[Trombone-l] Band Directors-Help needed

[Richardson, Timothy Mr. DAC USAG Ansbach DPW]

I think Jeff has hit the nail on the head - this is probably why it seems
like a good idea to the administration.  It does fit the middle school
concept, and there are plenty of other subjects taught that way.  Think of
gym (physical education) for example.  Sure, we have the occasional figure
skater or gymnast who specializes in one event from age 3, but the majority
are better served with a broad exposure.  

My experience based on 15 years of working in the world's largest
bureaucracy is that you can hardly ever fight changes like this.  But you
can nearly always compromise and get part of what you want and part of what
they want.  

You need some program continuity to build both a band and individual
students (only 0.1% of whom will ever touch an instrument after high
school).  They need to show a multicultural enrichment program with a
variety of experiences.  To do this well, you'll probably need some more
staff, bigger budget, and eventually you'll end up head of the department.

Don't see obstacle, see opportunity.

-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Albert [mailto:jeffalbert.smb at gmail.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2007 1:30 AM
To: Bill Dinwiddie
Cc: List Trombone
Subject: Re: [Trombone-l] Band Directors-Help needed

On 2/19/07, Bill Dinwiddie <billdin at comcast.net> wrote:
>
> Bob & Deborah,
>
> So sorry that you and your students are being subjected to this
> "exploratory" experience. Certainly one of the dumbest ideas I have ever
> heard of.


I agree that it is a dumb idea as a replacement for 6th grade band or
orchestra or choir, but I think it is a great idea for the year before the
kids  would usually start band, orchestra, chorus or whatever.

A broad exploratory arts survey for 4th or 5th graders would be marvelous,
if it didn't replace something else.  A real hands on play the piano, use
the paintbrush, sing in the choir exploration would be great, and would
probably do wonders to help fill arts programs in the next level.  It stinks
as a substitue for full fledged band/orchestra/chorus.

Jeff


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