Immediate Past President’s Message

SCOTT TOBIAS

Greetings, National Band Association. I probably speak for many of you when I say how great it was to see everyone in person again at the 2021 Midwest Clinic. While the wonders of technology have allowed us to keep in touch throughout the pandemic, nothing quite substitutes for actually being together in person. Gathering with colleagues, visiting with friends, enjoying live concerts, and even “meeting at the tree” were all welcome occurrences after a lengthy absence.

As we enter the new year, my wish for all of us is that we continue to find opportunities to connect with each other, to make music with our students, and to share it with our communities in whatever form that may take. We will undoubtedly continue to face challenges related to the pandemic, but I remain optimistic that together we will be able to thrive regardless of what those challenges may be.

If there is one thing we’ve learned during the past two years (and there have been many things we have learned!), it’s how to adapt. I recently saw a post on social media that compared teaching to the television show Chopped. For those of you who have seen this show on Food Network, I think you may find some truth contained within the humor. The post went something like this:

“A degree in education is like going to culinary school. You learn the basics, a few cool party tricks, and by the end you can cook a gourmet meal. Teaching, however, is like waking up every day on an episode of Chopped where the ingredients are completely random, you’re expected to do something amazing with whatever you’re handed, while people watch and provide a running commentary…and occasionally something catches fire.”

Almost all of us can probably identify times in our careers when this felt true – even before the pandemic. And in those times, our ability to adapt and to find creative solutions made it possible to succeed despite the circumstances. It has been this same ability that has allowed us to weather the recent storm and will continue to serve us well as we move forward.

While in Chicago we took time to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the National Band Association. Since its founding in 1960, the NBA has striven to support bands and band music through a myriad of projects, initiatives, and advocacy. We thank all of those individuals who have contributed so much over the years and are reminded that it is each of our responsibilities to continue their work as we look ahead to the next 60 years and beyond.

Thank you for what you have done, are doing, and continue to do on behalf of your students and communities. Our world is richer because of your efforts. Best wishes for the year ahead.

Scott C. Tobias Immediate Past President National Band Association

If there is one thing we’ve learned during the past two years (and there have been many things we have learned!), it’s how to adapt.