Choosing the right leader – Part deux

Last year I wrote a post on choosing the right leader that went through the criteria our staff uses to determine the drum major and guard captain of the ensemble. While that approach has always worked in the past, this year was a different story. Typically, we sit down as a staff immediately after all the drum majors and guard captain candidates try out and make the decision. But this year… oh, this year…

We had three well-qualified students – 1 junior and 2 seniors – who had demonstrated many or all of the traits we look for in a guard captain: Respect, skills, positive actions, and a good attitude and relationship with all. So how do you choose a captain when you’re in this predicament? I added something new to my list of criteria to consider.

My previous post concentrated mostly on the student’s past actions. So I needed to think more about the season ahead. More specifically, what I was expecting from the guard captain with this year’s group of students. In this case, here’s what I knew I wanted:

• A more disciplined group
• A  captain who I felt could lead best by example (not only in terms of performance, but general attitude)
• A captain who I felt would use practice time most efficiently, taking advantage of those few precious blocks of time they get during all-band rehearsals.

Even with the added criteria, this was the hardest decision I’ve had to make in 8 seasons. All three candidates had the ability to help achieve these goals, but I chose the one that I believed would need the least molding (i.e. she was the most ready for the job). I look forward to working with her this coming season, and knowing that the remaining two will be (and always have been) incredible additions to the program.

How have you dealt with tough decisions like this in your program? Let me know…

Well, we’re still State Champs!

Our season is over?!

It all ended tonight with a 2nd place win at Allentown. The kids were a little bummed out because they have won 2 years in a row, and won a State Championship this season.

We have always told our kids that winning isn’t everthing , but it certainly doesn’t suck. The goal tonight was to do the best performance of their season, no regrets! And they did just that.

I speak for the staff when I say that we are incredibly proud of the job the kids did tonight and the rest of the season. We took a band of 54, 24 of them first-year students, and transformed them into a powerhouse. Tonight’s performance was proof of that – 2nd place and all!

Great job, everyone…
…. Can’t wait to see what we accomplish next year!

And remember: “Excellence us not achieved. It is earned.”

The 5 R’s of the Lenape Color Guard!

As instructors, you always find yourself repeating certain words or phrases. Take the name of my blog, for example. I became notorious for uttering these phrases, so it’s become somewhat of a joke when I say them.

Over the past few years, my color guard program has created what we call “The R’s.” We started with 3, added a fourth, then tacked on #5 for fun. We use them as a tool from the very first workshop so that we can lay down the expectations we have for all of our members, and our program, to be successful. Don’t get me wrong, we have a lot of fun – but we do it knowing “The R’s.”

I’m posting them here as a reminder to my ladies and for anyone who is looking for an easy way to get across what you expect from your members.

Retain
We are expected to retain the work being taught to us (more than 24 hours after it is taught). To do that, we will stay focused and ask questions when needed. This also means absorbing the inevitable 11th-hour changes to counts.

Recover
We want perfection, but we are not perfect. If a mistake is made on the field, it’s essential to recover as quickly and inconspicuously as possible. This means knowing our show well enough to hop back in within mere counts, not measures.

Responsibility
This is one that encompasses the most. We are expected to be prepared for all practices and performances. That means wearing the proper attire to practices and having drill books. It means having all uniform pieces, accessories, and equipment ready when we get off the bus for a performance. It means taking the time to learn the work. Showing up on time to practice. Smiling. It means making good on the commitment we made to our group.

Respect
From instructors to parents to student leaders to fellow students, we treat them all with the respect they deserve, and with the respect we wish to receive in return.

Resevoir
This one is sort of a gag, but it means to stay hydrated. It also means the instructor should stop getting caught up on 8 counts and let us get some water already. Yeesh!

How do you set expectation in your program? How do you handle them not being met? I’m curious to find out!