The Power of Positive Reinforcement!

Positive motivation unifies, emboldens the human spirit, and makes people's self worth surge. 

We are keeping up our "positive approach." I am very excited to announce that this year we are continuing the giving out of trophies at band camp but have added some more to the mix.  Each of the 5 drum majors will give out a trophy each day called the "Drum Major's Choice" award. It is a really cool little trophy that says you were giving a special effort and that it was noticed.  In addition, we will continue our daily "Outstanding Section" and "Most Improved Section" trophies.  Each day, the captain of the two sections will get a little trophy if their section wins. If a section gets a second trophy, the captain has the option of giving that trophy to a member of the section who they deem did incredible work on that day.  Also, each day of camp I will be giving out the new "Pat on the Back" award to one member of the marching band who I feel went that special 200% for the band.  

Realize that some bands use negative reinforcement to motivate, punishing the entire unit when someone doesn't "get it done".  "Mass punishment" also pits the group against each other which is divisive and counterproductive; it also makes people sad.  It is true, this type of extrinsic motivation gets quick results but is based on fear which, in the opinion of the Roslyn Marching Band, is not what life is all about.  I totally feel that our positive approach is the reason why our band has been getting larger each year while others dwindle.

Remember the Fish Philosophy! I  will go over this for our new members at camp.  

1. Have Fun

2. Choose Your Attitude

3. Make Someone's Day

4. Be There

More about this at band camp!  The fish philosophy refresher course!

Get Psyched! Get Psyched! Get Psyched!  We're going to have a great year!

Getting Psyched for Band Camp

Yesterday I spent all day in the bandroom getting ready for the new season.  Aaron Kersch, Ross Drucker, Grant Margolin and Jenn Feldman spent hours helping to put the new drum racks together and organize the bandroom.  We will be doing that on Thursday, if you want to come early at 5pm you can help out as well.  Getting the equipment ready and reflecting on the growth of our program over the past  few years, I became totally psyched about this upcoming year.  We are moving the band to a whole other level, moving more, up from 32 to 63 sets, doing more involved music, and working on our marching to make the band better than ever. Our goal is simple.....to win!  We are in a competitive arena, competing every week through October and we are here to do the best!  Get psyched!  We have already went through a vigorous basics program this spring, the music is all learned, and we are on a mission!  I will be blogging frequently at this point so check this website to see what we are doing, and where we are going. Look at the goal sheet, it is online, to prepare for the year and our future!  What we are doing is exciting, intense, and great.  We are building a dynasty!