Alvin Community College Band Director David Griffith oversaw his first all-state program as president of the Texas Community College Band Directors Association (TCCBDA) during the organization’s annual participation at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) convention in San Antonio in February. TCCBDA represents band programs from two-year colleges throughout the state.

“I enjoy the organization and the fellowship with all the directors,” Griffith said.

Griffith was elected into office as vice president three years ago, which automatically transferred into the president’s position last year for a two-year term.

“It’s basically a six-year commitment since I will serve as past-president for two years when this assignment is over,” he said.

Griffith’s responsibilities include managing the operations of the organization, keeping in contact with the community college band programs and encouraging participation, arranging for university clinicians at the convention, overseeing two statewide meetings each year and more.

Each year, the TCCBDA sponsors the All-State Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble at the TMEA event. According to Griffith, one of his goals as president is to streamline the auditioning process for students competing for a seat with the all-state bands which perform at the annual convention.

“Students from community and two-year colleges across the state send in recorded auditions and are chosen by a panel of judges to come to San Antonio and  participate in the all-state bands rehearsals, clinics and  concert led by prominent university band directors,” Griffith stated. “We will be trying to implement our current audition entry process with a system that the Texas Music Educators Association already has in place so students and directors can enter more easily and to increase participation in the all-state ensembles.”

Griffith, who is an ACC alumnus, has been employed at the college for eight years.