Biking For Band – Post 3

I rolled into the Annapolis City Dock around 11:30am on Wednesday, October 9th after leaving Santa Monica Pier on August 18th. It had been 53 days, three flats, four spokes, three tires and three rear wheels. There had been the heat dome in the southwest. The 160- mile day through the high desert, including a night ride through the Mojave – with bridges out. Pushing through uncharacteristic (and strong) headwinds despite traveling from the West. The long, slow climbs through the various mountains of California, Arizona and New Mexico and then the punchy, gut-wrenching climbs through the Appalachians in eastern Ohio and West Virginia, which often combined 2-lane roads with no shoulder, logging and gas trucks and ascents of 9%-12% (yes, I had to get off and walk several times). Hurricane Helene had stalled over the Midwest as well as the South and there were days of rain and wind. Camping, cheap motels, the occasional inn or sometimes the momentary refuge from the weather at some remote gas station or café. And then there were the people.

Hundreds of conversations with folks from all walks of life, all ages, various professions and at various life-stages. Often, those conversations turned to music and teaching. It was amazing to hear their insights into how music was a part of their lives or their families, of the teacher who made such a difference in those families lives, and the frustration of the elimination of music programs and the loss of those important teachers who chose to leave the profession because of the profession.

The personal insights were plentiful. Even now, after being back home for one week, many are only beginning to crystalize. Eating elephants (a spoonful at a time) when faced with challenges, being in the moment both on the bike and especially with those in conversation, grit, vulnerability, acceptance and so many more.

I was recently asked if I thought B4B was a success. To be honest, it was only then that I discovered that I’m truly still processing the personal side of things. Where music education and teacher mental health is concerned, however, my concern was raised. The overall idea of B4B was to generate awareness and conversations. I would say that was an absolute success, and can serve as a beginning. That said, the acceptance of loss of programs and teachers has become commonplace. We cannot, we must not, accept that “it is what it is”. Parents and the larger community need to help make administrations aware that teachers are suffering despite doing their best. They need active and expedited access to resources to help them deal with the pressures that they are under both in and out of the classroom, which are unprecedented. As for music education…

Though music education is a curricular subject, there are so many of us who are caught-up in the business of our vocation, to the point that many need to question who and why we make the program decisions we do. We are not in a time of status-quo – glancing at the anxiety, depression and ideation spikes of our students will easily show this. In addition, expanded educational opportunities for students, as well as ways of interacting and supporting local community efforts (which can lead directly to program support in times of need) are not taken advantage of because “we have a game on Friday to rehearse for”, or “we have a competition coming up”. I am staggered by the amount of money that is being spent on competition under the guise of “music education”. Where we spend our money is where we place the most importance. The hammer shapes the hand, and in many places, competition is being used as an educational barometer with which our administration, parents and community judge us. Competition is a wonderful tool, but it should not be used as a benchmark, nor a personal ego-builder (be honest with yourself…). To do so is to put our programs, when not successful, into a possible conversation for smaller budgets, poor scheduling and even elimination.

Okay, enough soapboxing. Point is, we are music educators first, not band directors, orchestra directors, choir directors, etc. We simply use those genres as a means to teach music. We are vessels to a world of art, reflection, emotion, action and creativity. In a time where school environments, student pressures and anxieties are hot and rising, let’s be sure that our students can cool down with the ICE that music immediately provides: Intellectual stimulation and a means of Creative and Emotional release.

Biking 4 Band? You (and your students) were with me all the way. You got me through the climbs, the heat, the rain and the long miles. Because of you, many conversations were started. Now, it’s up to you to grab the handlebars and pedal. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Because you, your students and what we teach is worth it. Thank you for your support. And please: holler if there’s any way that I can help your mission!