Keith LaBenne has assumed the role of president for the Alabama Orchestra Association, bringing 25 years of orchestra teaching experience within the state to the position. According to an update from the Alabama Music Educators Association, LaBenne serves as the orchestra director at Gadsden City High School. He expressed hope that students across Alabama will have the opportunity to learn string instruments and called for member advocacy to make progress.
The leadership team assumed their new roles in June, the source reported. Jordan Ford of Alabaster City Schools moves into the past-president role. Kate Francis of Midtown Elementary School in Madison was elected vice-president and president-elect during a February business meeting. Francis runs a “Starting from Scratch” program funded by the Alabama Arts Initiative, offering a nine-week introductory violin unit for every child in her school. Rachel Sherrod of the Etowah Youth Orchestras serves as treasurer, and Rachel Christmas of Ramsay High School in Birmingham holds the secretary position. Anna Marie Tysinger continues as executive director, and Leroy Hughes of the Baldwin County Youth Orchestra serves as All-State chair.
The upcoming All-State Orchestra festival relies on participation from wind, brass, and percussion students to form complete ensembles. Auditions are submitted as private YouTube videos using materials drawn from All-State Band requirements, though only one etude and a few of the scales are necessary for orchestra applicants. While the deadline occurs in November, selected students perform in February, with runners-up invited to the All-Region Orchestra in January. The update noted that parents, not directors, must chaperone students during the festival.
For more information, visit myamea.org.