A letter from the President
of the SCBDA, Robert E. Wertz, III.

Other Letters

South Carolina Band Directors Association

"Beginnings"

Beginnings are always interesting times. Fear of the unknown, anticipation of problems, excitement about the possibilities, and hope for the future. Have I forgotten something? Did I remember to do that? The questions are seemingly endless - the responsibilities sometimes overwhelming. Yet what a wonderful opportunity we have - the opportunity to mold and shape the lives of the finest kids in South Carolina!

Have you ever seen more band director jobs in our state? Many of you are moving to "new" positions. Many of you are starting your "first" job. Beginnings..... I too, after 27 years in this profession, am also a beginner. I feel a tremendous sense of honor and appreciation to be able to serve as your President for these next 2 years. I also am indebted to my predecessors Phil McIntyre and Glenn Price with whom I have served these past 2 years. Their leadership gives new meaning to the words "tough act to follow." Glenn Price has provided our association with its staunchest supporter. His letters and e-mails have been read across our nation. His enthusiasm, whether he speaks to a group of students, parents, or colleagues is infectious. On our behalf - his voice has been heard - and we are most thankful.

Beginnings. When I was elected President of this association, I promised myself that I would promote instrumental music education and the SCBDA to the best of my abilities - every day. Everyone that takes this job enters with an agenda. Each President wants to do something that they feel is necessary to continue the growth of the organization. I would like to continue to bring this organization "together." I would like to continue to break down some of the "walls" and communicate better with each other - to make ourselves better teachers - to make our students better "people."

How do we start? First we can start by talking about things like "appreciation" at our first band rehearsal of the fall with our students. No one knows how hard other bands work better than you and your students. You do it every day!! In these days and times, "sportsmanship" or "bandmanship," has become the exception rather than the norm. What do we do as band directors to instill this value in our students? Do we say the right things? Do our actions speak louder than our words? Better yet - how about the band parents - how do they perceive the "competition?" Do they applaud all bands? Do they jeer or boo if things don't go to suit them? Consider your influence at your first booster club meeting of the year. Make a genuine effort to improve this aspect with your students and their parents. We, as an association, cannot legislate the way that some people behave - but we as individuals, as teachers, as leaders in our community - can do everything we can to improve in this area.

Well that's it. I sincerely hope that your beginning is a successful one. I wish for you a great start to a great year. Rest assured, I enter my "beginning" with a tremendous amount of pride in SCBDA. I will strive to be the best ambassador for you and the association. I will give you my best. Together, with our collective efforts, this organization will continue to prosper and grow. Finally, never lose sight of the fact that each of us will be remembered in the hearts and minds of every student that we teach. We are teaching much more than music. We teach by how we act, what we say, and how we react to life's experiences. Perhaps each of us needs to do a little "soul-searching." Best of luck to you......... See you on the road.

Robert E. Wertz, III, President
South Carolina Band Directors Association