Don't Call It A Comeback, I Been Here For Years!
Just a couple of minutes before we all go swimming, but I felt compelled to drop in. I learned a ton at the BOA Symposium last week. I love all you guys, but if you aren't moving heaven and Earth to come, you are makinga huge istake. I focused a lot on the concert band side this year, and got a ton out of it. I went to classes on WW pedagogy, high brass pedagogy, percussion planning, 1st semester traing of individuals, new music reading sessions, march style, Japanese band rehearsal techniques, and more. AND THIS WAS JUST THE CONCERT BAND STUFF! The 2nd year is great because you aren't as awed by the Cavi's and can tear yourself away more easily...
Another big thing for me this year was networking with other band directors. I feel like I'm learning how to maneuver and meet people. I sat with Greg Bimm and Alfred Wartkins for the drum corps show for God''s sake. David Vanderwalker called it the "grandfather" need. Alfred wants to talk about how he is successful. I let him...
Here's what else I learned. The Cobb directors get together every month. Every month. Just to share, talk, and present sessions. Why aren't the rest of us retards doing this? We could learn so much from each other if we could stow away our egos, MAKE the time, and tell our wives to get over it for 90 minutes a month.
I therefor propose the initiation of a monthly Inter County Band Director's Meeting. I want everyone there! Not just us, but our elders and people who know more. We can meet at people's schools sometimes, and out for drinks other times. Anybody with me? Toss ideas as to a regular meeting time. I'm thinking like the last Monday of every month. I am going to push this at the Gw. Co. HS Band meeting in pre-planning. Some of those guys will tell me to shove it, others will be on board, others will say they are on board and never show up- but I feel like I need to make this happen. It is a small step in getting everyone on the same page and getting everyone BETTER.
Off of soapbox.
On a totally different note, I am once again attempting to tackle all 6 Dune novels. I have now read all 6 prequels and feel compelled to read the real deal. They are so heavy that I've never gotten through more than 4 before. If you don't know the series, you should. They are the Lord of the Rings of sci-fi. A universe more complex and rich than Star Wars and Star Trek combined. They are also drug induced nightmares to read. So, here goes nothin'.
ML,
E
P.S. As I went to put in my usual ML at the end, I accidentally put MLK. Interesting...
