Because
learning to play music in a group of instrumentalists is an activity
unlike any other that a student may undertake, it is important for
band members to acknowledge and conform to a certain standard of
conduct. In the quest for excellence in this endeavor, certain
obstacles must be overcome. These obstacles include tardiness,
absence, negative attitudes, lack of personal or musical integrity,
trust issues, selfishness, lack of responsibility and commitment to
the group, lack of respect for people and property, and lack of
self-respect. It is assumed that all
band members and their families join the band faculty in wishing to
provide an environment in which young people are expected and
encouraged to develop the strength of character which will result in
overcoming these obstacles and lead to both personal and ensemble
excellence. Therefore, the following concepts form the basis for a
code of values for the students in the band program: respect
for people and property; kindness and cooperation; good and honest
intentions; intellectual curiosity; and a positive and rigorous work
ethic. Following is presented a code
of values which must be internalized and outwardly demonstrated by
each band member if he or she is to experience, individually and
within the ensemble, the full measure of artistic success which is
possible.
RESPECT. Band members are expected to demonstrate--at all
times--respect for faculty, parents, other students, guests, and,
especially, themselves. All property falls under this expectation as
well. Indications of respect are common courtesy and politeness,
friendliness, support of peers and competitors, helpfulness, and
positive behaviors. Conflicts should be handled maturely. Profanity,
obscenity, and disrespectful speech or actions are
intolerable.
PUNCTUALITY and
PREPARATION. Students must be WHERE they are supposed to be, WHEN they are
supposed to be there, WITH the right equipment, materials, and
supplies, WEARING the proper attire, and WITHOUT failing to
resolve schedule conflicts.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
and ACCOUNTABILITY.
You have two
primary responsibilities: to yourself and your own personal growth and to any group to which you
belong. Within the
band program, performances take precedence over all other activities
and rehearsals take precedence over almost all other activities. When the
occasional conflict arises, YOU are accountable for resolving it
appropriately through adequate communication with and agreement
between all parties concerned.
INTEGRITY. Integrity can be defined as being
complete as a person or having great strength of character and
trustworthiness. Shakespeare's advice, "to thine own self be true,"
is golden, because you must be completely honest with yourself
before you can be truly honest with anyone else. The "completeness"
implied by integrity also involves being kind and thoughtful and
thinking of others as well as yourself in making
decisions.
VOLUNTEERISM and WORK
ETHIC. It is
important for you to seek out opportunities to help keep the
day-to-day activities of the band program running smoothly. Ask
"What can I do to help?" often and cheerfully. Be quick to assist
with library work, copying, collating, stuffing envelopes,
distributing information, organizing, setting up chairs and stands,
tearing down performance sets, helping younger students through
modeling and mentoring, ushering, moving and packing equipment,
running errands, etc.
Also, realize that finding success in
any performing art requires thousands of hours of diligent work,
practice, repetition, failure, reevaluation, discussion with
teachers and peers, rehearsal, and performance. You must demonstrate
unswerving persistence toward musical excellence and personal
dedication in this area.