International Tuba Euphonium Association

That liaison is, in my opinion, the very essence of why we are members of this organization. The ability to come together, as we did this past spring at the many regional conferences and as we will again next summer in Denver at ITEC 2006, is at the very heart of the organization. Through coming together, we have significantly altered the perception of our instruments. Through the efforts of our membership, composers have written literally hundreds of new solo works, not to mention the vast array of television and movie soundtracks, symphonic, and chamber works composed over the past 30 years. The number of featured euphonium and tuba soloists with orchestra, wind band, and brass band has expanded significantly in that time, which of course puts us all much more in the public view. This awareness, in turn, has opened many new venues for us. Chamber groups, such as euphonium/tuba quartets, are seen not only in concert halls but also at ballgames, commencements, and even at weddings. Our early leadership set a course for us, not only to benefit from this success but also to continue the forward progress of recognition and acceptance.

The work is not done: I recently spoke with the makers of Finale and Notion (software companies which offer recordings of acoustic instruments for composers' use) regarding their lack of inclusion of the euphonium in their sound files. I was assured that both would have euphonium in upcoming releases, which is good, but it is unfortunate that we are still at that point that we didn't make the "first cut."

As a society, our task is still very clear. For non-members (and members alike) it is easy for the question "what's in it for me?" to be a deciding factor in joining ITEA. Unfortunately, I believe this is indicative of the direction of prevailing culture in modern society, and there may be little that can change that aspect of the problem. However, I do believe that if we take the attitude of continuing the goals of putting our instruments and our music out to the public (hence, one part of "development of the instrument") there is quite a bit the organization as a whole can offer the individual who asks "what's in it for me?"

We offer literature--our wonderful Tuba-Euphonium Press (including up to 20% off all music each fall), as well as our recently re-instituted ITEA Gem Series in each issue of the Journal . We offer pedagogy--teaching tips and articles in the Journal , online tips and articles, and pedagogical presentations at conferences. We offer performances--at conferences and on CD. And, above all, we offer a community. There are many forums that can offer one, or perhaps more, of the above mentioned "perks," but we, ITEA, are the only place that offers all of these things in the specific confines of the tuba/euphonium family. If we are to continue to move forward with our instruments and our music, as our predecessors have done for the past 30 years, we can do it best by being an active part of this organization and encouraging as many others as is possible to join with us.

To that end, a primary focus of our membership coordinator, Deanna Swoboda, will be to help create new regional and collegiate chapters of ITEA. An active chapter can help organize small workshops, commission new works from local composers, organize TUBACHRISTMAS activities, or any other of a hundred activities to promote music in a local area. One person can easily burn out; many together can accomplish more, and do it more easily.

Additionally, the primary focus of next summer's international conference in Denver is pedagogy. Kathy Brantigan, our host, has been working to identify a variety of presenters on the topic of teaching. Her concept is that attendees should walk away from the conference with a case full of ideas to take home and implement--a very exciting idea. This has the potential to be one of our most interesting and intellectually stimulating conferences in some time. Of course, there will be the usual competitions, amazing performances, displays, new products, and social time we have all come to expect at an international conference, but the premise of learning more about ideas and concepts we can take home and implement individually, as well as having the opportunity to share that information with those who live in our home areas (particularly younger students) is outstanding. I'm sure that Kathy and her staff will make this conference truly one not to be missed.

I have enjoyed my time serving the organization in a variety of capacities to this point in time, and I am looking forward to serving you as President. That said there is no more important role I can have than as a member of ITEA--just like you. I encourage all of you to be active in your membership and to help continue the vision for our instruments and our music.

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