Napoleon Bonaparte knew every officer of his army by name.  He like to wander through his camp, meet an officer, greet him by name, and talk about a battle or maneuver he knew this officer had been involved in.  He never missed an opportunity to inquire about a soldier’s hometown, wife, and family; the men were always amazed to see how much detailed personal information about each one the emperor was able to store in his memory.  Since every officer felt Napoleon’s personal interest in him…proved by his statements and questions…it is easy to understand the devotion they felt for him.

As you are beginning the new school year with a freshman class you don’t really know and a sophomore class you know little about, I encourage you to take a page from the Napoleon Bonaparte leadership manual.  One of the most important elements of developing buy-in and unity comes in the form of adding value to your people.  Knowing that they just earned their Eagle Scout badge, had a dance recital last night, or they ran their best time of the season is a great way to open the door to a positive relationship.

Today, no every day, I encourage you to recognize that your students have a life outside of band.  Want them to show greater interest IN band?  Make it a point to show greater interest in their life OUTSIDE of band.  You are not just getting a band member.  You are getting a whole person; one whose collective life experiences will determine their level of success in your band.  Just sayin’!

Make Today a Magnificent Day!

Gary L Rupert