The Yellow Board

Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??

Posted by Leaving on 11/30/2022, 12:31 pm

What is your opinion - if you are definitely leaving a school, should you purchase/plan a marching show for the next year?? (2023 in this case) What do you think??

Re: Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??

Posted by Tim- TYB Host on 12/6/2022, 10:22 am, in reply to "Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??"
Board Administrator

As a drill designer, I've seen it both ways, but I do think its important to have communication with your admin. if they are going to wait til July, you've got to get the show picked so the kids can work on it.

If its an earlier hire, you might defer. Best of luck wherever you go!

Tim

Re: Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??

Posted by Old dude on 12/7/2022, 5:21 pm, in reply to "Re: Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??"

After being in a job for 18 years I wanted to insure continued success for the program so with administration approval I selected the music & show designer. I worked the music before school ended to insure it would work. They made it to state so I guess it worked.

Re: Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??

Posted by short answer on 12/5/2022, 4:04 pm, in reply to "Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??"

No.

Re: Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??

Posted by My experience on 12/2/2022, 8:10 am, in reply to "Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??"

The show theme, music arranger, and drill writer was selected in the fall. Everything proceeded as usual until Covid lockdown after Spring Break 2020. I did fine with virtual aspects of teaching for the remainder of the year, but was not looking forward to the strong possibility of doing the same at the start of the next school year.

With the uncertainty of the next year, particularly the critical time of summer marching band (who was coming back in person vs. who was going to choose on-line), I made the difficult decision to retire in May. It was the best decision all around for the students and the program.

A show was in place, however the new person had time over the summer to adjust as he/she felt necessary considering the circumstances.

Re: Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??

Posted by Thanks for asking! on 12/1/2022, 7:39 pm, in reply to "Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??"

The fact that you’re asking means you care about the students and the program, even as you move on. This is a big deal and whatever you end up deciding will be what you feel is in the best interests of the students. There’s a lot of comfort that goes into making that kind of decision, so good for you. If you are to put together a show now, make sure it gets the love it normally would.

Re: Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??

Posted by Mr. Dude on 12/1/2022, 3:09 pm, in reply to "Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??"

Since I don't know when you will be announcing, or when the district will be making a hire...it's hard to say.

If the district will be hiring your replacement after graduation, yes get a show and a drill writer booked.

If they'll be making the hiring decision by Easter...let the new guy have some say...maybe have the drill writer deposit made and a few shows that you would be comfortable picking for the band that will be there next year

If they'll be making hiring decision by spring break...just let them have decision making power, but assist them with getting things paid for as they come up.

Re: Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??

Posted by No on 12/1/2022, 11:43 am, in reply to "Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??"

With everything that goes into a show nowadays and the costs involved....leave it up to the next person. I've seen it too many times to where a guy is stuck with the show that their predecessor chose and the students and directors suffer through the season. Every person has their reasoning for picking a show, let them figure it out.

Re: Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??

Posted by Some guy on 12/1/2022, 11:40 am, in reply to "Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??"

Honestly, I don't think you can answer that question without knowing a few things that factor into it:

1. How competitive is the program? When would you normally start designing? Are you picking music and getting drill written to it, or is it more involved than that?

2. How likely or unlikely is there to be a big exodus when a new director comes in? If yes, this could mean picking a much more manageable show to ease the load for the next guy.

3. How soon will the new director be in place? If early enough, maybe they can have input in the show.

From experience, I knew with certainty by spring break that I was taking a job at a fairly competitive small school. The outgoing director and I worked closely to find a show that was going to be a really good fit with the students. (It worked out pretty well.)

As someone who designs and arranges music (and teaches full-time), I would err on the side of having the show picked out and ready for the next director.

Re: Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??

Posted by If.... on 12/1/2022, 10:36 am, in reply to "Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??"

If you are definitely, no ifs ands or buts about it, no, especially if you resigned already; if there is a 20% chance or better that you will be there, yes.

Re: Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??

Posted by Retired Recently on 12/1/2022, 7:57 am, in reply to "Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??"

Hello,

I agree to already have a show in place. However, if you find out in advance who your predecessor will be, consider reaching out to that person for their input. You will still be use your current budget and hopefully purchase a show that they might like. Good luck !

Re: Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??

Posted by two cents on 11/30/2022, 4:37 pm, in reply to "Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??"

Yes. You should plan the show.

The incoming person won't know the students as well as you do and won't be able to fit a show to their abilities as well as you can.

Re: Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??

Posted by Beecher on 11/30/2022, 4:28 pm, in reply to "Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??"

Yes - at least have it in the works and leave some notes for the new director. You know the kids better than they do, and it gives them a starting off point. If they don't like it, they will change it.

Re: Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??

Posted by Yes on 11/30/2022, 3:01 pm, in reply to "Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??"

It's common courtesy to the next band director that takes over.

Speaking from experience, there is nothing more stress inducing than walking into a program in July that does not have a show lined up. Also, you know your kids best. You can plan a show that they can be successful with. Someone new that walks into your program is going to have some difficulty finding something appropriate for your kids after barely meeting them.

If the next director really doesn't like what you picked, he/she can always change it, but it's better to have something rather than nothing.

Re: Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??

Posted by Nope on 11/30/2022, 2:51 pm, in reply to "Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??"

If you know you are leaving and plan to resign at a reasonable time, I wouldn't unless it means some financial resources won't be available for the new person if they are not acquired before they onboard.

I would do estimated numbers and strengths perhaps.

Re: Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??

Posted by old on 12/1/2022, 7:51 am, in reply to "Re: Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??"

I would not as it is the new director's band now. I would be in contact with the new director so as to make a smooth transition, if possible.

Re: Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??

Posted by Integrity on 11/30/2022, 2:48 pm, in reply to "Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??"

I would do anything within your power to set the students up for future success while you are still under contract. It’s well within your rights to not do so, but I would never fault the director that left while trying his/her very best for the kids.

Re: Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??

Posted by Me on 11/30/2022, 2:45 pm, in reply to "Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??"

If you're not going to teach it, you shouldn't buy it.

If you want to be professional, contact the incoming director and buy what they need. If that's not possible, buy what you need for your drill team and a stand tune or two that your kids have asked to play.

Re: Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??

Posted by older than dirt on 11/30/2022, 2:23 pm, in reply to "Should I still plan a marching show for 2023??"

Yes, It doesn't matter if they do it or not, it is being proactive in the band's best interest. You know your students. you know their abilities and limitations. You know best what would fit. obviously, if you are "disgruntled", it might not be good, but even asking this question indicates that you care.

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