by Walter A. Harley
In America, around every corner one can find a child or children who need love, compassion, care, shelter, food, education, but most of all Family. Now it’s time for the National Band Association Family to take action on an old, but increasingly growing population of instrumental (band) music programs that are in need of a family. They are called “Title I Schools.”
Many of our professional colleagues has accepted the “call” to serve our nation’s children who come from some of the lowest economical, under developed, and sometimes most forgotten communities in the country. For many of these children, one of the most influential adults in their lives is the band director. Yes. The power of a band director.
Join the movement and become a National Band Association Mentor Teacher. How much will this movement cost to join? There is only a one-time fee and that is TIME. If you’re asking how often? Well, the answer is whatever you can commit and dedicate to our mission. We will be honored to have you join us in closing the instrumental music gap to make band more accessible with high quality instruction to our youth in every state, city and town. We are looking for active and retired band directors, music supervisors, and university/college programs to adopt a school in your local community. Remember the greatest gift one can give is LOVE.
Adopt a Title I School today and let’s make a Musical Difference in a child’s life.
WALTER HARLEY is Director of Bands at Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill, Maryland. He is a longtime state chair for NBA, and was recently elected to the NBA Board of Directors as a High School Representative.
As published in the National Band Association Journal.