Today was my final concert as music director of the All-America Concert Band (AACB). I began playing trumpet in the band when we arrived here in 2004. In 2006 the director and founder of the band stepped down after 16 years of service and I was asked to take over directing duties. I loved working with the Anderson Community Band in Cincinnati, and had missed working with adults, so I jumped on the opportunity. It has since been three wonderful seasons and my tenure with the AACB came to an end today.
The AACB is a unique organization, in the fact that all proceeds from every concert go to a chosen charity. Over our four concert season we raise roughly $15,000 a year. Today's concert was a sacred one (today is Palm Sunday) and the money raised benefited our local churches. My successor was also able to attend and guest conduct a piece, so we could introduce him to our band and our audience at the same time. After intermission we gave out three college scholarships (another concert beneficiary) and the band presented me with a beautiful plaque commemorating my service with the band. I was deeply touched and honored by their thoughtfulness.
I have become very fond of this group. They work hard, love to make music, and are very responsive to my direction. I will truly miss them next year as I move on to pursue my DMA Degree. I wish them and their new director the best of musical success in the future. Maybe if I am lucky, they will invite me back some day to guest conduct or solo with them. If that opportunity arrives, it would be an honor to make music with them again.
AACB-Thanks for all of the wonderful musical moments we have shared over the past five years. As I said at the concert today, you are one of the gems of Sioux City, and the community is fortunate that you are willing to share your musical talents for its betterment. I will miss you all. Cliff
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