MBDA Regional Representation.
MBDA Regional Restructuring Plan 2007-2008
Introduction
The Minnesota Band Directors Association has been evolving as an organization ever since its inception in the early 1990s. The organization has changed and continues to change in response to new ideas, programs, and projects undertaken by MBDA. The willingness for the organization to embrace a state of fluidity around its periphery while maintaining a core that is stable and healthy is one of the recognized strengths of MBDA.
In the past several years, more members than ever in its history have become involved in the events and activities of the organization - a sign that the viability of the organization does not hinge upon one or two people, but rather a community of members. That is something about which we can all be proud!
In that spirit, recent discussions about the future of the organization have centered on a desire to enable the organization to create greater and more meaningful ties to band directors throughout our state. While the organization is meeting the needs of its members in many areas of the state, there are other areas that need - and deserve - an organization that can respond to their needs more readily than the present model allows.
The New Model Overview
The particular model on which the restructuring of MBDA is based is one that divides the entire state into six geographical regions (a model used with tremendous success by the Iowa Bandmasters Association). Each of the six regions will have its own elected board of representatives that will be responsible for overseeing and guiding the activities of the region. Regional Boards will include a president, president-elect, treasurer, secretary, membership chair, and honor band coordinator. Other board positions will be created as initiatives arise within each region.
At the state level, MBDA will continue to have an elected State Board of Representatives that will guide the overall direction and activities of the statewide organization, while acting as a liaison to MMEA and other state, regional, and national professional organizations. This new structure empowers both the regional and state boards to move in new and important directions for the future of band directors in the state of Minnesota.
Regional Initiatives
During the course of the first three years of inception, each region will initiate and host its own Regional Honor Band (6-8 and 9-10) in addition to a Beginning Band Festival. The selection process for the regional honor bands will be based upon director recommendations rather than recorded auditions. Other activities as deemed important by the regional members will be implemented as ideas and resources allow.
State Initiatives
The state organization will continue to host an annual 6-8 and 9-10 State Honor Bands with members selected via the currently used application and recorded audition process. The elected state board of MBDA will also continue to be responsible for the overall direction of MBDA and its presence at the annual MMEA Midwinter Clinic.
Region Rosters
A complete roster of all K-12, college and university institutions within each of the newly formed MBDA Regions is available on the MBDA web site by clicking on the region abbreviations above the map at the top of this page. These pages will identify the region in which your school is located.
How can I get involved?
A team of leaders within each new MBDA Region has been formed. Many veteran teachers have already stepped forward to assist their region during the first two years of the new structure. If you would like to become involved in the leadership and activities in your region, contact any of the Regional Presidents