The sole purpose of the Missouri Bandmasters Association (MBA) is to build better bands in Missouri public and private schools through the sponsorship of clinics designed to present new teaching techniques and ideas. Also, the MBA gives band directors of wind and percussion students an active role in the betterment of their profession and promote and sponsor the Missouri All-State Band.
(Taken from a report by A. T. Estes, Executive Secretary.) “In late 1968, a group of individuals came together Lake Jacomo in Jackson County, near Kansas City, to discuss forming an organization to build the stature of bands and band music in Missouri. The following individuals were present at this meeting.
George Allen
Charles Emmons
Jack Janes
Russ Kromeier
Carroll Lewis
Paul Montemurro
Willis Pettigrew
Tom Price
DeRoy Rogge
Jim Rothwell
Bob Scott
Claude Smith
Harold Turner
Dan Welborn
The following individuals were later added as showing interest in the forming of an organization.
Howard Bell
Arch Martin
Jess Cole
Frank Fendorf
Cliff William
Bob Stanfield
Herb Duncan
William Bohanske
Jerry Hoover
Dick Perkins
Nick Leist
W.L. Giddons
Further meetings were held, often at the home of Bob Scott, in Kansas City. Plans were made to hold an annual meeting, with the first being at Millstone Lodge at Gravois Mills, Missouri on July 13, 1969. The name Missouri Bandmasters Association was selected and membership dues were set at ten dollars annually. Stated objectives were: To make an organization for band directors only, a summer meeting date, in view of bettering bands and band music. During the first meeting it was stressed that the new organization would be a cooperating element with the Missouri Music Educators Association, and that the activities would be in no way competitive. Officers selected were Bob Scott-President, and Howard Bell-Secretary.”
Each year since 1977, the Missouri All-State Band has rehearsed and performed for the Missouri Music Educators Association In-Service Conference/Clinic. Since 1980, this event has been held at Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach. The group is made up of 100+ students, representing the finest band members in the state. It is conducted by nationally recognized wind and percussion conductors.
Annually, MBA sponsors a summer convention for members and their families. For a nominal charge, the convention is available to college wind and percussion students, band directors both employed and retired, and exhibitors of band related merchandise. The convention features local, regional and nationally known clinicians. Concerts feature Missouri community bands and chamber groups from across the country. The MBA gives grants to qualified young band directors with three or less years of experience.
In addition, MBA annually prints and mails to all Missouri high school bands a calendar for all band activities.
LOCATION OF ANNUAL CONVENTIONS