Throughout the time of your membership in the Tallwood High School Marching Band, you will be hearing these five words often.
PRIDE
Pride can be defined as a state of self‑respect that comes from a feeling of self‑worth or accomplishment. As a member of this organization, you will undoubtedly form your own definition of pride as it relates to this group. One thing we are all proud of is the history of this band and what it has come to symbolize at Tallwood High School, the City of Virginia Beach, and all of the areas where we have performed in the past. On an individual basis you can all be proud of the work which you have and will pour into this activity, leading to outstanding, memorable performances. Pride is shown by the way you exhibit self-respect through your attitude and level of personal responsibility.
RESPECT
When you are proud of a group to which you belong, it is evident that those who watch you see that you command RESPECT. The THS Marching Band has a reputation of being a HARD WORKING organization. This reputation comes from maintaining a consistently high level of discipline and mature behavior, which is evident in our rehearsals, performances, and etiquette. Before we can attain the respect of others, we must exhibit respect for ourselves and for each other. Remember…everyone involved in the THS Marching Band (students, staff, and parents) are here because they want to be here. We are all working for the same goal, and we must work together to attain that goal.
LEADERSHIP
Leadership is a major part of the success of any organization and can be shown in many ways. In the THS Marching Band, leadership is shown in several ways:
Leadership Positions are assigned to several members of the band for the purpose of helping to teach music and drill for the show, maintaining clear communication between staff and students, and to train the next group of potential leaders who will continue the tradition of this organization.
Individual Leadership is something that should be exhibited by every member of the band at every moment. Individual leadership means taking on individual responsibility. As a member of this group, you are expected to be responsible for everything that YOU can control. For example, you must make sure you are always on time, you are present at each rehearsal, and you are always prepared. Leadership means going that extra step. It means you do what you know is the right thing to do, without being asked. Most of the success of this group has come from its members exhibiting this type of leadership.
Group Leadership is achieved when a group of people work together toward a common goal. It can only be achieved among people who respect each other and who are willing to listen to instructions.
TRUST
Another very important part of group leadership and achievement is having trust. With regard to this organization, you will be asked to trust one another implicitly. You will be asked to follow instructions that seem difficult. Don’t worry…you will always be shown how to execute the instructions successfully. You will also be asked to take risks. The risks you will be asked to take, however, will always be explained to you, and will always be designed to help you grow. If you trust those who are asking you to take those risks, and if you realize the benefits of those risks, then the only true risk is the one you take by not allowing yourself an opportunity for growth.
You must also be a trustworthy person yourself. This group maintains clear communications, and the best route is always the honest one.
UNITY
As you can see from what you have just read, the success or failure of this group depends on unity of purpose. As part of a group, you cannot succeed unless everyone succeeds, and if one person fails then everyone fails. Again, remember we are all in this for the same reasons, and everyone in this organization has chosen to be a part of it. Although we are a diverse group with regard to age, interest, and background, we must be united to reach our common goal of a “Superior” performance.