January 6, 2020

To: District X Band Directors

From: Michael Gaines, Music Supervisor

Re: Second Semester Staff Development Meeting

Colleagues,

We will be meeting as a group on Monday, January 6 in Demonstration Hall on the Michigan

State University campus. Listed below is the agenda for our meeting. I ask that you pay
particular attention to the discussion items included in our breakout session, as these will be
essential to our planning for the second semester of our school:

Time Topic Location Facilitator

10:20 am Attendance/Introductions Ball Room Golden

MS Directors Breakout Conference Room Gaines

Session

HS Directors Break Out Ball Room Golden

Session Taylor
10:30 am Second Semester Ball Room Golden
Procedures
10:55 am Why Marching Band? Ball Room Golden
(Discussion questions Taylor
below)
11:10 am Break TBA None

Discussion questions:
1. Why is marching band valuable and/or worthwhile? Why is it necessary?
2. What are the unique elements of marching band that sets it apart from other musical
organizations? What does the marching band provide the school and community that no other
activity can provide?
3. Should marching band be required of every student in the band program? Should marching
band be a curricular or extra-curricular activity? Why or why not?

If you have any questions about this information, please let me know. See you on January 6 at
10:20AM.