A letter from the President
of the SCBDA, Scott Rush.

Other Letters

January 6, 2009

"Winter 2010"

Dear SCBDA members,

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and got much needed rest time from your hectic school schedules and responsibilities.  I also hope that everyone was able to attend the Midwest Clinic in Chicago.  The new venue was awesome and as soon as they build a few more hotels near McCormick Place, it will be perfect.  Congratulations to Chaz Paxton and Matt Olson for their clinic presentations at the conference.  I hope that every member of SCBDA will try to attend the Midwest Clinic each year.  There is no better way to recharge our batteries and to remind ourselves why we love music-making and making a difference in the young lives of our students.

It is now time to turn our attention to the SCMEA In-Service Conference, February 4-6 in North Charleston.  SCBDA President-elect, Joe Meschach has worked hard to plan workshops, clinics, and performing groups that should inspire, enable and motivate directors at all levels. You can see the full schedule of events for the conference at www.scmea.net.  If you wish to get teaching certificate renewal points for your time in the various sessions, please remember to have the person presiding at the session sign your district forms.  Also, make sure to visit the exhibits.  Without the support of our exhibitors, the convention would not be possible and they are vital to our success.

Committee meetings are on Friday and Saturday mornings and I strongly encourage you to attend one or more of these meetings.  You do not have to be a committee member to attend the meetings, voice your opinions or participate in discussions. However, only committee members are allowed to vote on the motions.  Our association operates utilizing input from these committees and it is a great way for directors to get involved with the SCBDA.

The convention will conclude on Saturday, February 6 with the SCBDA’s annual business meeting at 3:00 PM.  SCBDA decisions are determined with a majority vote and all South Carolina band directors should participate in this process.  Directors must be registered for the convention and attend the meeting in order to vote.  I encourage you to register online before the January 15th deadline to save money and to give SCMEA a better idea of numbers.  SCMEA President, Glenn Price, has some very exciting things planned for this year’s conference and State Superintendent of Education, Jim Rex, will be a featured speaker at one of the general sessions.

I encourage you to talk with your administrators about the importance of attending the 2010 SCMEA In-Service Conference.  I look forward to seeing everyone February 4-6, in North Charleston.

Sincerely,

Scott Rush, President
South Carolina Band Directors Association