feature
the parents, the media, your community! Obviously, the structural plan can't be put into place without the approval of your administrators. Communicate with them at least once a week. Keep them informed of things that are going on in your classes, important accomplishments of your students, sometimes just a friendly word to let them know you're still there. Be especially aware of the feelings of your fellow teachers. Remember that they are giving up part of their instructional time so that you can have those 20-minute les- sons or small ensemble rehearsals! They need to know and take pride in what you do to make the school a better place for learning and for having the respect of the community. Get to know all of the school people on a social basis as well – partici- pate in special events and activities! Let your community know what's going on in band! Keep a list of the print and electronic media addresses in your computer and
use it regularly. Regardless of private or public schools, this is often the source of important support for your program.
Finally, communicate with parents. Always remember that those students are their kids! Do you have a band “hand- book” in place, including all policies, a thumbnail sketch of the curriculum, with expectations, a when, where and how of the band program? On the first day of school do you pass out, or send out, a com- plete schedule of activities and obligations for the school year? Parents with several children have problems setting up their calendars as much as you do!
Coda
This is only a sketch of things that are important in building a successful pro- gram in band, choir, orchestra or any other program. We are involved in dealing with people at all levels. Our success will
David Pelow is a former director of music in Gillett schools and currently teaches at St. James Lutheran School and Wolf River Lutheran High School, Cecil.
Email:
dandkpelow@centurytel.net
depend largely upon how we do just that, deal with people.
My hat is off to all of the people that learn, work and support the enterprise at St. James Lutheran School! The teaching staff is simply the finest, most people oriented group imaginable. The support of the board of education and the church com- munity is remarkable. The school admin- istrator, Mrs. Susan Longmire, is indeed a positive example of what an administrator should be. To quote a recent political com- mercial: “Together We Can.”
Fine
Wisconsin School Musician
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