Hall of Fame
The Phi Beta Mu Alabama Bandmaster Hall of Fame was established in 1975 through a joint effort between the Alabama Bandmasters Association and the Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu. Biographies of all 54 members.
View the Hall of Fame →Rho Chapter · Alabama · Since 1960
Welcome to the Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu
Phi Beta Mu is dedicated to promoting fellowship among band directors, encouraging the building of better bands, and honoring those who have achieved distinction in the profession.
Rho is the Alabama chapter of Phi Beta Mu. Its first meeting was held in Tuscaloosa on April 13, 1960.
News & new interviews
Latest from the chapter
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January 28, 2025“There Is a Season” in Memory of Robert W. Smith
The Alabama Rho chapter of Phi Beta Mu is excited to announce the availability of a new and… -
November 24, 2024Guidebook for New Band Directors
We are excited to announce the release of the Phi Beta Mu Rho Chapter’s Guidebook for New Band Directors.… -
April 21, 2024Discover the Rich History of Alabama Bandmasters Association State Assessments
We are excited to announce a significant new addition to our Phi Beta Mu website, expertly developed by… -
January 19, 2024AMEA Conference Performances
We were eagerly anticipating the featured performances of talented groups at this year’s AMEA conference, and it’s with…
The Legacy Project
Interviews with respected names in music education
No interview matches that name.
Thanks to the video production team – Brooke Mason, Russell Greene, and Chester Bean – as well as our interviewers, technical supervisor Carl Hancock, and supporters Frank Buck, Jim Knight, and Chester Bean.
About Phi Beta Mu
Fellowship, better bands, and honoring distinction
Founded in 1938, Phi Beta Mu is dedicated to promoting fellowship among band directors, encouraging the building of better bands, and honoring those who have achieved distinction in the profession.
The first meeting of the Alabama Chapter was a luncheon meeting held at Phillip’s Restaurant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on April 13, 1960. At first, the Alabama Chapter was named “Epsilon.” This was later changed to Rho Chapter when it was found the name Epsilon was taken by another state.
Explore the archive
Resources for directors and the band community
State Assessments
The history of the Alabama Bandmasters Association’s State Assessments, beginning from its inception in 1947 – archived programs and scores, decade by decade.
Guidebook for New Band Directors
Month-by-month organizational tips, planning strategies, and “The Voice of Experience” from veteran directors – for high school, middle school and elementary programs.
Download the guidebook →
“There Is a Season”
Commissioned by Phi Beta Mu in memory of Robert W. Smith and written by Dr. Larry R. Blocher. The score, parts, and recording are available at no cost to all band directors in Alabama.
Get the score & recording →From the Hall of Fame & State Assessment pages