Dear Fellow ATSSB Members,

We want to make you aware of some exciting news that will have a major impact on our organization.  We have known for some time that the Lila Cockrell Theater at the convention center was going to be unavailable for any use due to renovations.  That work will start this August and the theater will not be available to anyone during next year’s convention.  This means all concerts that were in the theater will move to Ballroom “A” and events from Ballroom “A” will move to the ballroom in the new Grand Hyatt.

Frank Coachman from TMEA contacted our Executive Secretary, Kenneth Griffin, to make him aware of these changes and to let him know that TMEA had an offer for ATSSB.  We were offered the use of the Hyatt Regency Hotel (the old Hyatt) for all of our activities: from audition space to rehearsal space for all three bands plus housing for all of our students.  The rate for the hotel rooms will be locked in at $159.00 (plus tax) per room per night for the next six years.  For next year, the rooms will include complimentary continental breakfast.

The Executive Committee of ATSSB participated in two conference calls to decide and weigh our options.  After getting answers to several logistical issues, your executive committee voted unanimously to accept the offer from TMEA.  The leadership of ATSSB felt this would be a “win/win” situation for our young people and the bands they represent.

Starting next year, ATSSB auditions, rehearsals and student housing will be held in the Hyatt Regency Hotel (the old Hyatt).  For the concerts on Saturday, we will move to the Texas Ballroom of the new Grand Hyatt.  Housing will be different than what we are used to.  Each All State student will be required to have a designated chaperone (teacher, parent, responsible adult) stay in the same hotel as the All State student.  For most, this will be the Hyatt, but you do not have to stay in that hotel.  The only stipulation is that a designated chaperone must stay in the same hotel as the student.  A designated chaperone can be listed for students from more than one school (designated chaperone from W High School can also be the Designated Chaperone for students from X High School, Y High School and Z High School).

The Executive Committee looked at this offer and took a considerable amount of time to decide what would best meet our needs.  We decided this would be a positive move for all of our students and members.  It is our goal to serve all members of our great Association.  Next year should be an exciting year for ATSSB.

Musically,

Robert Vetter

President, Association of Texas Small School Bands