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The Trilogy of Successful Educators

misguided friend” in support of a selfish agenda. The or several thriving chamber ensembles, or a favorable
constant monitoring of WHY we are making this or that relationship with fellow directors, or more responsible
decision/choice is the key. The WE/US choices must take student leaders, or, or, or, or. When we embrace the idea
precedence of the I/ME decisions. of CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT (Japanese: KAIZEN), we
will see “what isn’t” is infinite. We can never get to the end
3. THE TALENTS AND SKILLS TO CREATE “WHAT ISN’T.” of the WHAT ISN’T list; it is constantly growing, shifting,
It’s an unusual statement, isn’t it? How does one go about changing, advancing. For those who are eager to become
creating WHAT ISN’T? First, one must determine “what outstanding band directors/teachers/educators, be it known,
really isn’t.” Perhaps “what isn’t” is an organized office, or a maintenance is not growth; GROWTH IS GROWTH, and
clean band hall, or a greater commitment to home practice, growth requires the ongoing creation of “what isn’t.”
or a wonderful relationship with the administration, or a The insightful bit of wisdom: “Argue for your limitations
thriving booster group, or superb intonation, or a robust and you get to own them,” comes into play when seeking
recruitment template, or appropriate rehearsal disciplines, “what isn’t.” If we refuse to consider adding some aspect
of “what isn’t” to the planning board because of any
perceived limitations, then it is a pointless exercise
in the first place. “What isn’t” is merely “what is”
waiting to happen.
A music educator/band director may be in
the best posture of any teacher in the school to
MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT on everyone (not just
students, but EVERYONE) who has any connection
with THE BAND. Let us all pledge ourselves
to artistic excellence by continuing to develop
trusting relationships while laser-focusing our
I/me energies as we continue to bring “what isn’t” to
our professional landscapes.
. “Strike up the Band!”

Dr. 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 and three years
with McCormick’s Enterprises working as Executive Director
of Bands of America. In 1981, he created Attitude Concepts for
Today, Inc., an organization designed to manage the requests
for presentations. Dr. Tim presently serves as Vice President of
Education for Conn-Selmer, Inc., Senior Educational Advisor for
Music for All and NAMM (The International Music Products
Association) and is 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.

Bandmasters Review • December 2017 8 Texas Bandmasters Association