Closets, Robbers, and My Son’s Fort

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As a child, I slept in a closet for almost two years. 

Before you think that I'm weird (or weirder than you already thought), I created my clothes storage castle after my house was robbed for the third time. During the first two robberies, we came home to the burglary in progress. The third and final time, I awoke to find a strange man standing on my bed, looking down at me, before leaping out of the window.

That was it! I was moving! Or at least to a different part of the house.

I outfitted my new tiny room with a sleeping bag, a fan, a light, and a mini boom-box. It was epic. The best part was that Duke, our very large and scary Weimaraner, shared my affinity for small dark spaces and would join me there every night to slumber. My fort was cool, comfortable, and, most importantly… SAFE! I was sure that no robber would find me there, and if they did, they would have to deal with a large and surly dog that did not take kindly to visitors. 

Was I actually more safe in my 10x4 foot fort? Probably not, but it sure felt like I was.

Fast forward some forty years.

Last week, for family movie night, we decided to watch the original Mission Impossible. It was bad. And I mean bad. Bad plot, bad script, and bad acting. Nothing against Tom Cruise, but this was not his finest work. About midway through the movie, my youngest son declared himself bored and started to build a fort using our couch cushions and coffee table as a base. Before long, he had himself a modest little abode. He was quite pleased with himself.

As the days wore on and his new home expanded, it became impractical for it to remain in our main living space. Rather than tear it down, we decided to relocate it to the less used living room. The new and larger location provided us with an opportunity to rethink the space, layout, and design, and build anew. And build we did. 

The new fort is a masterpiece! It has two bedrooms, a mini basketball hoop, a patio, a dog bed, lights, fans, and a living room with vaulted ceilings (hint: a patio umbrella is perfect for this). From the outside, it looks like a homeless encampment, but on the inside, well, it's a masterpiece. 

Recently, I have started to work in "the fort." After all, it is a secluded space with everything I need: power, air, and fast internet. I could tell you that it's about spending time with my son, but sometimes it's just me in there. I could tell you it's about needing a private workspace, but I have a dedicated in-home office. I could tell lots of things, and I am sure there would be a modicum of truth in all of them. But, it wouldn't be the whole truth.

I think part of the reason I am spending time in our fort is that it provides me with the same feeling my fort of 40 years ago did, safety. 

Our fort is a place where COVID and its aftermath can't find me. A place where music education isn't in peril and livelihoods aren't in jeopardy. I think I am searching for a space where there are no disappointments, my family is safe, and our future is certain.

I know that the fort provides none of these protections. And yet, there I sit.

Like many of you, this new reality and distance learning has led to MORE work, and LESS joy. The uncertainty is wearing on you, and the worry is taking its toll. You just want things to go back to the way they were. But in the meantime, my recommendation... Build (or find) yourself a fort.

Like mine, your fort may have multiple rooms and modern amenities like a roof and lights. Or it might be a comfortable chair and a good book. Perhaps it's a session of yoga or a daily run. Your fort may involve baking, playing an instrument, or woodworking on a lathe. It doesn't matter what or where your fort is, just that you have one.

Let your fort bring you peace. Let it bring you solace. Let it serve to distract and entertain you. Most of all, let it bring you comFORT, because that is the greatest FORT of all.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to finish my man cave addition. Anyone know how to hang an 80" flat screen on a bedsheet?

(Typically, this would be my last e-zine until mid-July. But these are not typical times, so if it's alright with you, I think I will keep writing. It might not always be on Wednesday, but I want to keep in touch and provide you with information as we work through what's next. )

Help a friend join our fort...

If you know someone who needs this content, don't assume they are already getting it; please bring them comFORT by adding them to our list. Once you share their contact info, we will reach out to and ask for permission before sending them anything. 

JOIN THE FORT



Security Theatre and My Pandemic Promise

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Security Theatre is a term created in reference to the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) after a Government Accountability Office report noted that 95% of agents were successful in getting real weapons through security checkpoints. Security Theatre is "engaging in the practice of investing in countermeasures intended to provide the feeling of improved security while doing little or nothing to achieve it."

As a professional traveler, I have had my fair share of experiences with the TSA, most being uneventful, if not delightful. And, to be clear, I wouldn't last one day at that job. The first time someone asked me if they needed to remove the metal from their pocket or if they needed to dump out their liquids, I would scream at the top of my lungs, "ONLY FOR THE PAST TWENTY YEARS!"

UGH...

The need for security is real, both physically and emotionally. Part of TSA's purpose is to make fliers FEEL safe, even when mathematically speaking, they are only minimally safer than they would be without the cameras, screenings, searches, and pat-downs. The illusion of safety and the solace it provides are more effective than the actia; intended purpose of making passengers safe.

When 9/11 hit, people wanted action and needed to feel safe. The urgency for action and the need to feel safe created the perfect environment for ill-fated policy. The intent was righteous, but the implementation was wrong. 

And I fear that it is happening again.

Understandably, our country and the education profession are engaging in what I call "Pandemic Theatre." We are hastily trying to solve a very real and significant problem without the necessary data and analysis.

Just as with TSA, these are outstanding people doing their very best to protect us. I am genuinely grateful for everything they are doing. However, some of the discussed ideas will have a severe and long-term impact on our schools and programs.

Specifically, here are some of the presented solutions and areas where they do not fully account for student safety (the solutions and concerns may vary from city to city and state to state) :

  • Splitting/fragmenting the school day (morning/afternoon/alt days/etc.) This only works if the students remain segmented outside of the school day as well. The value of segmenting the day is diminished if students are gathering/working/socializing outside of their segmented group.

  • Practicing social distancing in the classroom: This only works if it is practiced with the same vigilance in the doorways, hallways, stairwells, and parking lots. Passing periods and stairwells mitigate the gains made by smaller classrooms.

  • Shortening the school day and focusing on English, Math, and other "core curricula": Why would we have students assume the risk of attending school to learn subjects that can be taught from home, and teach classes at home that require a group to be present (music, drama, activities, etc.)?

  • Ending athletics and activities: Unless the municipalities require the closure of all club sports, dance, and the like, the students will likely participate in these events without school supervision and possibly expose the school.

I am not saying these are bad ideas. They are not. And so you know, I favor social distancing, the wearing of masks and self-quarantines. I am just stating that as we consider dramatic changes to our schools, we are sure that we will see dramatic results in terms of student safety. And not just physical safety, but emotional safety as well.

Music serves as a mechanism for social-emotional growth and healing. It connects students and teachers in meaningful ways, which helps to address the issues of isolation and depression brought on by the pandemic. Music and the arts are our best tools in combatting the mental and emotional health issues that our young people are facing.

Music can be taught safely. In fact, in some cases, I can make a logic-based argument that it can be taught in a SAFER way than English, math, or any other classroom subject. I did so in my webinar last Friday.

We are making decisions based on fear (understandably) and not hope, and are hyper-focused on what we CAN'T do with our students instead of what we MUST do for our students. 

For me, I am not interested in discussing what is safe for our students... 
I am interested in discussing what is important to students, and how do we make those things safe!

Now more than ever, students need music, so it is now incumbent upon us to figure out how. We put a man on the Moon and a rover on Mars. We created the internet and the automobile. We invented nuclear power and the Oreo. We can do this.

Student safety has to come first, and one illness is too many. 

But, if we stay focused on hope, and not engage in Pandemic Theatre, we can and will develop REAL solutions to our REAL problems. 

That's my Pandemic Promise.

p.s. I created and shared the attached graphic and my feed blew up. I am providing an unbranded graphic you to share. Feel free to add your name or program logo.

New Coke, Hard Decisions and Harbingers of Failures

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What do "New" Coke, Watermelon Oreos, Frito-Lay Lemonade, Coors Rocky Mountain Sparkling Water, the Apple Newton, and Microsoft Zune have in common?

They were all colossal failures with consumers. Even so, they still have a small, but dedicated, following.

According to a recent article in the New York Times, "All of these products share a similar and surprisingly large fan base — a quirky subgroup of consumers who are systemically drawn to flops and whose reliably contrarian tastes can be used to forecast bad bets in retail sales, real estate, and even politics. These people are known as harbingers of failure."

The article further states that, "The study of harbingers emerged from a 2015 analysis of purchasing patterns at a national convenience store chain. Drawing on six years' worth of data from the chain's loyalty card program, a team of marketing professors classified customers according to their affinity for buying new products that were later pulled from the shelves because of weak demand. Of the roughly 130,000 customers whose purchases were analyzed, about 25 percent of them consistently took home products that bombed."

These "harbingers of failure," statistically speaking, were reliable indicators of whether or not a product would be a smash hit or an unmitigated failure.

The curiosity doesn't stop there. It turns out that not only do these people exist, but they tend to live near one another in places that are known as "harbinger zip codes."

Yep, it turns out that when these "harbinger households" move, they tend to move to areas where other harbingers are densely populated. 

According to the study's authors, "As with their tastes in soda and jeans, these decisions have a predictably gloomy result: Property values in harbinger ZIP codes consistently underperform the broader market."

Makes you think of your neighbor just a little bit differently, doesn't it?

What about your neighborhood school? Does it make you think of it differently? It should. 

Very shortly, our schools are going to be forced to make tough and complicated decisions about how and what we teach our students. And if recommendations coming out of places like Missouri, Maryland, and California are widely adopted, there is reason to be concerned that music is in play.

But the logic is as faulty as the question is flawed.

I do not think they make these recommendations lightly and do so in an earnest desire to provide a safe learning environment for students.

Let's reframe the question.

The discussion that should be had is, what do we value, and what is essential to this school? Once we decide what that is, we then turn our attention to the question of making it safe.

As schools start to cast aside programs, offerings, and activities, other schools will find a way to make those things work and then market them to their local community. If this happens, it will be unfortunate and unpleasant for our students, schools, and communities. This is a trend that started with the introduction of charter schools, and the current pandemic will only serve to add an abundance of fuel to that fire.

For example:

If Smith High School decides that current events will force them to eliminate football this fall, I believe that soon thereafter, Jones High School will, as a matter of differentiation, find a way to make it work. They will then aggressively market and recruit to all the local athletes to switch to Jones High School, "Where athletics matters." The end result being that competitive athletics at Jones High School will blossom into a powerhouse while simultaneously down the street, Smith High School becomes an athletic harbinger for the unathletic and uninterested.

The analogy works as well for music as it does for sports.

If we have learned anything from the harbingers of doom, it is that they have an uncanny ability to find failure, and they gravitate towards it in numbers.

As our school boards and politicians work through the difficult decisions of when and how to re-open, I can only hope that they are not just asking what is safe but also what matters and how to we make it safe.

Music matters. And it has to be more than a sentiment. It has to mean something, and we need to do what it takes to ensure its survival. That is where I want America's children, and that is where I will send my two boys. 

After all, I am no harbinger of failure.

p.s. If you are concerned about the future of your program, this Friday's webinar in one you're going to want to attend. Click below to RSVP for the event.

Let's Celebrate Each Other

We can't control what is happening, but we can control how we respond to it. With school closures and community quarantines, we can't celebrate with our students, but we can celebrate with each other. I have been "appreciating" one teacher each day this week with a post on social media. Will you join me? It's easy. Just make a video of you "appreciating" another teacher, post it on social media and tag them. It really makes them feel special. You can see what I am doing here.

During Teacher Appreciation Week, I try and send some send extra love (which means extra emails). While I hope that your inbox are heart is full of love and affirmation, I still intend to do my share! The email below is something I wrote in 2017 and to this day remains one of my favorites of all time. Please accept it once again as a sign of my love and respect for all that you do. I will return to my normal email schedule next week. 

- Scott

p.s. No one needs MORE work on Teacher Appreciation week, so for the first time in 8 weeks, we are not offering a webinar on Friday.

p.p.s Look for a HUGE announcement tomorrow from Be Part of the Music

The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul
My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man
I'm just a living legacy to the leader of the band

- Dan Fogelberg, Leader of the Band

If you don’t know this song or the artist who wrote it, you should. In 1981 Dan Fogelberg wrote a musical tribute to his band director father that shot all the way to number one on the Billboard Music Chart. Through his poignant lyrics and soulful melody, Leader of the Band spoke in a powerful way to this crazy profession and the impact it has on people. The song and sentiment are genuinely touching, and although he wrote it for his father, it could have just as easily have been written for you.

Your life and legacy live on through every student that passes through your program. Through your teaching, you provide students with more than music lessons; you give them life lessons. This tribute song reminds us that teaching music is so much more than a profession, and it can be accompanied by as much sacrifice and pain as joy and fulfillment. Music education is a calling, one that chooses us as much as we choose it.

In the coming days and weeks, some of your students will leave you. Some of them forever, but that does not mean that you are gone from their hearts and minds. In part, they are a living legacy to THEIR leader of the band. But before they go, perhaps you could close the door of your office, take a break, sit back, and listen as Dan Fogelberg reminds us of the power of the Leader of the Band.

Please share this with every music teacher you know so that they are reminded of how special they are.

With gratitude for all that you do...

- Scott 

If you would like a modern take on this classic tune and are a fan 
of the Zac Brown Band, check this out.

NASCAR, Music and Our National Quarantine

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As we progress through this global pandemic, the world has had to deal with the problematic question of quarantine. As Americans, we have had to grapple with the difficult question of who, how, and when to quarantine. 

The decision regarding quarantine rests on the understanding of what is and is not considered an essential service.

There has been no public understanding or acceptance as to the definition of "essential services," and each community has been left to determine for itself what is necessary for survival.

And while there is no universal definition, certainly we can all agree that health, medical, and emergency services qualify. But, everything after that seems to fall into an area of social-discretion. For me, Costco has proved itself so essential that I am considering naming in my next child after them. Costco Netflix Lang; it has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? 

But where does the list end, and who should decide that? Some states have included barbershops and nail salons, while others have allowed restaurants and tattoo parlors to remain open. The movie theater industry is currently lobbying heavily to be allowed to reopen. And in North Carolina, for reasons beyond my understanding, NASCAR has been deemed an essential business and remains open while states, offices, courts, and schools remain closed. 

In short, for one state, NASCAR = essential, government and schools = non-essential.

As we zig-zag our way through a staggered reopening, we will once again be forced to assess and prioritize what is and what is not essential.

This is as true for education as it is for our economy. 

When schools reopen, they will have to address pressing issues related to health & safety, facilities, finance, scheduling, and staffing. In short, our schools will be forced to examine and prioritize what is and is not considered essential and what is needed not just to survive but to thrive. 

And it must be made clear that MUSIC IS AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE!

I understand that this is not likely to be the prevailing sentiment, but it is the correct one. And, I am basing my belief on sound, rational logic. 

Set aside all of the data regarding music and brain development. Let's ignore for the moment all of the studies which correlate music-making with social/emotional wellness. Forget about the fact that music engages parts of the brain that are otherwise left unengaged. 

MUSIC IS ESSENTIAL TO SCHOOLS! Furthermore, music and schools have a unique and symbiotic relationship. They need each other to survive and thrive. 

I am NOT making the case that music is more important than math. Nor am I saying that music should supersede English because I do not believe that it should. What this crisis has taught us is that:

You CAN teach a math problem at home.You CAN learn an English lesson away from a teacher.You CAN study history without fourth period class.

It is not optimal, but you CAN do it.

But, none of these are true with music.

You can't make harmony alone. You can't blend and balance in solitude. You can't respond in an artistic way to a conductor's gesture on a website. 

And schools need music just as much as music needs schools. And music is not alone in this, sports, clubs, and activities make our schools' well-rounded experiences that help grow students' minds, bodies, and souls. We need schools to stay alive, but they need us to bring them to life!

Some experiences and learning moments can't be done remotely, through distance learning, or in an online class. And, if we are to TRULY and objectively prioritize what is essential in our schools, we must start by ensuring that we provide for the things that can ONLY be done in school.

For me, one of the most significant takeaways from this awful crisis is a stark reminder that our schools are more than places of learning; they are facilitators of experiences. In addition to teaching students things they do not know, we must also help them do things they could not or would not otherwise do.

And in that way, MUSIC is an essential service. 

NASCAR, not so much.

p.s I hope you are planning on joining our virtual HAPPY Hour Friday night. It's BYOB (Bring Your Own Broadband) and will be an hour filled with giggles, fun, and surprises. We have some GREAT guest bartenders, so click the button to join.

I Will Not Be Gaslit, Will You?

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According to Wikipedia, Gaslighting is "a form of psychological manipulation in which a person or a group sows seeds of doubt in a targeted individual, making them question their own memory, perception, or judgment." Imagine your student, Billy, convinces you that YOU were crazy for thinking he hadn't practiced, when he couldn't even play the first measure. 

If Billy succeeded in convincing you to doubt yourself, he gaslit you.

Why did you need to know this? Because you are about to experience the greatest gaslighting of our lifetimes.

As our country, and the world, begin to discuss re-opening, I suspect that companies, policymakers, and pundits will be spending billions of dollars trying to convince you that things are "back to normal" and that COVID-19 was nothing more than a blip in time. They will encourage you to return to life as it was before the pandemic and return to your previous habits and lifestyle.

The gaslighting will likely start with TV ads and billboards. Then it floods your social media feeds and will probably end up being the centerpiece of our November elections. The want us to drink our Coke, buy our Nike's and eat our Big Mac's like nothing has ever happened.

Why are they gaslighting us? They want you to go back to previous behaviors. 

But we can't.

Companies want you to remain unchanged. They are hoping that you are unobservant and learned nothing from the past seven weeks. They want you to believe that we should be unaffected and unchanged by COVID-19 and that anyone who thinks otherwise is the anomaly. 

What we are experiencing as music teachers and people has affected us on an emotional level that can not be remedied by a product or policy.

Our health is in play, our careers are in question, and our financial future is in doubt. These are things that cannot be unremembered or unfelt. These events have changed us in ways that will color our judgment and alter us in many ways moving forward. 

The impact they want us to forget isn't all harmful. COVID-19 has reminded us to stay home more, share more, and care more. It reminds us that work can wait, our bicycles still work, and that dinner doesn't require a drive-thru! It has helped us to reconnect with those we love and communicate in ways we never have. It has shown us a world with cleaner skies and shorter commutes. It has introduced us to neighbors we didn't know and made us miss things we have forgotten how much we love.

Including music.

COVID-19 has forced educators (music and non-music) to examine not just HOW we teach, but WHAT we teach. It has forced us to eliminate redundant teaching, and focus on being creative, innovative, and inclusive in ways we never have.

It has reminded students of the power of the creative process and the meaning music brings to their lives. It has shown them that there are many ways to make music, but even more reasons to do it and that their ensemble is a family—one they miss.

Upon our return, much of the (education) world will try to gaslight us into thinking that we should continue to teach, think, and communicate as we always have. But, that would

We are changed. We are different, and we should act like it. Students know what they are missing, and schools are better understanding their roles, not just as facilitators of learning, but also as purveyors of experiences and feelings. be a wasted opportunity and show that we have learned nothing from this experience. 

So let the rest of the educational world be swayed by the ads, commercials, and coupons, but I will not be persuaded. A pandemic and school closures DID happen. We ARE changed. And I will NOT return to "normal." 

Normal would be forgetting how I have felt and what I have learned, and I simply cannot do that.

I will NOT be gaslit. Will you?

p.s. This Friday, I will host my 6th webinar entitled From Surviving to Thriving; Preparing and Planning for What's Next for Your Music Program. If you are interested in thinking about this and want to join in, click on the button below.

JOIN THE WEBINAR

The Next Four Emails You Need to Send

Hey friends:

As I mentioned four weeks ago, in times of uncertainty it is essential to communicate continually, even when you don't have all of the answers. Although most schools have implemented online instruction protocols, it does not fill the void left by the weeks of solitude, devoid of social interaction.

Similar to my previous email, I have written four sample emails for you. You can copy and paste as is, or modify to suit your situation better. I just want to be of service in some small way.

I hope this helps.

The recent video We Rest was designed specifically to help you communicate a message of hope and triumph during these difficult times. Consider sharing the video along with your email to convey a message of hope and triumph along with your text. We have even had principals sending it to their entire school communities.

SHARE ON VIMEO

SHARE ON YOUTUBE

EMAIL #1: To Administrators: (Send to all admin, even district level Fine Arts coordinators)

Dear Admin Team:

First and foremost, thank you for your leadership during these difficult times. As a member of this faculty and resident of this community, I want you to know that I appreciate your efforts more than you know. 

The sudden pivot to online and distant learning has been an abrupt and unwelcome one that has challenged our entire school community to master new skills and teach in new ways, myself included. But that is not the purpose of this email.

As our district, community, and country begin the discussions related to reopening our schools, we will likely be faced with a whole new set of conditions, obstacles, and problems. And while our students will return, it will likely be under different circumstances.

As a program director who will likely be impacted by these decisions, I would very much like to be a part of those discussions. I have spent some time processing through the potential obstacles and believe I can help with possible solutions. In short, I want to be a proactive problem solver who helps our school move through this time and forward into the future.

I want you to know that I am here to support you in whatever capacity you need. I am a member of this faculty first and a music teacher second, and I would like to be an active part of helping our students and school move forward through and past these turbulent times. 

Please let me know how I can help.

In service, 

(insert name)

EMAIL #2: Email to Parents/Guardians/Supporters/Community Members

Dear Parents, Guardians, Friends, and Families,

As hard as it has been adjusting to life without students on campus, I am sure it has been equally, if not more, difficult for you to adjust to having your kids at home, quarantined, 24/7. In addition to all of your other roles and responsibilities (cooking, cleaning, parenting, working, etc.), you have suddenly become a full time teacher.

I would GLADLY take your kids off your hands if I could.

I wanted to reach out and let you know that as discussions begin as to how and when we reopen our campuses, I am actively working with our administration team to develop solutions that will ensure student safety but also minimize the impact to our program.

There will be changes. There will be adjustments. But there will also be MUSIC. 

As more specific information becomes available, I will reach back out and share it with you. In the meantime, please know that I am thinking of, and thankful for, you. You are more than a "band" parent, you are someone who is showing your children what grace under fire looks like.

Well most days. :)

Hang in there and I will have your students out from under your feet and back making music as soon as I can.

Sincerely, 

(insert name)

Email #3: Email to Student Leaders (can be texted as well)

Hey students,

First and foremost, let me say that I miss you all and look forward to a time when we can all be together again. 

Secondly, I am kind of suffering from a case of FOMO (fear of missing out). I am seeing and hearing about all of you texting, chatting, Zooming, Tik Tok(ing), Insta-chatting, etc. (You have to be impressed I could rattle all of those off, right?) I am so happy that you are staying connected. 

I know you miss making music, but staying connected and communicating is the most important thing right now. Take five minutes each day and reach out to someone inside our music family, check in, see how they are doing, and let them know you care.

I am working with the administration to plan for the reopening and to ensure that we minimize the disruptions to our program. As I know more, you will know more. But, in the meantime, be nice to your parents, communicate with each other, and STAY HEALTHY. I am trying to do the same. But I am feeling a little sick. I think I have...

FOMO-19. But it goes away, when you come back!

Missing all of you.

(insert name) 

Email #4 to Seniors (can be texted as well)

Dear Seniors,

Okoa, this Senior Ditch Day thing has gone on long enough! Sorry, my sad attempt and teacher humor.

This stinks. You are being cheated, robbed of so many experiences that you are deserving of and have rightfully earned after twelve years of hard work. Honestly, I am feeling a little victimized myself. I am sad that I don't get to be by your side and celebrate YOU! Yes, celebrate YOU! Not just as a musician but as a young person.

Yes, I am planning for what's next and what re-opening looks like when it happens. But, as a part of that, I am also planning to celebrate YOU.

As school moves forward, you will not be left behind. I want you to have your final experience. I want it for you and I want it for me.

I do not have all of the details figured out, but when has that ever stopped me?

Stay healthy, keep a positive attitude, and be nice to your parents. 

I will be in touch as more information becomes available, but in the meantime, enjoy your extended break and take your horns out every once in a while.

Sincerely, 

(insert name)

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WHERE ARE YOU ARTURO?

In 1937, the NBC Orchestra was brought to life specifically to serve under the baton of renowned conductor, Arturo Toscanini. Widely considered the finest orchestra of it's time, the group rehearsed, recorded, and performed at NBC's renown Studio 8H, which currently houses the cast and crew of Saturday Night Live.

Toscanini was the original and sole conductor of the iconic group until his final concert on April 4th, 1954, at Carnegie Hall. 

It was during this concert when Arturo suffered a significant memory lapse brought on by an ischemic attack. He retired at the age of 87, leaving behind an epic list of accomplishments, concerts, and recordings that unquestionably establishes him as one of the great musical minds of all time.

But he was no saint.

By all accounts, Toscanini was not an easy person to work alongside. He was known for being curt, irritable, and disagreeable. But then again, so were the diva musicians he was leading. 

Many outsiders minimalized and marginalized his impact, but his musicians respected and revered him for what he was able to do with them as an ensemble. 

With no Toscanini, the NBC Orchestra floundered for a bit and reorganized as the Symphony of the Air, until it disbanded in 1963. Despite having more talent than any other orchestra on the planet, without their leader, they were unable to find their footing and continue forward. 

The collapse of the world's finest orchestra shows us that conductors matter and that leadership is essential. If nothing else, a good leader can establish a clear vision, delineate shared goals, and point people towards a common destination. 

The COVID crisis has me feeling a little bit like a group without a director. We are a profession FILLED with incredible, creative, diligent, and hard-working professionals who will do ANYTHING to help their students find success. Still, I feel like we are missing a leader. Someone to assess the situation, triage the damage, and get people collaborating and working towards a common goal.

Triage the damage: What industries and activities are getting hit the hardest? How bad is the damage (musical, financial, and otherwise)? What resources (instructional, informational, & organizational) do we need to support those in need?

Get people collaborating: Assemble the troops (the entire profession), create a unified voice, separate into like-minded groups (education, businesses, professional collegiums, b/c/o, elem/MS/HS), and brainstorm solutions. Create a plan that will help us not just survive this crisis, but to GROW music education over the long term.

Move towards a common goal: Break down the areas and establish best practices and shared resources into prioritized and actionable plans. Produce and promote the tools/products/collateral necessary for us to succeed, not just in real-time, but moving forward.

In times of crisis, we need a singular voice, presenting a cohesive and coherent message. That does not necessarily mean a single person, but a group of people speaking as one. But it's not there.

It's not the first time I have felt this way. I distinctly remember feeling very similar in the aftermath of 2008. It's one of the main reasons we created Be Part of the Music. It was a group effort, working towards a singular goal. I believe that this crisis represents a similar opportunity, and it feels like we might, once again, miss our chance to unite, create, and collaborate as a community.

Don't get me wrong, there are MANY incredible organizations (private/public/educational/philanthropic) that are burning the candle at both ends and putting together INCREDIBLE resources, and I do not, in any way, mean to minimize their contributions and achievements.

But, I believe that we would be better served with a conductor. Someone to tell us where to start and how to end. Someone to prioritize the melody and help us find harmony. Someone to provide a direction, insist on collaboration and accept nothing short of our very best.

To be clear, I do not fancy myself that person. And, I am not Polyana enough to believe this to be a simple task. There are institutional boundaries, instructional territories, and professional careers on the line. But it needs to happen.

This will not be easy. It will likely ruffle some feathers and bruise some egos. It will require personal sacrifice and professional pain, but in the end, it will be worth it. Make no mistake; we can do this.

If that need is being met, and I am missing it, that is my blunder, and I apologize. But, we are the very best educators, artists, manufacturers, publishers, and music advocates the world has to offer, and the moment is at hand. 

But, I find myself looking around and wondering: Where are you, Arturo? 

We need you more than ever to bring the music back.

p.s. This week's webinar is called COVID Stir Crazy - Connecting With Students In An Online World. This webinar is for ANYONE who is teaching or connecting with their students online. The webinar will be hosted on The BAND App. You can RSVP here.

p.p.s. I am hosting all previous webinars on my website. If you missed any of them, you can watch them here.

APRIL FOOLS DAY AND MY NEW FOUND OPPORTUNITY

France celebrated the New Year, in the 16th century, just like we do today, except they partied on April 1st and not January 1st. Think of it as their very own Rockin' New Year's Eve, with better weather and no Kathy Griffin. Sounds pretty good, right? 

Well, not to Pope Gregory, who in 1562, decided to change things up and move the start of the calendar to January 1st, where it has remained for nearly four and a half centuries.

What a mistake! 

Imagine, instead of Times Square, frigid weather, and Baby New Year, we had the French Quarter, Mardi Gras, balmy temps, and the Easter Bunny. 

Okay, maybe January isn't such a bad idea after all. But I digress.

In 1562, lacking the interwebs, cell phones, and even the communication wonder that is smoke signals, communicating this change was a slow and challenging process. When the following April 1st rolled around, those who were caught celebrating were deemed to be APRIL FOOLS!

Why did the King make the change? Was it a good idea? I don't know if I care. 

Picking a starting date for the year is akin to picking a starting point for the Indianapolis 500, you're just going to end up in the same spot. And to my way of thinking, the academic calendar is no different than the Gregorian one.

As I write this, my state (Arizona) joined many others in the decision not to have students return to school. For many, it was expected, while for others, it was a shocking move. 

For me, it was just another April Fools Day.

Much like for the citizens of 16th century France, the decree has been made, and the calendar has been changed. Whether we like it or not, the change is afoot, and we must now adjust.

It's going to be okay. Remember, it's not the end to something; it's an adjustment. Moving New Year's Day didn't end the celebration; it relocated it. Similarly, moving the dates of school does not mean the end of learning; it means the relocation of it.

Concerts, contests, and competitions will have to be moved, rescheduled, or reformatted. That doesn't mean that music-making and learning have stopped; it just means it is being readjusted.

Music is still being made, just in different places and ways. Concerts are still being held, but with smaller audiences and in less formal attire. Students are still being taught, but the scope and sequence have been altered. And through it all, they are still learning! 

They are learning about sacrifice, compassion, and community. They are learning patience, humility, and responsibility. But most importantly, your students are learning to be a part of a family unit and appreciate the things they have and miss the things they don't. 

Just like you! And I feel the same way!

But this is where we are. Let us choose not to treat this as an exile or punishment, but as an opportunity to work towards, and prepare for, our future. 

For me, I am trying to write more, read more, communicate more, and learn more. I plan to finish things I have started and start things that I will need to finish. I plan to make these days something to be remembered, not just as historic, but as treasured time as a dad. I did not choose this reality, but I do choose how I respond to it. In short:

This is not my new normal! But when normal returns, I am hoping it might bring with it a new me.

For it is not what happens to me that determines whether I am the King or the Fool, it is how I respond to it. 

So for me, today is no day for fools. 

p.s. If you have not checked out COVID Curricula, you should. Join the 3,000 schools and 435,000 people who are using it. Plus, this Friday's activity is super cool. Go to www.joinsll.com. 

p.p.s. This Friday, I will be hosting my most important webinar yet, Recruiting and Retaining in the COVID World. As always, I try and be tactical and practical and give you REAL solutions, for REAL problems, in REAL time. You can reserve your spot here. But be there early, we already have over 915 registrations just in the first few hours. 

REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR

Four Emails You Need to Send (unless you already have)!

Hey friends:

In times of uncertainty, it is essential to communicate continually, even when you don't have all of the answers. For many, if not most families, you are the face of the school and the person they are most comfortable dealing with, so they need to hear from YOU! 

To help and simplify the process, I have written four sample emails for you. You can copy and paste as is, or modify to suit your situation better. I just wanted to be of service in some small way. 

I hope this helps.

EMAIL #1: To Administrators: (Send to all admin, even district level Fine Arts coordinators)

Dear Admin Team:

I hope you are healthy and taking care of yourself. 

I want you to know that I speak on behalf of our entire faculty when I say THANK YOU! Thank you for everything you have done, are doing, and will continue to do on behalf of our students and school community. I can't imagine what you are dealing with and the decisions you have to make. But, I want you to know that we appreciate you all.

I also wanted you to know that as the band/choir/orchestra director, I am actively working on non-instructional issues related to the school closure that is affecting my program. I am also planning and preparing for the changes that might be required upon our reopening. If you would like to know the specific things I am doing, please feel free to reach out to me. I am also maintaining an active communication schedule with my students and parents. If there is anything you want (or don't want) me to share, please let me know. 

Lastly, these are uncharted waters, and I know you are making decisions large and small with little information and no historical precedent. I want you to know that I am here to support you in whatever capacity you need. I am more than a music educator, I am a member of this faculty and school community, and I want to be an active part of helping our students and school move forward through and past these turbulent times. Please let me know what I can do.

In service, 

(insert name)

EMAIL #2: Email to Parents/Guardians/Supporters/Community Members

Dear Parents, Guardians, Friends, and Families,

I hope you are healthy and taking all precautions to keep everyone out of harm's way.

The unprecedented and abrupt closure of school has left everyone, teachers included, with more questions than we have answers. The situation is fluid and changing day by day. 

As our school and district work their way through the uncertainty, please know that I will continue to communicate information, not just as it relates to our program, but as it relates to the entire school community.

Lastly, you have all heard me say that our program is more than a class. It's a family. And families help one another. If there is anything I can do to be of service during these difficult times, I stand ready, able, and willing.

Hang in there, everyone, and remind your child to practice every once in a while!

Stay safe, and I will be in touch as more information becomes available.

Sincerely, 

(insert name)

Email #3: Email to Student Leaders (can be texted as well)

Hey student leaders,

First and foremost, let me say that I miss you all and look forward to a time when we can all be together again. 

In the meantime, I wanted to reach out and share a couple of thoughts. These are uncertain times, and while you might be reveling in the additional days off, some of your peers are nervous and concerned. Now is a great time to reach out to your section members and let them know you are thinking of them. Let them know that you are there for them and that they can turn to you with any questions or concerns they might have.

I know that you all have questions related to canceled events, the remainder of this year, and plans for next. Please remember that I am working on these issues and will be in touch as our next steps become clearer.

(If you have further instructions about a meeting or tasks needing to be done, this is where you would insert them.)

Please continue to be a leader at home by helping out and being kind to your family.

Be safe, and be healthy! 

(insert name) 

Email #4 to Students (can be texted as well)

Dear Students,

I hope you are well and staying healthy.

I just wanted to drop you a quick note and let you know that I miss you all and look forward to a time when we are all back together and making music.

My inbox is overflowing with questions and concerns related to canceled events and issues related to the end of the year. And while I don't have all of the answers, know that I am working to resolve all issues with as little impact to you as possible. 

You need not worry, that is my job. Your job is to stay healthy, keep a positive attitude, and help your family through these difficult times.

I will be in touch as more information becomes available, but in the meantime, enjoy your extended break and take your horns out every once in a while.

Sincerely, 

(insert name)