Memory (LMEA) April 30, 2016
Organizations, helped me. Slowly, made me better. Colleagues and friends, nurturing me. I became, a leader. LMEA. A member. For over, forty years. As a rookie, had great mentors. Helped me, though doubts and fears. Like most young teachers, struggled. Was not, all smooth sailing. But veterans, watched over me. Through winning, and failing. Grew, as a professional. With small, leadership roles. In local organizations. First tentative. Then bold. I did evolve, step by step. A gradual, process. I learned to watch. Listened closely. To those, who were the best. First office, Secretary. Then, became Treasurer. A chairman. VP. President. District Band Directors. Among the lessons, I learned. Climbing, up this ladder. Surround yourself, with good people. Critical, for leaders. Over time, was more active. State Organization. Appointed, Board of Directors. This, a revelation. Administrative leader. Over, a large region. Finances. Festivals. Meetings. All, demand attention. Then new assignment, given. State Conference Chairman. Set-up clinics, and made schedules. All-State, Choirs and Bands. Found this, very challenging. Successes, and stumbles. But each year, made Conference larger. Not afraid, to gamble. Conference, became gigantic. During, my long tenure. Chairman. 25 years. Excelled. Judged, by any measure. To “Phi Beta Mu,” chosen. Honor Fraternity This means so much. Top peers’ respect. Special society.
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