The Grass is Always Greener...
As a band director, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison. There’s always another program that seems to have better players, bigger numbers, more funding, or greater prestige. But the reality is, no two programs are the same, and focusing too much on what others have can take away from what truly matters—your own growth and the progress of your students.
Instead of letting comparisons bring you down, use them as motivation. When you see a band program doing something impressive, don’t dwell on envy—analyze what makes them successful and determine if it’s something that could be beneficial for your own program. If so, turn it into a goal.
Developing Strong Goal-Setting Techniques
The key to meaningful improvement is clear and strategic goal-setting. Here are some steps to help you set effective goals for your band program:
Define the Goal – Be specific about what you want to achieve. Is it improving sight-reading skills? Increasing retention? Enhancing your program’s presence in the community?
Measure Success – Determine how you will track progress. Will it be through performance assessments, student feedback, or competition results?
Track Your Progress – Regularly check in on your goals and document successes along the way.
By setting well-defined goals and following a structured plan, you can create a band program that is uniquely successful on its own terms—not just in comparison to others.
For a comprehensive tool to help you establish and achieve your band program goals, check out the Band Director’s Goal-Setting Planner: https://www.aamanomusic.com/banddirectorsgoalsettingplanner.
Focus on growth, stay true to your vision, and remember—the grass is always greener where you water it.
