3rdGenBand

He did build a great program but he’s gone next year. They learned quickly.

I’m glad Wakeland did well despite new directors. But the best part was that they had FUN this year. There were too many restrictions in the past, and I feel like it affected them because they were so exhausted and mentally worn down all the time.

If anyone in your band knows how to put you in touch with Jeremy Gomez, he is someone who has a lot of experience with that. He's in and out of the country sometimes but he goes and works with different bands in the DFW area. It's worth asking around. I know not a lot of bands have cymbal lines anymore. I find that sad as I really have always thought a good cymbal line adds a lot of layers to the music as well as visual effect.

I am so glad to hear that you have experienced recently what I experienced in the past. Maybe I'm just too old school in my thinking to believe that all contests should be celebrated as learning experiences. Life is competitive enough. I love a great competition, but any adult who is using a program to move up the ranks and find fault when his or her band doesn't get first for his/her resume it makes for some rancid koolaid.

I wish I could say that in my 12 years I hadn't either. Until 2-3 years ago, I had not. I would never entertain the idea of my child quitting band either (per Band_dad_of_2's post) as I feel that my experience and that of my father and grandfather gave each of us some unique skills at an earlier age than many that we could take with us into the real world. BUT.... There comes a time that you have to decide whether the attitude leadership is taking is the kool-aid you want your child drinking. When a program starts to work more toward advancing adults at the cost of the band members and the band as a whole, its time to reassess. Directors can make or break a band with their attitude and their spin on results. Successful bands are the ones that are focused on the well-being and growth of the students and program more so than advancement of the adults in charge.

Anna Eberhart from Denton and was in DCI (Boston Crusaders). I'm not sure if she still is or not. She was interviewed on Ellen and for People Magazine. She played flute in her high school band. https://people.com/celebrity/possibly-possessed-pit-keyboardist-anna-eberhart-on-her-internet-fame/

I'm going to make my second stop here to share what I have seen, but in a positive light. A successful band can only keep its momentum if there is at least as much positivity as criticism. Students won't "buy in" or "trust the process" when they don't feel that they are given respect for their time and effort. You can have an amazing show but rapport between directors and students is a key component that cannot be overlooked. Motivation and intimidation are not the same. http://www.mikeoliveri.com/2016/06/28/motivation-vs-intimidation/ Successful coaches shoulder the blame when there is a loss. They do not merely point fingers. When there is a win, they give others the credit. http://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=easterbrook/061128 Give students and parents some ownership and choices when appropriate. Its not always convenient and viable, but do so when the option is available. From a 3rd generation band member raising 2 4th generation band members.

I have been a hardcore lurker but had to sign up to address this: You need to delete your recent comments. Posting this can only hurt the program you represent which means it hurts the kids most of all. Area B had tough competition. Some amazing groups were bound to be left out, and they were. The bands that ultimately qualified were all phenomenal as well but that isn't even why you are crying foul. The Roma situation is unfortunate, but without being a part of that band or decision, I do not feel it appropriate to discuss as part of something where you just didn't like the results. Apples to oranges. Unfortunately for some kids, you have taken this to a new level and have likely caused some damage. You can't undo some things that have been said in this forum and elsewhere. Point fingers in your own mind if you want, but do not do it in places where it affects others opinions of a band or kids opinions of a competition and the people who were chosen to judge. I have heard these words - almost word for word - already repeated from a child who likely doesn't even know about this forum yet. Kids are gullible and often believe what they hear from the adults around them. They should not be hearing things like this and the posts that were removed from an adult they trust.