You cannot possibly be there (wherever that may be) to influence your children at every turn. That’s why it’s so encouraging to find adults who can impact your children positively. That’s the way Judy and I feel about our children’s participation in the Centerville Jazz Band (the Centerville High School marching band).
This year their show was called “Killer Queen” and wove images of Cleopatra together with music from the classic rock group Queen. It was a crowd pleaser that brought them into the Bands of America semi-final round this past weekend in Indianapolis. They were in the top 20 out of more than 500 schools who participated in a Bands of America competition this past year.
Centerville is blessed with two outstanding marching band directors, Brandon Barrometti and Josh Baker, along with several staff members who work with the different band sections.
Three lessons our kids are learning from this experience:
- What does it mean to win? Winning is about learning and growth, not just coming out on top.
- Winning well is recognizing one’s success without having to put others down to feel better about oneself. Winning well is celebrating the success of other winners and learning from them.
- Effective teamwork is a core competency in life. We are communal by nature and must learn to work with others in a healthy and productive manner. (I had the privilege of working with the band this year on the Six Steps to a Healthy Team.)
Don’t try to go it alone – we need each other. Celebrate those adults who are making a positive impact in the lives of your children. Start by telling them “thanks!”
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