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THREE DECADES OF WIT AND WISDOM

SELECTED E D I TO RI A L S Three Decades of Wit and Wisdom

B Y P AT D E AV I L L E

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SELECTED E D I TO RI A L S Three Decades of Wit and Wisdom

BY PAT DE AVILLE

Copyright © 2021 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in a review.

Additional copies of this book are available from the Author.

Pat Deaville, P.O. Box 6294, Lake Charles, LA 70606 pdeaville3@gmail.com

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P RE FAC E

These “opinion” pieces were composed between 1992 and 2018.

They were all written during my tenure as Editor of the Louisiana Musician. The Louisiana Musician serves as the official journal of “The Louisiana Music Educators Association.” While these editorials were originally intended for music educators, the content tends to be educationally universal. Included in this collection are some of my shorter editorials. I obviously have excluded the many editorials that were merely informational or bureaucratic in nature. Also excluded are the extended editorials essays.

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D E D I C AT I O N

To four music teachers, who nurtured me as a student: Paul Myers, Kelly Love, Norman Smith, and Don Wilder.

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TA B L E O F CO N T E N TS

Professional Board – November 1992...........................................................1 Take Time to Thank – February 1995 ..........................................................3 America 2000 – September 1992 ...................................................................5 Oil and Water – May 1993 ............................................................................7 You Are A Leader – September 1993...........................................................10 Building Blocks – February 1999 ................................................................12 Hidden Agenda – November 1994 ..............................................................14 Today – September 1995 ..............................................................................17 Reverse the Process – May 1996 ................................................................20 Jigsaw – November 1998 .............................................................................23 Three Clichés – September 1999 .................................................................25 Next Step – February 2000 ...........................................................................28 The Magnificent Seven – September 2000 .................................................30 Radio – November 2000...............................................................................32 What We Dwell Upon – September 2001 ..................................................34 Fight the Good Fight – February 2001 .......................................................36 Simple Formula – November 2001 .............................................................39 Falling Apart – February 2002 ....................................................................40 Twenty-Two Questions – February 2003 ....................................................42 Overwhelmed – February 2004 ...................................................................44 Whine – September 2004 .............................................................................46 Why…How…Do – November 2004 ............................................................48 Seek Advice – February 2005........................................................................49 Flexibility – February 2006 ..........................................................................51 Change and Consistency – September 2005 ..............................................53 Therapy – September 2006 ..........................................................................55 How Good Do You Want to Be? – November 2006 ...................................57

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Happiness – February 2007 .........................................................................59 Your Plan – November 2007 .......................................................................61 Consistency and Innovation – November 2008 .........................................63 The Big Picture – February 2009 ................................................................65 Inspire Yourself – February 2011.................................................................67 Win – February 2014 ....................................................................................69 Superpower – February 2012 .......................................................................71 Advocacy – September 2014 ........................................................................74 Work – November 2014 ...............................................................................76 “E” Words for Educators – September 2018..............................................79 Daily Recipe for Life – September 2017 .....................................................81

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P RO F E SSI O N A L B OARD November 1992 We had just wrapped up a four-hour business meeting with the LMEA Board of Directors. Climbing down the stairs at the Bellemont Hotel in Baton Rouge, I was burdened with boxes filled with information, articles, reports, and notes.

All I could think about was making the long drive back to Lake Charles…to my patient wife and son. As I tried to catch my breath at the bottom of the stairs, Lamar Robertson, our new Elementary Division Chairman, spoke to me.

Lamar is one of the truly outstanding educators in this state. I’ve known him and respected his work for many years. Lamar made a simple observation that stayed with me for days. He remarked how impressed he was with the LMEA Board.

He went on to say how professional and business-like it was…how we managed to take care of matters in a smooth, logical, and thoughtful manner.

High praise from a man who has served on many professional boards.

Though I take it for granted at times, this Board is outstanding. It is a remarkable blend of personalities. It is comprised of members from every section of the state.

There are educators from many levels…elementary through university, with all disciplines well represented. The demographic mix serves as a textbook example of what a democratic assembly is supposed to be. But it’s the blend of personalities that really makes it work.

We hold so many differing viewpoints, advocate for our specialty areas, and are remarkably diverse in our approach to music education. Yet, we function like a well-oiled machine.

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Board-bashing is a delightful and fully enjoyable game that is always popular among members who have never served on the Board. Hey, it is a member’s right to question and have some fun doing it. Somehow, this has never really bothered me. I see it as a natural and normal activity.

I know for a fact that the Board does tremendous work in sorting out opinions from around the state, discussing openly (often passionately), and then bringing to a head the vote. Hard decisions are made at every meeting. It’s rare for a vote to be unanimous. It is even rarer for there to be any hard feelings or grumbling once the vote has been taken.

Every major issue brought up by the general membership has been dealt with by the Board. Some issues have been brought forward time and again… because the Board realizes that some issues need to be examined time and again as circumstances evolve. Tough votes.

I am not happy with every vote. But I have never been disappointed with the integrity of the Board. The process has always been thoughtful, deliberate, and clear. Far be it from me to deprive anyone some fun in “knocking” governing boards. But if you want to talk seriously about issues, processes, and outcomes; then you’ve also got to give the Board its due.

( Every major issue brought up by the general membership has been dealt with by the Board. Some issues have been brought forward time and again…because the Board realizes that some issues need to be examined time and again as circumstances evolve.

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TA K E T I M E TO T H A N K February 1995 It’s February. So, either your New Year’s resolution has become embedded in your life, or you’ve given up on it. In either case, I’ve got a suggestion for you.

Buy a package of thank-you cards.

We are living in such a cynical era. Every media outlet is filled with articles and stories that accentuate the negative, highlight the failures, and dwell on the shortcomings of people, society, and life.

If there are any commodities in short supply, they are praise, positive outlook, and good old-fashioned gratitude. Saying “thank you” is becoming a lost art.

Oh, we all mumble it now and then, mostly as a politically correct reaction.

Seldom, is it said with sincerity. Rarely, is it expressed in an effective or emotional way.

The irony in all this, is that it takes so little time and effort to be grateful. We all owe others…others who have led us, taught us, inspired us, corrected us, reared us, and/or contributed to our success.

Make time…just a half-hour within the 168 hours, from any of the 52 weeks this year…maybe not even a half-hour. All I ask of you is to make a list of perhaps a dozen people, who have had a great impact on your personal or professional life. Your list may be a little longer or shorter…the size of the list is irrelevant. It’s the names on the list that matter.

Now after the list is done, put it aside for a while…maybe a day or two. But after some time has passed, go back to that list, and spend another half-hour or so contemplating why those names appear on your list.

It won’t take long for you to realize just how blessed you have been. The fact that those people made a significant difference in your personal or professional growth is important. But even more important, is that they cared for you and gave of themselves.

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You owe them. That’s not a bad thing. It’s a wonderful thing. You are better, and they are better, because of what took place.

We all express gratitude in our own ways. But unfortunately, we are all guilty of withholding the full measure of gratitude from those who deserve it most.

We are all in debt.

A thank-you note, comprised of 4 or 5 sentences, takes but a few minutes to write. Yet, that same note is priceless to the person who receives it…and likely never expected it. That note is a small seed that can grow into a huge tree and be treasured for a lifetime.

To give, is a sign of strength. To give gratitude, is a sign of wisdom. Make it a goal. Put a dozen names on a list. Then write one thank-you card per person.

Take all year if you like. Time is not a factor. The realization is “you gain by giving.” Repaying those debts will be extremely rewarding.

( If there are any commodities in short supply, they are praise, positive outlook, and good old-fashioned gratitude. Saying “thank you” is becoming a lost art. Oh, we all mumble it now and then, mostly as a politically correct reaction. Seldom, is it said with sincerity. Rarely, is it expressed in an effective or emotional way.

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A M E RI C A 20 0 0 September 1992 Here we go again. America 2000. Catchy name. America 2000 is the new national education plan. (There have been many plans preceding this one.

I suspect there will be many plans to follow this one.) America 2000 will supposedly launch the U. S. educational system into the stratosphere of excellence. But so far, it appears to be more of a bureaucratic train wreck.

The plan (more plot than plan) is centered on the “five core subjects” of English, math, science, history, and geography. Nothing wrong with that… except that is all there is. That’s the plan. Someone way up in political nevernever land decided they had the magic formula.

That’s all there is to education? Those five subjects? Just do that, and America will be all it should be? I can’t see Norman Rockwell painting an America full of kids with calculators in their hands.

When did teaching music, art, foreign languages, physical fitness, and vocational education become unimportant? How could anyone conclude that teaching people to be career-driven, artistic, diverse, and expressive is irrelevant? What brilliant person decided that job training, creativity, and innovation were trivial in the education of our children?

It is rather ironic that the title of the program is America 2000. The plan is not very American. While it embraces some of what we value in our education system, it ignores the big picture of what it is to be an American.

Yes, we do want our children to read, write, possess math skills, follow a map, appreciate history, and understand the scientific method. No argument against any of that. But we are Americans. We want fullness in our lives. We also want our children to excel in many ways beyond basic academic skills.

America 2000 is all emphasis…no heart. This is a plan of political purpose… not a plan for people. Future presidents, business leaders, white collar workers, and blue-collar workers should be more than calculating, non-feeling robots.

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We also need our students to experience the values of cooperative learning, good citizenship, and teamwork. Oh, by the way, musical ensembles and athletics are excellent training grounds for that.

( Yes, we do want our children to read, write, possess math skills, follow a map, appreciate history, and understand the scientific method. No argument against any of that. But we are Americans.

We want fullness in our lives. We also want our children to excel in many ways beyond basic academic skills.

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O I L A N D WAT E R May 1993 Politics and education…oil and water…some things just don’t mix. The more they try, the bigger the mess.

Admittedly, public education is a vital responsibility of good government. But good government and politics are not always the same thing. Sometimes, they are not even close cousins.

Politics tends to be self-serving and motivated by goals which can be far removed from good government. Doing political favors, in return for campaign contributions, should not be a goal of good government. In an ideal world, reelection would be an outcome of good government.

Not every government official is a professional politician. Not every elected representative is blind to the needs of education, or the fallacies of the political system. And yes, there are some fine men and women serving in state government who fight hard to do what is right.

But if the education system in Louisiana is to ever reach its full potential, educators must keep hammering away at politicians. Good government is possible. But only if we insist upon it.

For public education to thrive and flourish, good government must provide the following: (1) adequate funding; (2) a positive and supportive environment for school employees; (3) a commitment to seek excellence, innovation, and stability; (4) a sincere willingness to listen to educational professionals who are most familiar with the flaws, strengths, and potential of the school system.

Sounds great doesn’t it. That is how it is supposed to work. Unfortunately, getting all of this done is more often the exception than the rule. Often, public education and good government must endure politics, and all that it breeds.

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Instead of adequate funding, educators often face threats of cuts or the blackmail of promised funding…provided employees will meekly accept restrictions and sacrifices, that erode rather than build a positive school culture.

Instead of a positive and supportive environment, educators are often pitted against one another in a frantic war of professional survival. I am not talking about survival of the most competent…rather I am talking about survival of the most politically influential.

Teamwork and a sense of unified purpose are scorned in favor of special interests. Balance within the curriculum gets lost during the mad shuffle to survive.

Instead of a commitment to seek excellence, innovation, and stability throughout the education system, educators witness constant meddling by government officials, legislators, wealthy donors, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, and/or business leaders. Those who meddle rarely have handson experience in the establishment and development of an educational system.

There always seems to be money for theoretical studies, self-serving “reform,” and bureaucratic checklists. Very often, the studies/reforms/checklists not only waste time and money, but they also undermine real classroom needs and valuable “grassroots” leadership within the system.

Instead of a willingness to listen to school employees, educators endure a political system that shuts off any real lines of communication between the “troops in the field” and the “generals in the headquarters.”

It has become fashionable for some politicians to claim expertise in education, simply because one of their donors sold them on a predetermined point of view. Unfortunately, the ones who claim to know so much, couldn’t teach a starving person to eat. Yet they feel very qualified to stand up in public and quote corporate-cooked statistics while preaching obscure educational theory (of which they have no grasp).

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“Education is my #1 priority.” Translation: I need votes.

“We will seek out the experts and fix our educational system.” Translation: Spending some money on out-of-state “experts” has got to be cheaper than adequately funding education.

“We’re going to protect the good teachers and get rid of the bad ones.”

Translation: A witch hunt is always good for votes. Besides, it won’t cost us near as much as adequately funding education.

“Let’s put our children first.” Translation: Saying children are important, cost absolutely nothing and will always get votes.

“My door is always open to educators.” Translation: My staff will be happy to file your suggestions.

“I believe in the teachers of this state, but not teacher unions.” Translation: I can always ignore individual teachers. But when they are united, it becomes a problem.

( Not every government official is a professional politician. Not every elected representative is blind to the needs of education, or the fallacies of the political system. And yes, there are some fine men and women serving in state government who fight hard to do what is right.

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YO U A RE A L E A D E R September 1993 You are an educational leader…whether you want to be or not. The job you do cannot be covered up. You cannot hide. Every song your choir sings, every drill you band marches, every string your orchestra plucks…it is right out there for people to hear, see, and evaluate. And believe me, they do.

Teachers in the classroom share a great responsibility. There are many ways of measuring the effectiveness of what they do. They are accountable. But let’s face it. If a math teacher has a poor day, there is always tomorrow…and often, no one is the wiser.

If your musical organization crunches one chord in the “Star Spangled Banner,” just one time this year, everyone within listening distance knows about it immediately…and rest assured, you will hear about it for days to come.

A student can shoot a rubber band across the auditorium during an assembly, and it is misbehavior. But let just one of your singers do that while up on the risers, and months of hard work gets shoved into the background. No matter how well the choir sings, all the audience will talk about will be the lack of discipline.

There is no escape. Don’t look for one. The child who makes the wrong turn during the half-time show, the non-singer whose dynamics surpass that of the entire choir, the one violinist who just can’t ever seem to have the bow going the same direction as the rest of the section…it’s just right out there in the open.

On the other hand, you have a tremendous opportunity! You can do more for the public image of your school in a few minutes, than most teacher can do in a month. Your musical organization can have a great impact on the pride, spirit, and morale of your school with one well-done performance.

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Take your role as a leader in the educational system seriously. Your successes and failures will be amplified beyond a reasonable level. In the “educational ensemble,” you are one of the soloists. Your work is very exposed. Do your best.

( You are an educational leader…whether you want to be or not.

The job you do cannot be covered up. You cannot hide. Every song your choir sings, every drill you band marches, every string your orchestra plucks…it is right out there for people to hear, see, and evaluate. And believe me, they do.

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B U I L D I N G B LO C KS February 1999 Problems, difficulties, handicaps, failures, obstacles, tragedies, and mistakes.

Now, is that any way to start an editorial?

My experience in the Army was not always pleasant. But as time passed, I could see those years in a new perspective. Come to think of it, my first decade of teaching couldn’t be described as completely fun. Yet when I look back, I appreciate how exciting and important those years really were. Truthfully, the past few years, as an administrator, have not been a barrel of laughs. But the experience has been invaluable.

Problems, difficulties, handicaps, and so on. I’ve got it under control. Sure, the pressure is there. Yes, so it the stress. Of course, I get down every now and then. No sweat.

Lt. Colonel Robert C. Bush was my commanding officer during much of my service time. He told me there were no problems in life…only opportunities. I didn’t quite see it that way. Being covered with mud, in freezing weather, with little food or shelter, just didn’t seem like much of an opportunity at the time.

Problems, difficulties, handicaps…I’ve come to my own conclusion concerning these things. They belong in the same box with all the positive things, like achievements, accomplishments, rewards, and fun. Yes, I put them all in the same box. Then I stick on the label: “The Building Blocks of Life.” It’s like a Lego box. There are lots and lots of pieces…many different colors…many different shapes and functions.

At various points in our lives, events come spilling out of the box, seemingly at random. It starts out looking like a disorganized pile. But with time, imagination, patience, and effort, we can build almost anything. We all build something a little different.

The secret isn’t what you build. The secret is learning to accept, “that everything is just another building block.” You can find joy in success. You 12

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can learn from mistakes. You can profit from a lucky break. You can grow stronger from tears and tragedy.

Advantages and handicaps are steppingstones along the same path. You don’t have to like everything. But you do eventually have to deal with everything, in a way that is productive. That is how you reach your goals.

I’ve concluded that it is a waste of time to worry about the individual pieces.

Just build with them. A true “craftsman of life” keeps a focus on the ultimate goal. The craftsman uses whatever comes along, good or bad, to assist in building the bridge to the goal.

No, I am not a glassy-eyed optimist. I hurt. I get depressed. I worry. I struggle with my obsessive/compulsive nature. But I have also learned, to make practical use of everything. I still stumble. I still don’t refer to a problem as an opportunity. But I do recognize the problems and obstacles for what they are. I find a way to use all of them in the construction of my life.

( Advantages and handicaps are steppingstones along the same path.

You don’t have to like everything. But you do eventually have to deal with everything, in a way that is productive.

That is how you reach your goals.

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H I D D E N AGE N DA November 1994 The “hidden agenda.” You won’t need to read four or five paragraphs, just to figure out the theme this time. I’m giving it to you right up front.

Most people want things their own way. But there are a few, who always try to slip in the back door to get it. Call it indirect. Call it tricky. Call it dishonest.

Call it what you want.

Historically, the best way to get in the back door is to create a diversion at the front door. It is a simple, time-tested process: attack. You can attack people, systems, rules, laws, philosophies, and policies…whatever. Doesn’t really matter what you attack, so long as you mass as much negative, disruptive, and destructive force as possible.

The method is extremely effective because it is always easier to destroy than to build. With little effort or thought, you can damage most anything at a faster pace than it can be repaired.

Another important tip is to search for some little flaw. You can build a big case by claiming the little flaw is just “the tip of the iceberg.” The world is full of gullible people, waiting in line to believe you. If you can’t find a little flaw, don’t get discouraged. Insinuations, and generalized implications of wrongdoing, can be just as useful.

Don’t go thinking you need any truth in your argument. But if you can mix in a grain of truth, it will color even the biggest lie with a pale shade of credibility.

Bottom line: raise as big a stink as you can. You’ll scare some people, confuse others, and get the attention of many. Once you’ve gotten people focusing on your diversionary attack, slip in the back with your hidden agenda.

Here are just a few examples of how and why this approach often works.

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1. Some people will get so sick and tired of listening to you,

they’ll give in just to get you to shut up.

2. Some people, when heavily criticized, tend to self examine

themselves. There is always a chance they will discover some oversight, error, or lingering doubt on their part. This often

leads to a small sense of guilt, and then, a compromise in your direction.

3. Some people like to view themselves as orderly, logical,

peaceful, and fair. If you criticize them very loudly, very publicly,

and very often; there is a chance they will make an adjustment

in your favor, just to tone down the embarrassing volume and

frequency of your attacks.

4. Some people like to view themselves as democratic and

responsive. So be sure to say how “a few corrupt, selfish, and/ or dictatorial people are misleading everyone.” Of course,

you’ll need to portray yourself as a part of “some large but non organized group, that shares a common concern for the

common good.” It may sound corny, but it works more times

than not.

O.K. There it is. It is a terrible procedure…a nasty formula. Unfortunately, it does work. People who don’t really have a better idea, a better plan, or a better way will often get what they want. That which they really want is never clear or well-defined in the beginning. The hidden agenda is most effective when it is secretive and disguised.

Disclaimer: Just because someone is critical, does not mean they have a hidden agenda. If someone has a suggestion, raises a question, debates a proposal, promotes a new plan, or fights for an alternative; they are well within their rights.

Disagreement is not the same as being disloyal or destructive. Our Constitution was a great document. But it was a democratic compromise. It also did not take long to tack on many valuable and needed amendments. That is democracy in action.

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But beware of the loud, attacking, self-righteous, and destructive person.

Beware the group that has no visible, viable, or proven alternative to offer in the place of that which they criticize. There will be an ulterior motive…a hidden agenda below your vision…swimming along with barely a fin cutting the surface of the water.

( Historically, the best way to get in the back door is to create a diversion at the front door. It is a simple, time-tested process: attack. You can attack people, systems, rules, laws, philosophies, and policies…whatever. Doesn’t really matter what you attack, so long as you mass as much negative, disruptive, and destructive force as possible.

It is a terrible procedure…a nasty formula.

Unfortunately, it does work.

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TO DAY September 1995 A few weeks ago, I ran into a young educator. She has a few years of experience as a music director. She also had lots of questions to ask me. I could tell from her questions, she was intelligent, dedicated, and determined to be successful.

But there was something disturbing in her conversation as well.

She was worried about the mistakes she had made in the past three years. Most of her mistakes were the same mistakes we all made when starting out. She was also preoccupied with worries about what was going to happen a month from now…a year from now…ten years from now.

There are many people who spend much of their time concerned about the past and the future. Thus, they spend an inordinate amount of time in a state of anxiety, frustration, panic, confusion, and/or depression. If you are preoccupied with what has already happened or fenced-in by fears of what might happen, you will never achieve all that you can and should.

I am a student of history. For me, it is an endless source of inspiration. The history of man provides examples that guide us in building our own lives.

History can also help us avoid the recurring mistakes that have plagued mankind. It can point us in new and exciting directions. Most importantly, history can help us make sound decisions in our daily lives.

Each of us has a history. Some of it wonderful. Some of it tragic. Some of it amusing. Most of it routine. Such is the nature of our human condition.

Bear in mind that no matter what our accomplishments and failures, our personal history is just history. History is not life. It is something that once was life. It can be useful, memorable, and part of who we are. But who we are today, is mostly determined by what we do today.

I also have a great interest in the future. Like many people, I am fascinated by how much the world has changed in my short lifetime. My imagination 17

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runs wild when picturing how different the world will be for my children. (I also want to convince my children, that I would be happier zooming around the country in a hovercraft/camper, than living in a space-age, high-tech rest home.)

Yes, I realize that not everything in the future will necessarily be a change for the better. I know as we get older, adjusting is not always easy. I also understand that I will not have complete control over my future. Others will play a role in deciding what my world will become.

But I am certainly not wasting all my time worrying about my future. OK, I admit I am a planner. No doubt. I do have plans, and those plans do affect my everyday decisions. But let me share this little belief with you.

I believe I can have a positive effect on my future, by simply taking care of my business, and myself, today. What is more, I believe that I can have a profound effect on the future of my world, by taking care of my business in the right way.

You see, I do believe in the “ripple effect.” What I do today, can ease the burden of the mistakes I made yesterday, and lay the foundation for a brighter tomorrow. What I do today, can improve the lives of others, as well as inspire them to improve their own lives.

As you work through each day this school year, I challenge you to learn from the past. Don’t see your past as a handicap or pedestal-of-glory. Don’t use the past as a crutch. Build with what you have experienced and learned.

It is good to “plan for the future.” Make each day a step towards the achievement of what you envision. But don’t let a plan be your life. Use daily life to assist you in developing a personal persona. Allow yourself the freedom to alter that persona, as you grow and mature.

I challenge you to build a better future for yourself (and this world) by taking care of yourself, your business, and your world. Take each day…live each day…one day at a time. You will reap what you sow.

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( There are many people who spend much of their time concerned about the past and the future. Thus, they spend an inordinate amount of time in a state of anxiety, frustration, panic, confusion, and/or depression. If you are preoccupied with what has already happened or fenced-in by fears of what might happen, you will never achieve all that you can and should.

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RE V E RSE T H E P RO C E SS May 1996 Some of you who know me, and my sense of humor, have already heard my “theory” on what to do, after your ensemble has been adjudicated at a music festival. There is likely a grin on your face. You are shaking your head.

Most of my friends think I’m only joking, when I discuss “reversing the process” following a successful (or unsuccessful) festival performance.

Admittedly, it is wise to remain skeptical when considering my idea. To be honest, I’m not sure if I am being sincere, or pulling your leg on this. You must make up your own mind.

The premise of “reversing the process,” is that we tend to get so caught up in our efforts to excel, we often fall into the trap of redundant self-torture. I think we learned this by watching coaches. After all, they are much more addicted to self-torture than are we.

What happens after teams/coaches battle to the end of a successful season? In the name of greater excellence/achievement, they voluntarily enter an extended battle. It’s called the playoffs. After many weeks of high-level stress, anxiety, injuries, and sleepless nights, the teams who win the most games…play more games.

I understand the importance of championships. I get that. Yes, an elevation of excellence can be achieved with competition against stronger teams. But here is where the theory on excellence begins to unravel a bit. The successful teams/coaches have already made their point. They are good. They know what they are doing. They have prevailed through much sacrifice and suffering.

On the other hand, what becomes of the teams/coaches who did not win much… if at all. They have proven that they did not measure up to the high standards of “preparation for victory.” Their reward is that they get to stop. They are given relief from the work, stress, and physical exhaustion of additional games.

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Those, who did not win during the season, get to sit back. They watch the playoffs from the comfort of the stands. When those “successful teams/ coaches” get beaten in a playoff game, the unsuccessful coaches get to criticize the “playoff” coaches. Wait a minute. This is silly. There is something educationally unsound about all of this. (By the way, all playoff teams, except for one, will end their season with a heart-breaking loss. That seems like an unjust conclusion.)

When students fail academically, they must endure remediation, go to summer school, or retake the course. But when teams fail athletically…well, they just fail. Take some time off. Better luck next year.

Maybe the teams that don’t do well during the regular season, should have to go into the “remediation playoffs.” After all, they are the ones who need the extra practice and extra games. They need additional chances to get better.

Now that, is educationally sound.

In the “remediation playoffs,” each team must keep playing games until they win. Then, they are out of the playoffs. Mathematically, only one team will be left at the end…the team that could not win a single game in the remedial playoffs. That team must practice another week and conclude their season with an inter-squad scrimmage…but not in the Superdome. (In the remediation playoffs, all but that one final team will end their season with a win!)

I am not making fun of my coaching buddies…well, maybe a little. Before we chuckle too much, we music directors need to look at ourselves. If our ensembles do well at a festival, we are highly likely to sign up for another festival in the name of greater excellence/achievement. Those who did not do well, are not likely to sign up for any additional adjudicated events…even if they are eligible.

Successful ensembles and directors explain that the experience and comments from judges in repeated festivals, enables greater growth. OK. I agree. But don’t you think those who were not successful at a festival, are most in need of additional practice, performance, and adjudication?

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Maybe we should offer additional opportunities for ensembles, that did not do well in their initial adjudication. Maybe the directors of successful groups should lend a hand. Maybe we should facilitate sending directors, who were successful at district festival, to be clinicians for ensembles at the schools, who were not successful at district festival. Perhaps, these ensembles could then demonstrate improvement, through one final performance of the festival literature.

Am I just pulling your leg?

( The premise of “reversing the process,” is that we tend to get so caught up in our efforts to excel, we often fall into the trap of redundant self-torture. I think we learned this by watching coaches.

After all, they are much more addicted to self-torture than are we.

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J I G SAW November 1998 I have never liked putting jigsaw puzzles together. Don’t see the point in it.

Why put in all those hours, just to end up with a picture that is already on the box cover. At age six, I decided this was a waste of my time. Besides, it’s frustrating. Every piece is different. That upsets my obsessive/compulsive nature. There needs to be order in my universe. I can’t find it in jigsaw puzzles.

Nevertheless, for each of the past eleven years, I have found myself wrestling with a massive puzzle. Hours, days, weeks, and months go by. One piece at a time…every piece different…a thousand little pieces…and very few of the pieces are in the box when I begin each summer. Some pieces disappear. New ones appear at the strangest times. Other pieces change shape/size/texture at a moment’s notice. Some single pieces turn into multiple pieces. Others, merge into one.

To make it more challenging (frustrating), there is a time limit…another deadline in a life that is saturated with deadlines. For months, pieces are put in my hand, delivered by mail, and sent by fax. Some arrive by email. Others, are called in by phone. And yes, some are literally left on my doorstep. By the way, the pieces don’t all arrive by the magical deadline.

The puzzle of which I speak, is the annual LMEA Music Conference. Many years ago, I was talked into “helping-out” by President, James Earl Alexander.

I’m the one who has been looking for help ever since. James Earl is still chuckling in his sleep. I find no humor in the situation.

This annual WWF-match that forces me to wrestle all the clinics, rehearsals, meetings, luncheons, sessions, receptions, presentations, and performances into a coherent event, doesn’t seem that difficult on the surface. James Earl said all it would take was a “chalkboard and an hour of my time.”

Take it from a conference-ravaged veteran, the image is nothing at all like the reality. Whether you are dealing with personalities, egos, logistics, equipment, 23

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hotel staff, timetables, the U. S. postal service, the print shop, or membership requests, the overriding challenge is to get all the pieces to fit together at the right time/place, to attain the maximum benefit with minimum confusion.

One of the problems with this puzzle, is that most pieces of the puzzle are human (or controlled by humans). We all know how difficult humans can be.

For some reason, humans think that their piece of the puzzle takes priority over all other pieces of the puzzle.

Call it human nature. After all, there is a lot of self-image/self-worth at stake.

Humans (young and old) are mobile, free-thinking creatures. Assigning each to a specific time and place, along with certain restrictions and guidelines… well that’s just not a natural condition for human beings.

Another unique quality of this puzzle, is that it isn’t so much put-together, as it is managed during its evolution. Conferences are not created. They evolve and develop their own personality. But like a growing child, they need a firm, loving hand to guide, encourage, reprimand, and praise.

Our annual conference (my annual puzzle) has grown into a marvelous event.

It’s still growing. Yes, there will continue to be growing pains. But unlike the puzzle I didn’t finish when I was six, this puzzle is worth the effort. It is more than just a pretty picture. It is an accomplishment that touches hundreds of lives directly, and thousands indirectly.

It is an experience that impacts students, parents, educators, and innocent hotel employees. It makes LMEA stronger each year. It makes me older each year.

See you there.

(

One of the problems with this puzzle, is that most pieces of the puzzle are human (or controlled by humans). We all know how difficult humans can be. For some reason, humans think that their piece of the puzzle takes priority over all other pieces of the puzzle.

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T H RE E C L I CH É S September 1999 Good things come in threes. Hey, we have all had some days (weeks), when we’d settle for just one good thing to come along. Anyway, I’d like to start your school year with a brief look at several clichés. Hopefully, something good will come of it.

An honest day’s work, for an honest day’s pay.

I love the joke on “productivity,” in which the communist worker says, “They pretend to pay us. We pretend to work.”

Pay in education is not a laughing matter. We would like to be paid better. But we recognize the unfortunate truth. Regardless of who oversees the financial faucet, educators will never be paid what they are worth…at least not in a financial way.

Personally, I was well-prepared for life as an educator. My father owned and operated a training stable. He believed in an honest day’s labor from his sons.

Pay was never the issue. There wasn’t any. Hard work was the norm. A roof over our heads, clothes on our back, food on the table, and a good family life was the reward. Worked out well for all of us.

In my Dad’s view, an honest day’s work only had meaning, if it was directed at worthwhile goals. It had nothing to do with money. He once told me the most difficult part of his day was being sure that each of the four boys wasn’t just busy…but that we were busy doing something useful, productive, and worthwhile. If you can keep each of your students busy in that way, then you are indeed a first-rate educator.

Keep your head in the clouds. But keep your feet on the ground.

“The head in the clouds” part is easy. We all dream. We all imagine that our students will listen to what we say and follow our instructions with enthusiasm 25

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and exactitude. They will be self-motivated. They will come to us each day, with both the desire to learn and the discipline to do what we ask.

OK. That is not reality. Still, dreaming about how you would “like things to be” is fine. As a matter of fact, if it weren’t for our imagination, we’d still be living in caves and grunting to communicate. Dreams are a vital part of the growing process. Our lifelong goals are usually born, nurtured, and developed in our fantasy world, before they take root in our real world.

The “feet on the ground” part of the formula, is what challenges us. You must live in the real world. You must find ways to connect the “worthwhile goals” you desire, to “teaching methods” that work.

All of this, must be tied to values…the values you and your student hold.

That’s tricky. Your values may differ from your students. And the values amongst them will vary greatly as well.

You must get to know your students, just as they must get to know you. Only when you understand what they value, can you hope to motivate them…to reach for the goals, you’ve established for them. They must get to know you.

Only then, can they trust that your values center on giving them, what is in their best interest.

Offense builds enthusiasm. Defense wins championships.

In life, we tend to admire and desire those things that are appealing. Different things appeal to different people in different ways. But all of us find certain aspects of life inspiring. We like to put points on the scoreboard…put trophies on the shelf. The universal desire for love, esteem, respect, recognition, reward, fame, fortune, and/or glory feeds our emotional being. These things motivate us and drive us.

But there are things in life, not near as appealing. Yet, these unappealing things, play a vital role in the achievement of that which we desire. It is like learning how to play hard-nose defense. Hard-nose defense, involves such things as discipline, commitment, fundamentals, routine, long hours, repetitive drill, planning, innovation, growth, patience, sweat, pain, consistency, revision, 26

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learning from mistakes, adapting to unexpected change, and coping with unattractive circumstances.

Both the appealing and unappealing things in our life are needed in building the road to success. The beautiful castles of learning can be found along this road.

Disclaimer: If all you do is build a road, you won’t have much of a life.

You must also spend time enjoying the successful moments. You must let your students reap their reward. You must allow them to celebrate the goals achieved together. Don’t just build the road. Make sure it is going somewhere worthwhile…and enjoy the trip.

( Personally, I was well-prepared for life as an educator.

My father owned and operated a training stable. He believed in an honest day’s labor from his sons. Pay was never the issue.

There wasn’t any. Hard work was the norm. A roof over our heads, clothes on our back, food on the table, and a good family life was the reward. Worked out well for all of us.

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N EXT ST E P February 2000 Yes, the most essential part of a long journey is the “first step.” Without it, the journey just doesn’t happen.

But most of us have long since taken that first step. Most of us have been walking, running, crawling, marching, and/or stumbling down our own path, towards some goal for quite a while.

What I’d like to talk about is the “next step.” The step that takes us towards a new goal…beyond our original intent…the goal we couldn’t see when we started. But now stares us in the face.

Life is simple. Life isn’t simple. We all start out in our personal/professional lives with some general outcome in mind. Yet, somewhere along the way, we realize there has got to be more than just this goal.

Why do we all seem to encounter this realization later in life? Perhaps, it’s the changes that take place in our world. Perhaps, it’s changes in our own selves.

And then again, it might be less of a change, than a discovery of who we really are…and what is most important to us.

Reaching for a new goal means taking the “next step.” It could be large or small. It might call for a change of school or home or city or career or lifestyle.

Regardless, at least one of three obstacles will stand in your way. These are the three most common of human obstacles: uncertainty, apathy, and fear.

Uncertainty: You know you need to make a change. But you just don’t know what to do. If uncertainty is your obstacle, just do something…anything. Get moving. Act. Gain momentum. At some point, the way will become clear.

Apathy: You know you need to make a change. But you have lost your inspiration/motivation. If apathy is the obstacle, you need to revisit your roots.

The source of your original inspiration in life will likely be a strong supporter of any step forward…even if that step is in a new direction.

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Fear: You know you need to make a change. But you are afraid you will lose something in the process. If fear is your obstacle, then use the strong emotion that fear creates, as a springboard towards action. Fear and courage are twins who go through life side by side.

Oh, by the way, recognizing the “next step” that needs to be taken, will often involve reaching deeper within, rather than searching for something that is far away.

( Life is simple. Life isn’t simple. We all start out in our personal/ professional lives with some general outcome in mind. Yet, somewhere along the way, we realize there has got to be more than just this goal.

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T H E M AGN I F I C E N T SE V E N September 2000 “The Magnificent Seven” is a great movie, a classic American western. I’m sure most, if not all of you, have seen it. If you have not, there is a cultural void in your life. The story is taken from “The Seven Samurai.” The plot is universal. The basic premise is relevant to educators. Allow me to superimpose the movie plot over our daily lives.

We are the chosen few…perhaps, by destiny…perhaps, by our own choice. As in the movie, we are a small but diverse group, who have one unique skill in common. Our common skill happens to be teaching.

We find ourselves being called to duty by a group of despondent villagers (parents), who are seeking to employ us with high expectations, against huge odds, at low wages, and with little help.

Each of us has a reason for accepting the job. We are individualists, bonded together by circumstances. At times, we are haunted with uncertainty concerning our calling.

There are those who label us as mercenaries (because we ask for money). Some label us as misfits (can’t do, so they teach). Others see us as misunderstood heroes. Our friends, often see us as misguided. Just like in the movie.

Despite our own misgivings, the modest pay, and the seemingly overwhelming odds, we take the job. The job turns out to be even more difficult than we imagined. Oh, we are tempted (higher paying careers) to abandon our posts.

Yes, some do…but most of us stay.

Those of us who remain in teaching, set aside other options, and just do the job. Is it because of some noble element in our character? Is it because of a sense of loyalty to our community? Or is it just because we are hard-headed?

Who knows.

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Like the “The Magnificent Seven,” we endure. We achieve. Just as in the movie, some of us will survive, then star in the sequel. Some of us will die with our boots on and our pockets empty. Regardless of our fate, we will be filled with a sense of inner peace for having answered the call, when times were tough. For when times are tough, the true measure of a person is taken.

Yes, we are heroes.

( We are the chosen few…perhaps, by destiny…perhaps, by our own choice. As in the movie, we are a small but diverse group, who have one unique skill in common.

Our common skill happens to be teaching.

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RA D I O November 2000 Two days ago, I was driving down the interstate towards a small high school. I was on my way to assist, in an early-morning marching band rehearsal. It was 5:30 a.m. and there were tears rolling down my cheeks. They were not tears of pain. They were not tears of joy. Rather, it was a heavy dose of reality, that came to visit from the past.

There was a song playing on the car radio. The sound was thin…coming from a distant station. There was an equal amount of static to music. But the song was extraordinarily rich and clear in my heart. Some 36 years before, I had first heard the song on a cheap transistor radio. I’ve heard it countless times since then. But that very first time, the music grabbed me. I can honestly say, it changed my life.

The song was “I Want To Hold Your Hand.” I guess it would be more poetic to say that some great symphony, or an aria from an opera, had been the defining moment in my musical life. But that’s just not the way it happened. It was a simple song performed by four simple lads from Liverpool.

It did not inspire me to become a pop music star. The song did not alter my teenage aspirations. But the song did help me understand, how important music was in my soul.

Recently, I have spent a lot of time trying to convince educational leaders how important music is. Too often, I find myself pointing out how students involved in music, have higher scores on math and science tests. To be perfectly honest, I don’t care that music helps them do better in other academic subjects.

What I really believe, is that music has its own value, independent of standardized test scores. Music doesn’t just add to life. It is a part of life. It is a vital element in making life whole and meaningful. But the people, who make the big decisions in education, don’t really want to hear that.

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So, I’ll continue to argue the case for music in academic terms. Regardless, I know the truth. The truth is that the more musical experiences we can share with students, the better the world will be. The richer, the lives of the students will be. And one day, a simple song will bring tears to their eyes.

( What I really believe, is that music has its own value, independent of standardized test scores. Music doesn’t just add to life. It is a part of life. It is a vital element in making life whole and meaningful. But the people, who make the big decisions in education, don’t really want to hear that.

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W H AT W E DW E L L U P O N September 2001 During a crucial World War II battle, a commander found his troops surrounded and greatly outnumbered. He remarked to a journalist that this was a great situation. The baffled journalist asked how that could be. The commander responded that the enemy were so numerous and so close to his position, that even the worst of his marksmen were bound to hit something.

You are, that which you dwell upon. Your mind is the most powerful force in your life. I am not just talking about the amazing mental power to imagine or to visualize. I am also referring to the ability to focus.

Each of us has the power to focus our mind on certain thoughts. Those thoughts, can dominate our moods, influence our actions, and define our lives.

The power of the mind is extraordinary. Remarkable things can happen to the body because of mental focus.

I’m not making the argument that a positive frame of mind can cure the body of disease, or completely block out physical pain. Nor am I saying that an optimistic attitude can eliminate depression, or failure, from the human condition.

What I am saying, is that much of our daily lives are reflections of our mental focus. You can choose to be unhappy. You can decide to be negative. You can fill your life with an emotional poison, by focusing on unproductive thoughts.

Likewise, you can elevate yourself above the common human circumstances of turmoil, disappointment, and emotional pain.

Think about what happened today. Maybe the car didn’t start. Maybe the plumbing backed up. Perhaps, the car not starting, kept you off the road and out of a disabling accident. Better to have the plumbing back up, than to have the main underground water pipe break.

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If you put your mental focus on the good, instead of dwelling on problems, or fretting over things that didn’t get done, you just might be a happier person.

That happier person will be ready to face the challenges each new day brings.

Before you go to sleep, think of the positive ways you impacted your students.

Don’t lay awake, dwelling on things that did not turn out as planned.

Each morning, put focus on what you need to do. The “to do” list, you generate in your mind each day, is not a burden. It is a pathway. See each day as an opportunity to accomplish good things.

( Each of us has the power to focus our mind on certain thoughts.

Those thoughts, can dominate our moods, influence our actions, and define our lives. The power of the mind is extraordinary. Remarkable things can happen to the body because of mental focus.

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F I GH T T H E G O O D F I GH T February 2001 As an avid student of history, I would like to share a short story with you.

Think of it as a dose of perspective.

Fifty years ago, there was a small American combat unit, cut off from its own lines and defending the snowy top of a nameless hill in Korea. Approximately 100 soldiers were dug in. They were facing terrible odds. A full Chinese regiment, numbering over 1000 men, were attacking from all sides.

The American commander had called for “air support,” but was told the U. S. fighter planes could not take off, due to the weather conditions.

Then he called for “artillery support.” He was told, there were only a handful of howitzers close enough to help. As luck would have it, more American artillery shells fell on his position, than on the enemy.

Running low on ammunition and suffering high casualties, the Americans fought on through the day. Before the sun went down, it appeared that things just couldn’t get any worse. At that point, an observer spotted a group of Chinese tanks arriving at the base of the hill.

Though the tanks were unable to advance up the jagged and rocky surface of the hill, they could fire high explosive shells on the American position. Once again, the commander called for support. But the American artillery continued to be off target and ineffective.

With night falling and the enemy infantry prepared for a night assault, it surely couldn’t get any worse. The blizzard struck quickly. Visibility was mostly gone.

But the Americans didn’t need to see, to know what was coming. The eerie sound of 50 Chinese bugles announced the enemy’s intention to attack. The

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order from American high command remained unchanged. position.”

“Hold your

Through the course of the frigid night, the fighting was fierce and primal.

Many of the guns froze. The Americans ran out of ammunition. Fighting became hand-to-hand…with bayonets and rocks as the primary weapons.

Fewer than a dozen American soldiers remained unwounded. The commander was killed. His executive officer took command…and was killed. Eventually, there was no real commander…just a handful of exhausted and bloody men “holding on” to a nameless hill in a far-off country.

As the sun rose, the snowing stopped. There was just enough light to see. What they saw at the foot of the hill, were fresh Chinese troops massing for another assault. The few Americans remaining in fighting condition, ran among the dead Chinese bodies atop the hill, and gathered the enemy’s weapons and ammunition.

They braced themselves for one final stand. Facing certain death, they silently resolved to die doing their job…to hold that nameless hill.

Moments after the assault began, with the front ranks of the Chinese closing in, a flight of American planes roared down on top of the attacking Chinese and released bombs. They circled and machine-gunned the attackers time and again.

In the distance came the rumbling of tanks…American tanks. The Chinese assault fell apart and turned into a chaotic retreat down the hill, and then across the ice-covered valley below.

As fresh American troops arrived atop the hill, they were appalled at the number of bodies of both American and Chinese soldiers, frozen dead in the snow. With total amazement, one of the American reinforcement soldiers looked down on one of the fatally wounded defenders.

With his last breath, the dying soldier said, “It’s been a long night. I think I’ll take a rest now.”

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Help did arrive. Just in time for a few. Too late for most.

What is the level of commitment in your daily battles? How determined are you to hold the hill?

( Running low on ammunition and suffering high casualties, the Americans fought on through the day. Before the sun went down, it appeared that things just couldn’t get any worse.

At that point, an observer spotted a group of Chinese tanks arriving at the base of the hill.

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SI M P L E FO RM U L A November 2001 The administrative world, in which I currently live, is filled with meetings.

Most of the time, these meetings are bland and bureaucratic. But every so often, something is said, that has a significant impact on my thinking.

Just recently, in the middle of a long day, a consultant made a short closing to a 15-minute presentation. The presentation was good, concise, and informative.

The closing was profound.

I had heard what she said in previous presentations. But for some reason, the words registered more deeply that day than in the past.

“Vision is knowing where to go. Wisdom is knowing how to get there. Skill is having the ability to do it. Virtue is doing it.” There you go. It is not a secret.

Fall short in any of those areas, and you will likely fall short in achieving your goals.

I have encountered an untold number of experts. I’ve read countless books. I have no idea how many clinics, seminars, lectures, classes, and presentations I’ve attended over the years. But in the pursuit of excellence, those four sentences come as close to defining the process as anything I have ever heard, read, or seen. It is a simple formula.

Vision, wisdom, skill, and virtue. Go forth and succeed.

(

“Vision is knowing where to go. Wisdom is knowing how to get there.

Skill is having the ability to do it. Virtue is doing it.” There you go.

It is not a secret. Fall short in any of those areas, and you will likely fall short in achieving your goals.

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FA L L I N G A PA RT February 2002 I think my body is falling apart. My father warned me this would happen one day. I’m 51 years old. It’s begun. My older colleagues are now chuckling… “just wait,” they say.

Today, I have at least three physical problems giving me constant ache. But duty calls. It’s going to be a long day. At this stage of the game, if I let a few of life’s nagging hurts stop me, then I’ll never get anything done.

I have also learned that it does no good to chronicle my minor aches and pains with my family, my doctor, or anyone else for that matter. Everybody has their own concerns. Even the most caring will have just a word or two of comfort, then go about their merry way. Take two aspirin and quit griping.

I keep telling myself, this is good training for my “old age.” As I write this, a little voice reasons, “maybe you are already in your old age.” No way. I am young and virile…everything is fine…except that my body is falling apart.

So, what’s my point? I have several. The first is that life goes on. Feeling sorry for yourself only makes you feel sorry. That’s a no-value situation. Granted, it’s hard to be chipper when you’re in pain. But you don’t have to be chipper to be productive. We all must work through tough times. It’s part of the game.

My second point is that we must avoid being hard-headed. We must not neglect our health or refuse to take care of ourselves. There are some things you shouldn’t try to work through. Live to fight another day. There are times when you simply must stop and give your body a reasonable chance to recover.

The final point is that we are all human. Which means, we are all subject to mortality and imperfection. Yet, good things happen when we work steadily every day that we can. Sickness, injury, and wearing-out are all factors that get in the way at times. Accept it and move on.

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Please take care of yourself. Take care of your responsibilities. In the end, there can be balance and reward.

( I have learned that it does no good to chronicle my minor aches and pains with my family, my doctor, or anyone else for that matter.

Everybody has their own concerns. Even the most caring will have just a word or two of comfort, then go about their merry way.

Take two aspirin and quit griping.

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T W E N T Y - T WO QU E ST I O N S February 2003 These are the twenty-two questions, that every successful music teacher should strive to answer each year.

1. Have I examined the calendar for important dates and deadlines?

2. Have I done the paperwork needed to meet those deadlines? _______________________________________________________________ 3. Have I set appropriate goals/objectives for myself?

4. Have I set appropriate goals/objectives for my students?

5. Have I set appropriate goals/objectives for my parents/boosters?

6. Have I effectively communicated these goals/objectives? _______________________________________________________________ 7. Have I set appropriate standards for myself?

8. Have I set appropriate standards for my students?

9. Have I set appropriate standards for my parents/boosters?

10. Have I effectively communicated these standards? _______________________________________________________________ 11. Have I selected music for festival/assessments/concerts/events?

12. Is the selected music appropriate for each performance?

13. Does the music demonstrate educational and musical value?

14. Is the music diverse, challenging, and achievable by my students,

up to an established standard, within the time we have for preparation? _______________________________________________________________ 15. Have I planned my long-term rehearsal schedule, taking into

consideration all the days we might not be able to rehearse?

16. Are my rehearsals effective?

17. Have I done all the logistical planning needed for performances,

rehearsals, trips, and events?

18. Have I done all I need to do in fundraising, budgeting, and money management? _______________________________________________________________

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19. What am I doing to improve myself?

20. What am I doing to improve my students? _______________________________________________________________ 21. What am I doing to increase the support for my program within my school?

22. What am I doing to increase the support for my program with the community?

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OV E RW H E L M E D February 2004 Do you ever feel overwhelmed? Life can do that to you. Doesn’t matter who you are. Doesn’t matter what your job is. Doesn’t matter if you have a family to care for or not. Sometimes, life just takes over. Each of life’s demands can seem like a rope tied to your body. Each demand pulls you in the direction it wants you to go. Lots of demands equate to lots of ropes, pulling you in many different directions, all at once.

Nothing you can do, to completely avoid this. It’s life. Most of us just fight though it as best we can. But every now and then, you may experience paralysis. You may feel pulled in so many directions, that you seem stuck in one place. Internally, you may sense that you are not adequately addressing anything. You may attempt to sort things out and create a “to do” list. Often, that works. Sometimes, that doesn’t work. Your mental checklist may get overly cluttered. Or your mind points in one direction, while your heart points in another.

What to do? What to do first? What to do next? This gets worse, when “high priority demands” are engaging you in time-consuming actions. It then seems, as if everything else is getting neglected, or totally avoided. You begin to feel inadequate. You begin to feel incompetent. You begin to feel at odds with your loved ones, peers, boss, and even yourself. So, what can you do?

First, get moving. Paralysis is the enemy. Nothing will get done if you don’t act. Just do something…even if is not the highest priority on your list. Taking action will give you some momentum.

Next, don’t be afraid to let your loved ones know what is going on. Don’t be afraid to let your peers/boss know what is going on. Occasionally, people who care about you (or rely on you) make unnecessary or unreasonable demands.

Sometimes, it’s just because they don’t see all you may be facing. Sometimes, it’s because they are feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes, it’s because they are too dependent upon you. It is better to let someone know that their demand 44

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must wait. It may disappoint them. But better that, than for you, and them, to fret and worry over something you can’t get to right away.

Next, you must come to realize that there is a difference between “working at your job” and “your job working at you.” Highly effective people see their jobs as important and worthwhile. But these people also refuse to let their jobs become “time vampires.” Time vampires draw-out all your life’s blood, leaving you weak and unable to enjoy your life.

You should also recognize that family, friends, and loved ones can become too dependent on you, to do too many things for them. You always want to give and show your love. But sometimes, they must show their love by letting you depend on them. Achieving balance is especially important in life. Know when to say when. If you can do that, then you will untie some of the ropes pulling you in different directions.

( You may feel pulled in so many directions, that you seem stuck in one place. Internally, you may sense that you are not adequately addressing anything. You may attempt to sort things out and create a “to do” list. Often, that works. Sometimes, that doesn’t work. Your mental checklist may get overly cluttered. Or your mind points in one direction, while your heart points in another.

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WHINE September 2004 To whine, or not to whine? That is the question. I’ve encountered many different personalities. There are some chronic complainers out there. For the most part, I’ve learned to just accept people for who they are.

Although it is grinding at times, to listen to someone who constantly complains, it is not something about which I try to be judgmental. Because the bottom line for me is what people do…not what they say.

As a matter of fact, there are some whiners who do great work and are extremely productive. The verbal complaining is a part of their lifestyle, or an extension of some personality trait. We all have our idiosyncrasies. I can tolerate a lot when it comes to productive, hardworking, and effective professionals.

The glass is half full. The glass is half empty. We all go through tough times.

Even the most optimistic people can get down and depressed. But I also encounter people who are always down. They don’t necessarily complain all the time, but they do revel in their pessimistic view of life.

I go back to the rule of thumb: doesn’t matter so long as they are productive, hardworking, and effective professionals.

Some people think that their house looks better, if they burn down their neighbor’s house. Now this is the most difficult one for me. Every one of us has encountered at least one person, who thinks the only way to look good is to make others look bad. For me, this is the most difficult trait to tolerate.

Yet I keep reminding myself about that rule of thumb.

Life is 10% where you’ve been, 10% where you are going, and 80% where you are. It’s about what you do. It’s mostly about what you are doing right now.

Only the present can make a difference. The past and future have a place in

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clarifying who you are. The past and future help to define your foundation and your dreams.

But what you do in the present, determines if you are truly a productive, hardworking, and effective professional.

( As a matter of fact, there are some whiners who do great work and are extremely productive. The verbal complaining is a part of their lifestyle, or an extension of some personality trait. We all have our idiosyncrasies. I can tolerate a lot when it comes to productive, hardworking, and effective professionals.

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W H Y … H OW … D O November 2004 Why do we do it? Why do we care so much? Why do we endure so much?

Why? Each of us would answer these questions differently. Most of us would answer each question somewhat differently today, than we did yesterday.

Tomorrow, our answers might change again.

But perhaps, “why” is not the key word in our day-to-day work. Perhaps, the critical word is “how.” How do I get it all done in one class period…one day…one week…one year? How can I turn this around? How can I make it better? How can I put up with one more day of this?

Over the course of time, these questions, while ever present, do not define us. We are defined by what we “do.” Do what is right. Do what must be done. Do the most important things regularly. Do what we can, regardless of circumstances, frustrations, obstacles, criticisms, and doubts.

Ultimately, we become successful in our vocation in the same way we become successful in life…by being people of action…by being driven to excel…by working through problems, mistakes, and tough times. God bless you, one and all.

( We are defined by what we “do.” Do what is right.

Do what must be done. Do the most important things regularly.

Do what we can, regardless of circumstances, frustrations, obstacles, criticisms, and doubts.

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SE E K A DV I C E February 2005 Asking for help is NOT a sign of weakness. It is an indicator of security. A truly self-assured person has no problem asking for help. It is the insecure person, who is afraid to seek outside counsel and assistance.

The most successful and high-performing people in our business, constantly seek out guidance, input, critical comments, and new ideas. Compliments and praise from others do play an important role in developing self-esteem. But achievement and progress are more intricately linked to constructive criticism, experimentation, and evaluation.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was: “You can learn something from everyone in the business.” Even those whom you view as “less successful,” may have something they do better than you. You can also benefit from recognizing the mistakes that others make. You can learn from what others do right, and from what they do wrong.

The best way to develop as a professional, is to seek out those who have achieved success over extended periods of time. Veteran teachers, who have sustained success, can give you more than advice. They have wisdom to share.

If you are afraid to have someone critique you, then you are putting a glass ceiling in place. Get past your insecurity, accept constructive criticism, and act on it. You can remove the ceiling. Act now! Asking for help when it is too late, is the same as ignoring advice altogether.

If you are so egotistical, that you don’t believe you could possibly benefit from anyone critiquing you or your work, then it’s doubtful you’ve even read this far. But the concept applies to all. No matter how good you may be, there exists a glass ceiling of your own creation…unless you seek advice.

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( One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was: “You can learn something from everyone in the business.”

Even those whom you view as “less successful,” may have something they do better than you.

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F L EXI B I L I T Y February 2006 Flexibility can be a natural characteristic. It can also be a learned response.

Some people just “go with the flow” all the time, while others really must work at deviating from the norm.

For me, flexibility has been more learned than natural. While I often joke about having an obsessive-compulsive disorder, there is more than a grain of truth in my humor. I really like having a routine. Stability, consistency, and predictability please me.

Yet, a change in routine doesn’t bother me, so long as it is necessary, orderly, and well-managed. It is disorganization, chaos, and confusion that bug me.

Most of us don’t mind adjusting when needed. But I must see the need…or my instincts rebel.

This year, it would have been easy to just give up on many of the LMEA activities and events. It would have been easy to say, that because things will be different from the past, then we shouldn’t do them at all.

The hurricanes could have been an excuse. Instead, they became a challenge.

Every time a solution appeared, there was another problem/issue/conflict that got in the way. Every time a problem/issue/conflict got in the way; we found another solution. It has taken a great deal of flexibility on everyone’s part.

When this school year is finished, we will be able to look back proudly on what we have done. It may not have been perfect. It may not have been comfortable. It may not have been easy. But everyone demonstrated the flexibility necessary to get it done.

Music education was alive and well in Louisiana before the hurricanes. It’s doing well today. All of us can take some credit. All of us were willing to give a little.

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( Flexibility can be a natural characteristic. It can also be a learned response. Some people just “go with the flow” all the time, while others really must work at deviating from the norm.

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CH A N GE A N D CO N SI ST E N CY September 2005 During professional development activities, you will be assaulted with the “c” word. “Change” is a powerful buzz word. If a clinician or speaker doesn’t use the “c” word during their presentation, he/she is probably an alien from another planet. Seek immediate shelter.

I often find myself irritated with the “c” word. The irritation, is not so much that I’m opposed to change. What bothers me is that the “c” word is blatantly used to justify every new idea/product/program/process that gets presented.

If you are proposing/selling a new idea/product/program/process, it should stand on its own merit. If it is different, or new, it should not automatically be awarded any special status. If the “c” word, is the hook you use to get my interest in something new, you are going to be disappointed with my reaction.

By the way, telling me that “change” is needed to stay “up-to-date” has no meaning to me. Telling me that someone has “moved my cheese” also insults my intelligence. For all you know, I may be more progressive than you. Don’t assume an attitude of superiority with me because you’ve got a new toy. Just for the record, I don’t like cheese.

To all who seek continual growth and improvement, let me remind you that “improvement” is not synonymous with “change.” Improvement is about getting better results. Change is about a variation in the process. Variations have the potential to raise, lower, or stagnate outcomes. Change does not insure improvement. Perhaps the current process is very sound. Perhaps what is needed, is sufficient time and patience for the results to materialize…but then again, perhaps not.

Showing me something that is a “good” idea/product/program/process will get my attention. Showing me something that is a “better” idea/product/program/ process will hold my attention. Showing me something that has “proven” consistently to get better results will have me on the edge of my seat…tell me more!

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The “c” word, I wish was used more often, is “consistency.” When did consistency become a bad thing? I’m not talking about “stuck in a rut.” I am talking about a firm commitment to high standards and proven practices. It really doesn’t matter to me if it is an old way of doing things or a new way.

What matters to me, is that it will consistently get me the results I need.

I enjoy working with people who have a consistency in their demeanor, manner, and commitment. I also like working with people who constantly self-evaluate: (1) what they do, (2) how they do it, (3) the results they get, (4) and the adjustments that may be needed. It is so gratifying to work with people who listen objectively, think things through, and make informed decisions.

I am a strong believer in “adaptability,” “flexibility,” and “innovation.” I feel blessed when working with people who are constantly curious about what others do, and the results they get. I appreciate engaging with people who see the world developing around them. I am inspired by co-workers who look to the future and are willing to experiment. It keeps me young and open.

( By the way, telling me that “change” is needed to stay “up-to-date” has no meaning to me. Telling me that someone has “moved my cheese” also insults my intelligence. For all you know, I may be more progressive than you. Don’t assume an attitude of superiority with me because you’ve got a new toy. Just for the record, I don’t like cheese.

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T H E RA PY September 2006 Many of you have told me how much you enjoy the editorials, essays, and articles I’ve written over the years. Thank you for taking the time and effort to share that with me. My writing is good therapy. We all need therapy. I often feel I need it more than most.

I’m entering the 35th year of my career. I’ve gone through many stages. I used to think that the older I got; the easier things would become. Wrong. It has never been easy. It never will be. But I’ve made peace with that.

Even though I accept that life will never be easy, I still struggle with the fact that things get increasingly complex with each passing year. Life doesn’t just get harder; it becomes more complicated.

When I write, I seek simplicity…a simple message, a simple truth, or a simple hope. Never underestimate the value of child-like simplicity. It can be a great medication for your troubles. Simplicity is certainly therapeutic for me.

Do you really remember the little things that made you happy in your youth?

Do you still seek out those simple pleasures when life gets stormy? Do you realize that no matter what your age, you will always have that child inside?

As a child, I really enjoyed music. I didn’t stress out over it. I wasn’t concerned with teaching strategies or assessments or technology. I just loved music. I didn’t judge it. I sang, I played the piano, and I played on my trumpet. But most of all, I listened to music with my heart.

Back then, music was not a career or profession or vocation or business. Often it was just a static-filled sound coming through a transistor radio. But it was such a joy in my life.

When I played music, I was not seeking a trophy or medal or scholarship or grade or rating or pay-day. I was just being a child in love with sounds that made me happy or sad or inspired.

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To this very day, I can find the peace and joy of childhood during the most troubled of grown-up times. I just let go of all the adult prejudices and complications. I embrace music in the most simple and direct ways…listen with my heart and perform from the heart.

When it all seems too much to bear, just ask yourself what really made you happy as a child. Let go of the adult-world and make the inner-child happy for an hour. You will be amazed at how good it will make you feel.

( When I write, I seek simplicity…a simple message, a simple truth, or a simple hope. Never underestimate the value of child-like simplicity. It can be a great medication for your troubles.

Simplicity is certainly therapeutic for me.

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H OW G O O D D O YO U WA N T TO B E ?

November 2006 How good do you want to be? That is the question, I constantly ask myself. I am guilty of annoying my children with the question. Throughout my career, I’ve asked students, teachers, and administrators the same thing.

How good do you want to be? I get different answers to the question. Most people answer on the high end. “I want to be the best.” “I want to be great.” “I try to get better every single day.” “I want to be as good as I possibly can be.”

Over the years, others have surprised me with their response. Sometimes, the answers have been disappointing. “I want to be good enough.” “I’m just trying to get by for now.” “It really doesn’t matter to me.” “I used to care about that.” “It’s just about survival at this point.”

If you are not concerned with being the best you can be, you can stop reading at this point. But if you really want to be great, I suggest you continue.

How good do you want to be? The answer is never as important as the action that follows the answer. If you say you want to be great, you have taken the first step. Saying, can indicate positive intentions. But as always, actions speak louder than words.

How good do you want to be? It’s all in the follow through. You must do something if you want to get better at what you do. There isn’t any magic dust.

You don’t get better just because you have another day of experience. What are you doing to get better?

Getting better, requires more than work. Getting better, requires a special commitment. It almost always requires sacrifice. Getting better, will often involve taking a chance, accepting a challenge, or leaving your comfort zone.

Getting better, requires you to take advantage of opportunities when the opportunities present themselves. Opportunities often happen at inopportune times. Opportunity is knocking right now. “How good do you want to be?”

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( How good do you want to be? The answer is never as important as the action that follows the answer. If you say you want to be great, you have taken the first step. Saying, can indicate positive intentions.

But as always, actions speak louder than words.

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H A P P I N E SS February 2007 Finding joy in daily life, is not as easy as it sounds. Are you happy? Are you doing things each day that lead to happiness? As teachers, everything we do is magnified in the eyes of our students. If you aren’t happy, your students know it. A disposition soured by unhappiness, can eat away at your students as it eats away at your life.

I have every reason in the world to be happy. But there are many days when I just don’t feel that way. Too often, I tend to focus on professional problems, issues, deadlines, and conflicts. When I am at home, the duties and responsibilities of being a husband and father, further complicate what is already a hectic professional life.

I am basically an optimistic and self-assured person. Yet at times, all of us (me included) let the frustrations of life cover up our joy and happiness. You can live with it for a day or two. But when frustrations dominate your mind over an extended period, something is seriously wrong. You can fix it. Only you, can fix it.

You are what you dwell upon. If you constantly dwell on problems and conflict, you become conflicted and unhappy. If you dwell on your blessings, you will free your mind and soul.

I’m not talking about the “Pollyanna” approach. I am talking about taking on all of life’s demands, with a belief in yourself and your world. Deal with things. But don’t let “things” determine your frame of mind. Not everything will turn out the way you wish. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be happy.

Teach from the heart. Teach with joy. Find happiness in who you are and what you do. You deserve happiness.

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( You are what you dwell upon. If you constantly dwell on problems and conflict, you become conflicted and unhappy. If you dwell on your blessings, you will free your mind and soul.

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YO U R P L A N November 2007 Do you have a plan? I’m serious. Do you have a plan? Do not confuse a schedule with a plan. Schedules are fine. Schedules tell us where we should be, when we should be there, and in some cases, what we’ll attempt to do when we arrive at the appointed place.

Depending on your level of organizational skill, you might have all kinds of schedules that help keep you on-track. Of course, schedules can also send you scurrying in a multitude of directions with no real cohesive outcome or sense of accomplishment.

It’s O. K. for others to impose a schedule on you. Some bosses (or loved ones) (or secretaries) want to assign you a schedule. But your life and your career should have a plan that comes from you. The plan may include others. But the plan is driven by your beliefs.

Do you have plan? Have you ever really plotted out what you want to do with your career or your life? Have you ever put pen to paper? Do you just leave it to chance or circumstance? Do you have a routine, or pattern of activities, that you use as an excuse for a plan? Did you give up on planning…because your career, or life, hit a wall?

Enough with the questions already. Do something with your life. Do something with your career. Don’t rely on seemingly random acts committed by you, or by others, as some sort of excuse for a plan.

The best career plan I ever saw, was written on one side of a 4” by 6” index card. The only flaw in the plan, this businesswoman would admit to, was that she got the timetable wrong. It took her forty years instead of twenty.

Life kept happening along the way. The unexpected, kept getting in her way and pulling her in different directions. Yes, there were temptations to tear up the card. But she persevered in achieving all the huge items on her rather 61

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small list. The professional plan was incredibly challenging and rewarding, not because of the quantity of goals, but because of the quality of each specific goal.

On the flip side of the same index card were her life goals. She’s not done yet.

She intentionally listed two life goals for late in life. That, she said, would give her motivation in her retirement years. It would also give her a reason to take care of herself during the working years, so she would be healthy during the retirement years.

It’s never too early to begin a plan. It’s never too late to begin a plan. Just make it a worthwhile plan. Persevere.

( The best career plan I ever saw, was written on one side of a 4” by 6” index card. The only flaw in the plan, this businesswoman would admit to, was that she got the timetable wrong.

It took her forty years instead of twenty.

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CO N SI ST E N CY A N D I N N OVAT I O N November 2008 I always tell music teachers that being consistent is particularly important. I always tell music teachers to stay flexible and be willing to change.

Those two statements may appear contradictory. Musicians shouldn’t really have a problem with the concept.

Growing up, I listened to many recordings of Louis Armstrong. He was consistently good. He had a style and an approach that was predictable in many ways. But he never improvised on a tune the same way twice. He was one of the ultimate jazz explorers. He also consistently enforced a standard of excellence upon himself and the musicians that surrounded him. He not only helped popularize jazz…he helped re-invent jazz.

Consistency and innovation can walk hand in hand.

Why do orchestra conductors listen to the recordings of different performances of the same musical selection under the baton of different conductors? The answer is consistency and innovation. Interpretations vary. Both consistency and change are possible through study and understanding. Enlightened composers often remark that a conductor, while staying true to the written manuscript, may have elevated the original intent of their music through a new and inspired interpretation.

Our methods, our music, and our lives should embrace a comforting consistency. Yet we must never allow consistency to become stagnation. We must allow for change, innovation, and evolution. Personal growth is critical in the quest to become our best selves.

Which brings me to my central point. Let me switch hats from being an editor to being a conference chairman. For over 20 years, I have been committed to organizing and operating the annual State Music Conference. My life would be so much simpler if I weren’t involved. It would free up a great deal of my 63

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time. I could put my efforts into the other projects in my life, that are crying for attention.

Why do I do it? Here is why…because it makes a difference. Not just for the music teachers that attend, but also for the many students who are impacted by the teachers who attend. The Conference is not a cure-all. It is not the answer to all professional development dilemmas. But is an especially important part of the answer.

Our conference has consistently provided a multitude of top-flight clinics, memorable performances, and thought-provoking innovations. It has made a difference in music education in Louisiana.

The conference will be better if you are there. You will be better if you are there. Looking forward to seeing all of you.

( I always tell music teachers that being consistent is particularly important. I always tell music teachers to stay flexible and be willing to change. Those two statements may appear contradictory.

Musicians shouldn’t really have a problem with the concept.

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T H E B I G P I CT U RE February 2009 Over the years, I’ve noticed that successful music teachers can do two things consistently well: (1) They see the big picture. (2) They manage the day-today details well.

I’m sure you know people who do one of those two things well, but struggle with the other. They may be very hard working (and often sincere) people who just don’t find a high level of success, because they either can’t seem to see the big picture…or they can’t grasp the details necessary to make the big picture a reality. They are like the hamster on the wheel…lots of action, but little progress.

The big picture has a lot to do with understanding where you are going. Unless you have vision and understanding of what the larger outcome should be, you won’t have an outcome of high quality.

Likewise, if you can’t break down your vision into practical daily tasks, your vision will never become a reality. You’ll never achieve anything of great significance, because you don’t take all the little essential steps.

If you don’t know what a good choir, band, or orchestra sounds like, it’s highly doubtful you will ever be able to produce one. But knowing the sound, doesn’t guarantee the outcome you desire. Do you also know the 1001 little things that you must do to make that “sound” a reality?

As we approach adjudicated performances, many directors are frustrated by one of two things. They are confused as to what the final product should be…or…they just can’t seem to find all the right buttons to push. The details mystify or overwhelm them.

Can good directors see the big picture, manage the daily details well, and still be frustrated? Of course, it happens every day to one extent or another.

External circumstances and conflicts abound in our imperfect world.

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But effective directors will lock the big picture in their mind, while adjusting the management of details to their constantly evolving environment. They also persevere. The true measure of a director’s quality, is not revealed in convenient time capsules of one rehearsal, one day, one month or even one year. Achieving the big picture outcome, is a process without time constraints.

Embrace the big picture and be a master of the details.

( The big picture has a lot to do with understanding where you are going. Unless you have vision and understanding of what the larger outcome should be, you won’t have an outcome of high quality. Likewise, if you can’t break down your vision into practical daily tasks, your vision will never become a reality.

You’ll never achieve anything of great significance, because you don’t take all the little essential steps.

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I N SP I RE YO U RSE L F February 2011 Waiting for inspiration? Waiting for something, or someone, to motivate you?

Waiting for the world to make you happy? Waiting, waiting, waiting? Are you just waiting your life away?

Hey, grow up…get busy. No one has a responsibility to provide you with inspiration or motivation or happiness.

As an adult, these things must come from within. There are resources to help you. But your motor is only going to “rev up” to the extent you push down on your own accelerator.

Yes, you can find some people and things that are inspirational to you. You can also have a boss/spouse/friend who gets you moving by “cracking the whip.”

But you will not achieve anything remotely close to your potential, unless you are driven from within.

Evaluations, auditions, and adjudicated performances can start your adrenaline pumping and get you focused. But if that is what you need to make you fired up in the morning and get moving, something is wrong.

Likewise, motivational speakers can be useful. But when the motivation from the speaker is gone, what will take its place? Speakers can prime the pump.

But you’ve got to do your own pumping every single day.

Maintaining an inspirational attitude is one of best things you can do for yourself. You cannot be happy or productive with a lousy attitude.

What happens to you, is not always under your control. What happens around you, is not under your control. So, don’t always rely on getting motivation from external sources. External sources are not dependable or enduring.

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You are always with you. Depend on yourself for inspiration and motivation.

Inspire yourself to be happy and productive throughout your life.

Dream. Dream big. Nothing is as inspiring as “you getting in touch with you.”

Positive dreams, are cultivated by being in touch with what you really want.

If you can’t dream, you can’t be happy. If you don’t have a dream, you will never be consistently motivated.

By the way, failure is not a dream buster. Failure is a temporary condition.

With the right attitude, failure can be a building-block or a road-sign to success.

Failure is not a dead-end, unless you decide it is.

The environment around you will fluctuate. It will never be perfect. You don’t need a perfect environment to be inspired, motivated, or happy. All you need is you.

( Yes, you can find some people and things that are inspirational to you. You can also have a boss/spouse/friend who gets you moving by “cracking the whip.” But you will not achieve anything remotely close to your potential, unless you are driven from within.

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WIN February 2014 There are going to be unexpected ups and downs in your professional and personal life. It may happen today or tomorrow or next week. But it will happen. Life is a roller coaster, merry-go-round, house of horrors, and fun house all rolled into one.

Having a sense of who you are, and a vision of what you want to do, are good things. Being organized, learning from others, staying aware of what is happening around you, and developing a realistic plan of action are positives.

These, help bring some sense of order, productivity, and comfort to our daily lives.

But life is going to happen to you regardless of your vision or plans. There are going to be unpredicted twists and turns…monthly, weekly, daily, and hourly.

Some of what happens to you will be uplifting. Some…not so much. Ying and yang are guaranteed.

Likewise, things in life will sometimes just “gang up” on you. It can be good things, bad things, or a baffling mixture of both. At times, it’s more the effect of things “piling on,” than it is about things being good or bad.

When the severity (or sheer number) of things overwhelm your coping skills, stress and confusion will build within you.

Here is where I want to provide clarity.

Both “coping skills” and “survival skills” are essential. If you are going to experience any long-term success in life, you must develop and apply these skills. Patience, and being able to set aside worries/anxiety at the end of the day/week/month/year, are paramount in successfully navigating life.

Having said that, these useful skills can also inhibit us from fulfilling our full potential as professionals and people.

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At some point, you must reach beyond just coping and surviving in this crazy world. Coping and surviving may keep you in the game. But high standards, coupled with an unwavering determination to achieve, are what you need to win the game.

Sometimes, there is wisdom in punting. But at other times, you must go for it, even if the odds are stacked against you.

One of my favorite quotes is from U. S. Grant. In his memoir, he relates the specific moment he transformed from being an adequate general, into being a great general. It was the moment when he realized “that the enemy was as much afraid of him, as he was of the enemy.”

Don’t allow fear to paralyze you. Embrace life. Take it on. Challenge life as much as it challenges you. Don’t dread being surprised by life. Surprise life with how you respond.

( Both “coping skills” and “survival skills” are essential.

If you are going to experience any long-term success in life, you must develop and apply these skills. Patience, and being able to set aside worries at the end of the day, are paramount in successfully navigating life.

But at some point, you must reach beyond just coping and surviving in this crazy world. Coping and surviving may keep you in the game.

But high standards, coupled with an unwavering determination to achieve, are what you need to win the game.

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SU P E RP OW E R February 2012 When you were growing up, did you ever want a superpower? Still do? At this stage in your life, would you settle for just enough power to fulfill your responsibilities and duties? Do you think you are powerless at times? All the time?

For starters, don’t confuse authority with power. Many people are fooled by the illusion. Some of the least effective people you meet in life, have big titles with little impact on real-world outcomes.

Admittedly, some power can come from a position or a title. (You probably have a position and a title. If not, bestow one on yourself.)

Some power can come from an accumulation of money. (O.K. Your decision to become an educator likely cancelled that.)

Some power can also come from being the designated “decision maker” in an organization. (You easily make a hundred decisions every class period.)

But REAL power does not require any of the aforementioned things. REAL power is simple. REAL power is having the ability to influence people and outcomes. It is amazing how much influence one can have without formal authority or a large salary. (By the way, secretaries do rule the world, from a parallel universe.)

Power is influence. Most of the power to influence others, comes from within us. Regardless of position or title, real power is generated by belief in one’s self. We all know truly charismatic people (with little or no authority), who can influence others by simply walking in the room.

Clearly, your power to influence people and outcomes does not come from a lofty position or big title or sizable bank account. Rather, it comes from

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believing in you. That belief is reinforced as you accumulate knowledge, skill, expertise, experience, personal strength, and moral certainty.

All of this is fundamental to earning respect from colleagues and students.

Well-earned respect, makes us powerful far beyond any power derived from position or title.

Educators demonstrate real power by consistently harnessing the efforts of others (particularly their students) towards positive goals.

If you want to assert more of your “power” over your students, you might want to give the things listed below some thought.

We are greatly influenced by people who simply stand/walk with assertiveness and speak/act with decisiveness. Does this describe you?

We are greatly influenced by people who genuinely want to know what we think, want to know how we feel, and want to know what we value. Does this describe you?

We are greatly influenced by people who both “expect” and “give” respect consistently. Does this describe you?

The strange thing about “power” is that we all have it. Possession of power is more universal than we would like to admit. As educators, our “power” is probably greater than most realize.

Educators are blessed. We are in the unique position to influence the lives of our students in many ways. What we teach and how we teach, will impact our students, their life outcomes, and the future of our world, far beyond anything we can imagine.

Maybe the title you should bestow upon yourself is “Supreme World Changer.”

Well, maybe not. But there is some truth lurking in there.

I leave you with this thought. You have power over you. You have power over (1) what you do and don’t do, (2) think and don’t think, (3) read and don’t read, 72

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(4) say and don’t say, (5) believe and don’t believe, (6) teach and don’t teach.

Therein, is your superpower.

( Power is influence. Most of the power to influence others, comes from within us. Regardless of position or title, real power is generated by belief in one’s self. We all know truly charismatic people (with little or no authority), who can influence others by simply walking in the room.

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A DVO C ACY September 2014 As music educators, we often feel “left out” of the discussion about school improvement.

“Advocacy” is one way of trying to be certain, that music education is not diminished in the changing educational environment.

Advocacy is a good thing. It is important for us to promote the good things we do. But “advocacy” can also have a hollow ring if it just sounds like selfpromotion.

There is nothing fundamentally wrong with “tooting” one’s own horn. My wife works in advertising for the local TV station. She has spent a good part of her life convincing businesses to “toot” their own horns on TV. There are a couple of cardinal rules to advertising: (1) False advertising eventually backfires. Your product and/or services must be of the quality you claim. (2) If you focus on criticizing your competitor’s product/services, to make yourself look better, it will eventually ruin your reputation.

What am I getting at?

I’m an “old school” guy who embraces the “new world.” So, my approach to “advocacy” straddles values of the past and present. Here are a few tips from an old timer, in laying the foundation for today’s music education advocacy.

Don’t try to promote a bad product and/or service. In other words, the foundation of advocacy starts with doing your job well. Have high standards for yourself and your students. If you personally don’t do your job well, bragging about “how important music education is” will do harm rather than good.

Don’t try to make yourself look good by making others look bad. When you criticize others in the educational community to promote music education, 74

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you will do more harm than good. You will also make enemies, who will undermine your efforts when you least expect it.

Identify the bull’s eye of your target audience when advocating. When your students believe in you and what you are doing, then half the battle is already won. When their parents and community members believe in you, then your advocacy is multiplied. The people who attend our musical performances are there for a reason. Mobilize them to your cause.

Don’t treat administrators like the enemy. Having spent half of my 40+ years in education as a music educator, and the other half of my career as an administrator, I understand the pressures on both sides. No matter what, you must transform school administrators into your allies. The first step is to understand the pressures they feel, and the expectations placed on them. Find a way to help them meet their goals, as you educate them about your goals.

Be relentless and practical in your approach. It is easy to get discouraged when you feel there are forces at work bigger than you. You must never give up. But occasionally you must give in. Pick your battles well. Know what is most important for long-term success. Live to fight another day by avoiding battles that you won’t win. Adapt and adjust, while you persevere. Make strong allies of students, parents, fellow educators, community members, and administrators for success over the long haul.

( There are a couple of cardinal rules to advertising: (1) False advertising eventually backfires. Your product and/or services must be of the quality you claim. (2) If you focus on criticizing your competitor’s product/services, to make yourself look better, it will eventually ruin your reputation.

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WO RK November 2014 “One day of worry, takes more out of you than one week of work.”

There is a therapeutic value in working. (Disclaimer: I admit I am a recovering workaholic…but trust me…the therapeutic value of work is real.) If you are putting in the effort, you can live with yourself, even when there are unpleasant things happening all around you.

Having a strong work ethic, is just as important as having a detailed plan. I’m all for plans. Yes, I admit I am obsessive-compulsive…I NEED a plan. But plans accomplish nothing without the WORK that goes into implementing the plan.

“Every good general knows it is important to have a plan before going into battle. Every great general knows the plan will start to dissolve as soon as the battle begins. It is the determined soldier who fights hard, within the evolving framework of the battle, who is the premium factor on the battlefield.”

We accomplish things, only when we roll up our sleeves and get to work.

Thinking about what needs to be done is a good thing. Doing what needs to be done is a great thing.

But there are things we encounter in our educational environment, which can slow down our work. There are things that can make us question the value of our work.

One of the downsides to “measuring” the progress of our students, is that we (and our students) can get discouraged, if the “measuring” instrument indicates little or no improvement over an extended period. A dangerous side-effect, is that any indicator pointing to long-term “lack of progress,” can stagnate us as teachers. It makes us question the value of our work. It melts our motivation.

When educational policy-makers think the only way to motivate teachers, students, and/or schools is to label them as failures, then those policy-makers 76

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promote self-questioning on the part of teachers, students, and schools as to the value of the work they do every day.

I have no problem with “measuring” or “testing” or “evaluating.” I did it every single day as a teacher. When properly utilized, “measuring” can be a useful tool for teachers and students.

What I have a problem with, is when all of this “measuring” gets in the way of “doing.” Work is the only solution. All the “measuring” in the world gets us nowhere. Working to improve, is the only thing that has the potential to get us where we (and our students) need to be. While there must be a balance between “measuring” and “working,” the scales must tip heavily towards “working,” if there is going to be true progress.

“Talking” can be just as prohibitive to progress as “measuring.” We live in a world of 24/7 talking heads. I’m not just referring to 24/7 media. Unfortunately, too many of our educational policymakers, and educational leaders, have become more talkers than doers. Admittedly, some work ridiculously hard AT talking. But that doesn’t make them hard workers in my eyes.

Meetings, media releases, forums, and newsletters all have their place in the educational environment. Unfortunately, too many key “leaders” in the educational field, revel in the celebrity of having their faces, sound bites, and opinions out in the public, 24/7. They act more like politicians…constantly running for office, than leaders…doing the hard work that needs to be done.

Admittedly, some teachers are guilty of being talking heads, both in and out of the classroom. You must walk-the-walk before you talk-the-talk. I always tried to ask myself: “Am I really teaching or am I just talking?”

Curriculum, plans, materials, and funding are all important. But the differencemaker is the hard-working teacher who gets up every day and gets the job done. The best teachers are the ones who get the students to work as hard as they do.

The most aggravating cliché I have experienced in my educational life is “work smarter, not harder.” That is so wrong on so many levels. Great teachers work 77

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smarter AND harder. It is not an “either-or” option.

Yes, we are always looking for more efficient ways to get things done. We get better when we embrace strategies that allow students to take on responsibilities and leadership roles. But we also know, WE must work hard to get the most out of these strategies.

We get better by using technology to its full potential. But if what you seek, is a “technological magic bullet” …so you don’t have to work hard…then you are already on the slippery slope of mediocrity.

There are terrific technological tools out there. You are crazy if you don’t use them. But there is no magic bullet. Work is the only solution.

Plan, work, evaluate, listen, learn, adjust, and work some more. It is the only way to achieve your potential and maximize student learning.

“Work is its own reward.” I believe that. But I also believe you need a “pat on the back” every now and then…so do your students. Reward yourself for your hard work. Reward your students for theirs.

Work hard young Jedi….

( The most aggravating cliché I have experienced in my educational life is “work smarter, not harder.”

That is so wrong on so many levels. Great teachers work smarter AND harder. It is not an “either-or” option.

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“ E ” WO RDS FO R E D U C ATO RS September 2018 How does a school system improve? These E-words provide food for thought.

Consider only a few of these on any given day.

“Embrace” each day with a sense of wonderment and positive spirit. Your attitude is your superpower.

“Engage” the world through action. Avoid stagnation. Do whatever is needed to insure forward motion.

“Establish” who you are, by committing to a set of core beliefs. This will serve as your center of balance through good days and tough times.

Your “ethics” are evidenced by “doing the right things in the right ways.”

Adhere to a code of conduct built on moral strength.

Keep a small list of “essential” things in your heart and mind. Use that list to create your daily priorities.

Without abandoning your core beliefs, constantly “evolve.” Be a life-long learner, while adapting and adjusting to the changing environment.

“Experiment” outside your normal pattern of activity. Be open to gathering additional information and trying new methods.

Your “expectations” are defined by the goals and standards you set for yourself.

You excel by setting higher expectations than those around you.

“Extend” yourself beyond ordinary duties and responsibilities. You will only reach your full potential by taking “extra” steps on a regular basis.

There is no substitute for “experience.” Fulfillment of your potential is greatly dependent on the accumulation of many real-life and job-specific experiences.

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Aim for “excellence” to propel yourself beyond common goals and general competence. Make aspiration and competition a part of your daily life.

Develop “expertise” by focusing on the acquisition of key knowledge and critical skills. Make the mastery of vital processes and applications a career goal.

Strive to become “elite.” Work towards being the absolute best at something.

Target at least one thing that strongly aligns with your priorities and talents.

“Energy” is your multiplier of thought, action, and productivity. Use it to promote a sense of positivity within yourself and for those around you.

Put “enthusiasm” in your daily living. It supercharges your intellectual, creative, and physical activities, while uplifting those around you.

“Enjoying” what you do is critical in maintaining your physical health and emotional well-being. This is equally true for adults and children.

The “expression” of your thoughts, insights, and experiences should be done in a wide variety of ways. Develop communication skills beyond the spoken word.

“Empathy” is an essential element within social intelligence and leadership.

Use similar or shared experiences to assist in understanding how others feel.

“Everyone” in your world will be impacted by what you say and do. Strive to bring out the best in everyone you meet.

Always remember that “education” is the composite of what is taught and learned in academic settings, on-the-job, and in the classroom of life.

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DA I LY REC I P E FO R L I F E – M Y TO P T E N September 2017 After sixty-six years of life (with over forty years as a professional educator), I can safely say “My Top Ten” list works and applies both in and out of the classroom. Wishing you the best that each day brings.

1. Start each day with a plan.

2. Adjust as needed.

3. Expect challenges.

4. Solve and resolve issues, as best you can.

5. See the good in yourself and the world around you.

6. Praise and reward in an appropriate and timely manner.

7. Do not ignore mistakes.

8. Make corrections in an appropriate and timely manner.

9. Reflect on today, as you plan for tomorrow.

10. At day’s end, seek peace within yourself and the world around you

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A B O U T T H E AU T H O R

Pat Deaville is the former Director of High School Curriculum and Instruction for the Calcasieu Parish School System. Prior to his retirement, he spent 40 years as a professional educator in the Jefferson Davis and Calcasieu Parish School Systems. He currently serves as a free-lance educational consultant in Louisiana and Texas. He is a member of the Louisiana Music Educators’ Hall of Fame.

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