Tips That Click Phi Beta Mu
Balance in all Things
In our exhuburance to accomplish as much as possible as rapidly as possible, it is sometimes very easy to let things get out of balance between our professional and personal lives. I was fortunate to have worked with Dr. Ted Galloway earlier in my career. Dr. Galloway was the director at Vestavia Hill High School for many years. As good as a musician and teacher as he was, I think Dr. Galloway taught me more about how to balance my ambitions for my professional life with appropriate goals for my personal life. As busy as he was with his school demands, Dr. Galloway always made time for his family and church activities. It is through him that I became a member of the Lions Club, and I have found that that time in a civic organization has only added to my skills as a teacher. The focus of this edition of Tips
That Click is to provide information on how to ensure your lifestyle balance. In gathering research for this article, I was fortunate enough to have contributions from two of the most highly respected teachers in the state. They both give some very valuable information that should assist all of us.
Dr. Johnny Jacobs is a member of both the
Alabama Music Educators
Association AND the Alabama Bandmasters Hall Of Fame and has served as a teacher and mentor to many outstanding band directors in this state. He provides us with three great pieces of advice concerning achieving balance as a music educator: “First, give primary priority to your spiritual life. Everything else in your personal and professional life is a reflection of how you nurture yourself spiritually. Second, come to
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grips with your philosophy of music education and make sure what you are doing each day is an outgrowth of it. This simply means deciding what you think is important in what you do, and stick to it. This should help you remained focused on your core musical and educational values. Lastly, don't try to implement every good idea you ever heard of or thought of. Pick the best ones and do an excellent and thorough job of them with your students.”
Chuck Eady is a Past-President of the Alabama Bandmasters Association, and has served for over three decades as a band director in
Alabama and
Tennessee, currently teaching at Pleasant Grove High School. He offered his valuable insights into keeping things balanced: “In my younger days I must confess that I allowed my band program to consume me. As I matured and started a family my perspective began to change. I was fortunate to be around some older, wiser band directors, who encouraged me to maintain a balance (don't marry your band program). I never bring my concerns with work home; I leave them at the office. When I am at home I give my attention to my family. I try to set aside special time for my wife and I alone as well as times we can spend with our family. I like to play golf with my sons and my friends, and I enjoy woodworking. When I have off days from school I try to stay away from my office and my students. Get away time is crucial. One of the highlights of my year is attending the Mid-
West Clinic in Chicago. I would urge any director that has never attended to go. Best clinics and concerts, and a great time of comradery with other directors from across the world. I am beginning my 36th year of teaching and still love what I do!”
Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmaster Fraternity is committed to improving quality instruction and advancement of bands in this state. Please email
pemin@mac.com with any comments on this column or suggestions for future columns.
Phi Beta Mu New Members: Chris Cooper and David Raney
Phi Beta Mu
Outstanding Band Director Jon Bubbett
Phi Beta Mu
Hall of Fame Inductee Garry Taylor
Phi Beta Mu
Outstanding Young Band Director Nic Smith
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