HOW TO SUCCEED IN THE NORTHWOOD BAND

Always do what is best for the group, not necessarily what is best for just you. We are a team and we must work together. 

Have full faith in yourself and your capabilities. Everyone will be learning new things and facing new challenges. Do not doubt yourself for one moment. People are going to learn at different rates; try your best not to compare yourself to others. Even if you are picking up on something quickly or know the task that is being asked of you, allow yourself to take it to the next step. (Consistency, performance, technique). Don’t let someone else have more faith in you than you have in yourself.

Commit to giving 100%, 100% of the time. Expect to work hard. There is no first-string and second-string, and when one person gets tired we cannot send another player in as a substitute. Everyone is performing all of the time. We are only as strong as our weakest member. 

Take responsibility for your actions and learn from your mistakes. Apologize when you know you are wrong and mean it. 

Rehearse as you want to perform. We are working toward consistency. Anything that happens in rehearsal will likely happen in performance. 

Make efficient use of our rehearsal time. Take notes in the music of changes, things to practice, and suggested improvements during rehearsal. Listen even when the director may not be talking directly to your section, as it may apply to you later in the music. 

Take every opportunity to watch other groups perform. They are doing the same thing that you are and you will learn a lot from watching them (both good and bad). While at a competition at another school, spend as much time watching as possible. Use scheduled breaks to take care of restroom and concession needs.

Winning isn’t everything. Competition certainly motivates us, but your primary motivation should be the desire to improve. As long as we get better with each performance, we stay in competition with ourselves. Intrinsic motivation is much more powerful and rewarding than the extrinsic motivation to win a trophy. The performance of others should never determine the quality of your own performance. During awards ceremonies, be proud of our group and our school no matter what the results and if you agree or disagree. You should not cheer any louder for winning first place than for placing last.

Do not expect exceptions to be made on your behalf. Making an exception for one would lead to others expecting the same exception. 

Stay positive and offer and accept help! Students at all ability levels are going to have some form of critique offered to them to motivate constant improvement. If you are experienced at a task, please offer assistance when the instructor has asked for you to do so. We are going to get better by helping each other. 

Practice! If you are struggling with a task, don’t be upset. Keep working on it. Growth and improvement speak volumes over those who are naturally gifted but don’t push themselves to the next level! Never get satisfied with yourself; be the best you can be. Constantly work to improve your performance ability.