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Getting to the Art of the Matter
By Richard Floyd, Music Director | Friday, March 30, 2012 9:24 AM
What do you teach?Have you ever been asked that question?
I’m sure we all have at one time or another and the reality of the matter is there can be countless responses.
Perhaps you would say, "I teach band."
Others might respond that they are a music educator or a music teacher. A few colleagues would take a more philosophical approach and respond that what they really teach is students and music is the subject. It is likely that an expanded list of “teaching tasks” might include discipline, references to teamwork, working towards a common goal and various other qualities associated with the citizenship and team player merit badge. The truth is that we teach a lot, and we teach on multiple levels.
Tips for Being an Effective UIL Concert Judge
By Mark McGahey, TMAA Concert Band Vice President | Friday, March 30, 2012 9:21 AM
We are well underway with UIL Concert and Sightreading Contests across Texas. For those who will be participating as adjudicators soon, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Tip #1 - Write in a succinct, concise manner. Get to the point; complete sentences are OK, but not necessary. You can use blurbs or bullet points to set apart the most important information.
Dr. David Stevens Named New Academic Director
By Jeanne Acton, UIL Journalism Director | Wednesday, February 22, 2012 3:26 PM
Dr. David Stevens
The new UIL Academic Director, Dr. David Stevens, wants academic coordinators and coaches to know he’s been in their shoes.
“I’ve been stuck on the online entry system – trying to figure out how it works,” he said. “I’ve forgotten my UTEID. I’ve missed the deadline to set up our UIL meet. I know what they are going through.”
As a former teacher, academic coordinator, Spring Meet chair and school administrator, Stevens has been in the chaos and understands how hard it all can be.
“I know teachers are at school from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for all of their classes, and then after school all of the extra stuff, like UIL, comes in,” he said. “Teachers have the best intentions to make deadlines and fill out paperwork, but once they walk in through the school door, all these fires happen. They have to deal with real life.”
That’s where Stevens plans to step in.
January Official Notices
By | Tuesday, February 07, 2012 11:51 AM
The State Executive Committee issued Coach Rod Wright of Richardson Berkner High School a suspension of coaching duties in any UIL member school district until August 22, 2012, with a 2-year public reprimand and probationary period, for Violation of Section 51(a) (6) and (10) and Section 1209 (f)(1).
The State Executive Committee issued Coach Derrick Osborne Little Elm High School a 2-district game suspension for this basketball season and a 2-year public reprimand and probation through January 17, 2014.
January Official Notices
By | Tuesday, February 07, 2012 11:32 AM
The State Executive Committee issued a public reprimand and 2-year probation for Houston Sterling High School through December 11, 2013, for Violations of 52 (a)(4), Failing to comply with applicable state laws regarding extracurricular activities and 1210 (a)(6), Non-compliance with the UIL Anabolic Steroid Testing Program.
UIL Staff Participates in 2 Community Service Projects
By Kim Carmichael, Chief of Staff | Tuesday, February 07, 2012 11:09 AM
UIL staffers Chris Schmidt, Jessica Lane, Phyllis Broz, Susan Doherty and Stephanie Ramirez volunteer at the Coats for Kids drive.
Photo by Kim Carmichael
Through area-wide community service programs, the UIL staff has joined in initiatives to better the lives of underprivileged youth in Central Texas.
In August, the UIL connected with an Austin non-profit organization for their 2011 Back-to-School initiative. “Back-to-School” is an important community program that provides children living in poverty with one backpack, a set of school supplies, books and two new sets of clothing. The program helps children feel confident and creates positive experiences at the beginning of school to promote academic success.
A Few Issues Popping Up in Music
By Richard Floyd, Music Director | Tuesday, February 07, 2012 11:05 AM
What’s new with UIL? How are things in Austin? Anything happening in music?
These and countless similar inquiries confront me everywhere I go as I travel across the state and nation. People want to know what is going on, and from my perspective, they deserve to know what is going on. To be honest, sometimes there is very little going on. The ship is on a confirmed course, the sails are trimmed and it appears to be smooth sailing ahead. At other times the seas are rough, the winds are unpredictable and there are uncharted waters ahead. While there is little drama in our “UIL music world” at present, there are issues that have surfaced in recent months that require thoughtful deliberation and possible action.
So, since you asked, here’s what’s new in Austin. Not surprisingly, several of these items have to do with marching band.
Postseason Play Begins for Basketball
By Darryl Beasley, Assistant Athletic Director | Tuesday, February 07, 2012 10:56 AM
This is a very exciting time for many teams, players and coaches. All of the hard work culminates with the start of postseason competition. It brings new expectations of the players and coaches.
The girls’ district certification date will be Feb. 11, and the boys’ district certification date will be Feb. 18.
As the postseason competition gears up, we are always asked about district ties and warm-up games
Some districts may have two-way or three-way or more schools ties.
Selection of Debate Topic Steeped in Research, not Randomness
By Jana Riggins, Speech and Debate Director | Tuesday, February 07, 2012 10:28 AM
Rebecca Meeks (in red) from Devine HS who was the Texas representative last year defends her paper before the National Wording Committee.
Photo by Jana Riggins
After a rigorous academic process extending more than one and a half years, the cross-examination debate topic for next season, 2012-2013, has been announced. The official topic is Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its transportation infrastructure investment in the United States.
Most people in the debate community are unaware of how resolutions are selected. When the topic goes public, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Where did that topic come from?” I promise, it wasn’t random or haphazard. The process for picking a policy debate topic the entire nation will debate for a complete school year is actually quite sophisticated and steeped in research and analysis. (It’s debate – of course it would be!)
Because all states use the topic, the National Federation of High School Associations coordinates the process. NFHS hosts an annual meeting that allows the debate community to gather to discuss potential topics. It is open to debate coaches, students and the representative from each state association.
A Letter to Theatre Students
By Luis Muñoz, Theatre Director | Tuesday, February 07, 2012 10:23 AM
Many of you have requested that we reprint this letter to our students from the March 2007 issue of The Leaguer. I have updated a few things but the message remains the same.
Dear Student,
I hope that you are having a wonderful time preparing for this year’s contest play. I can assure you that your director worked hard to find the right play and to choose the best cast members. Sometimes those choices are very hard and as theatre students we don’t always understand how and why certain casting decisions and crew assignments are made. Trust your director and make sure that you deliver. They have the best intentions. Sitting around for six weeks feeling bad about the role you were assigned never helps your ensemble. Neither does boasting about the lead. Accept what you are given with humble appreciation and make the most of what you get. Give it your all in rehearsal and performance. The play’s the thing!