It’s Friday night at 8pm, the list is up. Oh no! I didn’t get a position! What Do I Do Now!!

Here is my list of some suggestions!

1. Cool down. Don’t react. Don’t threaten to quit. Don’t quit band. Don’t send an e-mail, and don’t create unnecessary drama. Relax, you need time to realize this new reality and to take it in. DON’T DO ANYTHING FOR 30 MINUTES. Then, do something fun. Have a snack, or like I do, eat a pizza. Go to the diner or a movie with your friends and don’t talk band!
   
2. This is not the end of life as we know it. Getting a position is great but just not that big of a deal where you should be upset for days or weeks over it. If it is that important to you, then you need to reflect on what life is all about. Keep it all in perspective. See the big picture.
   
3. We are always applying for things our whole life. Sometimes we get what we want, sometimes we don’t. Remember what Bill Gates said as one of the secrets of his success, rule number one that “Life is Unfair.” Remember what Dr. Martin Luther King said “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Be strong and resilient. Bounce back.
   
4. Band directors and assistant directors, teachers etc. are human beings that to do their best to make decisions that are fair. Deciding on leadership positions is a tough task, taking into account many criteria. We strive to make the best decision for the band. Every time we choose a student leader we are taking a chance on that person. Sometimes it works out great, other times it does not.
   
5. You are defined by what kind of person you are. Be strong, have character, work hard. You are not defined by the position you are given. You are defined by your acts every day. Continue to be a great person in the band. Realize that the process is human and flawed. Show us that we should have picked you. There are disappointments in life and how one deals with them says far more about a person's character than dealing with the good times.
   
6. If you are a sophomore or freshman, be great! We are watching you, how you react, what you do after the results are out and what you achieve in terms of leadership, ethics, hard work, and compassion. Don’t do anything which will reflect poorly on you or the band, or that will hinder your chances of getting a position in the future. You still have one or two years to define your future in the band.
   
7. If you need to talk to me, do it on Monday, after you’ve had some time to think. I will let you know what you need to work on. Be ready though, you may not like what you hear. Sometimes we feel you just weren’t the right fit for a leadership position and that’s all I will be able to say. Realize that is the opinion of Ms. Miller and myself, that’s it. Don’t let us define you. We made the call and that’s all it is, a decision, not a life changing event.
   
8. As this dynasty grows and these positions become more prestigious, they will be harder to get. The pool of great leaders here at Roslyn is astounding. Many great leaders will not get positions in future years due to the sheer competition. When so many people want a position we are literally splitting hairs as to who makes the cut. Staying late and coming early to help, practicing more, going that extra yard will give you the edge. Being a great human being will give you the edge. Continue to be the best person you can be and your rewards in life will be great!