Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • September 2014
14
Tim Lautzenheiser is a trusted friend to anyone interested in working with young people in developing a desire for excellence and a passion
for high level achievement. His career involves ten years of successful college band directing at Northern Michigan University, the University
of Missouri, and New Mexico State University. Following his tenure at the university level, he spent three years with McCormick’s Enterprises
working as Executive Director of Bands of America. In 1981, Tim created Attitude Concepts for Today, Inc., an organization designed to
manage the many requests for workshops, seminars, and convention speaking engagements focusing on the area of positive attitude and
effective leadership training. Over two million students have experienced his acclaimed student leadership workshops over the last three
decades. He presently serves as Vice President of Education for Conn-Selmer, Inc. In addition, he continues his rigorous travel schedule touting
the importance of arts education for every child.
His books, produced by G.I.A. Publications, Inc., continue to be bestsellers in the educational world. He is also co-author of popular band
method
Essential Elements
and is the Senior Educational Consultant for Hal Leonard, Inc. Tim is the Senior Educational Advisor for Music
for All and NAMM (The International Music Products Association).
Tim holds degrees from Ball State University and the University of Alabama. In 1995 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from
the VanderCook College of Music. He is presently an adjunct faculty member at Ball State University (Earl Dunn Distinguished Lecturer),
Indiana-Purdue/Ft. Wayne University, and Butler University. In addition, he serves on The Midwest Clinic Board of Directors and the Western
International Band Clinic/American Band College Board of Directors.
the time to help those around them. You can quickly
identify this important trait, “consideration-for-others,”
by simply observing their behavior before and after
rehearsals.
PERSISTENT.
Tenacity is an attribute necessary for
attaining excellence at any discipline. Many people
will begin a new endeavor with a sense of positive
enthusiasm, but you are interested in the students who
“complete” their assigned responsibilities. We are not
measured by what we begin, but what we complete.
CONSISTENT.
Most student leaders are at a time
in their lives when they are establishing their personal
habits and their life-values; they are truly deciding “who
they are.” Dreams, goals and desires can shift radically
from one day to the next. Pinpoint the student who
is predictable and demonstrates emotional stability—
those who can “stay the course.”
AFFABLE.
It is often tempting to favor the student
leader who is a gifted musician and this is certainly an
important aspect of his/her qualifications. However, it
is vital for the student leader to have a healthy rapport
with the other members of the organization. Popularity
aside, the chosen student leader must be recognized
and respected by the majority of the group.
HONEST.
Slighting-the-truth is commonplace. The
student who avoids the temptation to exaggerate
or embellish the truth and is willing to accept the
consequences that often accompany honesty is a rare
commodity. Everyone will benefit from being in the
presence of a person who demonstrates such personal
integrity.
FAITHFUL-LOYAL .
“United we stand, divided we
fall.” This well-worn phrase is still classic advice for
every leader. The students who are always tried-
and-true loyalists are your best nominees for student
leadership positions. At this stage of leadership,
commitment-to-the-group is mandatory and any
disagreements or issues should be dealt with behind
closed doors and in strict confidentiality, but there
must be a sense of unity in front of the ensemble
members.
These six personality traits are only a starting point;
however they will establish a strong foundation for
the selection qualifications of any student leader. We,
as educators, must be sensitive to the overwhelming
effects student leadership can have on the development
of the individual. We are in a position to help our
students create a sense of self-worth that will serve
them throughout their lives. We can guide their efforts
and energies to ensure a positive experience for all
concerned. As their leaders we have an immeasurable
influence on their leadership for life.
Character Trai ts of a Student Leader