SFA band director earns meritorious achievement award

Fred J. Allen

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Fred J. Allen, director of bands and professor of music at Stephen F. Austin State University, is the recipient of a 2012 Meritorious Achievement Award from the Texas Bandmasters Association.

Allen conducts the SFA Wind Ensemble and teaches graduate-level conducting, orchestration and music education classes. He also oversees 300 students involved in the SFA band program's four concert groups, athletic bands and several chamber ensembles. He is a past recipient of SFA's College of Fine Arts Teaching Excellence Award.

Under Allen's direction, the SFA Wind Ensemble has performed at conventions of the Texas Music Educators Association, the College Band Directors National Association and the Texas Chapter of the National Association of Composers/USA, as well as the South Central Regional Music Conference in Monroe, La.

Allen has conducted All-Region and All-State Bands throughout Texas and the United States, and he is an active concert clinician and adjudicator. He has often served as guest conductor for bands playing at the Midwest Clinic and the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, and he has conducted in Korea, Taiwan and Australia.

He has published several pieces for band, orchestra and flute choir that draw upon his experience in teaching in the public schools in Texas. These works have been performed frequently at conventions and festivals across the United States and internationally. He also has several commissioned works in progress.

Allen recently was elected for membership in the American Bandmasters Association. He also is a member of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, College Band Directors National Association, American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, and Texas Bandmasters Association.

He earned a bachelor's degree from Abilene Christian University and a master's degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Allen will receive his Meritorious Achievement Award from TBA President Tom Harrington during the upcoming annual TBA Convention and Clinic in San Antonio.