Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • December 2013
7
Does Your Band C.A.R.E.?
. . . the answer l ies wi thin. . .
What makes band special? What
creates that magical atmosphere
we have come to know as the
foundation of a band family?
Perhaps it is all based on the ability
to C.A.R.E. If one examines the
common themes of great band
programs, the quality organizations
always focus on the C.A.R.E. of
their fellow band members, their
directors, and all those connected
with the band program. Does your
band C.A.R.E.?
The acronym is more than a
clever label; it is the essence of why
any group becomes successful. It
is the elusive indescribable climate
we all recognize, but often overlook
in our quest for quality, and yet
it provides the forum we all need
to achieve a high level of musical
excellence.
Does your band C.A.R.E.?
C
OMMUN I CAT I ON
Is there open and safe
communication among the
members of the group? Do the
upperclassmen spend time with
the new members? Do various
sections of the band work together
with a unified understanding? We
know communication is the key
to all forward motion and prob-
lem resolution.
Encourage one
another to reach
out to other
members of the
group; harmony
and balance apply
to more than great
music-making.
A
TTITUDE
What kind
of attitude is
generated by the
band members?
Do people look
forward to the time together in
an environment based on positive
support and encouragement? Since
every individual has total control
over his/her attitude, this may be
the most important area of personal
contribution to the band family.
There is no substitute for a healthy
attitude; it is as important as good
intonation.
R
ESPONS I B I L I TY
The word literally means,
“the ability to respond.” Do
people seriously embrace their
responsibilities? Do they come
to rehearsals ready to invest their
efforts and energies for the ongoing
growth and development of the
band’s goals? Do they understand
their personal contribution
(both positive and negative) plays
a crucial role
in the outcome
of the band’s
success? Does the
group
respond
to
the director in a
fashion that will
advance the entire
organization to
the next level of
artistry?
E
XCELLENCE
Is “excellence”
the key-word for
everything con-
nected with the program?
Excellence is the by-product
of seeking quality, and quality
can be applied to every aspect
of life
.
Whether it is putting away
music after a practice, straightening
the rehearsal room, or practicing
scales, all of these (plus every other
action) needs to reflect a sense of
excellence; to “excel,” to go beyond
the requirements, to put forth the
extra effort.
The veteran band people know
“the feel” of a band that CARES. We
can buy all the right instruments,
build a great band building with
Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser
When the people
IN THE BAND
decide to unsel f ishly
GIVE TO THE BAND,
then we real ize the
value OF THE BAND;
a gathering of
wonderful young
musicians who
genuinely C.A.R.E .
for one another.