Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • June 2015
10
Total Program Success
Jeff Young teaches science at Carmel High School in Carmel, IN. He has a degree in Biology from the University of Notre Dame and a
Masters degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Indiana University. He has been teaching since 1996 and involved with marching band and
drum corps since 1988. Jeff’s pageantry experience comes from various areas including: trumpet, gymnastics, dance, movement, and design.
He is currently the visual caption head for the 2005 & 2012 Bands of America Grand National Champion Carmel High School Marching
Band. Jeff has been the marching band track division head for the Bands of America Summer Symposium since 2009. In addition, Jeff judges
for Drum Corps International, Bands of America, designs drills, and frequently teaches clinics on marching and movement. Jeff is President /
CEO of Dynamic Marching & Music.
Gather provisions and supplies /
WHAT is necessary for this achievement?
After a
one/three/five/ten
plan is in place, this list of
tangible growth and accomplishments can help one to
formulate the things necessary for their achievement.
This is essentially a “wish list”. Bobby Lambert (Wando
High School and Dynamic Marching Partner) recalls
this story about Bob Buckner, retired director of
athletic bands at Western Carolina University:
Bob made a list that hung right beside him
in his office at the university. The first time
Bobby met him, he asked about the list which
contained words such as, “semi-trailer” and
“second assistant”. Bob told him they were
his “wish list” that he started for WCU when
he began teaching the program (with only 82
students in the marching band). At that time,
the band did have one semi-trailer and were
poised to break 170 in the band.
When Bob left WCU, almost every item on the list
was attained and the band had over 500 members. Do
not limit yourself. State the things that are necessary
for the healthy growth of the program. Focus on
WHAT is needed first and worry about the HOW in
this next step.
Plot landmarks and routes for the journey /
HOW will we go from our current state to a
new state of “success”.
In an age of GPS and smart phones, it can often be
heard, “Siri, plot the shortest route to...” We are always
in such a hurry that we miss landmarks and vistas
that may be “off the beaten path”. For those whose
one/three/five/ten
plan only consisted of WINNING
something, they are surely missing something along
the way and will find it difficult to retain students.
While creating this roadmap, directors should plan for
destinations along the way that are fulfilling musically,
emotionally, and physically. He or she should ask a few
sincere questions concerning the goals:
1. How can I make this more educational?
2. How can I impact the community?
3. How can I make myself more healthy/happy?
4. How can I engage the students more?
5. How can I make this more fun?
There are many ways to define success, determine
the necessary materials, and plot a direction but the
one thing that is pivotal is a beginning. Nothing
goes anywhere without direction and momentum.
In sailing, course changes are always necessary and
storms are an expectation for travel. Do not be
surprised or knocked off course for very long.
