Primary goal - First responsibility?

[Director]

We know our primary goal is to make the Tetzlaff Trojan Band and Color Guard the best it can be.
In your opinion, what is the first and most important thing you can do towards achieving this goal?

[jessicaWHOO]

Well, for me personally, it'd be to do what I'm responsible for; such as teaching the future Drum Majors and bassists. It's important that we have a new generation to continue the Tetzlaff Band legacy!

[~rAcHeL~]

I agree, but I think the first, most importaint thing you can do is make sure you yourself become to the best of your ability.

[jessicaWHOO]

AGREED!

[twangansta]

I agree, but I think the first, most importaint thing you can do is make sure you yourself become to the best of your ability.

You know, when I was at Tetzlaff, I used to think the exact same thing. Be the best possible (spinning and drumming wise) to set an example for the younger generations to see and want to imitate so that'd they want to learn. But after a couple years in high school and much more experience, I've learned differently.

I agree partially with this now, that you should make yourself the best of your abilities but that it should only be a secondary goal. Sure it'd be great for you the be the best trumpet player, sax player, etc in the band, but that is not working toward promoting the Tetzlaff Band as a whole.

I'd say improving your teaching abilities, knowing the people in your section, and getting on good terms with practically everyone should be the very first priority in working toward the primary goal. You could be the best player in the band in that year, but if you aren't on great speaking terms with others, you won't be able to teach and pass on your skills to make the whole sound/march/present great.

Basically I'm emphasizing not practicing all out or disciplining members under you all the time, and reserving some (depends on you as a person, half, 1/4, etc) of your time to work up friendly relations. Even though you are a leader, you are still a student and member of the band, and your "authority" is given on a basis of being more experienced, not you being an official teacher. If you are not on a good terms with those around you, you won't be able to teach them no matter how good you are or how hard you try, and won't be able to achieve your ultimate goal of improving the band.

If anyone thinks this is a bit sketchy, feel free to ask! I tried my best to explain it :D, but ultimately each person's ways of doing things are a bit different.

[Director]

I'd say improving your teaching abilities, knowing the people in your section, and getting on good terms with practically everyone should be the very first priority in working toward the primary goal.

A couple of quick thoughts...

The primary goal is to make the Tetzlaff Trojan Band and Color Guard the best it can be. This is not just the director's or DM's goal; it must be a shared ideal among all of the people involved.

Many musical groups are contracted for a single event. Musicians show up for the gig and then go home. It is very likely that most of these people are mere acquaintances with one another and some may not even know each other. I saw Mannheim Steamroller last weekend at CCPA and for a majority of that group (strings and wind players) that was the case. They probably had a day rehearsal and then did the gig that night. I thought they played wonderfully. This can happen because each of those individuals have a goal of being the best they can be.

You are participating in MUM. Do they exclude others? If so, why?

How can one bring about change in others without first being able to change one's self?

Do leaders then not lead by example?

How can a leader lead when they have not themselves traveled down the road they're advocating?

You could be the best player in the band in that year, but if you aren't on great speaking terms with others, you won't be able to teach and pass on your skills to make the whole sound/march/present great.Would you say you learned some DM skills (techniques/routines) from people you never talked to?

Just some thoughts to ponder...

[chezmusic]

In my opinion, I would try and fix all the things I have trouble with, like the rhythms, dynamics, notes, and tuning in band & jazz band, and then things in marching.

[Eternify]

I think a possible way that I can continue being the best i could be by...Practicing and trying my best everyday. Also taking home the materials possible to practice,and practice correctly. I know I am capible of practicing, but the part I am having trouble with is practicing correctly.

[qtdansingmunkey]

The first and most important thing that I would do in order to achieve that goal is working on myself. I would make sure i know as much as I can, then make sure I'm doing it all right. And of course practice. As Mr. Mitts taught us in one leadership class, lead by example. So, I want to make sure that I know what I am doing. After that, I would teach and help my peers.

:walkman: <MUSIC ROCKS

[Hi D Kim]

I agree with mostly everyone here...if you first improve yourself then you will be able to pass on your skills more easily. It will be easier to teach others and pass down advice you learned.

You should also make sure that your section is disciplined and have the same goal so everyone knows what they are striving to achieve. If your section slacks off and doesn't work, then it will be extremely difficult to get the job done.

[ABRAHAMburgerKO]

In my opinion, I believe that I should do everything in my power to fulfill this goal. Setting an example for everyone and just being on task at all times will first handedly show the rest of the group how things should be done. First correcting my own mistakes instead of criticizing others will help show that everyone should be open to corrections. Putting all my effort into doing my own best will encourage others to do the same. Since being a part of the band means working together as a whole, we should all contribute to the goal and accomplish it.