Martin joins ABA

Grand Valley State University Director of University Bands Barry Martin has been accepted as a member of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. 

Founded in 1928 by the legendary band conductor Edwin Franko Goldman, the organization's members have included the leading wind band conductors in North America. America's most famous bandmaster, John Philip Sousa, was named Honorary Life President in 1929. Today the organization has 287 members.

Martin was selected for membership by a vote of the current ABA members after reviewing recordings of his concert performances. He will be inducted into the organization at their annual convention, March 2-6, 2011, in Norfolk, Va.

"Membership in the American Bandmasters Association represents the pinnacle of achievement for a wind band conductor," said Grand Valley Department of Music Chair Danny Phipps. "It is an extremely rare honor reserved for the finest conductors in North America and demonstrates the exceptional work Professor Martin has contributed to the genre through his conducting at Grand Valley and in the Grand Rapids community."

Martin joined the Grand Valley Department of Music faculty in 1994 and was appointed full professor in 2008. He directs the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the Laker Marching Band and teaches conducting.