Park Ridge Marching Band

I spent a lot of time over the past few days thinking about next year. I'm exploring a lot of options and trying to consider various ways things could play out at Ridge. The problem right now is that I can't really plan for the future and the unknown is difficult to prepare for. One firm offer is on the table right now, but I can't really make a decision on it yet.

The band director at Park Ridge is pushing hard for me to accept the position of Assistant Marching Band Director there. I wrote the drill for the band this season and taught a couple days of band camp and once during the season. Today we met and hashed out the details for next year's show. We've got a good grasp of the flow and a definite timeline that includes me writing and teaching the opener and ballad in May.

The band director agreed to hold off on the assistant director position until late January or February by which time I should have a somewhat better idea of where things are going for me. My role there would be similar to what it was at Ridge. I'll be responsible for the marching technique, teaching of the drill and running most outdoor rehearsals. The director is a percussionist and would like to devote his time as the full-time percussion instructor. Therefore I'd have the added responsibility of running some music rehearsals with the winds too. He was very good about giving me freedom the three times I met with the band this season and I suspect he'd be happy to let me guide the program as I see fit.

Let's weigh some of the pros and cons of taking the position at Park Ridge:

Pros:

• Lots of responsibility and freedom
• Great staff
• Great kids
• Would triple the stipend I currently receive as drill designer
• Good opportunity to grow as a band (they are on the cusp of moving up to Group III)
• Exactly the kind of arrangement I'd like as far as my role would be concerned

Cons:

• Long commute, a solid hour each way under good conditions
• Nearly impossible to get to after school rehearsals if I'm living/teaching in central NJ
• Many band members also play fall sports leading to missed rehearsals
• Would limit the range of professional opportunities I could consider in the coming months as I determine the next step for my full-time teaching career
• Would limit the number of judging gigs I could do in the fall

So I'm really not sure. Right now, I'm leading toward not taking the position mostly due to the distance, but if the director is willing to work something out so I'm not there every rehearsal, it might be possible. Of course, I wouldn't want to make that kind of part-time commitment either.