American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA)

06/07/2026

Ana Bullock (NC)? Mrs. Bullock is the band director at Asheville Middle School.

We asked Mrs. Ana Bulluck to share her journey, wisdom, and inspiration as a music educator.

What inspired you to become a band director, and how did your journey in music education begin?
"My inspiration for becoming a band director comes from the incredible music education experience I was fortunate enough to have growing up. I was deeply impacted by a caring and dedicated mentor who not only taught me the fundamentals of music but also encouraged me to grow as a person, musician, and leader. Their passion, patience, and unwavering support helped shape my confidence and love for music in ways that continue to influence me today.
Seeing the positive impact they had on their students inspired me to pursue the same path so I could create meaningful experiences for others through music. Even now, they continue to guide and encourage me, serving as both a role model and a reminder of the lasting difference a great educator can make in someone’s life. Thank you, Perry Ditch! "

What’s one teaching strategy or rehearsal technique that’s made a big difference in your band program?
Being diligent with breathing exercises and long tones!

Can you tell us about a moment with your students that reminded you why you love teaching band?
"Every time the beginners play Hot Cross Buns, and I see the absolute joy in their wide open eyes when they realize they can play a song, and that their new instrumental journey door has been opened!
It’s more than just three simple notes; it’s the beginning of confidence, creativity, and a lifelong musical journey. Seeing that spark of joy and pride in their faces every single time never gets old."

What advice would you give to a first-year band director entering the profession today?
Do not be afraid to ask questions! Talk to as many people as you can, learn from as many experienced educators as possible, and observe as many rehearsals and classrooms as you can. This is not a profession you navigate alone!

-- Mrs. Bulluck is a native of Eastern NC, a graduate from East Carolina University, and a National Board Certified Teacher. She will be starting her 26th year of teaching this year and has spent her entire 26 years in the middle school band room! When she is not in the Band room, she loves to be outdoors, running, hiking, biking, camping, and gathering as much sun as possible! Her adventures are usually accompanied by her husband, Travis, son, Jonah, and her daughter, Teagan. She is currently beginning her 10th year at Asheville Middle School and loves being a part of the Cougar Community!



NC Chapter, American School Band Directors Association - ASBDA

06/06/2026

Forrest Munden (R-NC) is a North Carolina band director with over 50 years in public education. He was notably honored with the inaugural ASBDA Ron Payne Award for outstanding service to bands.

Forrest Munden committed years to teaching band in North Carolina. He served as a director in Windsor and Reidsville, NC, before ending his career at Grimsley High School in Greensboro. He retired in 1999 and returned to teaching band part-time in 2004 with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. He served on the Board of Directors of the Central District Bandmasters and became an elected member of ASBDA in 1997. His band programs were well-balanced, including marching, concert, jazz, and small ensembles. His concert bands were consistently of the highest level, earning Superior Ratings.

Mr. Munden wrote two articles that were published in music journals. The first article appeared in the 2001 issue of Band World Magazine, titled "Mentoring." The second article appeared in the 2010 issue of the North Carolina Music Educator Journal, titled "Band Is More Than A 'Me Too' Subject."

Forrest has been teaching since 1965, with only a few years off after his "official" retirement. Bill Witcher states, “There is no one more committed to excellence in the classroom and the performance stage. Having observed his classroom teaching and heard his bands perform, I have been impressed by his demand for excellence while caring for each and every child. Forrest is indeed a true gentleman and a role model for all band directors”.

Tenure: He has shaped young musicians for over half a century, beginning his teaching in the 1960s.

Grimsley High School: He led the band program in Greensboro, NC, until his retirement in 1999, earning the Central District Bandmasters Association Award of Excellence and being named Band Director of the Year.
Walkertown Schools: Following his high school retirement, he continued to teach and mentor at Walkertown Middle and High Schools, guiding students to consecutive superior ratings at Music Performance Adjudication (MPA).

"Music can stand on its own. ... It doesn't have to help with math, to help you be more disciplined. All those things are true, but music is so important that it can stand on its own."

- Forrest Munden
The NC ASBDA Legacy Project was started by Ruth Petersen(NC) in 2020. NC Chapter, American School Band Directors Association - ASBDA

06/05/2026

Meet one of our performing ensembles at the 66th ASBDA National Convention, Oldham County Middle School, Tony Wise (KY), conductor.

The Oldham County Middle School Band features three outstanding concert organizations that have developed a reputation for musical excellence through concert and festival performances. These ensembles present several public concerts as well as perform in the KMEA Large Ensemble Assessment in the Spring. In addition to ensemble successes, members of the Oldham County Middle School Band distinguish themselves through individual efforts in All-District auditions, Solo and Small Ensemble Assessment, and other Honor Band activities.

The cornerstone and legacy of the Oldham County Middle School Band program is striving for excellence through dedication, learning, experience, and a team effort from students, boosters, and staff. The substantial recognition that the Band receives is in no small way a result of the success acknowledged in the past at reaching for and obtaining excellence. This school year looks to be an exciting opportunity to build on that legacy. It is also important to note that one side benefit to the total band experience is the fun and lasting relationships and memories that are developed by both students and parents. Hard-working students, dedicated staff, involved and active parents, and a supportive administration and community all combine to make it possible for the Oldham County Middle School Band program to offer an outstanding array of musical opportunities.

06/03/2026

Meet one of our 66th ASBDA National Convention performers, Western Middle School for the Arts Band, Adam Bullock (KY), Director.
The WMSA Bands were recognized by the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA) Kentucky Chapter, the Band of Distinction, and Band of Highest Distinction for their performance at the KMEA State Concert Band Assessment!

The Western Middle School for the Arts (WMSFA) is located in Louisville, Kentucky. Beginning in 2010-11 with the incoming sixth-grade class, WMS became the districtwide magnet school for visual and performing arts. All students attending WMS choose an area of focus from the following: Dance, Drama, Visual Arts, Band, String Orchestra, and Vocal Music. Visual and performing arts classes include opportunities for interdisciplinary learning to provide students with experience in all areas of the arts.

05/31/2026

Kelly Dorsey(FL)?

We asked Ms. Dorsey to share her journey, wisdom, and inspiration as a music educator.

What inspired you to become a band director, and how did your journey in music education begin?
My middle school band director was an absolutely fabulous teacher. His pedagogy was extremely solid and the best I've seen since then. I found the inner workings of teaching mesmerizing, and he gave me many opportunities to teach my peers. It was exciting!

What’s one teaching strategy or rehearsal technique that’s made a big difference in your band program?
In my classroom, we make a habit out of celebrating each other's successes. Even if the success is a small one, the students still show support for one another. They have become more inclined to help each other rather than push each other down with competition. They each want to leave a legacy of success behind. Since we began this culture, I have seen more collaboration between students than ever before.

Can you tell us about a moment with your students that reminded you why you love teaching band?
There was a moment on stage at a spring concert. The students chose their favorite piece to perform for their parents. It was the most beautiful and musical rendition of "Thus do you Fare My Jesus". It was even better than their State MPA performance. Their faces were absolutely glowing. They literally made me cry on stage with their labor of love. It was a profound moment that I will never forget.

What advice would you give to a first-year band director entering the profession today?
Get professionals into your room as much as possible. Seek out the older generation and be willing to take their advice. Go to your State Conference.

Ms. Kelly Dorsey has been the Band Director at Union County High School since 2003. She spent thirteen years before that at Bell Jr./Sr. High School. She received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from The Florida State University. Bands under Ms. Dorsey’s direction have consistently received superior ratings at all FBA-sponsored events. Ms. Dorsey has served as a guest clinician for numerous band programs and honor bands throughout the state, and as the Conductor for the Florida Small Schools Honor Band in 2008 and the FBA Nine Star Honor Band in 2022. In addition, she has served The Florida Bandmasters Association as a member of several committees, including the Marching Band Study Committee, State Music Selection Committee, Professional Resources Committee, and chair of the Classification Committee. She is currently serving as the chair of the Small Schools Committee. Ms. Dorsey has presented clinics at the FMEA State Convention on “Building Successful Small School Band Programs'', "The Concert Band Sight Reading Experience", "How to Be Successful at the Concert MPA with Limited Instrumentation" and multiple units of the ASBDA sponsored "How to Fix it Series". She was selected as “Teacher of the Year'' at Bell High School in 1997-98 and at Union County High School in 2013-2014 as well as the Union County School “District Teacher of the Year” in 2020-2021. She was also awarded the prestigious "Oliver Hobbs Award'' presented by the Florida Bandmasters Association in 2016, and the Legion of Honor Award presented by the John Philip Sousa Foundation in 2024. Ms.Dorsey is a member of the FBA, FMEA, NAfME, NBA, Tau Beta Sigma-National Band Fraternity for Women, and an elected member of the American School Band Directors Association, as well as Phi Beta Mu, an International Honorary Band Director's Fraternity.

05/30/2026

The Mississippi Chapter of ASBDA proudly celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the Mississippi All-State Middle School Band! The concert, under the direction of conductor, Dr. Cliff Croomes concluded with a world premiere of "The Raging Wind" by Mississippi composer Ryan Todd.

For a decade, this remarkable event has brought together some of the finest young musicians from across the state, providing them with opportunities to learn, grow, and perform at the highest level. Through inspiring rehearsals, masterclasses, leadership development, and unforgettable performances, thousands of students have experienced the power of music and the impact of being part of an exceptional ensemble.

This video highlights the history, traditions, and achievements of the Mississippi All-State Middle School Band while honoring the students, directors, clinicians, volunteers, and supporters who have helped make the program a success over the past ten years.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. Here's to celebrating a decade of musical excellence and looking forward to many more years of inspiring young musicians across Mississippi!

About ASBDA
The American School Band Directors Association is dedicated to supporting band directors and advancing music education through leadership, professional development, and student opportunities.

The Mississippi Chapter of ASBDA proudly celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the Mississippi All-State Middle School Band!For a decade, this remarkable event ...

05/29/2026

Convention hotel pricing ends June 1st! Reserve your room today.

https://sites.google.com/asbdaband.org/66th-asbda-convention/home

05/29/2026

A huge THANK YOU to Ali Taylor Craft for your leadership in leading the Mississippi ASBDA Middle School All-State Band!

05/29/2026

The South Warren High School Wind Ensemble received the Kentucky Chapter of ASBDA “ASBDA Band of Distinction” award.