The first meeting of the Alabama Chapter was a luncheon meeting held at Phillip’s Restaurant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on April 13, 1960. Robert Barr who was a band director from Columbus, Georgia and also a member of Phi Beta Mu, was charged with establishing the Alabama Chapter. 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.
First Initiates
- Truman Welch
- Bodie Hinton
- Dewey Countryman
- Lacey Powell
- Julian Stephens
- Rip Reagan
- Johnny Long
- Yale Ellis
- James McKelvey
- Ken Hennessey
- Clem Tocca
- Frank Wilkerson
After accepting the principles set down by Phi Beta Mu, the above directors became charter members of Epsilon Chapter.
After taking the oath of membership an election of officers was held. The following were the charter officers.
- President: Truman Welch
- Vice President: Bodie Hinton
- Secretary Treasurer: Dewey Countryman
At the end of the business meeting, it was decided that the next meeting would held at the reading clinic at the University of Alabama, December, 1960. Below is a copy of the minutes from that initial meeting.
Current Annual Business Meeting
The Rho Chapter Business meeting has been held each year in April at the Alabama All-State Band Festival. Through a unanimous vote this fall via Zoom, the business meeting will now be held each January at the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference in Montgomery, Alabama. A second meeting each year will take place at the annual Alabama All-State Band Festival.
