SJBODA President’s Message February 2024
February - the shortest month of the year (even in a Leap Year), yet it feels like the longest. Dark, cold days sandwiched between bitter Winter and almost Spring, it’s the direct half-way point of the school year. A lot is behind us, but still so much is ahead. It always seems like February is a hard month to get through. Yet somehow we always manage to do it!
Let’s forget about February and look back on January. What an amazing month January was for SJBODA. We had two incredible honors concerts: South Jersey High School Orchestra and String Ensemble on January 7th and South Jersey High School Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band on the 14th. Both weekends went off without a hitch. The kids were prepared. The conductors were awesome. And the concerts, in my opinion, were some of the best performed in recent memory. How does this happen? Well it certainly doesn’t happen in a vacuum. So many people came together to offer these amazing opportunities to hundreds of South Jersey student musicians. The SJBODA Executive Board and ensemble coordinators worked tirelessly to ensure that everything went off without a hitch. The conductors gave of their time and expertise to inspire young musicians. And although the interaction between the students and all of these adults was brief, the impact is long-lasting. I loved sitting back and watching it all fall into place. And none of this could have happened without the directors in the trenches who support these students every day!
We were able to support two students who will continue their musical journey in college by awarding two $1000 scholarships - one for band and one for orchestra. Although it might not seem like much these days, when they receive those checks, it will mean the world to them. I am so glad we can offer these opportunities.
On January 27th, another round of auditions took place for the junior high bands. Although it can seem like herding cats when we talk about hundreds of middle school students with weapons of aural destruction in their hands all gathered in one tiny room awaiting their audition and fate, this weekend seems to amaze me the most. Middle school students are a breed unto themselves - still wide-eyed and innocent, yet just mature enough to surprise you when you least expect it. To watch them interact with each other - cheering each other on as they enter then exit the audition rooms, comforting each other when they feel they didn’t play at their best - is inspirational. And to know that these children are the future gives me a great sense of comfort. We don’t often hear this these days, but the musicians I have come in contact with over the past month will do well as the leaders of tomorrow. Does music play a part in that prediction? You bet it does!
On February 22nd - 24th, NJMEA presents our state conference. If you haven’t signed up to go, please consider it! There are so many more workshops, performances, events and vendors than in years past. It’s going to be a great event. And, while you are there, don’t forget to stop into room CC312 at 2:15 on Friday, the 23rd, for our SJBODA membership meeting. We have a lot to share and explore, and we need as much member input as we can get. Come in and catch up with colleagues, and find out what’s been going on in our region. We are also excited to announce that, for the first time, SJBODA will have a BOOTH at the vendor exhibits! We hope to catch up with many colleagues there, too.
So… February… You can do it! Only four more months. You can get through your musicals, indoor marching band, multiple concerts, overnight trips, recruitment, graduations, and more. The light at the end of the tunnel is dim, but it’s there. There is so much to look forward to. Enjoy this phase of the journey. It will be in your rearview mirror in no time.
Happy February!
Sue Mark
SJBODA President
sjbodapresident@gmail.com
February - the shortest month of the year (even in a Leap Year), yet it feels like the longest. Dark, cold days sandwiched between bitter Winter and almost Spring, it’s the direct half-way point of the school year. A lot is behind us, but still so much is ahead. It always seems like February is a hard month to get through. Yet somehow we always manage to do it!
Let’s forget about February and look back on January. What an amazing month January was for SJBODA. We had two incredible honors concerts: South Jersey High School Orchestra and String Ensemble on January 7th and South Jersey High School Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band on the 14th. Both weekends went off without a hitch. The kids were prepared. The conductors were awesome. And the concerts, in my opinion, were some of the best performed in recent memory. How does this happen? Well it certainly doesn’t happen in a vacuum. So many people came together to offer these amazing opportunities to hundreds of South Jersey student musicians. The SJBODA Executive Board and ensemble coordinators worked tirelessly to ensure that everything went off without a hitch. The conductors gave of their time and expertise to inspire young musicians. And although the interaction between the students and all of these adults was brief, the impact is long-lasting. I loved sitting back and watching it all fall into place. And none of this could have happened without the directors in the trenches who support these students every day!
We were able to support two students who will continue their musical journey in college by awarding two $1000 scholarships - one for band and one for orchestra. Although it might not seem like much these days, when they receive those checks, it will mean the world to them. I am so glad we can offer these opportunities.
On January 27th, another round of auditions took place for the junior high bands. Although it can seem like herding cats when we talk about hundreds of middle school students with weapons of aural destruction in their hands all gathered in one tiny room awaiting their audition and fate, this weekend seems to amaze me the most. Middle school students are a breed unto themselves - still wide-eyed and innocent, yet just mature enough to surprise you when you least expect it. To watch them interact with each other - cheering each other on as they enter then exit the audition rooms, comforting each other when they feel they didn’t play at their best - is inspirational. And to know that these children are the future gives me a great sense of comfort. We don’t often hear this these days, but the musicians I have come in contact with over the past month will do well as the leaders of tomorrow. Does music play a part in that prediction? You bet it does!
On February 22nd - 24th, NJMEA presents our state conference. If you haven’t signed up to go, please consider it! There are so many more workshops, performances, events and vendors than in years past. It’s going to be a great event. And, while you are there, don’t forget to stop into room CC312 at 2:15 on Friday, the 23rd, for our SJBODA membership meeting. We have a lot to share and explore, and we need as much member input as we can get. Come in and catch up with colleagues, and find out what’s been going on in our region. We are also excited to announce that, for the first time, SJBODA will have a BOOTH at the vendor exhibits! We hope to catch up with many colleagues there, too.
So… February… You can do it! Only four more months. You can get through your musicals, indoor marching band, multiple concerts, overnight trips, recruitment, graduations, and more. The light at the end of the tunnel is dim, but it’s there. There is so much to look forward to. Enjoy this phase of the journey. It will be in your rearview mirror in no time.
Happy February!
Sue Mark
SJBODA President
sjbodapresident@gmail.com
Lori Ludwig
SJBODA Past President
2021-2023
SJBODA Past President
2021-2023