A letter from the President
of the SCBDA, Tom Finigan.

Other Letters

"Fall 2004"

Whew!  2003-2004 was quite a year for SCBDA.  I know that we had to weather probably one of the hardest times in our history as an association.  I think we did a great job, during a very emotional year and I want to thank our SCBDA Executive Board for all of the hard work you do!   These people do so much for our association and for the band students in South Carolina.

                  Hopefully all of you had a relaxing summer and had a chance to recuperate for another school year.  Band directors need some time for ourselves.  Be it fishing, golfing or just resting with a good book, spend some quality time alone and recharge your batteries.  It is really important for all of us to take some personal time and spend it with our loved ones and family.

              If you know of a new band director in your district, make sure they read through the new issue of the SC MUSICIAN and they attend our fall meeting at Ridge View High School on September 11 at 2 PM.   We will have a “New Members” session at 1 PM.
    
              As a new school year starts, it always brings excitement and anticipation. At the time I am composing this letter, our state’s schools are still facing the difficult challenge of trying to provide a quality education to the youth of South Carolina on a shoestring budget.  Many of our music programs have been cut and some have been done away with all together.  Many school districts are implementing RIF (Reduction In Force) plans and when many music teachers retire, their positions are not being filled.  This is tough for all of us.  For those that teach, we get spread that much further and for those that want to teach, the jobs are just not there.  I have been told that the future should be better but we will have to wait and see.  Don’t forget to be involved with your local legislative delegation.  Stay up with any and all current legislation at the state level that could affect all of us in music education.  Don’t let your guard down and think they will not cut our programs.  If they can, they will try!  It is crucial for you to make your position and your band program so valued in your community, that your district would be hard pressed to have it done away with.  WE need to reeducate our administrators and communities on how important you are to the band program.  We need to make our bands in South Carolina the most visible part of the school. 

This handbook issue of the SC MUSICIAN is an indispensable planning tool.  Please read over the BAND division section carefully and highlight the dates and deadlines that pertain to you and your students.  Also, plan to use the SCBDA Bandlink website, www.bandlink.org as a tool for online registration for our events. 

I know we say this all of the time but a HUGE thank you to Jeff and Donna Thompson for keeping Bandlink one of the most progressive website's of its kind in the US!  Also a big Thank you to the Thompson's and SCETV for televising our All-State Band Concert this past year.  Hopefully, we will be able to do more with SCETV and expose more of our events to the viewers of South Carolina.      

SCBDA is a great organization and I am privileged to serve you as President.  I urge you to get involved and help run your association.  If I can be of any support to you, please contact me.  Have a great school year and remember Music is Instrumental to Success! 

Tom Finigan, President
South Carolina Band Directors Association