| A history of the Woburn Music Council
We work in a strong community. We
have faith in our members, faith in our guides. United in purpose, we continue
to thrive. We have known how it is to work in one of the best music
departments around. We have shown that we can triumph over adversity.
We have risen beyond any expectations. And in this great turning of the
tide, my friends, we will see how you, the people of Woburn Music, will
continue to shape the future!
- Excerpt from departing
President's "state of the department" address
The Council was formed many years
ago to provide a sort of "club" for the department where students were
able to show up and help to plan a few of the department's major events.
Council "members" were often casual attendees, drifting in and out of meetings.
Only the executive (a president, VP, secretary, and treasurer) were elected.
It was difficult to rely on individuals, since membership changed each
meeting. Attempts to maintain consistent attendance were useless.
We met in the music room, often draped
over chairs and lying on the floor, our members ranging from "keeners"
to "potheads" to eccentrics, and as meetings dragged on, private (and often
animated) conversations would strike up.
Over time, the Council stagnated.
For part of a year, we had no room to meet in, save the doorway which used
to lead to the "think tank" (now the department office). Meetings were
terse and feelings of betrayal were often expressed. Although some individuals
tried to keep things going, our membership dwindled.
With careful thinking, the first
all-elected Council met in September 2000. Gradually, the group gained
more trust and responsibility, with more projects and tasks entrusted to
the Council's sharp intellect and quick wits.
Under the leadership of a particularly
dynamic and enthused individual, the Council gained vitality and energy
in 2001. Members of Council were now showing up at the Department's door
begging for tasks to be given. "No job too small" summed up the attitude
of the time. Council members became involved in databasing, filing, labour,
clerical work, and took on part of the huge workload organizing the
Department's trip to Montreal.
In 2002, the Council gained efficiency,
good management, and a professional outlook. A record number of candidates
stood for election. The senior Council leadership was seamlessly integrated
into the day-to-day operating staff of the Department. The workload for
the teachers decreased, allowing them time to plan the exciting and important
events and competitions on which our students thrived. When you thought
"Music Council", you thought of a highly trained, competent group, ready
to take on any task at a moment's notice. When we unexpectedly hosted a
large number of students from Newfoundland who performed a show for the
school, the Council machine swung into motion in a matter of minutes. Hundreds
of hungry and tired performers, parents, and teachers were fed and rested
by our team, who acquired and handled vast quantities of supplies in record
time. The concert was organized and enacted beyond expectations. Visiting
teachers expressed shock and pleasant surprise.
Looking back, it was hard to remember
the dazed, confused, lethargic Council of just five years ago.
The wheels have been set in motion.
We are currently contributing more to the productive, social, and musical
lives of the members of the Department than ever before. We have a strong,
dynamic team who have just assumed responsibility... there is no limit
to that which the Council may accomplish in the future.
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