Phi Beta Mu embodies three ideals. One is to honor superior achievement. Our fraternity has done a great job over the years with recognition of outstanding directors and contributors. The International and many state Hall of Fame committees acknowledge the contributions of those who have gone before us, whose demand for excellence has created the musical environment we enjoy today.
Secondly, the value of moral integrity can never be overstated. Thomas Jefferson said, “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” Phi Beta Mu continues to embrace those ideals that allow us to become the greatest people we can be, and, more importantly, models by example for our students, who themselves are searching for the foundation upon which they can build their lives.
I would like for all chapters and individuals to focus on the third ideal of our fraternity, promoting the development of bands. I would like to focus on two possible ideas:
- Original compositions – Not only do they add to the repertoire, but the publicity brings this to the attention of the public.
- Mentoring – I can think of no greater way to promote our profession than sharing what one has learned with someone with less experience. The gift you give could be the one thing that tips that frustrated and overwhelmed teacher into believing that they do have what it takes to do the job.
There are many other projects and ideas to consider, but I will leave that to you to create and discover.
The composer Robert Schuman wrote at the start of one of his compositions “To be played as fast as possible.” A few measures later he wrote, “Faster”. It’s human nature to think we are giving it our all, only to realize we have not achieved anything near our potential. Isn’t that what we do every day with our students? Become more involved. Don’t wait until “ I have a little more time”, or “I need to get in the mood.” How many of you have experienced someone asking you if you could do something and thinking, “I just don’t have time?” How many of you did it anyway? How many of you discovered you really did have the time?
You are rarely “in the mood” to clean the workroom. The reality is one just jumps in and does it. And when one is done, there is a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Time is the most precious non-renewable human resource. How we spend our time ultimately defines who we are. Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser says, “Happy people live in a happy world. Sad people live in a sad world. And it’s all the same world.” The positive builders and creators have given meaning to their lives by how they used their time by serving others. Phi Beta Mu says you will get out of the fraternity what you put into it. Invest more time and energy in promoting the development of bands.
And finally, I would like to address the issue of communication. The International Board spent a great deal of time yesterday discussing how we can more effectively and efficiently communicate with all members of the fraternity. Even though we had the highest participation in the voting process last month of any year in recent memory, we still have over 300 members that do not have a valid or current email address. It takes at least two individuals for the most effective communication to occur. If you have a resource in your state that has access to member emails, please get that information to me and I will forward it to the people who can use it to strengthen our fraternity.
I would like to publicly thank the members of the International Board for their hard work and achievements. I would like to specifically acknowledge Mike Townsend who will be leaving the board after eight years of service, recently heading Public Relations. I say service, as it is where he chose to spend his time. Our fraternity is stronger because of his contributions and insights resulting from his participation. Mike, thank you.
I would also like to acknowledge Keith Rudolph who has just been elected to the International Board for a three-year term.
I would like to recognize and honour Richard Crain, who was unable to be here for his International Hall of Fame induction last year and will be receiving it in a few minutes. Richard was for 32 years the Executive Secretary of Phi Beta Mu International and his service to our fraternity is without peer.
I hope everyone will also help me thank Ken and Yuriko Murikami. This is our second “overseas” recognition, a truly “International” award. The Murikami’s founded Brain Music in 1976 and introduced North Americans to a wealth of Japanese composers through their subsidiary, Bravo Music. That recognition will immediately follow this meeting.
Phi Beta Mu General Assembly
Thursday, December 19, 2013
7:45 am, Continental Room A, Lobby
Hilton Chicago Hotel
