Operating Tenets I hope that you will carefully read and reflect upon that which follows. I tend to share something of this nature as we begin each new performance season – so I know many of you are “onboard”. That said, however, I think it is important to continually refine and define the work with any ensemble. To this end, I feel that which follows is most apropos to our ongoing efforts with the Central Kentucky Concert Band.   Primary Purpose The primary purpose of the Central Kentucky Concert Band is to provide a plethora of experiences that are both musically rewarding and personally enjoyable for both the members of our ensemble, as well as the members of our audiences.   musically rewarding equals … a. interesting, new, varied or classic literature b. musical challenge for all band members c. strong emotional/aesthetic appeal d. strong response from audience members personally enjoyable equals … a. good feeling of a performance well-given b. personal sense of musical satisfaction c. sense of continued musical growth d. sense of “community” generated through rehearsals, performances, and just “hanging out”   Our overall band experience will be the most rewarding and the most enjoyable when everyone is committed to doing his or her musical best in the limited time we have together.   as Maestro Shaw says … we have a right to expect and demand of ourselves not flawless performance but humanly great performance   as I tend to say … music is not “real” until it is shared with others – we must always be mindful of the “crowded stage” concept – it’s all about “relationships” – with the music, with fellow-ensemble members –“ it’s all about the folks” – and generally speaking a good plan is to “play pretty, don’t play on the rests”   The “Big Tent” Concept   Most of you know of my commitment to the “Big Tent” concept as I feel it represents the very core value of our CKCB. By the very nature of the Central Kentucky Concert Band, our membership is comprised of instrumentalists with wide and varied levels of musical abilities, understandings, appreciations, and training. This is as it should be, and remains one of our greatest assets. Our membership ranges from fine folks who truly just “like to play their horn” … to well-trained, mature musicians boasting a veritable plethora of musical backgrounds. Collectively, we must balance the needs and preferences of all folks on the musical spectrum and in our musical family.   I hasten to point out, however, that no matter one's ability or background – work, effort, commitment and mental focus are required both in rehearsal and performance settings. Collectively, we need to strive for improvement on issues such as mental and musical focus – attention in these crucial areas will greatly enhance the rewards of the overall experience. To this end, I would like to re-affirm our individual roles and responsibilities …   My Role as your Music Director & Conductor includes … 1. selection and programming of literature appropriate for a given concert sequence 2. thoughtful preparation of scores 3. careful preparation and planning for each rehearsal 4. productive and well-run rehearsals 5. musical interpretation and leadership on concert venues 6. scheduling of concerts and a selection of soloists which is appropriate for a given concert cycle 7. a joy and love of making music Your Role as a Member of the CKCB includes … 1. readiness for rehearsals [regular attendance, promptness, preparedness – pencil, etc.] 2. attentiveness at rehearsals [posture, focus, musical responsibility, etc] 3. responsibility for performance [outside effort as necessary, daily practice, etc.] 4. responsibility at performances [focus, musical commitment, musical attention] 5. a true and genuine concern for the success of other ensemble members – helping, supporting and encouraging as necessary 6. a joy and love of making music   Thank - You  “Let's have another Great Season”