Hats off to band directors being brave, trying new things, and taking advice from their hired consultant.

As we move forward out of Covid things can feel stressful and harried. I get to decide what parts of the old "normal" I want to go back to. Even with the demands of work and social life, I can move forward in the way I choose. I hope you'll give yourself the same permission.

Most of the major problems we encounter with our physical health have to do with a lack of movement. You need to move!

A wise man once said "Experience comes from what we have done, Wisdom comes from what we have done badly." I like this a lot because I've made plenty of mistakes in my life that were embarrassing or painful, but which really helped me grow. Framing them as a way to gain wisdom helps to take the sting off them.

If you have a website that includes your picture, the quality of this photo directly reflects on your professionalism and attention to detail. I've received many great professional photos, many terrific photos that were taken more casually, and a slew of truly terrible shots. Your picture should be current and flattering.

Taking one small step is not new advice. We have all heard that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. This is truth. So rather than looking at the top of the mountain you're trying to climb, look at the next step forward on the ground right in front of you. This is true of anything in life. The enormity of any new endeavor can easily overwhelm and make us just give up before we start. But taking one small step is something we can always do, right now, no matter how busy or stressed we feel.

I have surprised myself by becoming a morning person.  Somewhere over the past year and a half I have shifted to getting up very early.  I'm talking about waking up at 4:30 AM!  This has brought with it the requisite "early to bed" so I'm still getting sleep, but my body has shifted to this new time frame.

If we want drum corps this summer and marching band next Fall we need to stay diligent and disciplined. I know it’s been a hard year of shut downs and waiting, but we just need to hang on a couple more months!

If we want drum corps this summer and marching band next Fall we need to stay diligent and disciplined. I know it’s been a hard year of shut downs and waiting, but we just need to hang on a couple more months!

Everyone wants to be successful, and everyone wants their group to improve and place better at competitions. But not everyone is WILLING to do to the work required. There is an important distinction between the desire to succeed and the willingness to do what is necessary.