'Tis the season

Yes, we'll be seeing and hearing that statement a lot over the next few weeks as the 'holiday' season is upon us - no matter your background, there are many holidays and celebrations forthcoming over the next few weeks and months.

That's not what I'm talking about, however. This time of year, for ASBDA, is a time of celebration of another kind - the celebration of new membership. Now is the time for all of us to begin thinking of new member candidates to sponsor. I hope you will familiarize yourself with the membership process, and find another band director who should be an ASBDA member, but currently is not.

It's important to be candid with the prospective new member - tell them that ASBDA is an active organization, and success in the organization requires active participation from it's members. Remind them of the fact that they should be attempting to attend a national convention within their first three years of membership. Let them know that committees of members, just like themselves, worked diligently to produce such iconic publications as "The ASBDA Curriculum Guide," and our Sousa recordings & handouts, as well as all of our helpful publications.

It's also important to remind them that they will get out of membership what they put into it -- I just recently had a young student come in my office to tell me that he would be dropping band at the conclusion of the term. I asked him why he felt this necessary - his response, a classic - "well, Mrs. Eagan, it's just not as fun as it used to be." When I asked what had made it fun before, he said "When we'd go to solo & ensemble, and when we'd do things together, well those were great times. I enjoyed everything else, but that was just great!" I asked him why he had stopped getting involved in all of the "extras" band had to offer - he told me he didn't really know, but that when he stopped doing those extra things, it didn't seem to be as much fun any more. "Perhaps," I suggested, "you need to get involved again, before you stop completely - see what really active involvement does to your attitude about membership."

I think it's important to be honest with our new member candidates - their active involvement will directly influence their overall benefit from membership. The more active they are willing to become in the organization, the greater the benefits of membership.

So, be sure to think of a new member candidate, counsel them, and begin the membership process - 'tis the season!

Until next week -
Cindy Swan-Eagan, President
ASBDA