Why Did We Pick That Person?!

Many bands have wrestled with the student leader issue. No matter how hard the directors try, some people are always upset that they didn't get picked. These students then have to stay excited and remain positive participants in the band, while working under people that were awarded positions that they themselves applied for. This is difficult in keeping a band's morale high. Yes, student leadership positions are necessary. There are a myriad of tasks which must be completed in order for a competitive marching band to succeed, and the staff cannot do it alone. However, that balance of choosing the right people along with letting the members who don't get positions feel important is quite a task. Yes, everyone is important- especially in a marching band. Every person has a position, nobody is on the bench, and every single member is just as important as the drum major. When even one person is missing, we feel it immensely. Fortunately, our band members have always been winners. People who didn't receive positions helped more than ever after they weren't chosen, which is proven by the incredible rise of this program over the past 7 years.

When the list goes up we always get this, "What, how could they pick him!!!" "How could they pick her!!!" That person did this, and that, and that, and doesn't deserve it. How can we go on in this band with him/her in that position?!

Well here we are with perceptions. Perceptions are a part of life and each person has one. Inevitably, each person does not have ALL of the information. In addition, the information each person has may or may not be true. The information that Ms. Miller and I have may be different from your information. We may have information which you are not privy to which brings us to our decisions about who the leaders should be. We may or may not be able to share that information with you.

Some people are just not going to agree with the positions, no matter what. They have their perception and they have the right to have their own opinion.

What we do request is that you trust that we made the right choices and that you support the incoming slate of student leaders. For instance, millions of people voted for McCain in the election. He lost, and now everyone should rally around our new president, because it is the best thing for the whole. The truly great people can move on, and wish for the success of all the new leaders, and do everything to make sure we have the best year ever, winning the class next year.