Tips to Build and Strengthen Administrative Support for
Your Instrumental Music Program
By Pete Lazaroff and Mike Van Tassel
Public education has become more accountable than ever through legislation such as No Child Left Behind at the federal level, Education Yes at the state level, continuing unfunded mandates, and increased choice opportunities for students. This along with the current dismal outlook from Lansing on the school finance situation is putting pressure on fine arts programs just to maintain their current levels of staffing and support, which we have not seen since the early 1980’s.
The support of administration at both the building and central office level is crucial for us to survive these tough times ahead. In addition, program quality and parent/community support is of equal importance.
Having been a band director for twelve years, I have had the opportunity to work with some very supportive as well as non-supportive administrators. As a superintendent for the last ten years, I have had the privilege of working with two outstanding directors; Dianne Stoddard at Climax-Scotts and Bangor Township Schools, and Mike Van Tassel in my current position with the Van Buren Public Schools.
In conversations on this topic with Mike Van Tassel, we would like to offer the following suggestions for you:
We cannot stress the importance of communication with your principals enough in maintaining support for your program. Keep them informed of any activities well in advance of the event. Schedule a time that you can meet with them to discuss issues such as early student release from class, notifications to faculty, and transportation needs. Your principal will appreciate this and work with you to make the preparations go smoothly. Ask them if they would like to introduce your group at concerts and have an opportunity to speak to the audience. This gives them the opportunity to show the community their support of the program. Invite them into your rehearsals from time to time to see the progress that your students are making. Keep them up to date on the activities of your booster organization and ask if they would like to attend a meeting from time to time. When appropriate, invite them to a meeting of your professional association which will allow them to get a bigger picture of the role that music education plays in the curriculum.
We would suggest that communication to the Superintendent and Board of Education be done through newsletters, invitations to programs, and providing a year end summary of the program at a spring Board of Education meeting when appropriate. Be sure to recognize members of the administration and Board of Education who are in attendance at concerts. Be sure to follow up with these people with a thank you note for their support.
Communication with your colleagues is critical in maintaining their support of your efforts and program. Participation in staff meetings and personal notification when their day will be impacted by your activities will help maintain a positive image of your program. Involvement in curriculum and school improvement committees is essential to keep music education as a key component in the school’s curriculum. This is more important now than at any time due to increased demands on academic achievement and shortage of funds. Be a mentor to new members of the profession and utilize student teachers in your program. When possible, utilize retired directors and college faculty to assist with the program.
Your parents are a key part of the success of your program. Involvement by them through the booster organization or as a volunteer in a certain area will provide the support for your program that will allow you to focus on the instructional responsibilities of your position. Work with your booster organization officers to best utilize each member according to their individual areas of expertise. You should work to involve parents from all grade levels to be involved in the activities of the group. Keeping these volunteers active will help with continuity in the program.
The community can be a key resource in helping to support the program. Remember that your students are the ambassadors of the community. In many cases, the performances of your students are the only link an audience will have to your community. Be active in a local civic organization and keep the community informed as well by newsletters and personal contacts. As appropriate, schedule some community performances into the year’s activities and invite alumni of the group back to participate.
These are some broad based suggestions to help promote and strengthen your program within your school, the district, and the community. Please look at how you could incorporate these into your particular situation. Always maintain the focus of your program on quality music education. This will help develop the support and backing of the groups that have been discussed and will ensure that your program continue to be an integral part of the curricular program in your district.
(Pete Lazaroff is the new superintendent with the Van Buren Public Schools and former MSBOA Vice-President for Band and Orchestra. Mike Van Tassel is the Director of Bands for the Van Buren Public Schools. )