Last semester we had four successful Development Mondays, each one a little different in terms of structure and overall impact.
Leadership and Goal-Setting Seminar:
Purpose was to give a short presentation on aspects of leadership that will allow those in attendance to better craft and achieve their goals, then brainstorm with others on how to actually achieve them. For the first half of the workshop, CME members gave a short presentation on different aspects of leadership and the concept of SMART goals. After, the attendees wrote one long-term and one short-term goal for each of four categories – musical, co-curricular/work, academic, and personal/family. The attendees then provided feedback as a group on how to achieve their goals.
There was really good discussion within the group on specific ways to achieve their goals, and multiple solutions were provided for each problem.
Leadership and Inclusion Discussion with Guest Speaker, Freyja Harris:
Purpose was to have an open discussion with Freyja Harris, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the SMTD, on the topics of leadership and inclusivity, and how to incorporate those into band and our everyday lives. Members participating in the workshop had a list of questions to ask Freyja Harris which facilitated a successful discussion and conversation. Questions were bounced off of each other, meaningful experiences were shared, and a real conversation was had.
Topics of leadership, responsibility, professionalism, empathy, tolerance, openness, negativity vs. positivity, societal climate, and real-world application were discussed.
Small Ensembles Event in Collaboration with KKPsi Musicianship Committee:
Purpose was to hold a small ensembles event where attendees would group up, sight-read, and perform various pieces of music. This was meant to facilitate both musicality and leadership qualities as attendees practiced the pieces before the performance. Music from classical duets and trios to themes from “La La Land” were performed.
Because the event took place right before a B-Meeting, one group volunteered to perform their small ensembles piece during the meeting’s “Moment of Music.”
Stress Relief Yoga Session with Alumna Brother, Katie Martin:
Purpose was to offer an option of stress relief during the midterm/finals season. Recently graduated Brother Katie Martin led attendees in a relaxing yoga session. Afterwards, attendees ate cookies, brownies, and hot chocolate provided/made by CME members. Attendees also partook in a session of “Warm and Fuzzies” to help give them confidence and positivity for the rest of the finals season.
Jacob Arche
Continuing Membership Education Chair, 2017-2018
