I am sitting here watching as my wife works in her garden and our neighbor works in hers.  Each is meticulously ridding the garden of all the things that are NOT what they are trying to grow….weeds, plants that have gone to seed, etc….leaving only those things that ARE.  Nothing fancy or complex about it.  If it is not in support of the garden they are attempting to grow, then remove it!

This process is not unlike the one we use in “growing our bands.”  If behaviors (weeds) are not in support of the culture we are attempting to create, then they can no longer be permitted in the band room. (Note that I said behaviors….not people!) Just like too many weeds will destroy the garden, too many inappropriate and unsupportive behaviors will destroy the culture of the band.  As someone so aptly reminded me recently, everything that goes on in the band room is either encouraged or tolerated by the director.

Today, no every day, I encourage you to consider the lesson from these avid gardeners.  Encourage the behaviors that will lead to the band you want.  And if you see behaviors that are inconsistent with the band you want, don’t tolerate them.  Remove them like the weeds they are.  Just sayin’!

Make Today a Magnificent Day!

Gary L Rupert

Lead Mentor/COO

II:Leaders Creating:II Leaders

LCL Mentors @ Marching Arts Education