Rookie Camp: Day 2

The heat was on for sure but we continued to work towards our goals. I must say I was a bit surprised that so few students practice the "Brady" warm up. No success will happen until individual commitment happens. Our goal is to finish top 5 in the state this year. Goals are nothing with out action. They will quickly turn into disappointments if the proper steps are not taken to reach them. With that being said, I have been very impressed with the level of achievement that my students are obtaining. There I said it "my students". That is big because I feel most of them are my students now. They may feel differently but I am so happy to be able to instruct them. They are smart, respectful, and talented.

We will not be the largest band in 5A this year but if we all work together, we will be the best. It doesn't take large numbers to win. My bands have proven that time and time again. Just look back if you need to at www.bandlink.org. This time is different though. I hope this is my last first year ever.

There are only two real choices. Succeed or quit and nobody has quit yet so that just leaves one choice.

Just Funny...

Rookie Camp: Day 1

Today was a great start. Everybody did really well and seemed to be fine with the heat. It was not too bad until after about 11:00 a.m. Then it did get hot. We were already playing and marching up and down the field. We also learned the "Brady" warm-up. The students seemed focused the entire time we were outside. It was a good day for sure. We will continue tomorrow as we build the foundation for our season.

One thing I wish we did have was more rookies. Not that I am of the opinion that a large band is the only way to get anywhere. I just feel like we are missing some students that would enjoy being with us. None the less, if the rookies we had today are the ones we have, that will be fine with me. I just don't want to leave anybody out.

The Goals

Here are the goals for the band that the students leaders and myself established over the past two days:

This year

1. Higher playing standards

2. Portray a more classy, disciplined image

3. Finish Top 5 in the state in marching

4. Put 10 students in All-State Band

Goals to Accomplish over the next 5 Years

1. Grow the band in size

2. Finish top 5 in the state consistently

3. Be invited to play at major conventions

4. Make finals at a Bands of America regional competition

5. Have 25 or more students in All-State Band.

These are goals that will be difficult to reach... but then isn't anything that is worthwhile difficult?

A Great Start

Today was a great beginning for us. It was nice to finally get to see some of my students face to face and get their input to how they want things to be. Not only were they very smart and thoughtful with how they participated but they were also just really nice people to be around. I hope they are as happy with how things went as I am. We talked about goals both short term and long term and covered a lot of procedural stuff too. Tomorrow we will continue to get to know each other and finish our leadership sessions. I am really excited about how things went. I know good things will follow us if we keep working together.

I am Getting Excited!

I am pretty excited about Monday and what will follow. I am also anxious. One thing I am not though is nervous. To me being nervous gives the portrayal of being unprepared. We are definitely prepared. That is what makes all the work over the summer worth it. Everything is in place for a very successful season. All we need is you and if you are reading this I do mean you. If you are reading this you obviously have a vested interest in band. Whether or not you are in the band that I direct now, are a former student or parent, or just somebody that likes band, remember that next few weeks are critical to success.

Are you ready? Let me hear from you. Things are about to become very, very real for everybody!

Back from the Creek

I went to Goose Creek today to see mom and dad. It was a good visit. They are getting older so I went to see them before things got too crazy with band. Dad and I built a daylily bed. Sounds easy doesn't it? Not really but it was fun. We have always worked well together. Not much talking, just work.

I was born in Key West but Goose Creek is home to me and always will be. It is basically a swamp but I still like it. Hot and humid are an understatement. Not many people get to see alligators, raccoons, and all kinds of birds and snakes on a daily basis but it is just something you learn to deal with in Goose Creek. We we first moved to Goose Creek the population was about 1,500. It has grown just a bit now...40,000! That is quite a bit. Funny thing though as my dad and I went to a few places, everybody knows him. Seemed like all 40,000!

Calling All...

Ok. We just need you to call everybody. I started calling a list of students today and we have a lot of phone numbers that just don't work so I am asking for help again. You see it is my opinion, and always has been throughout my career, that the band is not mine. It is the student's. So I need all of the students to call their friends and ask them to come to band camp. These don't even have to be students that have said they would be in marching band. I will find a place for everybody that wants to be our band. So why not just ask? It doesn't take much time and the worst they can say is "NO". Nothing lost, nothing gained. I just want everybody to know that they are welcome.

The picture is of Ted calling out!

A Huge Topic: Leadership

I have been working on leadership information a lot throughout this week and I ran across this and I think it is just about perfect.

I Went on a Search to Become a Leader
---Anonymous---
(as it should be...)

I went on a search to become a leader. I searched high and low.
I spoke with authority; people listened. But alas, there was one who was
wiser than I, and they followed that individual.

I sought to inspire confidence, but the crowd responded, "Why should I trust
you?" I postured, and I assumed that look of leadership with a countenance
that flowed with confidence and pride, but many passed me by and never
noticed my air of elegance.

I ran ahead of the others, pointed the way to new heights. I demonstrated
that I knew the route to greatness. And then I looked back, and I was alone.
"What shall I do?" I queried. "I've tried hard and used all that I know." And
I sat down and pondered long.

And then, I listened to the voices around me. And I heard what the group
was trying to accomplish. I rolled up my sleeves and joined in the work.
As we worked, I asked, "Are we all together in what we want to do and how
to get the job done?" And we thought together, and we fought together, and
we struggled towards our goal.

I found myself encouraging the fainthearted. I sought ideas of those too shy
to speak out. I taught those who had little skill. I praised those who worked
hard. When our task was completed, one of the group turned to me and said,
"This would not have been done but for your leadership."

At first, I said, "I didn't lead. I just worked like the rest." And then I
understood, leadership is not a goal. It's a way to reaching a goal.
I lead best when I help others to go where we've decided to go. I lead best
when I help others to use themselves creatively. I lead best when I forget
about myself as leader and focus on my group...their needs and their goals.
To lead is to serve...to give...to achieve together.

Description of Student Leader Responsibilites

I was asked to do this by a quite a few students so here it is. I hope it helps.

Descriptions for Student Leadership Positions in the Dutch Fork Silver Spirit Band

Drum Major - The Drum Major(s) will be chosen by audition on material selected by the Director. The number of Drum Majors will be decided by the director at the time of the audition. Uniforms are also selected by the director. The basic duties of the Drum Major(s) include: (1)attend all band functions; (2) be responsible to the Director for the conduct and actions of the band at all times, and for the execution of all band duties assigned; (3) take charge of the band in all types of situations. (4) assist the Director in maintaining discipline and order; (5) assist the Director with marching drills, inspection, planning, and special activities; (6) promote band standards and pride; (7) attend all band council meetings; (8) coordinate, monitor and supervise the section leaders; (9) insure that all rehearsals begin on time; (10) ensure that at the end of an evening rehearsal the facility is clean;

Band Captain - The basic duties of the Band Captain include: (1) maintain discipline on the fielded during rehearsals; (2) ensure that rehearsals start on time and everyone helps at the end of rehearsals; (3) maintain order in the stands during football games; (4) serve as back-up to the Drum Major and can conduct the entire show in case of an injury or an illness to the Drum Major; or when Drum Major is not visible.

Brass/Woodwind/Percussion Captains - The basic duties of the Brass/Woodwind/Percussion Captains include: (1) oversee their section's leaders and monitor their respective progress; (2) begins warm-up when the Directors are not available; (3) insures that their sections leaders are conducting productive sectional rehearsals (4) insures that the sections area is clean and organized.

Marching Captains – The basic duties of the Marching Captains include: (1) oversee the student marching instructors and monitor their respective progress; (2) ensure that proper and consistent marching techniques are being taught by the section leaders; (3) be able to call basics block in the absence of the Director; (4) insures that every member maintains a coordinate sheet and music (5) insures that the outdoor rehearsal area is clean and organized.

Dazzler Captains – The basic duties of the Dazzler Captains include: (1) the polishing and perfecting of routines (2) communicate messages to the Dazzlers (3) assisting the director in competitions and activities when needed.

Section Leaders - The basic duties of Section Leaders include: (1) conduct memorization and playing checks on music; (2) maintain discipline and pride within the section; (3) conduct section rehearsals as required; (4) assist the Director with inspection and marching drills as needed; (6) attend all meetings as required; (7) recruit new members for the section.

Student Marching Instructors – The basic duties of the Student Marching Instructors include: (1) assisting students on an individual basis in marching technique as required. (2) assists section leaders and captains in the setting of drill (3) ensure that proper marching techniques are maintained on an individual basis.

Band Squad Leaders – the basic duties of the Band Squad Leaders include: (1) assists the section leader in the memorization and playing checks of music (2) assists in drill problems (3) takes over in the absence of the section leader

Leadership

I have been working on stuff for the pre-camp for student leaders we have scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday. There are hundreds of leadership seminars available and some cost big bucks. I never liked those kind of things so I don't do an actual seminar. I did a search on "Google" on leadership and found over 144,000,000 topics. It is just somethings I have figured out. I have been asked a few questions about it:

Q: Will you be bringing somebody else in to do a seminar?
A: No. We will do it ourselves.

Q: Is it just another one of these motivational things?
A: No, most of it open ended to get information to the student leaders so they will know what I expect.

Q: Should the leaders forget everything they already know and just do it my (new director's) way?
A: Of course not! I will never pretend to know everything. You might have a better way.

Q: Are you going to have a bunch of handouts for the student leaders and then just read them?
A: No, it is set up to allow as much conversation as possible and is designed to get "off topic" so everybody has input. There will be some procedural handouts though.

If you have any questions, feel free to add them.

Big Meeting Tomorrow Night

We have a big booster club meeting scheduled for tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. in the band room. This will be our official start to the marching band season. Many things will be discussed and many things will be finalized. It is always fun to see everybody at these meetings but of course this one will be different in that I am the "new" guy. A lot of information will be handed out so please make plans to attend even if it is just to say hi.

By the way, it was Monday all day long. I think I got some stuff done.

Almost Time

One week from today, I will be anxiously awaiting the morning. In one week, the competitive band season will become real. All the planning will be finished and it will be time to see what we have. By seeing what we have that goes for everybody. I am sure there are many parents and students that are curious as to how things will be run. It is only human nature. In reality, they really don't know yet. I can honestly say that I have done what I could to assure that things will run smoothly but again , I have done no real teaching in my new position so far. I have certainly prepared by getting the show together. It is done and that is much more than many, many bands have at this point. I have assembled the best staff I could and I think they will be great. I have worked on policies and such for the big booster club meeting on Tuesday night, but I have not done what I was hired to do yet...teach. It is an interesting tightrope to walk in a functional group of any kind. The students must have confidence in there director to trust that the instruction they will receive is accurate and current. Then the real work at hand can begin. Until the trust is established and the students feel comfortable, we will just be getting by. I look forward to the many challenges we will have together this year but one challenge I will not have to over come is the trust I have for my new band. This is not to diminish the many friends and relationships I have built with people from my other band program because I cherish them and still talk to and check with them often. But I do trust my new band already. I feel everybody is ready to focus on the goals we will establish together.

This is a critical week of final preparations. I feel well in that most of the preparation is complete and this should be a week of final touches.

I went fishing this morning with a good friend and although we didn't catch many (it was the worst I have done in many a month), it was still great to just be on the water with good company.

Fishing with My Sister

My sister drove up from Charleston yesterday afternoon and I took her fishing this morning. We caught plenty of fish and she caught the biggest one too. My sister is 12 years older than me so we have always gotten along fine. When I was little, she always took me places with her and that was fun for me. I remember going to school with her for show and tell when she was in high school more than once. We had a short but good visit.

Keep the stands music suggestions coming. I can assure you they will be considered. I hope everybody has a great and safe weekend. Only one more week until things really get going in the band world. We are ready!

Help!

I need your help to pick some stands tunes. Which tunes did you like from last year and do you have any that you wish we would play? Anybody can add their favorites. This is an important part of we do. Some may say that we shouldn't worry so much about playing at the games but the reality is that more people from our community will see and hear us at football games than do at competitions. My philosophy has always been that we will sound great in the stands. So this is your chance to have you say. If nobody offers suggestions, you will be left to my tastes in stands music. So let's see what you want.

Better Day

Today was better for me. I think most of it had to do with my attitude. I was pretty discouraged yesterday for not really too much at all. I came in today to a new computer and new phones. The HVAC guy was even working on the AC in the perimeter rooms. He was grumpy but we took care of that (not really, he was still grumpy but we laughed). Now back to my attitude. I started complaining yesterday and that is not acceptable! I have so much to be thankful for and I am super happy with my job right now so that was uncalled for. I am sorry because today it was better. I use to say "just wait, next week it will be better" and for the most part that is true.

We went to wonderful dinner last night at a colleague's home and it was great. Cindy liked it too. It was funny to see with other band directors' wives and watch them laugh at us. We (band directors) are a rare breed. We need lots of attention and take a long time to train but in the end it is worth it. You may just end up with a great pet.

P.S. This is about my favorite picture of Ted in a long, long time.

Problems?

Here is the new South Carolina license plate. I don't have a problem with the design. It is definitely better than the last one. I like the colors and the palmetto tree. What I have a problem with is the free advertisement at the bottom for a website. Just think about it. So you have to pay for the license plate and then you don't get any money for the advertisement. That is not right. So I am writing the Department of Commerce (I have connections there now.) and I am requesting payment for the advertisement. If I am denied my payment, I shall take a dark blue Sharpe and color in the advertisement on my license plate. What do you think? I think it is only fair.

Nothing really good happened at school today so I thought this was a better post than that stuff.

A Very Special Thanks

I would like to thank everybody that gave up their time on Saturday to clean and organize the band room. It really means a lot to me to have people like you to support the band program. Now we have a lot more space for trophies. We will see what we can do to fix that.

The Drill is...

Finished! I have it and it is great! There are several really big WOW! moments in it. I hope that 96 pages is not too much. There are a couple of pretty good holds too so it could have been more. There are two sections that allow the guard to focus on dance too. We have 2 percussion breaks too with one that offers some chances for some pretty neat visuals from the band. The velocity is high in the show. Now all we have to do is learn it and clean it. And by clean, I mean whistle clean. We have a show with virtually unlimited potential but potential is just that. It is a possibility not a reality. This may be the best show I have seen in quite a while for any band. It is up to us to realize its potential and show what a group of people working together can accomplish. Now comes the real challenge. The most difficult competition we will ever face...ourselves.

A Nice Thing

I have to commend a band member. For the past two days, a young man has been coming to the band room to practice. Not because anybody told him too. Not because he was required, but because he knew he should practice. I am honored to have students like him in our band. This is not only commitment but also self discipline. His parents and instructors should also be commended for instilling traits such as these into him.

That is what it is really all about. Everybody working together toward a common goal. None of the "us against them" stuff. We all want some of the same things. Sometimes it hard to make sacrifices but in the end they are certainly worth it.

If students like the young man practicing for the past two days are the norm at Dutch Fork, then get ready for something spectacular to happen...for us all. Remember only together can we achieve our goals and together we can do things that others can only dream of. As a former drum major of mine once said, "Don't worry, I have a feeling about this." He was correct. We won lower state that same day.

Alright You Better Listen to This...

"The band room will remain clean and orderly!"

Hey, I am not kidding! The band room is starting to look great. The office is great and the room behind it is getting there. A crew has been cleaning carpet all day and will continue until they are done. It is looking good. I am to the point that I know where stuff goes now. My challenge to all is to keep it this way. We have a cleaning day scheduled on Saturday and I think everybody will now take pride in their band room. I want people to walk into our room know that a very special group of people work in this place. It will make a difference. I promise. Please don't be the first person to be careless with your stuff. It won't be pretty! But really, the room is great one, we should keep it clean and orderly for ourselves.

Tomorrow I am at the district office for official business. I have orientation for the school district. I will have a bunch of paper work to fill out but maybe, just maybe I will get paid one day!

Multi Tasking

So I did many things today. I woke up at 4 a.m. and caught my limit by 9:00 and they were big ones too. Then I went to the band room and continued cleaning the room next to the office. Then I had an important meeting with a staff member. Now I am going to cook dinner. Did I ever mention that I like to cook and am pretty good at it?

Starting to Feel Like Home

The "new" band room is starting to feel like home. The office is finished for now and the band room is getting there. I have always had special thoughts about band rooms. I have had some really good ones and some not so good but they are all special to me. One thing that maybe nobody knows is that I always talk to my band rooms. I know that is weird but I really don't care. You see I am always the last one out of the band room because I have the keys. Nothing really strange there but I as I am locking up I am in the room alone. It is eerily quiet because if we are going to competition or something like that it may have been filled with as many as 150 - 200 people so there I am all alone with the room. I usually say goodbye and I hope to bring something back to it. You see all of our work takes place in the band room and it has to stay behind. It is kind of sad I think. Any way I am really liking my new band room. It is great and I know soon it will be filled with musicians and that makes me happy.

I also had my first meeting with my new principal today. It really wasn't a meeting but more like me just giving some information. I have always liked to keep my principals informed of what was going on with the band. They don't like surprises! I think we will get along very well. I have had some great bosses and still even go fishing with one of them and it will be fun to get to know my new one.

Weekly Schedule

I will be at the band room this week during the following times:

Monday, July 7 - most of the day
Wednesday, July 9 - most of the day
Thursday, July 10 - afternoon
Saturday, July 12 - 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Just in case anybody needs anything.

Obstacles

Obstacles are an important part to my being, and I certainly do not mean that in a bad way. I enjoy obstacles but probably don't show it much at the time they are occurring, but they make me what I am. When people tell me "you can't do that" or "that just won't happen", I love it. Without obstacles I think goals are shallow items. I have faced many, many obstacles in many things that I have done. I view obstacles like challenges. They fuel me and make me a better person. There are very few things that I have ever really set my mind to doing and I haven't accomplished.

I think back to the Colonialist when they were founding our Country. They faced almost insurmountable obstacles and look what happened...the greatest society and culture ever. It was not easy but look at the results.

I know my new position at Dutch Fork will bring many challenges but you can bet I am ready and almost anxious like on a kid waiting on Christmas. You know something good is going to happen on Christmas morning. You may know some of the things you might get but not everything. And then the best is when you wake up and run to the tree and find something so great that you didn't even ask for but it is there and you make it your own.

I certainly don't mean to sound arrogant or "cocky" but I know deep down inside something amazing is about to happen. Get ready and feel free to join in!

The picture is by a local artist named Lee Monts.

Happy 4th of July

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."

I think that about says it all. I hope everybody has a great and safe holiday.

P.S. On a more humorous note, I am going to lose it if I see one more watermelon exploded on TV to show how powerful fireworks can be, so in celebration, I will be exploding all sorts of fruits and vegetables in the street in front of our house.

It's Really Up to You

It is really up to you how you react to things that go on around you. I must confess that as much as I love band directing one thing has always sort of been my Achilles heel. That is politics. I knew when I started band directing that there were some politics involved but I really didn't know what the whole thing was about. I use to go out of my way to challenge the "system". Not so anymore and let me tell you I have come to enjoy it. There are many different ways to confront problems and I for one use to be head on in them at all times. Now look I still love a challenge and I still know when to say how I feel but I just mean that with age I have gotten better. One of my biggest abilities and what I would call "traits" is the fact that I have been able to take the things that I view as weaknesses and make them my strong points. I think back to high school in my playing. Rhythm, in high school, was a big playing problem for me. I have always had range and technique. Air and tone have always been my strong points but rhythm would hold me back. Then I made a choice to get better and I did. Now rhythm may be my strong point. It taught me that if you can just keep working on your weaknesses then in the end you just may end up on top. I know I have much to improve but I have to say I am just having a lot of fun. One thing that I am missing lately is that as much fun as I am having and as many things I am getting done, with help I might add, is that I still haven't got to do what I love to do most at work. It is what I think I am the best at too. I love to teach. I think we have a bright future ahead of us.

Sorry No Post Today

I have been in the band room for about 14 hours today. It is a lot of time but I like it. I will post tomorrow about a bunch of stuff but I am tired now. It is all going to be worth it though.