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Band Benefits . . . and More!

then falls on the shoulders of the individual rather than atmosphere that opens the unlimited possibilities of the
a policing agent. The choice for “doing what is right” is group’s synergistic potential and it is virtually unlimited.
based on ethical understanding rather than the fear of Domination, by intent, discourages creative thinking.
admonishment. The emphasis is on obedience (often “blind obedience”)
The band culture (by design, by nature) requires each that supports the choices of the leader. As opposed
musician to behave in an ETHICAL fashion. While to encouraging “creative thinking,” the environment of
there are certainly rules and regulations, the very domination dictates “what to think” rather than “how to
fundamental structure of program excellence is think.” It rewards compliance (agreement and conformity)
based on the individual self-discipline contributed without the consideration for the welfare of the followers.
to achieve the group’s goals. These are the character Authority, on the other hand, encourages creative thinking
values we seek in every leadership role. BAND is shaping while focusing on the importance of cooperation and the
the lives of our “leaders of tomorrow” through the ethical ability of the members to “agree to disagree” while still
habits they establish each day in the rehearsal setting. moving forward to sustain and promote the group’s agenda.

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AUTHORITY DOMINATION WISDOM ACHIEVEMENT
We often muse about “the podium” being one of the last Our educational community continues to increase
bastions of a unilateral leadership position. Yet we know the testing component as an end-all for knowledge
a social order cannot move forward without efficient and comprehension. The subtle implication is, “If it cannot
effective decision-making. Band members quickly learn to be assessed, it is not worthy of academic consideration.”
focus on the band director’s thoughts, instructions, and Of what value is all this rigorous data-exchange if it is
suggestions. The welfare/success of the band is (figuratively not applicable to the individual’s life? Now there is
and literally) in the hands of the band director. Unlike research indicating we can only remember and
many organizations where a committee reviews access the information we reinforce in our daily
every choice, the band world (accustomed to a habits. Content (information) without context (an
fast-paced schedule of practices and performances) understanding of the benefits) is a dead-end street.
requires a LEADER/DIRECTOR who will make the The value of learning is not WHAT we know, but
call and move forward accordingly. Band members WHAT WE CAN DO with what we know. Memorizing
do not have time to argue or discuss the band director’s a long list of anything for the mere purpose of passing
choices. Quite the contrary, they have learned to embrace the test is an exercise in memorization, nothing more.
and support the power of the authority figure and trust Information recall is not the key to MASTERY; being able
the director’s decisions will be in the best interest of the to see the RELEVANT-VALUE of the information is the
group. Healthy, happy societies are not solely based on key, AND it should be the focal point of the educational
the individual opinions of the members, but rather on the process. If we are only going to credit the value of higher
mutual understanding of the importance of UNITY and the test scores, we’re doomed to be a world of facts and figures.
willingness to make personal sacrifices and contributions Certainly the quantitative aspect of LEARNING is crucial,
(time, effort, energy) to the agreed mission. The power base however should we not be concerned about the qualitative
of the leader (the authority, the band director) is supported value? Isn’t this the very reason we choose to learn in the
by the cooperative contributions of the followers (the band first place?
members). When the “respect for AUTHORITY” overrides Being in the band deals with both achievement (a
the “fear of DOMINATION,” it establishes a positive measurable set of disciplines and guidelines) and wisdom

Bandmasters Review • April 2018 14 Texas Bandmasters Association