Klarinet Archive - Posting 000722.txt from 1997/10

From: Dee Hays <deerich@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Another "Band director from HELL" story!
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 1997 20:08:19 -0400

Is there more going on here than meets the eye? A SINGLE incidence of tardiness or
disagreement should not result in such a major step as banning a student from All-State.
If it does then I would believe that the director has a problem. If there have been
chronic problems, that could be a different story.

Roger Garrett wrote:

> On Thu, 16 Oct 1997, Edmund William White wrote:
>
> > I arrived to class 5 minutes late. When confronted by the band director
> > at the entrance of the music wing, he immediately told me to go to the Tardy center
> > (school rule: any student who is 1 or more minutes late to class is sent to
> > the tardy center and receives an unexcused absence for the class).
>
> He followed the rules.......nothing bad so far.....you were late...accept
> it and get on with your life.
>
> > My only opposition was that we have to march at a football game this Saturday, and
> > that it was the last rehearsal we were going to have before the game.
> > In addition, I am a section leader. He still insisted that I go to the tardy
> > center. Sure.
>
> Study the charts for the game at home, be concerned about your late
> entrance, and work hard to show the director that you care about the team
> effort of the band. He didn't cut you slack......why is that? Is it
> possible that he is sending you a signal that he won't cut you slack for a
> particular reason?
>
> > As I was leaving the band wing, the director yelled, "I
> > guess we've solved our All-district orchestra dilema!" I replied,
> > "What's up?" He continued, "You're not doing it." After asking why I wasn't
> > participating, my director said very bluntly, "You can't make it to class on
> > time."
>
> While he HAS the authority to cut you from the all-district orchestra, he
> might have taken the time to speak with you after class about this
> particular decision. It probably is best handled away from other students
> and teachers with an explanation. To call it out to you as you leave the
> room is not the best way to deal with it. You don't say you left
> angrilly, but it sounds like you might have, and that could have caused
> his immediate decision. You two need to get together....he needs to
> communicate his frustrations with you, and you need to remember that he is
> in charge.....whether you agree with him or not. Remember......that
> attitude must be cultivated now.......because you will have similar
> experiences when you attend college and when you take your first (and
> second, and third.....) job.
>
> Roger Garrett
>
> ps....is the Copland the Rodeo?