Bandmasters build connections at annual Seeley Lake Rendezvous

SEELEY LAKE – As has been the tradition for the past 18 years, music directors from across Montana gathered at Camp Paxson for the annual Montana Bandmasters Association (MBA) Rendezvous June 20-23. Not only is the four-day schedule jam packed with hands-on and technical educational sessions, it also affords a relaxed atmosphere that fosters relationship building, networking and an opportunity to unwind.

The idea for the Rendezvous was birthed 19 years ago. Now retired Swan Valley School and Seeley-Swan High School Music Director Bob Green said while attending the MBA convention, directors reminisce about all the neat things they used to do in the summer and expressed interest in doing them again.

"But no one stood up and said, 'Well I can do that,'" Green said. "I figured it can't be that hard."

Green said music has given him a great life, especially as a kid. He started playing an instrument in the fifth grade. When he went through a very dark period during his teen years following his father's death, "music saved me."

Green said while his life has been performing across the world, he said the world doesn't necessarily need more performers. However, performers always need an audience.

"If I can help kids perform that is great but if after high school they decide not to, I hope they are at least going to be a listener and want to hear live music," Green said. "I want to build the appreciation."

Along with Green's musical background, he had experience managing a Boy Scout camp and led professional development conferences in Ohio for the Ohio Music Education Association. He decided to start the Seeley Lake Rendezvous.

"I felt it was something that needed done. Montana is somewhat unique in that we have an incredibly large state geographically but so few people," Green said. "We've got music teachers that are 100 miles or more to the next music teacher."

While Camp Paxson was his first choice, Green explored all the local options. Camp Paxson was the one that offered the most flexibility, space and affordability. He could also have all the meals catered locally.

Green scheduled the first three days that were available and has tried to generally keep the same time. While the Rendezvous has met over the weekend, Green said that is not ideal because many of the teachers perform on the weekends and are not able to attend if they have gigs.

The day is filled with educational sessions taught by clinicians from across the country. The topics for the next year are set at the end during the "Skull Session."

"People always asked me 'how did you get so-and-so,'" Green said. "I told them it was simple, I just asked. I try to make it positive in every way I can."

The evenings are intentionally left open. Green said the teachers can gather around the campfire, sing silly songs, drink beer if they wish or go do something in the area. A favorite tradition is star gazing at midnight from the dock on Seeley Lake.

"A social event so people could feel comfortable around some of the veterans who have 30 - 40 years of experience. Otherwise they would be intimidated," Green said. "If you are sitting in that kind of a setting, you just talk and you get to know people so that now you have no problem asking a question of whomever."

It is that relaxed atmosphere that breaks down barriers that MBA President and 6-12 band and Choir teacher from Shepherd Schools Kari Drange appreciates.

"It brings a camaraderie between all of us," Drange said adding she has only missed a couple Rendezvous over the years. "There are no divisions among the classes here at Rendezvous. It is just open. It is inviting, comfortable and you aren't afraid to ask a question."

Florence – Carlton High School Band Director Jennifer Kirby, who has also attended nearly every year since the beginning, said it gives teachers from small schools or new teachers the opportunity to talk with teachers from larger schools with more experience that would be really intimidating in a different setting.

Green agreed. In a convention setting, the presenters are on stage in a three-piece suit in front of an auditorium filled with educators.

"Teachers, especially young teachers, are not going to ask questions in front of all those people," Green said. "They didn't have relationships that would allow them to have a network of colleges they would feel comfortable talking with, discussing issues, problems and techniques. Even sometimes when you are doing good things and you know it, to have someone reinforce that for you is a real plus."

Green said Rendezvous attracts 30-35 participants each year. For the past 10 years, Montana State University Director of Bands Dr. Nathan Stark has helped present sessions and ensure teachers get their renewal credits through MSU for teacher recertification.

In addition to making connections, building relationships and learning new tools for the classroom, Kirby said a lot of teachers use the Rendezvous as an opportunity to debrief the school year.

"We are all able to [take a deep breath] and say 'we survived' while at the same time get a little motivation to get us through the summer and into the next school year," Kirby said. "We can debrief and recharge at the same time."

SSHS Music Director Janet Morgenstern said the emotions were pretty raw this year due to classes back in full time with COVID still very present. This led to canceled concerts, performances and upset students and parents.

"We had a very good time getting back together and I got to know a lot more people on this side of the state," Morgenstern said.

Morgenstern attended Rendezvous for the first time last year. While she taught prior to SSHS at Huntley Project, it was on the eastern side of the state making it too far to travel.

"[Rendezvous] tends to be western director heavy but that doesn't diminish its value because a lot of them are still pretty new teachers and it is just an extra opportunity and a chance to blow off steam from the year," said Swan Valley School Music Teacher Aaron Morgenstern who attended for the first time this year. "I think newer teachers get drawn to it because it is another opportunity to network and build on some skills that you may not have felt like you got enough of in college."

Kirby and Drange agreed that having Rendezvous at Camp Paxson is not only beautiful but it breaks down some of the invisible barriers that exist in other settings.

"The facility is fantastic as far as the freedom to be able to do some things that we couldn't do in other places," Kirby said. "It is just the freedom to be yourself. It just takes away some of those boundaries and masks that other environments bring out."

Drange said the cooperation with the Seeley-Swan High School has been wonderful to allow them to play in the auditorium and not have to haul all the instruments like in the past.

With more than 50 unfilled music teacher positions across the state this past year, Drange said encouraging young teachers is a top priority to keep music programs active in the schools and to keep Rendezvous going.

"That is an astronomical number of unfilled positions," Drange said. "If we can get them here, teach them that it is okay, that they have community, that they have support, maybe we can keep them teaching longer."

Green said he plans to continue organizing the event for as long as he can and hopes it will continue long after he is no longer able to spearhead it.

"If I can help other kids and their teachers for those kids, have a great experience with music too, then that is a plus for them and for me," Green said. "I'm able to, in a small way, pay it back."

"I just knew Bob as the guy at music festival who always talked about Rendezvous every year," Aaron said. "He runs a good festival and I hope he does it as long as he can. It's been a really good thing for the state for a very long time. It is well regarded."

 

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