With selection of next year’s bands and leadership positions being posted, I annually send this out with some thoughts regarding decisions. With the many talented students we teach, it is always a challenge to place students. Before you view results, please keep these things in mind:
- We care about you.
- We are as fair to each student as we can possibly be.
- Our staff is here for the betterment of every student.
- We are hired to give every student the best musical advice and experience that we can possibly give.
- Every single student is important, one person alone does not make a band. To make our band work, one person is part of a greater whole. We have many students, all with different backgrounds, knowledge, skills, work ethic, etc.
- Students’ careers in music are always in a state of flux. We only take a snapshot through auditions to capture progress in that moment.
- Students are always in a state of flux. Position or title does not always determine potential.
- Sometimes, the lessons we don’t want to hear are the ones we must learn. They prepare us for life.
- Reactions to results should be professional. Celebrate or mourn away from others.
- Do not tell anyone their placement. Everyone deserves the chance to discover the results just as you did.
- If you did your best, that is all you can do. You can only control your level of effort.
- If you have questions, you can come talk with us. No emails will be addressed unless the student has spoken with us personally. (Due to the pandemic, we can discuss and go through your notes in person when we are able to get back together)
- We will discuss only YOU and YOUR progress, and we will be honest with you because…….
- We care about you.
I auditioned for drum major and section leader twice in my high school career, but never got it. I grew stronger from that experience, reevaluated myself, and worked to become a drum major my junior year in college. I would not trade those minor defeats for the major victories I now enjoy.