If more people are learning music, that might translate to higher level of performances, and, maybe, better bands! Speaking of better bands, what about the open class bands? Are they not affected when they see bands at “A” class now with the same numbers, or even higher ratings? Well, as was expected, open bands are led by smart and capable directors. These directors can explain to their students and staff the value of a system and the differences of systems. And at the root, higher numbers for one class does not devalue the performance level and rewards of those at the higherlevel one iota.
Conclusion Time will tell if this change is for the positive, but if band director response is an indicator, it is already a success. In recent post show evaluations, 95 percent of the comments related to the system have been positive. Many have asked, “What took you so long?” Balter Finest things 1/2pg ad
Well, we are here. The U.S. Scholastic Band Association made a change that allows for a higher level of perceived success. Hopefully this will carry the message and program to more bands and more students over time, with a goal of reaching 1,000 bands before the close of 2013 and to help tens of thousands of students make a difference in the world. We hope that these kids will use the lessons learned in band as a foundation for all that they might accomplish. The Cadets will carry the banner of music education for years to come. The U.S. Scholastic Band Association carries the banner of music education from state to state and school to school. And the parent company of each, Youth Education in the Arts, will continue to develop programs and opportunities that hopefully will support many young people on the road to magnificence. And creating that possibility is why we get up and go to work each day.
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George Hopkins is the CEO and executive director of Youth Education in the Arts, a not-for-profit organization with headquarters in Allentown, Pa. He is also a member of the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame and the Cadets Hall of Fame. He has been on the DCI Board of Directors since 1982, the DCI Executive Committee from 1983-1999, and 2005-present, the NJ Music Educators Board of Directors from 2000-2003 and the president of the NJ Coalition for Music Educators from 2001-2003. Youth Education in the Arts (YEA!) is a youth agency committed to supporting the development of young people into magnificent human beings through their participation in the performing arts. Program offerings include the 20-time national champion Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps and the US Scholastic Band Association. Over 70,000 young people across the country are involved in programs supported by YEA! with festivals, performances, and clinics scheduled each year from coast to coast.
The finest things in life are items of superior quality, outstanding performance, and world-class distinction... the best of the best. Mike Balter is the standard of excellence. That is why they are the choice of today’s most discriminating player. With the name, Mike Balter, on every mallet you can be assured that they will exceed your expectations!
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20 School Band and Orchestra, November 2011