The thought of being Chair of the SAA Board is causing me great excitement. Although I have had a two-year “break in” period, I feel there is still so much to learn, given the scope of our organization. With over 7500 members in 10 areas (violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, flute, guitar, harp, recorder, organ, plus voice, Suzuki in the Schools and ECE) serving teachers, parents and administrators, we are a diversified group with a wide variety of needs.
I would like to publicly thank Diane Schroeder, my predecessor, for the gentle patience, vision and financial wisdom that she shared with us during her term of office. Her quiet, yet insistent manner, proved to be an effective leadership skill that influenced the Board in a way that will leave a lasting impression for quite some time. I would also like to thank out going board members Lamar Blum, Christie Felsing, and Beth Titterington for sharing their strengths and generously donating their time in order to help keep our organization growing to
benefit all of its owners.
Many friends and colleagues have asked me what I hope to accomplish or stress during my term as Chair. I have been giving this great thought. Of course my passion is effective teacher training, delivered in a manner that benefits all the recipients, enabling them to effectively pass on their information to the children of the world with excellence. My other passion is the part of the Suzuki philosophy that speaks to celebrating that which is good, and having a vision of what needs to be cultivated and improved upon. In order to improve upon something, change is inevitable. One of the quotes I really took to heart from the Virtual Leadership Retreat in April was one by Max DePree.
“We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.”
In reality I know that my job as Chair, is to guide the Board and our Association in continued visioning to create the best possible situation for the children of the Americas. In order to accomplish this, it is critical that we all keep our cups at least half full, as opposed to half or less than half empty. One of the most treasured concepts of this Method is that we can recognize and celebrate individuality while striving for excellence. Yet when there are so many individuals, differences of opinions are inevitable. As an organization we are all striving for the same goals and outcomes. The paths we use to reach these goals can be as diverse and different as each individual. What seems logical to one may seem completely illogical to another. Does this mean either way is wrong?
Tolerance of one another and of each person’s ability to navigate her way towards a common outcome is critical if we are to improve and look to the future. I was brought up with the wise advise from my dad that if you are going to disagree with the way something is being done, it is more helpful to suggest an alternate way to do it than to merely complain about what is being done. To this end, I sincerely hope that you will communicate both your positive comments and suggestions for improvements to me and/or any of the board members as a means to further the beliefs and legacy of Dr. Suzuki’s work. We as a Board are committed to continuing our visioning for the enrichment of children’s lives.
One of our most important jobs as teachers is to model the philosophy we impart to our students and their parents. We must model this behavior not only in our daily teaching studios but also when we are interacting with administrators and colleagues. I know from speaking with friends throughout the summer that we all interpret the philosophy a little differently. While many may feel it relates only to children, I interpret it to mean that it should encompass the entire triangle. ECC! (Every Child Can!) is being heard loud and clear these days. I am committed to the concept that “Every Person Can” also. Every person can contribute positively towards our goals and support the Board and the CEO with a bit of thought, reflection and dedication. I look forward to the next two years as Chair, working together with my colleagues in a supportive, nurturing environment, holding a vision of excellence for the SAA. I invite you all to join me on this journey.
