August, 2010 Volume 6,
Issue 8
Introducing:
“The Evergreen Music Mentor Program”
By Mac Dallman, Director
of Music Education
The
Evergreen District Board has endorsed the concept of developing a Music Mentor
Program for chapters!!!
The
definition of a mentor is: “ A Wise and Trusted Counsellor or Teacher.” The definition of an Evergreen
District Music Mentor is: “an Experienced Barbershop Musical Leader who has
volunteered to mentor a chapter in order to assist them in their quest to
develop musically.
This
article is intended as an overview of the intent of the Music Mentor Program. The
article also will give a snapshot of how the Music Mentor Program can work and
how a chapter can become a participant in this program.
This chapter/mentor
relationship begins as a ‘help desk’ model. The chapter has music questions and
the mentor provides suggestions and answers to the chapter.
The chapter may seek or need
advice for musical growth. The chapter may also request the mentor make
suggestions based on the mentor’s knowledge and experience.
The chapter may request that
the mentor visit the chapter to assist with analysis of the music program in
order to make suggestions.
It is anticipated that there
will be a little cost to the chapter. Communication with the mentor can be
accomplished by telephone and email. If the chapter and the mentor agree that a
visit(s) are in order, the chapter will look after the mentor’s expenses.
The extent to which the mentor/chapter
relationship develops is entirely up to the participants.
The
Evergreen District will act as a facilitator for the Music Mentor Program. When
a chapter decides that they wish to become involved, as a “Mentee Chapter,” the
District, through the Director of Music Improvement will attempt to provide a
mentor for the chapter. The musical goals and need of the chapter will be kept
in perspective as a mentor is sought for the chapter.
After
the chapter/mentor relationship has been initiated, the district will adopt a
“hands off” role and let the relationship develop naturally.
The
District will develop a list of a cadre of potential Evergreen Mentors.
In
mid May of 2011, the chapter and the mentor will be asked to provide brief
feedback on their involvement in the Music Mentor Program.
The
District, through the Director of Music Improvement will report to the chapters
in July 2011 as to the success of the program.
The aim of the Director of Music Improvement is
to keep the program as simple and uncomplicated as possible.
How
does a chapter become involved in the Music Mentor Program?
The Chapter board decides to become involved in
Music Mentor program.
The Chapter applies to the Director of Music
Improvement to become involved in the Music Mentor Program.
The Director of Music Improvement discusses the
program with the chapter and outlines the commitment the chapter is making to
the Mentor.
The Director of Music Improvement connects the
chapter with a mentor.
The chapter/mentor relationship grows.
Prior to Harmony College Northwest 2011, the
Chapter and the Mentor will be requested to make a brief report on the Music
Mentor Program.
To get more information about how your chapter
can become involved or to volunteer to be placed on the list of potential
mentors, contact Mac Dallman, Evergreen Director of
Music Improvement at macdall@telus.net