Monday, October 17, 2005
The PMC Quick Note is a
weekly service provided to all area directors. It is part of our mission
to support the lives of band directors across the
Trip Preparation Is The
Key by Eric
Matzat
During my first several
years of teaching, I would jump from my bed in the middle of the night and write
down another item on my “to-do” list. My mind would work overtime, trying to
distinguish between what needed to be focused on and what would take care of
itself. There was that nagging feeling that I was always forgetting something.
It did not take long for that to happen.
We
arrived at our first marching festival of the year during my first year of
teaching. A freshman trombone player strolled up to me and asked, “Mr. Matzat,
did you load my trombone?” Later on that same trip, we realized that our quint
player left his drum carrier at home.
On our next trip, the buses
became separated on the highway and the second bus driver (who had no
directions, map or communication with the lead bus) was lost for hours and
nearly missed the performance altogether. One year, I forgot to bring blank
judges’ tapes for our state concert band festival.
These things happen to new
and experienced directors alike. I found that once I made myself a checklist,
trips ran smoothly and nothing was forgotten. I could finally relax and enjoy
the trip because I mastered the ability to plan.
Getting
Organized
When you have decided on
the trip or festival you plan to attend, make a file folder for that festival
and label it with the festival name and date. Make a copy of the festival
checklist and staple it to the inside cover of the file for quick access. Our
band tends to attend the same group festivals each season, so I prepare all of
these trip files during the summer to save time during the year. As I receive
mailings, festival applications and invoices, I already have my trip files ready
so that nothing is lost or misplaced.
Start planning for your festival
well in advance so that you can feel organized, on top of things and ready to
go. You will be able to clear your mind knowing that all of the loose ends are
taken care of.
How Can the Parents
Help?
When things are well
planned and organized, parents are much more likely to get involved. When they
are given specific jobs to do, they are much more likely to stay involved.
Instead of saying, “We need lots of parent help this weekend for our marching
trip,” I say, “I need five parents to be in charge of the pit equipment. I need
10 parents to be in charge of organizing, fixing and serving lunch. I need five
parents to serve as bus chaperones.” If the jobs are clearly defined, there is a
much better chance that the parents will become involved and do the job
correctly.
How Can the
Students Help?
Many directors become frustrated upon returning home from a trip (usually
late into the night) when the students scurry for their cars, leaving the
director and those same few students to unload and put everything away. This
scenario can be avoided if students, like the parents, are given specific jobs.
Create a checklist of equipment that needs to go on your trip. Divide the list
into sections and assign responsible students to go over the list before
loading, at the festival site, and again upon the return home. Assign two
students per bus to be the last ones off at every stop to check for trash on the
floor, or equipment left in the seats. Assign horn line students to specific
pieces of pit equipment so that they will help the percussionists. The more
students who have jobs, the better. Not only will everything get done, but they
will learn responsibility, teamwork and pride.
Incredible Deal on
Roland Electronic Drumsets
This month at our Columbia and
Springfield locations, we hosted wonderful clinics by Johnny Rabb featuring
Roland's incredible electronic V-drums. Palen Music Center is offering
some incredible
financing deals on these kits. Come into your local Palen Music Center
for a demonstration and you'll be hooked! Don't pass by this opportunity
just in time for Christmas.
Upcoming Area Marching Band Festivals
Saturday, October 22,
2005
Bands of America Super Regional
Championship –
Route 66 Marching Festival –
Contact Your
Can we assist you with anything? Please contact your local Palen Music Center school road representative for all of your music education needs.
Moberly (660) 263-0109 Clint Thompson
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