Last year I finally realized that I needed to make some significant changes in the way I ran my program.  I was spending too much time away from my family, I was always grumpy, and honestly I felt like I just could never get caught up with all of the many logistical challenges that go along with teaching music classes at the high school level.  After seeing a presentation by Scott Lang at the Iowa Music Educators Convention I realized that I could solve two problems with one very useful  solution.

{mosimage}Last year I finally realized that I needed to make some significant changes in the way I ran my program.  I was spending too much time away from my family, I was always grumpy, and honestly I felt like I just could never get caught up with all of the many logistical challenges that go along with teaching music classes at the high school level.  After seeing a presentation by Scott Lang at the Iowa Music Educators Convention I realized that with Scott's suggestions I could solve two problems with one very useful  solution.

Many of my time and energy problems as a band director were focused around "busy work."  Not only was I teaching a full load of lessons plus to large ensembles, a study hall, and a computer class, I also had tons of paperwork and physical labor that I realized could be done by a dedicated student leader. Unfortunately I had tried to start a leadership group in the past and it had failed.  I decided that in order for this to work I had to start it on the right foot and get the Band interested in it from the very start.  To accomplish this I called up Scott and managed to set up a day long session with him to kick everything off.

Scott's humor and timing were perfect and using his suggestions I managed to get my new leadship corps off the ground with a great deal of enthusiasm and zeal.  Scott was always available in the coming months to answer questions or provide suggestions.  He has continued that support in new ways including the introduction of a new electronic newsletter that is available for download through his web site. 

Scott and his colleagues including such notables as Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser have also produced a great DVD on student leadership which includes many worksheets and lesson plans to help directors or other teachers develop a leadership program for their classes.  This group of teachers also has a web site on the subject of leadership located at the Synergy Leadership Endeavors Web Site.

If you are finding yourself falling behind in the rat race that being a music teacher can become, consider a leadership program as a win win addition to your classroom.  Scott Lang, Dr. Tim, or any of a host of other more regional leadership experts are available to help you get off the ground.  Visit Scott's site or call up the other directors in your area to get some ideas.  You will be glad that you did.