Contributing to Association Success 5

South Carolina Band Directors Association

SCBDA "Team Members"

"Contributing To Association Success"

Last Saturday I attended the "22^nd Annual Elgin Catfish Stomp." Before I say another word, let me assure everyone on the Internet that this is not an issue of concern to animal rights activists. The "Stomp" is a local festival that features "Southern Fried Fish" and "Catfish Stew." To all the Yankees in the audience, "Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!" This little town event draws thousands of people from all over the state. The money from the festival has been used for such projects as renovating the Town Hall, building a new Fire Station, buying a Fire Truck, equipping the Elgin Police Department, and supporting many of the community activities; including the Lugoff-Elgin Band Program. How can something like the "Catfish Stomp" be so successful? The answer is found in the commitment of the community. The Kershaw County Sheriff fried fish all day, the Town Councilmen sold tickets, my band students cleaned tables, and I washed dishes. It seemed as though every member of the community got involved somewhere in the project. Anything is possible when people are willing to contribute time and energy.

The South Carolina Band Directors Association exists today only because of the willingness of our membership to contribute their time, energy, and talent. Association members always rise to meet the challenge. When something needs to be done, someone always steps forward to make it happen. Believe it or not, that is one of the qualities that makes our students so successful. Perhaps they learn more from us than music.

Association Heroes

Nancy Neal - Nancy did an unbelievable job on the "New" SCBDA Directory. She spent countless hours putting this publication together. She was able to combine three publications into one, and the entire project was paid by selling advertisement pages. The association will save about $5,000 in printing costs each year, and our advertisers are excited because their ads will be on your desk all year long. Thank you, Nancy!
Hugh Pace and Eric Woods - Hugh wrote an incredible computer program and procedures manual (Book!) for the Region and All-State Auditions. He and Eric then made a professional quality demonstration video tape. Our Region Chairmen are overwhelmed! Thank you, Hugh and Eric!
Jeff Thompson - Jeff, who is "Not" a Band Director, has done so much that I hardly know where to begin. His idea for the SC Band Link has opened a world of opportunity to our association. He continues to work to make this association grow. Thank you, Jeff!
Gene Cameron - Gene has volunteered to create a data base of EVERY middle and high school in South Carolina. The data base will include the "Survey of Internet Users" information I wrote about last week. By the way, you can send all those addresses and school information to Gene Cameron at: <camerong@nch.kershaw.k12.sc.us> Thank you, Gene!
Robert Wertz and the Convention Committee - Robert and his people have put together the BEST In-Service Conference Schedule that I have ever seen. He has lined up some outstanding performances, clinics, and Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser. Please call TODAY and get your room at the Hyatt-Regency (864-235-1234) in Greenville for the SCMEA In-Service Conference on February 12-14, 1998. The hotel WILL FILL UP, so don’t let your room go to any of those "other music educators." Thank you, Robert and the Convention Committee!
Jerry Gatch - The Public Relations Committee was only an idea until Jerry picked it up and made it work. He found the Chernoff/Silver Public Relations Firm, printed banners, wrote letters, made speeches, and continues to find ways to promote Instrumental Music Education. Thank you, Jerry!
Events Committees, Events Committee Chairman, and Region Chairman - The association could not provide those wonderful opportunities for our students without an "Above and Beyond the Call of Duty" effort from each one of you. Thank you, Committee Members!
All SCBDA "Team Members" - The membership of this organization is incredible. In addition to preparing our students, we find the energy to organize and audition all the students for the Region and All-State Bands. "Band Directors make it happen!" Thank you, "SCBDA Team Members!"

Let’s "BAND" together! We do make a difference because "Music Is Instrumental To Success!"

Glenn C. Price, President
South Carolina Band Directors Association