Dawson High School Band Principles

Dawson High School Band Principles

Th= e Dawson Band Program is based on more than just musical excellence. We take great pride not only in ho= w well we perform as musicians, but more importantly, in the way in which we condu= ct ourselves on a daily basis, both in and out of the band classroom, on stage= , or on the marching field. It is = the way we treat ourselves and others, both in and out of our band family, that makes the Dawson Band Program the best that it can be.

Th= ere are several key guidelines we try to live by that facilitate these values:=

1. = Attitude – “Life is 10% w= hat happens to you and 90% how you choose to react to it.” Approaching every situation with t= he proper mindset can dramatically affect the outcome.

2. = Be Proactive – Always think and pla= n ahead. Do not wait to be told how to do t= hings you already know how to do. D= o not let life take you by surprise. Try to anticipate events and circumstances, and prepare for them in advance.

3. = Commitment – The ability to begin= a task or concept and follow through until its full completion. This often means fighting through frustration, difficult times or momentary distractions to reach a worth-whi= le goal.

4. = Generosity – Share the talents yo= u have been given unselfishly with others. This often refers to donations, but it also is simply taking time ou= t of your day to help another person. Who did you go “out of your way” for today?

5. = Integrity – Always do the right= thing in every situation – even if it isn’t the easy choice. What decisions do you make when yo= u are by yourself?

6. = Judgment – The ability to decid= e what is important and what is not. Do not waste energy on situations beyond your control, but don’t use thi= s as a cop-out for situations that you could positively affect with effort.

7. = Respect – Treat others in a ki= nd and caring way. “Do unto ot= hers as you would have them do to you.” (The Golden Rule)

8. = Responsibility – The ability to respo= nd to every situation with your own choice. Evaluate yourself honestly, and always strive for improvement. Push yourself to do your best in a= ll you do.

9. = Trust – The ability to belie= ve in and depend upon a person’s character. Trust is an essential element in a= ny meaningful relationship. With= every interaction trust is gained or lost. Make sure you build trust with as many people as possible through all human contact.

10. Walk the Talk – Actions speak louder than words.&n= bsp; Don’t by hypocritical. If you say you are going to take care of something, make sure it gets done. If you offer help to ot= hers, make sure you have taken your own advice.&= nbsp;

Th= rough positive attitudes and actions, we try to affect the world around us in the most productive and helpful way possible.&= nbsp; Through music, we hope to bring enjoyment to those for whom we perfo= rm. This is one of the true rewards fo= r the diligent work of all the students, private lesson teachers and directors at= Dawson High School.

Special thanks to Steve Smith