SJBODA President’s Message March 2024
Well, it finally happened. Almost a full month got away from me. Making excuses is an easy go-to. And, as music teachers, they’re not really excuses, but reality. March is a busy month for music educators - it’s Music In Our Schools Month, it’s musical time, it’s indoor guard/drumline season, it’s budget planning, and the list goes on.
SJBODA has been just as busy. The Junior High Band Concert took place on Sunday, March 3rd. Both bands performed a diverse repertoire and did an outstanding job. We held the 30th Annual SJBODA/Rowan University Concert Band Festival on March 12 and 13. All of the high school bands in attendance performed at an exceptionally high level and were treated to a clinic led by either Keith Hodson (U Arts) or Dr. Scott Watson (Cairn University). Sitting in and listening to the critique/workshop sessions was nothing less than inspiring. Both judges were insightful and offered great tips/gave the bands great tools to help them progress to the next level of musicianship. I learned so much by attending the festival and would recommend that if you are able to arrange it, you should attend in the future. Either bring your band or just come and observe.
We’ve almost made it through the crazy weather of March, and the time change and warm weather will certainly help us make it through the final leg of the school year. Those 70 degree days might make it seem a little harder, but they actually excite me, as the warmth lets me know we’re almost there. The home stretch is right before us.
So, I’ll keep this one brief and wish you all a wonderful Spring break and happy holidays. There is more to share as the SJBODA season starts to wind down. Stay tuned for the April message.
One more thing… mark your calendar for the annual Spring Membership Meeting/Breakfast scheduled for May 22, 9:00 a.m., at Seven Star DIner in Sewell. An email with a registration link will be coming soon. We had a great turnout at our fall meeting and would love to see even more in May. Free food, collegiality and updates on SJBODA events and offerings will be on the menu.
HAPPY SPRING!
Sue Mark
SJBODA President
sjbodapresident@gmail.com
Well, it finally happened. Almost a full month got away from me. Making excuses is an easy go-to. And, as music teachers, they’re not really excuses, but reality. March is a busy month for music educators - it’s Music In Our Schools Month, it’s musical time, it’s indoor guard/drumline season, it’s budget planning, and the list goes on.
SJBODA has been just as busy. The Junior High Band Concert took place on Sunday, March 3rd. Both bands performed a diverse repertoire and did an outstanding job. We held the 30th Annual SJBODA/Rowan University Concert Band Festival on March 12 and 13. All of the high school bands in attendance performed at an exceptionally high level and were treated to a clinic led by either Keith Hodson (U Arts) or Dr. Scott Watson (Cairn University). Sitting in and listening to the critique/workshop sessions was nothing less than inspiring. Both judges were insightful and offered great tips/gave the bands great tools to help them progress to the next level of musicianship. I learned so much by attending the festival and would recommend that if you are able to arrange it, you should attend in the future. Either bring your band or just come and observe.
We’ve almost made it through the crazy weather of March, and the time change and warm weather will certainly help us make it through the final leg of the school year. Those 70 degree days might make it seem a little harder, but they actually excite me, as the warmth lets me know we’re almost there. The home stretch is right before us.
So, I’ll keep this one brief and wish you all a wonderful Spring break and happy holidays. There is more to share as the SJBODA season starts to wind down. Stay tuned for the April message.
One more thing… mark your calendar for the annual Spring Membership Meeting/Breakfast scheduled for May 22, 9:00 a.m., at Seven Star DIner in Sewell. An email with a registration link will be coming soon. We had a great turnout at our fall meeting and would love to see even more in May. Free food, collegiality and updates on SJBODA events and offerings will be on the menu.
HAPPY SPRING!
Sue Mark
SJBODA President
sjbodapresident@gmail.com
Lori Ludwig
SJBODA Past President
2021-2023
SJBODA Past President
2021-2023