A Final Challenge
can render is a positive attitude. We all know that band members are really good at complaining, but participating in a positive way will rub off and make a great impression, especially on the younger band members.
by Derrick Mills ΚΚΨ Chapter Field Representative
O
ver the last two years, I have visited and met with most of our chapters and many of our brothers throughout the country. I have learned a great deal from each of you. I know that I will carry this experience of being your CFR for the rest of my life. Through my visits I have learned many life lessons that I feel have made me a better person. I have particularly enjoyed seeing our diversity first hand. It has been fun to see and hear the different approaches that you all take towards serving your band. The ultimate goal that all of you have is making your bands better. Throughout my two years, I have talked with Col. Bonner about our diversity and the challenges that you face, and we always see common problems that all of you have in your chapters. The only difference is the approach and the way that you handle those problems. Col. Bonner has suggested many times that these dilemmas would make a great article for The PODIUM. So for my last article, I have compiled a small list of some of the common problems that I have noticed or that many of you have expressed to me. •
Clashing leadership styles. Many people ask me what to do about this. Chapter officers or members have many different ways to solve a problem or situation within a chapter. I always suggest that the chapter brings all of the valid points and concerns about the situation to the next business meeting. Having an open forum to discuss the business of the chapter is always the best way to handle these problems. It is not fair to your fellow brothers if only a few individuals are deciding everything the chapter does.
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Individual personality conflicts. This is always a tough situation. Just always remember that we are brothers, and that first and foremost binds us together. In a setting as close as we are all in, not everyone will always get along. That is a common occurrence in being in such a diverse organization as we are. If you are having individual problems between each other, always remember that it is essential that it doesn’t become a chapter problem. When the problem comes to critical levels, find someone within the chapter or university to mediate the situation. This type of problem will not go away unless it is dealt with.
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Band Service Projects. Some chapters have paid staff that will do much of the labor for band service projects. Always remember that participation in the band is the greatest service you can provide. The next best service you
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Getting Chapter Sponsors more involved in chapter activities. This is a very challenging subject and a tough situation. Communication is always vital to getting your sponsor to attend your events. Make sure that you give your chapter sponsor ample advance notice. If your band director is your sponsor, try to talk to him/her during office hours about how meaningful their attendance at a event would be.
These are just some of the topics discussed in my visits over the past two years. As a final word of advice I strongly encourage you to remember that, when things go bad in your chapter, or you have questions, just simply ask! Get as much information to deal with a situation as you can. Realize that everything is not going to be perfect, even in a chapter that’s good. Most importantly, being humble in dealing with challenges and problems is a sign of maturity and growth. }
Forms On;line! By now all chapters should have re; ceived their copies of the new Chap; ter Operations Handbooks contain; ing the latest revisions to all forms required by the Na; tional Headquarters# But did you know that many of these are available on;line as Microsoft Word© “on;screen fill; in” forms? That’s right! You can download the form and “fill it in” on your computer$ then print a copy to send to Headquarters! No messy handwriting (except signatures) required! What’s more$ it will even automatically calcu; late the amount of money (if any) to send along with it! The following are now available at www#kkytbs#org/ forms#html: ΚΚΨ Chapter Personnel Update ΚΚΨ Initiate Registration Form ΤΒΣ Chapter Personnel Update ΤΒΣ Initiate Registration Form Chapter Summary Report Honorary Membership Form Supply Order Form Others will be posted on line as they are completed; look for announcements in NewsNotes On;line#
The PODIUM, Spring 2002 – 37
