Reach For The Top by Stanley F. Michalski, Jr.
Here are ten suggestions for establishing and maintaining a successful instrumental music program
Establish a written plan of action
A plan of action that is realistic, educationally acceptable and approved by the administration is a first step toward the realization of any goal. This plan should be concise, reasonable and flexible enough to meet the changes that are inevitable in a growing and successful program.
Discuss all aspects of the program with the administration
Administrators are responsible for the musical as well as all other educational programs within a school. Keeping them informed as well as involved with all musical undertakings can prevent confusion and negative developments. Most administrators welcome programs that define and contribute to growth while complementing the total academic program.
Be willing to give lessons, conduct rehearsals and teach in the area assigned to you
No college-curriculum or job-acceptance contract promises teaching conditions that are ideal. In most cases, the physical plant provides for adequate music-teaching areas. However, most music teachers can attest to the fact that less than ideal teaching situations are the norm. The way to obtain improved physical teaching conditions, enlarged budgets, additional equipment, etc., is to demonstrate that the music program is worthy of those resources. Communication, visibility and a balanced program that leads to successful performances based upon sound musical objectives will serve as justification for securing proper facilities.
Teach quality music
This is too important and cannot be overemphasized. The novelty of performing "fun music" is short lived. Teach and program music that will challenge the student, enhance performances and have lasting value. Organizations that perform quality literature as part of their maturing process will endure the denunciation of critics, while groups that provide music solely as a form of entertainment will eventually fall by the wayside or carry a false sense of acceptance. Introduce quality literature in a musical setting as soon as possible.
Allow students to be creative
Is there a student who wrote a musical excerpt that could be performed for others? Do you encourage students to compose, perform and create new sounds? It is a known fact that we risk receiving unwarranted criticism when we allow students to formally present their creative projects, which often don't reflect the taste of the public at large. New creations may have difficulty being accepted on first hearing because of the innovative styles, personal statements and "new sounds" they contain. But what is music if not a form of personal creativity? Students are the most important components of the educational process. Utilize their output. Praise their efforts. Assist with their creativity. Of course, this is not to say that you should perform everything they write. However, with guidance, support and suggestions for improvement, students' creations can provide a very important aspect of any performance program.
Perform, Perform, Perform
If every musical organization waited until it was prepared to give a perfect performance, more than likely a great majority of performances would be cancelled. Students need the arena of performance to experience the joy of accomplishment. This encourages future success and a desire to create more frequently, thereby improving technique and promoting the aspiration to continue performing. No music organization should limit itself to one performance per semester. Perform, perform, perform!
Communicate with administration and teachers within your school building
Do not consider the rehearsal hall and the auditorium as islands of security, or areas of pretentious educational offerings. Always be cognizant of the fact that you are part of the total educational setting, and that teachers are your colleagues and your students are also their students. Be a part of the educational team. It is much easier to succeed with the aide of others than to go it alone.
Communicate with parents and school-board members
A monthly report to all parents and members of the school board is the minimum that you should provide. Notes, letters, invitations to performances and informational flyers are all part of success stories reported by those who have established noteworthy programs. A personal note to the parents requesting assistance with a certain aspect of the music program can achieve monumental results. A note of gratitude for personal or financial contributions is always in order. You will be amazed at the reaction to your efforts.
Publicize your program
This is an area that is often neglected. Nevertheless, it must be done. It is necessary to meet editors face to face, talk with news reporters personally, write news releases, send or, more importantly, deliver them to responsible persons and develop public relations awareness for your program. Only you can initiate and maintain this area of responsibility. Once it's established, it can be delegated to responsible personnel with your continued guidance. This is an important and necessary part of your job!
Strive for excellence
Every rehearsal, communication, personal action, public association, individual lesson and performance should be conducted with excellence in mind. Do the results of a rehearsal indicate that the musical organization is continually improving? Was the performance better than the final rehearsal? Was the most recent effort in community activities, public relations, cooperative ventures with teachers or your association with parents and administrators better than the last effort? With excellence as your guide and continued awareness of your goals, your performing organization can be successful as long as you are willing to work diligently and intelligently. I hope that these suggestions help carry your program in that direction.
