Colorado State University Director of Bands Inducted into American Bandmasters Association

Colorado State University Director of Bands, J. Steven Moore, was inducted into the American Bandmasters Association, or ABA, during the organization’s annual convention in March in Charleston, S.C.

During the convention, Moore served as guest conductor of the University of South Carolina band for a performance of his own edition of “Aegean Festival” by Andreas Makris.

Moore originally received national recognition from the ABA at the 2009 convention held in College Station, Texas, when, through a vote by current ABA members, he was nominated for membership. Moore and eight other inductees make up the class of 2010.

Founded in 1929 by noted bandmaster Edwin Franko Goldman, the objectives of ABA are:

  • Recognition of outstanding achievement in the field of Concert Band and its music;
  • Helpfulness and fellowship among members;
  • An increasingly higher standard of artistic excellence for the Concert Band, its performers, conductors, and literature; and
  • A constantly greater contribution through the Concert Band to the musical life and culture of all peoples.

A crucial element of the membership selection process was the submission and review of a highly acclaimed performance recorded by the Colorado State University Wind Ensemble at the annual Colorado Music Educators Association convention in Colorado Springs in January 2008.

“The CSU Wind Ensemble members exemplify a high standard of artistic excellence, an important objective of the association,” said Moore. “This recognition, paired with the recent honors given the marching band by the College Band Directors National Association, increases awareness of our band and music program to band directors from around nation.”

Moore shares ABA membership honors with another CSU band director, Gregory A. Bueche. Bueche was head of Instrumental Music at Fort Collins High School from 1931 – 1937 and became band director and head of CSU’s Department of Music in the late 1930s.

As a member, Moore will commence attendance at annual ABA meetings, which focus on furthering support for national and international band education, culture, composing and research projects.

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