All Will Be Known In a Short Time

In 36 hours the 2010 competitive marching season will be over. I must say this one has taken much out of me but also taught and given me much too. Here a few items of each:

What it has taken - 1. Perhaps a bit of my optimism about changing things. I knew some would not "get" the marching band show but I did not know to what extent individuals would flex their pull over this fact by scoring the band low. In reality, a judge should judge the product put in front of them as far as execution and show construction. They don't have to agree with it but as far as execution they should judge the facts not the opinions. 2. That people will appreciate what I offer as a band director even if they don't understand at first. This season has shown me that you just can't change somethings with out people wanting to understand. 3. I have also learned that the obstacles to music education and band in public schools are becoming more numerous and more difficult to over come.

What I have learned - 1. I have learned that there are people who understand and I should work to take their opinions and suggestions as true. They are the people which really matter. 2. I have learned that when you push the boundaries of the norm you should expect resistance but I also learned you get the truest rewards from doing just that. 3. I have learned that there are somethings in which you don't need to be extrinsically rewarded to know you have pursued the correct course of action.

I truly believe the band has grown this year and the skills learned in the show will make them better musicians and will help them in future.

So in conclusion, things may go very well tomorrow because we will certainly go for the win! There will be no "let's just make finals" attitude with me, but I also know that when you dare to be different and try new things, sometimes you get SPLATTED!

"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."