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

Other Letters

South Carolina Band Directors Association

"Things They Should Have Taught You in College"
A Humorous Look at Some Helpful Topics for Band Directors

Ah youth! As I glanced around in the judges' meeting room recently at the Region Band auditions, I was delighted to see so many young faces - the music educators of tomorrow.  It has been well documented that we are in great need of qualified, energetic instrumental music teachers.   We need the best and the brightest to teach the best and the brightest.  I am very encouraged as I talk to them and welcome them into our fold.  They are well-trained and highly motivated individuals.  I am proud to have them as a part of our organization!

Students who come out of colleges and universities to become music educators today have undergone intense courses in areas such as music theory; conducting; composition; ear training; pedagogy in woodwind, brass, and percussion techniques; as well as other countless and demanding sessions in music education.  The following are a few subject areas that they will not read about in the works of Dorothy Rogers or Jean Piage. This is, simply put, a humorous look at some courses that they might possibly need in the real world of band directing.

School Issues - 101
This freshman level course could deal with the following topics:

• "The Three Most Important "C's" in your School - Cafeteria Workers, Custodians, and Copy Machines"
• "Communicating Effectively With Your Coach/Principal"
• "Forming the Perfect Tunnel at Your Next Football Game"
• "Understanding Cheerleaders"
• "Selecting Just the Right Materials for Your Next Bonfire"
• "Planning the Perfect Pep Rally"
• "Understanding Cheerleaders II"
• "Things to Daydream About at Your Next Faculty Meeting"
• "Getting (the most) Out of Your Next In-Service Day"
• "Choosing the Perfect Gift for Your Guidance Counselor"
• "Who to Call When You Really Are Sick"

Community Issues - 202
This second year course is extremely useful in dealing with the following topics:

• "Searching for the Ideal Christmas Parade Performance"
• "Creative Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies - Banks, Grocery Stores, or Wal-Marts"
• "Pro or Con: Every Town in South Carolina Must Have A Festival Named After Something"
• "101 Creative Ways to Say 'No' "

Dealing With Parents - 303
This junior level course is required for graduation:

• "Dealing With the Little Johnny Who Can Do No Wrong Syndrome"
• "Things to Do Late at Night While Waiting on Parents to Pick Up Their Kids - Solitaire vs. Free Cell"
• "Handling Out of Control Chaperones on Band Trips"
• "How To Explain to Momma That Her Son Did Not Make Drum Major"

Miscellaneous Important Stuff - 404
This senior level course will include the following important topics:

• "Trip Dilemma for Band Directors - Sit in the Front or Back of the Bus?"
• "Selecting the Perfect Video for Your Next Bus Trip"
• "How to Say Sincerely to the Next Fund Raiser that Walks Into Your Office-'Do we have an appointment?' "
• "Finding Recipes that Effectively Utilize Two-Month-Old Band Fruit"

Well, there you have it.  Some topics that might at one time or another be of some use to all of us.   I hope that I have made some of you smile at least.  Again, this was all in fun so if you took it too seriously, would you please do me a favor and….. lighten up.  Make plans now to be at the convention in Greenville in February.  See you on the Road.

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