Let's Get Busy 6

South Carolina Band Directors Association

SCBDA "Team Members"

"Let’s Get Busy!"

When the work load builds up and the stress level is going through the ceiling, "Who ya gonna call?" "Ghost Busters!" No, No, No! Wrong movie! When you need something done you ask a busy person, because they are the ones that make things happen. Band Directors are the busiest people in any school. I’ll bet we spend more hours at school than anyone, including the principal. Because of the effort of our membership, I can feel a real momentum shift. People are getting excited about instrumental music education. Students, parents, and directors are to be congratulated for making it happen. We can all be proud of what we have accomplished so far, but it is time to move to the next level. This is no time to relax, but a time to do those things to strengthen our individual programs and our association. So, "Let’s Get Busy!"

Marching Band / Physical Education

Miller Asbil, Band Director at Wando High School, called me last week to inform me of the latest progress on the Marching Band/PE Credit issue. Bills have been introduced in the South Carolina Legislature to allow Marching Band to exempt students from the Physical Education requirement. There is no question in my mind that our student’s deserve to get the appropriate education/graduation credit for their effort. Many of us are only too aware of the problems that students have in scheduling band. The Block Scheduling format and expanded requirements for college entrance are making year long participation in band very difficult. It would be wonderful to give our students one more place in their schedule to take band.

There are currently two bills that deal with PE credits. The SENATE BILL, S 0246, leaves the decision as to what qualifies as ". . . a comparable amount of rigorous physical activity . . ." up to the Department of Education. The HOUSE BILL, H 3365, states that ". . . attainment of two letters in any varsity sport, two years of successful participation in band including marching band activities . . . and must be accepted in lieu of such instruction . . ."

Please open the Wando High School Web Page and read the "POLITICS!!!" section. They have already set up the links to the sites that will help you find the necessary information. Please write a letter on your own stationary or send an e-mail to each of your state Representatives or Senator in support of this bill. Both mailing and e-mail addresses are available to you on The South Carolina General Assembly, <http://www.leginfo.state.sc.us/default.asp>. This issue is of great concern to our membership, and if we don’t act now, the opportunity may never come again. Take the time to act on this BEFORE you leave for your Christmas Holiday.

SCMEA In-Service Conference

I’m sure most of you have received your SC Musician, the November/December 1997 Issue. In it you will find information dealing with the SCMEA In-service Conference. However, there is much more to know than the schedule of activities. The South Carolina Band Directors Association is working everyday to promote the cause of instrumental music education. This In-Service Conference will be the most important in the history of our association. We plan to make decisions at our Annual Business Meeting that will bring us into the public eye. In addition to our normal business, we plan to enlist your support and ideas concerning the direction we should travel to meet our goal of educating every South Carolinian of the importance of music education.

Robert Wertz and the Convention Committee 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. I am asking that every SCBDA member 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." We have made a great start, but we still have a long journey ahead of us. So, "Let’s Get Busy!"

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

Glenn C. Price, President
South Carolina Band Directors Association