| Hi everyone, I am new to this forum although I post on TH quite a bit. I would like to give my perspective as a public school teacher. As previously stated you may not know why the director is doing a lot of these things but many times students and parents don't realize the pressure from the administration or the school district when it comes to these things. So you have some writing assignments, are you going to college?? Get ready to be swamped with school work , find time for a job, practice your horn, and try to have a social life. A lot of things that you learn from a school music program have nothing to do with music, you are learning life skills. If it seems excessive though, have your parents kindly address this to the director. There has been a lot of pressure in my school district to incorporate reading and writing assignments into class time, and then the principal still wants his award winning band at competitions, parades, etc. Most administrators do not understand what it takes to have a sucessful music program.
As far as changing marching shows or styles, you said your band program is running on a near professional level?? Well I cannot tell you how many times in the professional world you play music or are asked to do things that you dont like but are expected to perfrom your best. If your group is trying to think on a professional level, then do what pros do, suck it up and do your best, then move on.
As far as money and fundraisers, that is a tough one. If you guys really want to do these trips bad enough you can make it happen. Maybe it means cut back on luxury spending for awhile so you can save for your trips. Maybe it means a part time job on your part to earn a little cash and help your parents out. Again, most people dont realize how much it costs to run a band program for a year. But, it should be public info if anyone wants to know.
These are just some of my thoughts, take them for what they are. I also like what someone else said, in time this too will pass. |