One of the most oft asked questions posed to me by both my music education colleagues and the parents of my students is this: “Why is it that some band programs always seem to be on top?” Over the years I’ve given the long answer to that question—the one that includes things like the school demographic, resources, and of course good teaching. Now that I watch mostly from the sideline, I have reduced my answer to one word--CULTURE. Band programs that enjoy long term success do so because they have created a culture that expects nothing less. Struggling programs may have unknowingly created a culture that encourages mediocrity, or for various reasons they may not have defined a culture at all.
Virtually every band program I work with has I call the three “core elements” of the culture. First, band kids treat the band room as their second home. It is usually the first place they go when they arrive at school, and the last place they leave. Second, they accept everyone, regardless of affluence, intelligence, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Third, they are fiercely loyal to each other, especially in schools where the band program is small. Beyond the core elements, however, are the secondary elements; those that separate the good from the great. Among these are a high level of expectation, an established and proven rehearsal method that is set up to maximize time, a “no excuses” mentality, the humility to learn from other programs, and an active, supportive parent organization.
The importance of culture obviously extends beyond the band room, namely in businesses, families, religions, and demographic regions. With that in mind, the following are some life lessons we can learn from the band culture:
1. Job number one at a newly opened school is to establish a culture. This is best achieved by defining the desired values and outcomes and then writing a mission statement that is prominently displayed in the band room.
2. There is a direct correlation between the band’s culture and the program size. A successful culture is a powerful recruiting tool. Borrowing from “Field of Dreams,” if you build it, they will come.
3. When taking over a successful program, wise directors follow the adage “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Over time the people who make up the culture will change. The methods and delivery may change. Even the desired outcome may change. But the elements that make the culture great should not change.
4. You will never build a successful band by complaining about or criticizing the best programs, but you will succeed if you copy them. There is no copyright on culture.
5. Don’t blame your situation. Every person who says “It can’t happen here” is right—until someone else comes along and makes it happen.
6. If you want to create a successful culture where it doesn’t currently exist, you must be proactive. Excuses won't promote change, but solutions will.