Page 26 - 2018-BMR-December

I like, I wish, I wonder. . .
Introspection and Evaluation of the Marching Season

Staff Instruction and Student Performance • Contests
Evaluation • Did the contests we attended provide engaging
• Was the summer band schedule set up to maximize performance opportunities AND an evaluation process
the rehearsal time together while not going overboard on that, over time, elevated the performance excellence of our
the time expectations for the students and staff? Essentially, students?
were we able to find balance between work and play? -
remembering that it is important to work “intelligently” as Future Show Design
well as “hard.” • Is there a particular piece of music that I have always
• Was our rehearsal calendar (during the school year) wanted to perform with my students?
conducive to reaching the needs of the students? • What skill sets, both musically and visually, do I want
• Was the communication within the staff collaborative to feature in the future?
and team-centric? • Based on the answers above, what systems and process
• Was the communication from the staff to the student do I need to put in place this Spring to develop the

leaders and students clear and transparent? necessary skills to ensure my students’ success (musically
• Were systems, processes and procedures put in place and visually)?
to elevate both the day-to-day operations of the program as Evaluation, continuous improvement and a growth
well as the performance abilities of the students? mindset are the essence of long-term growth and success.
• Were these expectations clearly communicated? The thoughts and questions outlined above are intended
• Once explained, did the staff continually assess to as a framework to begin discussions on the marching
ensure the students were doing what was being asked? season, but that discussion should not be limited to
• Did we balance student achievement with physical and the subjects listed above. All facets of the organization
emotional health? should be continually reflected upon to ensure MUSIC Is
• Did we prioritize the appropriate musical and visual the foundation for everything we do while keeping our
fundamentals to develop the skills necessary to ensure programs student-centered and forward thinking.
maximum student achievement and excellence?
• Were the students able to perform not only the If you have any questions or if I can help in any
technical aspects but also the expressive qualities of the way, please do not hesitate to contact me at jeremy@
music program? studentsleading.org or via my website www.studentsleading.
• Did we as a staff expect performance beyond merely org. I wish you the very best on the continued development

that of technical proficiency? of your marching band program.

Jeremy Spicer is the owner of SASI-The Leadership People, a student leadership education firm that focuses on the inspiration of young leaders.
SASI believes that students become empowered to succeed when they are equipped with a deeper knowledge and understanding of people, organizations,
systems, and processes. This concept is presented annually to thousands of students nationwide. Mr. Spicer also serves as the Associate Conductor of
the Cedar Park Winds. Initially created to provide free concerts to Northwest Austin music students, the band also serves as an outlet for local music
educators to continue developing their individual musicianship through performance. In its short existence, the band has grown rapidly in both size and
quality and celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a performance at the 71st Annual Midwest Clinic. Mr. Spicer is the former Director of Bands at
Vandegrift High School. While at Vandegrift, the staff and students worked to develop all aspects of musical artistry. The Wind Ensemble placed third at
the 2013 Texas Music Educators Association State Honor Band Competition. The marching band was named the 2013 University Interscholastic League
4A State Marching Band Champion and was a consistent Class Champion and Finalist in Bands of America Competitions. Prior to his appointment at
Vandegrift, Mr. Spicer served as Conductor of the Symphonic Band and Director of both the Marching and Jazz Ensembles at Cedar Park High School.
During his tenure, the marching band was a consistent finalist at both the UIL State Marching Contest and BOA competitions, and is the 2006 recipient
of the Sudler Shield. Mr. Spicer is active in the United States as a clinician and adjudicator.

Bandmasters Review • December 2018 24 Texas Bandmasters Association