People Who Can Help You and Your Program

Music education doesn’t happen in a bubble. No matter how masterful we are as music educators, we can’t do it alone. It takes a team. In 5 Ways to be a Team Player, I highlighted the importance of the music department team. However, fellow music educators aren’t the only players who you need to help make your program a success.

Our music programs are a part of the fabric of our communities. As such, building relationships with key leaders and stakeholders in the school and community is critical to the success of our programs. Over my decade of teaching, I have come to know many amazing individuals and leaders who have helped my students be music-makers. While some connections seem obvious like your building principal, other individuals like a local radio DJ may not be on your radar.

While these people may assist you in very specific ways, like designing a program or securing funding for a new music library, I want you to consider something even more valuable that they can provide: perspective. I consider this network of school and community members as advisors to my program. They are individuals who I will contact if I’m planning a special event, working on a new uniform design, or just looking for guidance in my decision-making. Your network can help you design, refine and implement your program’s vision.

When considering how your network advises you, one option is to have a fixed group that meets at scheduled times throughout the school year. You could have one individual from each of the categories below meet or even just provide bi-yearly feedback. With my schedule though, what I have found most valuable is to have a list of advisors who I contact for help or feedback in the specific areas that they specialize in.

When networking, remember to also play a role in supporting their group mission. These people are a part of your network because they have a mutual interest in the success of students, education and community. In my case, the community is part of the band because the band is part of the community.

Here are some critical school and community members who I encourage you to meet with and build relationships.

School Administrators/Board Members

These are your closest decision-makers who directly impact what happens in your music program. Get to know them, ask them their thoughts about your program and what they would like to see or hear. School board members also offer unique potential as advisors because beyond their role on your board, they likely have a specialty area where they work full time.

Students

As educators, we have already fostered positive relationships with our students but are you seeking input from them? My primary student advisory group is my student leadership team. I seek their input on everything from T-shirt design to rehearsal planning. As the most direct stakeholders and beneficiaries of the program, they are essential in your feedback loop.

Parents

Parents are probably the next most direct stakeholders in education. They have the ability to provide you both perspectives on what their children and the community think and feel about your program. Parents, like board members, also have a wide range of diverse skills and professional experience that can help you achieve your program goals. I frequently consult my booster board parents but also send surveys to all parents or select randomized groups as needed. I most recently did this to see if they felt that the number of band shows we attended this year was too much on student’s schedules.

Local Government Officials

Depending on your municipality, the key players that you should get to know may vary. For me, our Township Manager, Assistant Manager, and Parks and Recreation department have been my primary contacts for helping to coordinate performances “out on the town.”

Civic and Service Organization Leaders

Groups like Rotary International and the Lions Club are common in many towns and usually already have some connection and involvement with the school system. These groups often are made up of many different members of the community and can almost be a focus group for community thought and sentiment. I personally work closely with the Junior Women’s League and Ancient Order of Hibernians who host parades and events in town that include our ensemble.

Veterans Organization Leaders

Bands and marching bands have an important connection to patriotism and our nation’s military history. As such, I have had the privilege of working with members of our American League for various events and parades. While you may see this as band specific, they may be great contacts if you are trying to bring a military ensemble to your school or have a student interested in pursuing a career as a musician in our military.

Secretaries and Custodians

Hopefully this isn’t the first time you have been told to network with these people who make your school run! While you may not see them as advisors, they are people you MUST consult when planning an event. They are the ones who will help you secure facilities and logistics.

Alumni

Alumni are important stakeholders in that they hold a direct connection with the program and often want to see its continued success. One alumnus who I mentioned above is local rock station DJ Brent Porsche who helped us put together a unique marching band show that included song introductions by local DJs from his station, WMMR Philadelphia.

First Responders

While you hope you will never need them, these people are present in our schools and community. If and when you do need emergency help, it is nice to know who will be showing up when you call. Additionally, these individuals can help you consult on safety items or provide services for events and performances you may be hosting.

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How do you get started meeting these individuals? Send an email introducing yourself, give them a call, or attend an event or fundraiser they’re hosting.

Have more ideas on who should know or how you have them advise you? Feel free to reach out to me here.