I still believe in music

I still believe in music.
I believe in music for the sake of music.
I believe music’s unique content and modes of expression are unmatched.
I believe music transcends all other academic areas of study because of its beauty, power, drama, excitement, tension, grace, intensity, humor, majesty, sorrow, integrity, and joy.
I believe in writing, playing, teaching, and conducting music for the joy of it.
I believe in sharing music.
I believe that music education teaches lessons that shape and transform the lives of students.
I believe that as we work on music, music works on us.
I believe that if more people made music, shared music, and enjoyed music the bad guys would never win.
I believe that for some students in an ensemble, music becomes a very important and valuable bi-product.
I believe every rehearsal is another opportunity to tap music’s soul and infuse it into the life of a student.
I believe a conductor’s heart should come out at least once every rehearsal.
I believe that we should teach music that engages, challenges, and stretches the learner.
I believe that we should teach and share music that nourishes and rejuvenates the musician.
I believe that we should perform music that excites and intrigues the listener – whether in the group or in the audience.
I believe the trust and honesty between conductor and ensemble is one of the most cherished relationships in the world.
I believe that you love your ensemble every day. But you don’t always have to like how they are acting or how they are playing.
I believe there are far too many good musical choices for repertoire decisions to stagnate.
I believe that every student in the ensemble needs to see a part of themself in the title, upper right hand-corner, or in the content of the piece they play at least once a year.
I believe that music and life should never be lived mezzo-nothing.
I believe that God gave us music…and that at heart He is a tuba enthusiast and player.
I believe that through music I will have all the friends I will ever need.
I believe in the music that I write. And I didn’t write music to keep everybody happy.
I believe in the music of others and have no problem telling the rest of the world exactly why.
I believe that parts of the creative process are still a mystery – and I love when it strikes me.
I believe that I have yet to find the notes to my best piece. Heck, I’m desperately trying to find notes for my next one.
I believe that rules in music are meant to be challenged.
I believe that music education is changing. And that’s okay. And it’s for the better.
I believe that people who argue music education at the semantic level to determine whose words and philosophy are “right” don’t know how to teach music anymore – and I am not sure they still have the joy either.
I believe that professional music groups are helpful. But each educator needs to be the change they want to see in the musics profession.
I believe that conductors who publicly put down music and composers that do not meet their “aesthetic” are doing nothing more than building another wall for their impenetrable ivory tower.
I believe the most important names in a concert program are listed under each section of instruments – not the name that precedes “conductor” or “conducted by”.
I believe that a professional wind ensemble has earned the right to play the Grammys one year.
I believe we need less analysis at the half of college football games, and more marching band footage.
I believe that all televised parades need less commentary from talk show hosts and B List Actors – let the music of the bands do the talking.
I believe that great conductors love great music regardless of the difficulty level.
I believe that every composer needs a conductor that champions their music.
I believe you should congratulate an ensemble when they do a good job – even if they are not your group.
I believe that the only deal to be made with parents is that you will teach their child, you will treat them fairly, and that you will help them learn to love music.
I believe in creating standards for your ensemble that don’t require the validation of judges or result in a trophy that eventually collects dust.
I believe education about entertainment by music both have a place at a concert.
I believe that your musical goals must be worthy of your students’ commitment.
I believe music auditions are a test of our growth, not our worth.
I believe that music has humbled me.
I believe the tears that music has brought me have been for the right reason at the right time.
I believe that I know enough about music to know I don’t know enough about music yet.
I believe that the advocate, composer, conductor, and educator I have become is not done growing – and I am excited to keep learning and growing.
I believe music is essential for the human experience, and for every human who does not yet know who they are to become.,
I believe Music. I still believe in you.