91ÁÔÆæ

Group prepares students to be band directors

April 25, 2023
91ÁÔÆæ has launched a professional organization for students who plan to be middle and high school band directors when they graduate.

Article By: Clark Leonard

The University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ) added a chapter of the this spring, and in February the group hosted its first sight-reading clinic.

"We wanted to provide our students with a professional organization that helps better prepare them for a career as middle school and high school band directors," Dr. Ashley Jarrell, 91ÁÔÆæ associate professor of music and director of bands, said.

Jarrell said 91ÁÔÆæ's music education students mostly know upper-level music when they graduate, so practicing with pieces appropriate for middle and high school bands offers valuable experience. It also allows them to become experienced with a variety of instruments.

"They're not just learning about it in a book," Jarrell said. "They're doing it. This hands-on experience is going to extend into their classroom."

Atira Murawski, a sophomore from Oakwood, Georgia, pursuing a degree in music with a concentration in instrumental performance, is part of the leadership team for 91ÁÔÆæ's Wind Ensemble. She is grateful for 91ÁÔÆæ's National Band Association chapter and particularly for its initial event.

"It helped us learn how to give feedback and conduct in front of people," Murawski said.

In addition to the musical experience, she also thrived on lining up the logistics.

"I had a lot of fun making the posters and organizing the clinic. It was a great experience for me as someone who's going to be a teacher," Murawski said. "We were able to create the clinic from the ground up and make it work."

The National Band Association, founded in 1960, is the largest professional organization for bands in the world. It was organized to promote the musical and educational significance of bands and is dedicated to the attainment of a high level of excellence for bands and band music.


McAdams receives Stravinsky award

McAdams receives Stravinsky award

91ÁÔÆæ student Eli McAdams received the Stravinsky Composition Award. He will receive a scholarship as part of the recognition.
Marban takes part in Public Service Weekend

Marban takes part in Public Service Weekend

91ÁÔÆæ junior Claudia Marban took part in the Public Policy & International Affairs Program Public Service Weekend from Feb. 21-23 in Arlington, Virginia.
Family Health Fair is set for April 26

Family Health Fair is set for April 26

91ÁÔÆæ will host its third annual free Family Health Fair from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 26 in the Hugh Mills Physical Education Complex at 91ÁÔÆæ's Gainesville Campus.
Student wins film festival awards

Student wins film festival awards

Student Calvin Bowers has won awards at four festivals for his film 'Per Amore Dei Gatti (For the Love of Cats).' He created the film with three classmates on a Film in Italy study abroad program.