The President's Corner
Restoring the Spark
Remember the term, “burnout”? It was a popular phrase denoting a loss of interest in everything from our jobs to our daily life. Whenever we became tired of something we labeled it burnout, which was certainly easier than trying to fix it or to lay the blame squarely where it belonged. Students at universities suffered burnout from their classes. Public school teachers were deserting the profession due to burnout from their yearly schedule. Stress from any job or hectic routine was blamed on good old burnout and the virus seemed universal. Some of the symptoms attributed to burnout were: constant complaining, reviewing new career choices, talking in a tired and depressed voice, shifting the blame to others and a constant reliance on sympathy. As with many maladies, there have been various antidotes suggested. However, most treatments were commonly short lived, and the disease usually returned in another form. Fortunately, many strains of burnout appear to be diminishing as we begin to recognize the symptoms and “catch” it at an earlier stage. The most effective weapons to date seem to be the reduced levels of tolerance and empathy that people have when you announce you have burnout. I find more and more people fighting off the disease by taking charge of their lives and simply dealing with the issues that have plagued them in the past. At the first signs of not caring, giving up or searching for excuses, individuals are turning to remembering what excited them about their “problem area” in the first place. So, what does all of this have to do with WASBE? Let me explain.
Recently I went through a list our treasurer had prepared of those individuals who have let their memberships lapse. Undoubtedly, all of us have at one time or another failed to renew a membership in some organization, and it might have been for very logical and sound reasons. Why then should I be so concerned about that list of WASBE dropouts? Most importantly it is because I am President, and it is an issue that deeply concerns me. I probably should not take it so personally for within these numbers could be reasons quite logical — from a person leaving the profession or someone who has fallen on tough economic times to someone who has simply passed away. However, what if the rest are suffering from membership burnout?
Early on in my term as President, I was forwarded an e-mail from a member who wrote our Executive Director that he would not be renewing his membership and then proceeded to list a few reasons. The e-mail showed significant signs of WASBE burnout. I immediately responded to the e-mail and suggested a course of action instead of retreat. I prescribed large doses of involvement with daily shots of introspection. I encouraged this patient to exercise an attitude of contributing to the solution instead of succumbing to the perceived problem. I am delighted to report that not only did this person renew his membership but now holds office in one of our national sections. What perplexes me are those who simply have resigned without relaying any concerns to us. It is extremely difficult to solve a problem if one is not aware it exists. If you feel you might be coming down with WASBE burnout, let me offer a few remedies that generally succeed.
Try to remember the “spark” that first got you involved in this organization. Was it the people – the committees – the communication – the publications – the conferences – being part of a global effort? Not too long ago, I tried this cure on myself. I recalled the phone call I received in 1986 from Frank Battisti asking me to be a part of his literature committee and helping with the upcoming conference in Boston. I remember corresponding with composers from throughout the world and receiving energy from the excitement in their letters that their works would be performed and recorded by the United States Air Force Band. At the Boston Conference, I remember meeting Harry Sernklef, an elderly clarinetist from Sweden who was in attendance simply because he loved bands. Our conversations and laughter, which usually resulted around his poor English and my non-existent Swedish, were priceless. He introduced me to so many people from all over the world, and I received a greater education that week than in all my degrees. I began to feel part of something special and now, whenever I get discouraged or frustrated with my duties as President, I only have to think about Frank, Harry, and that spark in Boston. Every conference since seems to recharge my batteries, and I know Singapore will be no exception. Thanks to WASBE I have traveled to some wonderful cities throughout the world, and I have met conductors, composers and wind band enthusiasts who all have different “sparks” from this organization. Many times I think about all the initial members from 1981 who still are very active members. Would it not be inspiring to hear all of their reasons for staying involved with WASBE? What great reading that would be if each issue of the Newsletter contained some of these testimonials.
Recently I received a copy of an e-mail from a member who was going to allow his membership to drop due to the fact that he was no longer in the profession. This I can understand. However, he went on to express his dissatisfaction about the lack of activity of a certain committee. If he had visited our website or the conference website, he would have known that there was now more activity by those in charge of that committee than at any time during its existence. That is why it is so important for you to recognize the symptoms of burnout and to seek the help of a board or executive member. They and the initial 1981 WASBE members who remain active, are trained professionals in dealing with this disease, and they can help. I am greatly encouraged by the influx of incoming members and our numbers will surely reach new heights following the conference this summer, but I am still concerned about those who may contract WASBE burnout — especially the uninformed strain of the disease. Today, the treatment of choice is involvement with a large dose of dedication infused with communication, knowledge and rekindled sparks. There is no cost except for those who do not take the cure.