Problems with the director

[rockitprimejive]

Hey guys!

I am (very) new here, but I've had a problem with my director.
This is my second year at this school, and last year was the director's first year as well. I really liked him. He knew what he was talking about, had great humor, and was prepared. Everyone loved him.
Now, it's a new year and he just changed. It is weird, he kept telling us last year that we are going through "first year teacher" and next year would be the REAL more likable him. In reality, he has driven much of the band to decide to quit next year, now.

The problems everyone seems to have with him, is for one thing he just says things. He's not funny anymore, sometimes he is mean. He swears a lot, which some people don't like. He is unorganized, tells us we need to be somewhere tomorrow no matter what. Tells us about the pit orchestra for the musical the week before opening day. And just, he's changed. he's not the same teacher anymore, he is a completely different person. Just in his personality.


I mean, I love band. I can never quit it until I graduate college. But the director is making it hard to stay. I know, one more year but still. Everyone I talk to is thinking about, or has decided on quitting. And it really makes me sad. How can one man make this big of a difference?

[brassdancer]

I would bring this up with your parents. Never underestimate the power of an angry parent. This is not just a matter of likeability, if he is swearing and using harsh language as well as not really even TEACHING you, this is a problem and the school needs to hear about it. They usually do not take it from students, but if enough parents call in angry about the teacher something can be changed.

My advice, tell your parents to be calm about the situation. You wont get any where with a big scream fest, but trust me when I say it works. I taught a band camp one year where the students ALWAYS were outside .... and then the second day of camp we werent allowed to exceed 3 hours outside to teach drill, because FOUR parents were upset that their children were "too tired" at the end of the day. It can effect programs negatively when parents argue, but they can also get things done. So there's my advice.

[hansel2011]

Well, I think it all depends. I used to have the same problem. It was only my first year in band but he made me absolutely hate it. I loved the idea of making music and being a part in something that I thought was incredible but I did not want to keep on with him. It was the summer and I saw in the paper that we were getting a new director. I decided to stay and it was the best desicion of my life. I have been with him for four years now and he is incredible. I guess what I am trying to say is if you love it, dont let one person stand in the way. Just wait and good things will happen. If I would have quit four years ago then I would never be in the spot I am with an amazing director and amazing friends who love to do what I do. Yes I think the parents should get somewhat involved or go to the pricipal and say something about it. But trust me, things will get better. Never lose hope.

[rockitprimejive]

Well, let em clear this up, he isn't really cursing at us. He just, swears. he uses it as examples to explain what a composer is trying to get across.

[Lprdgecko]

Well, if the swearing bothers you, maybe you could politely ask him to stop? My English teacher does that, and when people ask him to stop, he does.