Playback - Winter 2008 - (Page 14) COMMERCIAL Music Advocacy—It’s Our Job: 5 Ways to Get Involved BY TABoR STAMPER Most of us in the industry got our start in a beginning band or orchestra class, yet we often look at music advocacy as someone else’s job. School music programs, school music dealers and manufacturers depend upon each other for their success. We need to ask ourselves: Who in our industry has the most contact with school music? By becoming effective advocates, manufacturers and music retailers working together can have more impact on the future of music than perhaps any other segment of our industry. Awareness Music teachers are often not aware of the vast amount of support material available to promote their programs. As suppliers and dealers, we must make absolutely sure that teachers have at hand, or know where to find, music advocacy materials, enabling them to take an active role in the promotion and defense of their own programs, long before administrators even think of cutbacks. Getting the Message Out Teachers cannot do it all. All of us need to proclaim the importance of music education at every opportunity. Everything, from our Web sites, to brochures, to store signage must reinforce the importance of music education in the lives of our customers. The message should be aimed at both students and adults—and it needs to be loud and clear. Manufacturers, store owners and educational representatives all share in the grassroots advocacy of music education. –Tabor Stamper is vice president of sales and business development for Jupiter Band Instruments. Teacher Assistance The more skillful the teachers, the more successful they’ll be, the longer they’ll stay in teaching and the more students they’ll attract. Connect with your young teachers, making sure they are not alone as they deal with the many challenges faced daily. How about starting a mentoring program, taking advantage of the veteran teachers in your area? Future Teachers One of our biggest struggles is attracting the very best students into music education. Identify the best high school students in the area and encourage them to consider a career in teaching. How about a Music Education Career Day? University methods classes are also a great way to reach and help future teachers. We need to embrace these future educators as they prepare for their new profession. Artist Clinics/Concerts Manufacturers and dealers must work together to bring in top players/clinicians for special appearances. It not only enhances the students’ current abilities but also demonstrates that music as a career is a great choice and provides many opportunities in addition to teaching. The responsibility is ours. Manufacturers, store owners and educational representatives all share in the grassroots advocacy of music education. If those of us who are closest to the source don’t promote music making, how can we possibly expect others to do it for us? Now, go tell someone why music is good for them. It’s our job. For information on how you can become a local music advocate, log on to www.supportmusic.com. 14 PLAYback http://www.supportmusic.com
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