There has been a lot of news lately about young people who are being bullied at school, sometimes leading to tragic results.  It’s encouraging that this issue is getting attention and that a discussion is taking place across the nation.  Much needs to be done, and adults needs to step up and do their part to teach compassion and consideration.

I’m very proud that kids can find a safe and accepting place when they are part of the band.  Any musical group is a huge melting pot of all kinds of kids.  (Just note the members of “Vocal Adrenaline” on “GLEE!”)  We all come together to create a great performance, despite our many differences.

Stand on the sideline at any marching band rehearsal and you’ll see every kind of student march by.  The athletic kid who can bench press his weight stands right next to the scrawny young kid who can barely hold his horn up.  The school valedictorian is marching across the field right next to a kid who can barely pass his math class.  And the homecoming queen spins her flag right next to a real plain Jane.

This mix of abilities and personalities is one of the brilliant secrets behind the success of every great group of musicians.  Band has the wonderful ability to let everyone participate, working together to create musical moments that are as thrilling for the audience as for the performers.  Different music parts allow students of all ability levels to contribute in a way that lets them be successful and feel important.

It’s hard for any group of students to be perfectly free of any condescension or “making fun.”  But I so appreciate all the hard-working and caring educators that I know who spend a lot of energy and effort making sure that everyone is treated with dignity and equality, no matter what kind of kid they are.  This makes band a safe place, and a place where some “misfits” can find a home, find good friends, and find a safe haven to navigate their way through the difficult years of school.  Stay diligent, and thanks for all you do for your students.