My philosophy was one of second chances. I didn't allow kids to ruin rehearsals or programs but I gave a lot of 2nd chances whether in playing tests or behavior mistakes, (even letting some kids quit and come back). My expectations were high. Be on time, be prepared, and be silent. I pushed for that every single day. They are 15 so sometimes they do it and sometimes they don't. But every day the goal was to be better than yesterday. And even on certain "playing tests" they tested until they got it right (and 100 rather it was the first or fiftieth time they'd tried). I would tell them I'm not testing scales because I need a grade. You, the player needs the skill and thus, we will do this until you have the skill. The grade is a foregone conclusion. I was a big believer in "music for musics' sake" and the kids bought that, (most of them).

I know the number of dumb things I did as a kid and had my coaches and band directors been as "one and done" as some folks on this board my life would look very different. Remember, while these activities are our livelihoods they are nothing more than an activity for 99% of our students. We need them WAY more than they need us, (though I could also argue that the other way). Maybe in reality we are just an unhealthy co-dependent bunch of folks that desperately need each other but don't want to admit it.