Bands

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Listen to the Truman Wind Symphony's Live Performance at CBDNA (2008)

Truman State University "Statesmen" Marching Band, Dan Peterson, Director
The Truman State University "Statesmen" marching band is one of the most exciting organizations on campus. The band numbers approximately 150 students each year including 35 members in the front percussion ensemble and on field drum line, 15-20 members in the flags and 100 members in the horn line. This band is open to all who want to participate in marching band. There are no auditions required for this musical group. The Statesmen rehearse first 8 weeks of school, three times a week at 3:30 pm, and perform at all home games. Once a year the band travels out of town to perform in exhibition at high school marching band festivals and on occasion at professional football games. The band is known for its show-stopping music and creative drill design. Each first year band member receives a $100 cash stipend, second year members receive $200, third year members receive $300, and fourth year students receive $400. Members of the marching band receive 1 hour of academic credit for participation during the fall semester.

Truman State University Flags
The Statesmen marching band includes a color guard ensemble that works with flags, performs dance sequences, and on occasion works with props. All students who have performed with their high school flag groups are encouraged to become members of the Truman Flag Squad. There are no auditions. The flags rehearse with the marching band at 3:30 pm on MWF and hold one section rehearsal each week to learn new choreography. Each member of the Statesmen Flag Squad receives the same stipend as the marching band members and receives 1 hour of academic credit fall semester.

The Truman Drum Line, Dr. Michael Bump, Director
The Truman State University Drum line performs as part of the "Statesmen" marching band during the football season and as a competitive indoor ensemble as the season ends. This group rehearses as part of the band during the 3:30 pm time on MWF. Section rehearsals occur once during the week. Once the marching band season is concluded, the drum line often travels to percussion festivals and competitions to perform and compete. Members of the drum line receive 1 hour of credit for fall semester. Members of the drum line receive the same stipend as the Statesmen marching band.

Basketball Bands
There are two basketball bands, one for men's basketball games and one for women's basketball games. These bands number approximately 20 members and auditions are held during the last week of October. Both bands play for 10 home basketball games each year. Each member of the bands receive a $100 cash stipend at the end of the season. No academic credit is given for basketball bands.

Wind Symphony, Dan Peterson, Conductor
The Wind Symphony is Truman's best band.  It is made up of 90 of the finest musicians on campus.  It begins and ends the year as a large symphonic band of 90 members, however spends most of the year divided into two 45 member bands (Wind Symphony I & II) and often is divided into numerous chamber ensemble groups.  The Truman Wind Symphony has gained national recognition through its six performances on the national stage, including the MENC National Conference in 1981, National CBDNA performances in 1985 and 1989, and Regional CBDNA performances in 1994, 2000, and 2008.  The Wind Symphony has performed for the Missouri Music Educators Association on seven previous occasions and recently performed for the eighth time in 2006.  The Wind Symphony tours in the mid-west on an annual basis.  Members of the Wind Symphony receive 1 hour of credit for participation each semester.  The Wind Symphony rehearses everyday at 11:30 am.

Listen to Samples of the Truman Wind Symphony I Recordings (2006-2007)

Listen to Samples of the Truman Wind Symphony II Recordings (2007-2008)

The Concert Bands
The Truman State University Concert Band is made up of 90-100 campus musicians during the fall semester and 60 during the second semester.  This organization is open to everyone who would like to play in it an holds auditions for chair placement during October of each year.  The Concert Band rehearses on Monday and Wednesday from 3:30-5:20 pm.  It also rehearses at the 3:30 pm time on Fridays before a concert.  Members of the Concert Band each receive 1 hour of credit for participation each semester.

Brass Choir, Dr. Jay Bulen, Conductor
The Truman State University Brass Choir is made up of 15-18 of Truman's finest brass performers. This group rehearses at 1:30 pm on Tuesday and Thursday. Auditions for the Brass Choir are held during the first week of classes. The Brass Choir has several performances each year including performances with the University Chorus on occasion. Members of the Brass Choir receive 1 hour of class credit for participation each semester.

Jazz Bands and Combos, Tim AuBuchon, Director
Truman offers more than just a couple of jazz ensembles...it offers a comprehensive program in Jazz. Truman offers jazz bands and combos for beginning, intermediate, and advanced players. Classes in jazz improvisation, pedagogy and history are available. All ensembles have active concert schedules, both on and off campus. The highlight of the year comes every February when the jazz bands get the opportunity to perform with some of the nations largest jazz artists at the Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Festival at Truman.
 

Truman Honor Band
Every year, the band program and the Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity host an honor band weekend for high school musicians on a Saturday in February.  In 2008, over 80 high school students representing more than six states were invited to the Truman campus to work with guest conductor and Truman alumnus, James G. Hudson, music professor at Arizona State University.  During the weekend, many of the students also had the opportunity to audition for a music scholarship. For information on upcoming honor band weekends at Truman, contact the Director of Bands, Dan Peterson.
 

Graduate Studies in Conducting:

 Instrumental/Bands - Serve as Associate Director of Bands:

The teaching assistant will be involved in the creative decision making processes of the development of the show concepts for the fall. Students may be involved in the writing of both drill design and musical arrangements of the show/shows. Those with drum line or color guard expertise will be involved in the development of those components of the show/shows.

Much of the day to day operation of the band rehearsals including logistical support will be the responsibility of the teaching assistants.

On occasion, those teaching assistants with exceptional talents in the marching band area have been given complete responsibility for the marching band.

The teaching assistant will serve as the associate conductor of the Wind Symphony. The associate conductor will conduct music on virtually every concert. In addition, the teaching assistant will be asked to rehearse the band when the conductor the the ensemble is not available for rehearsal.

Concert Band:

The teaching assistant will serve as the primary conductor of the concert band. Responsibilities include auditions, chair assignments, programming, rehearsals, and production of concerts and concert programs.

Basketball Bands:

The teaching assistant will share the duties of the preparation and performances of two basketball bands that perform at 10 games each.

Administrative Duties:

The teaching assistant will share responsibilities for general band office activities that include day to day operations. Some of the duties include tour planning, responsibilities for the recruitment booth at conferences, assisting with homecoming parade activities, and assisting with the annual spring district contest.

Conducting Option Capstone Project

The teaching assistant will prepare a final concert that will include 20 minutes of chamber ensemble music, 20 minutes of concert band music, and 20 minutes of Wind Symphony music.

Truman Wind and Percussion Faculty

Elaine AuBuchon Lecturer in Music, Double Reeds
  elainea@truman.edu
Tim AuBuchon Assistant Professor of Music, Jazz Studies
  aubuchon@truman.edu
Jay C. Bulen Associate Professor of Music, Trombone / Department Chair
  jbulen@truman.edu
Michael Bump Associate Professor of Music, Percussion
  mbump@truman.edu
Gregory R. Jones Professor of Music, Trumpet
  grjones@truman.edu
Jesse Krebs Assistant Professor of Music, Clarinet
  jkrebs@truman.edu
Patricia Mickey Assistant Professor of Music, Horn
  pmickey@truman.edu
Julianna Moore Professor of Music, Flute
  jmoore@truman.edu
Daniel L. Peterson Director of Bands
  pete@truman.edu
Steven Seward Lecturer in Music, Euphonium and Tuba
  sscadie@aol.com
Randall A. Smith Professor of Music, Saxophone
  rsmith@truman.edu
Thomas J. Trimborn Professor of Music, Music Education-M.A.E.
  trimborn@truman.edu

For More Information Contact:
Dan Peterson, Director of Bands
   Music Department
   Truman State University
   100 East Normal
   Kirksville, MO 63501
   (660) 785-4436
   pete@truman.edu