The Director's To-Do List

After spring break, the mad dash to the end of the year officially begins. The days and weeks will seemingly start to go by faster and faster, and it is very important to have a list of things that need to be done by the end of the school year. Here are just a few suggestions:

1. Recruit and Retain This is really a year-long endeavor, but make sure that you are making those connections with your students and your future students!
2. Inventory, both music and equipment. Make sure you have an up-to-date list of all of your equipment. Do you know what you are planning to send in for repairs for the summer? Are students checking instruments out for the summer and do you have a process for that? File your music away in score order. (This will save you valuable time in the long run!) Also, if you are missing any parts or scores, now is a great time to order those. This way the piece of music is ready to go when it gets pulled out again and you won't have to wait! Need a helpful way to get/stay organized? Ask your PMC educational representative about Palen Partner Services!
3. Make that wish list for ESSER money. This could be a GAME CHANGER for your groups! You can get percussion equipment (they need to stand further apart and so they can't share that marimba), low brass and woodwinds, cellos and basses, chairs, stands, private instructors for summer lessons...the list goes on and on! Click here for more information on ESSER.
4. Register for, and plan to attend, a summer conference! Many of the state band, orchestra, and jazz associations will be having meetings and conferences that you can attend either in person or virtually.
5. Plan next year's calendar, including summer camps and rehearsals, instrument night for beginners, concerts, marching competitions, etc. Get those dates turned in to your admin!
6. Schedule time for a dead week for you. No school. No email. No student, parent, or administration contact. Figure out how to set an automatic reply on your email and go ahead and do it. This year has been a doozy, and you deserve a break!!

Thank you for all that you have endured over the course of this pandemic. Last year we did not get to end the school year the way we always have, and while this year may look different, things are beginning to edge back to normal. Your flexibility, ability to adapt, and ability to learn and teach with new methods has helped your students in countless ways. It's time to rest (almost), and you've earned it!

Bridgett Randolph received her B.M.E. from Central Methodist University and her M.Ed. from William Woods University and is currently the Educational Representative for Palen Music Center out of Columbia, MO. Prior to her current position, Mrs. Randolph taught instrumental music for eighteen years. She was the Director of Bands at Orrick R-XI Schools, Mid-Buchanan R-V Schools, Southern Boone County R-I Schools, and Smithton Middle School in Columbia Public Schools. Mrs. Randolph's bands consistently earned Superior ratings at MSHSAA State Music Festivals and marching band competitions, her students were selected to All-District and All-State ensembles, and her Smithton Middle School 7th grade band was selected as a performing ensemble to the 75th MMEA Conference. Mrs. Randolph has performed with the Columbia Community Band, Columbia Civic Orchestra, Memories Dance Band, Capitol Kicks Dance Band, Ray Auburn Big Band, and Kerry Strayer Big Band. She is active as a clinician and adjudicator and enjoys playing in big bands and community ensembles so give her a call if you need a trombone player! Mrs. Randolph resides in Columbia, MO with her husband Mark, two children Olivia and Logan, and two dogs Mickey and Jake. Bridgett was named MVP of Palen Music Center in 2018.