The importance of Regional Representatives

The newly revised ASBDA Handbook clearly defines the role of the Regional Reps.
Article VI,5,A - followed by Article VI, 1, E. The intent so stated is a major shift from past practices where the incoming president determined what would be the "thrust" of his/her administration i.e. what course would be pursued during that term in office.

The Reg. Rep. concept mandates that the ideas for ASBDA direction or "program"
come from the regions; are hashed over AND PRIORITIZED by the 5 reps; advance to the executive board and finalized for the association. This then becomes the
ONGOING program of the association and is in fact each incoming presidents
agenda. It does NOT change with a change in the presidency.

Important here is that the executive board cannot override the prioritization of the Reg. Reps. without their combined input and agreement.

We have had divisional input in ASBDA as long as I can remember. It is seldom
if ever that these ideas are ever prioritized and voted on to form ASBDA agendas.
For Reg. Reps. this is a heady responsibility and should include pertinent ideas
representing those areas that are less heard from due to low attendance in past
years. This in an effort to boost attendance in those very districts now having a more focused attention of the association.

teacher assessment/acountability

Here in TN, so that we will at least appear to be making progress (and gain Federal $$ for education), our Legislature just passed a measure making end of course tests, etc. part of teacher evaluation. For the traditional "academics" that's pretty cut and dry. For those of us outside the box, we're still going to be evaluated on student performance, but no one has figured out how. We are trying to come up with and submit ideas for this (other than, "wow that band director sure wins a lot of marchin' trophies, he must be rite fine!"). If there's anything that your state is doing that works (or doesn't!), please let me know REAL soon. Thanks!

Suggestions Needed

Does anyone have a tried and true method to teach slow quarter note triplets? I have tried several ways. This is one thing that I still have trouble getting across to my students.

Getting Ready

Getting ready to make plans for the 2010 ASBDA Convention in Orlando Florida? Me, as well! Information will be coming out shortly as regards how you can reserve your room, what the fun activities the Florida chapter has planned for us, and other important information for the Florida Convention. I know, it's an exciting venue, and we're all anxious, but folks, we'll have to wait just a wee bit longer - more to come soon!

Midwest Clinic Meeting

Those in attendance at the ASBDA Midwest Clinic meeting had a wonderful time catching up, renewing friendships, hearing about the work of the Association, and getting a chance to meet Frank Tichelli.

Steve King, on behalf of the Goldman/Harding Award Committee and Committee Chair William Svec, presented the Goldman Award to composer Frank Tichelli.


In addition, President Cindy Swan-Eagan gave a report about the Orlando Convention.

President-Elect Monte Dunnum gave an update about the regionalization and voting.

Past President Jeff Phillips gave an update about Curriculum Reform.

Member-At-Large Carole Grooms gave a report about a new project she will be beginning later this year.

In addition, a great breakfast was enjoyed by all, Dennis Hanna gave an update, and much laughter was shared by all. Thanks for being there - until next time!

Cindy Swan-Eagan, President, ASBDA

Membership membership!

While at Midwest, we had several inquiries about "what is ASBDA" and "how can I become a member." When checking on the states that many are from, I discovered that we only have ACTIVE membership (more than 3 actives in a state) in 19 states! About 6 with no members at any level and many with all retired, emeritus only. In order to make a "national impact" we need to work on this. Make sure that you take the time to find a worthy prospective member! If you're in a state where someone's band just played at Mid-west (or your state convention), there's a great place to start! Remember that the deadline for all paperwork is April 1st (to Sonja). If you need help getting started, let me know. Let's work to correct this percentage!

Curriculum Guide Winner

Would the person who posted as "Anonymous" (first poster) who would like to give the copy to Terry Treuden, please email me off blog, and I will get the Curriculum Guide to you! Thanks for the post!

As an aside - one of the things that we may run into by having a blog with open posting of comments, is the kind of "spam" comment that you'll see at the same post - we can eliminate those kinds of posts by simply having someone review each and every post that we make prior to having them actually posted on the blog. While we'll work to eliminate the spam comments, but a few may creep in, so please ignore them. We'll keep working to make this blog an open forum where all can contribute.

But, to that end, people need to: 1. Read the blog on a weekly basis & 2. Comment

This week's challenge, in the midst of holiday preparations, MidWest Clinic and a myriad of concerts & celebrations is to tell one other ASBDA member to be sure to read the blog and post a comment. This blog is a much more immediate source of information than our Newsletters, and much cheaper. It can be a great resource, but we will have to learn to use it! Let's encourage each other to get into the habit of checking out the blog.

Did you know that you can "follow" the blog? Then, when a new post appears, you will get an email of that post. In order to read comments, you will have to go to the blog itself, and click on the "comments" at the bottom of the post. Why not consider signing up to be an ASBDA Blog Follower? Check the top of the blog page, and click "Follow." This will allow you to receive each new posting in your email in-box - what could be easier??!!

See you at MidWest!

Cindy Swan-Eagan, President
ASBDA