator throughout the Southeast.  His bands consistently received Superior ratings on the district, state, and national level.  He was never comfortable accepting accolades for his success, he only wanted recognition for his students' achievements, and was so proud of them for always doing the best they could do.  His greatest reward has been the outpouring of responses from his children during his illness.  His legacy will live on through his students who are directly or indirectly involved in music.  His second passion in life was bass fishing and he had been a member of Panama City Bass Masters since 1988.  Some of his happiest moments were spent with his friends at Lake Seminole and the River.  Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the Emerald Coast Fellowship Church.  A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday in the Asbury United Methodist Church Cemetery, Ozark, AL.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m.  Those desiring may make memorial donations to Covenant Hospice, 107 W. 19th Street, Panama City, FL 32405 or to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in memory of Rodney Dasinger.


In Memoriam: Melvin E. Baker
Melvin E. Baker passed away Saturday, December 3, 2011, at Kindred Hospital in Tampa, after a long and difficult illness following lung surgery.  A graduate of the University of Miami (FL), Class of 1959, he received his Bachelor in Music Education and was the Drum Major in the Band of the Hour Marching Band. Mr. Baker went on to Masters level courses and professional certifications to grow and maintain his mastery with music education. His distinguished career with the Dade County School System includes Band Director roles at Cutler Ridge Junior High School, Miami Southwest Senior High School, and Miami Southridge Senior High School. Mr. Baker transitioned to the role of Activities Director later in his education career, offering him a new outlet for his energy, creativity, and gifted planning abilities. His passion for his art offered Mr. Baker the opportunity to participate fully and completely in the field of music education, including school band performances at such prestigious venues as the Junior Orange Bowl Parade, King Orange Bowl Parade, Miami Dolphins Half-times, Washington D.C. parade festivals, Marching Bands of America competitions, and distinguished community focused events. Whether leading Music Education or Student Activities programs, Mr. Baker engaged and energized all who interacted with him and his passion for education. He is well known for attracting large numbers of music students to his band programs. During his time as an award winning band director, he developed three of the largest band programs in the Southeast. By the time he left Cutler Ridge Junior, there were over 450 students in the program. When he left Miami Southwest, there were over 375 students in the program. When he left the music field at Miami Southridge, there were over 300 students in a very productive band program. In the 17 years as High School Band Director, his Marching Bands were awarded Superior ratings for the last 16 years. In the same 17 years, his Symphonic Bands were awarded District Superior ratings for the last 16 years. Further, Symphonic Bands from Southwest and Southridge went on to State Festival and earned Superior ratings. Mr. Baker was a sought-after band clinician and was often called to serve as guest band conductor at various District and County Festivals. In his 37 year career, Mr. Baker was very active in his professional community. He was the President of the Dade County Music Educators Association for two years and was a member of the Florida Bandmasters Association, where he served as District Chairman, State President, and Marching, Concert, Solo and Ensemble Adjudicator. Additionally, he was an active member of the Florida Music Educators Association where he was the President-elect (1981-1982). He was a member of the Music Educators National Conference and Dade County Activities Directors Association, where he served as Secretary and President. Mr. Baker was also an active member of Phi Beta Mu, the Band Directors Fraternity, and the American School Band Directors Association. Mr. Baker was recognized by his peers, including Teacher of the Year Award at Miami Southridge, Sallie Mae Teacher Tribute Award, and student awards and scholarships named in his honor. He was honored in 2004 with his introduction into the University of Miami Band of the Hour Hall of Fame. In 2011, he was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Miami Wind Symphony, for "his 37 years of dedicated service as an award-winning band director and administrator in the Miami-Dade County School System." A loving husband, father, provider, teacher, mentor, leader, friend and faithful servant; he was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Clermont. He is predeceased by his parents and one brother, 

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2011, at 1:30 PM at the First United Methodist Church, 950 Seventh Street (Highway 50) in Clermont, FL. A second Memorial Service will be held in Miami, FL, at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Miami Wind Symphony, at miaws.org, in memory of Mr. Baker, to continue in his tradition of advancing and advocating for music education in the public schools. You may share a memory with the Baker family at 
www.englewoodfh.com.



In Memoriam: T. Edison James

It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of T. Edison James on Sunday evening, November 4, 2011. He went peacefully and was surrounded by family.  Ed began his teaching career in 1953 at Wimauma High School, now known as East Bay High School in Gibsonton, Florida. In 1956, he became the Instrumental Director of Brandon High School, where he remained for 14 years and his band garnered Superior ratings in both State and District Festivals. Mr. James served as president of the Florida Bandmaster's Association in 1964-65. In 1970, he was appointed Supervisor of Elementary Music for Hillsborough County and held this position for 11 years. He was inducted into the Florida Bandmaster's Association Hall of Fame in 1995.  Many will fondly remember him as the feisty owner of the Florida Music Service that was on Fowler Avenue across from the University Square Mall through the 80's and 90's. Many directors spent hours, especially on weekends, hanging out at the store talking shop and buying sheet music.


In Memoriam: James R. "Jim" Etherton III
James R. "Jim" Etherton III, age 78, of Pensacola, FL went to be with the Lord Friday, October 28, 2011. He was a retiree of the public school system, 12 years, and Pensacola Junior College, 22 years.  He was instrumental in the formation of a combined Pensacola Junior College and University of West Florida band, the Pensacola Intercollegiate Band. He also became the founder and first conductor of the Pensacola Civic Band, an adult community band. He spent 37 years in the civic band as a conductor and/or trumpet player.  His music organizations include: Life member of the Florida Bandmasters Association, Florida Orchestra Association, Florida Music Educators Association, Music Educators National Conference, College Band Directors Association, America School Band Director Association, American Concert Band Association, and Phi Beta Mu - Omega (Florida) Chapter.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy Etherton; Son, Jay (Carla) Etherton; Daughter, Stacy Etherton (David) Fowler; Brother, Don Etherton (Val); and five grandchildren.  In lieu of flowers the family request donations are made to Gentiva Hospice, 2800 Dauphin Street, Suite 103, Mobile, AL 36606-2400. Condolences may be offered at www.bayviewfisher-pouchapel.com.