Bandmasters Review - September 2019

Texas Bandmasters Association Bandmasters Review • September 2019 14 urgent things. Doing this on a daily basis will make a huge difference in your productivity, how people perceive you, and how you feel about yourself and the job you are doing. As you continue your career there are a few other things to understand. 16. PATIENCE Do not be in a hurry. Make sure you do things to the best of your ability the first time. Having to do something twice wastes time. If you did not have time to do it right the first time, when will you find the time to do it right the second time? 17. UNDERSTANDING Realize your life experiences are different and significantly greater than your students. Each year you teach, the age difference is one year greater. 18. KNOWLEDGE Continue to learn. Trust your knowledge base but realize it is only the beginning. Read professional journals, books and enroll in continuing education courses. 19. REMAIN ACTIVE AS A MUSICIAN Continue to play and sing. Attend live musical performances. Practice your instrument on a regular basis and allow yourself to remain connected to what got you into this business in the first place. 20. IDENTIFY YOUR EXPERTISE Take an honest account of your expertise and continue to build on it. Build on your strengths. 21. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF As you get older, your energy level will not be at the same level it is today. Getting yourself into a regimen of regular exercise and maintaining a good diet is important. Avoid burning the midnight oil. Your body, regardless of age, needs rest. 22. UTILIZE RESOURCES Establish a good relationship with your local music dealer. Stay active in local, state and national organizations. If possible, attend national events such as Conn-Selmer Institute (CSI) or The Midwest Clinic. Reach out to other teachers in your area as well as college and university professors. Invite them to visit your class or just have a cup of coffee with them and pick their brains. There is an amazing wealth of knowledge sitting just waiting to be tapped. 23. DECISION MAKING Do not rush to judgment. Things are not always as they appear. Look at each situation from everyone’s point of view. Think through multiple courses of action and choose the one that is best for all parties concerned. 24. COMMUNICATE We are always communicating. Communication is the single most important aspect of what you do. Whether it is in the classroom, on the podium, speaking to parents, colleagues, administrators, members of the community, you are always communicating. In addition to what you say, take note in your non-verbal communication. When you need to see an administrator or colleague about a problem or situation, let them know that you need some “advice and counsel” on an issue. This immediately lets them know you value their opinion and sets a positive tone from the start. 25. IT IS A JOURNEY, NOT A DESTINATION Don’t be in a hurry to get to the end. Enjoy the process. Enjoy the growth process. Each year you will become wiser and better at your craft. Your standards and expectations, along with your hair color and waist size may change. Enjoy the ride. GOOD LUCK! Dr. Charles T. Menghini is President Emeritus of VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL. He is a Senior Educational Consultant for Conn-Selmer, Inc., is co-author of the Essential Elements band method, published by Hal Leonard Corporation and serves as an Educational Member of the Music Achievement Council of NAMM. This article was written for the Washington State Music Educators Association Journal and is being reprinted with permission. Strategies for Success: Thoughts for New ( and Veteran ) Teachers