Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • December 2015
10
a potential musician; their entire world is a classroom.
Music education isn’t something THEY DO, it is something
THEY ARE.
• A sense of inclusion, group ownership, with countless
ways to become involved at any level. Successful music
educators have opened their perspective to see music
learning goes far beyond teaching notes and rhythms; it
is about “bringing people to music” in whatever way is
possible.
• A thankful and appreciative attitude linked with
a growing visionary plan for program growth and
development. While the outstanding music teachers always
recognize and acknowledge the positive achievements
of their students and supporters, they are never satisfied
or complacent with the status quo; the goal of
quality
music education
is fluid as they “raise the bar” with each
accomplishment.
It would be easy to point to this success list as platitudes;
however, let me suggest they are the cornerstone values
that serve as the foundation for every
master teacher
. They
are available to all of us, there is no mandatory degree or
recommended preparatory curriculum, and the payment
plan of personal investment will last a professional lifetime.
There is a somewhat of a paradox in all of this, and it
comes from the notion, “Work means struggle, discomfort,
extra effort, inconvenience, etc.” EnJOYment (being in
the presence of JOY) is usually the result of achieving or
accomplishing a given task. We enjoy the victory of a “job
well done.” We feel a sense of group pride and personal
fulfillment following a great concert. We applaud our
efforts at the conclusion of the performance. In many ways,
JOY is the final reward; however the successful teachers
have learned to make the
process (the journey)
as well as
the
product (the destination)
a joyful journey. This does
not suggest everything is “all roses” along the pathway, but
rather than awaiting the final step on the summit, there are
many acknowledgments of small successes along the way.
Let us not confuse this with false praise or undeserved
compliments; it is merely the recognition of forward
progress.
Encouragement
(to offer
courage
to individuals)
serves as the fuel to perpetuate positive momentum. Every
rehearsal, meeting, lesson, or conversation is approached
with a sense of purposeful possibilities as an opportunity
for betterment.
Ultimately, our life tends to mirror our individual
thoughts and beliefs. We have a choice, and the outcome
of our lives will be a reflection of the choices we make.
As educators we know our students, likewise, reflect and
replicate our actions, habits, language, and attitudes; what
an incredible responsibility we have; what a remarkable
opportunity we have. To this end, let us pledge ourselves
to choose excellence as the standard for everything we do,
and
enjoy
the journey from beginning to end.
STRIKE UP THE BAND!
The Keys to Program Success
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.
