By John Gardner
I came into a program that was stable, consistent, well-rounded — but with few exceptional accomplishments in marching band competition. I told them,
“If you keep doing the things you’ve been doing, you’ll keep getting the results you’ve been getting.”
I tried to use the analogy of “getting out of the rut”. It did NOT register. I now know why.
Years ago, especially in rural areas where there were dirt or gravel roads, vehicles would tend to drive in the same part of the road causing indentations, or ruts. Driving in the ruts was okay, almost like an auto pilot, until you encountered a car coming the other way. Depending on how deep the ruts were, it took extra effort to turn the wheels.
The story fell flat and I had blank faces staring back at me. I was perplexed, thinking that I had clearly explained my point. Ahhhhh, but here’s what I failed to realize.
I grew up after the Model T, but there were still dirt and gravel roads, especially in rural areas. My small business in a rural part of THIS county had a gravel road until the late 80’s. But even that was before these band teens were born.
SO I CHANGED MY STORY
This is the “GOAL” line at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis,
location of the state finals in marching band competition.
It was especially impactful for my students, who often call me “G”.
Thanks for reading.
