Responsibility…..A measurable goal!
Kurt D. Bauche, Past-President

I attribute much of my philosophy for life to my parents. They were “servants” in many ways, volunteering in church, school and civic organizations. It was impressed upon me, as I grew up, that “serving” is a responsibility of being a good citizen. Someone must do it…..it is your responsibility.

You have probably seen this story sometime in your life.

Whose job is it anyway?
This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to do and Everybody was asked to do it. Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

This story does not wrap up my experience as an officer of MMEA, but it may reflect what we may experience when searching for assistance with any number of tasks; putting away a lone snare drum stand, picking up a stray folder, or heading up a committee that needs to raise money for tux shirts. I have worked with many tremendous folks during my involvement with MMEA. Our state is well-stocked with great people that have demonstrated superior leadership skills. I know the future of our organization will be in great hands.

With the aid of a few old calendars, I have determined this article concludes a run of twelve years of contributions to the Missouri School Music magazine. I have written articles for the MSM representing the East Central Music Educators District #7 as its president, the Missouri Bandmasters Association as both president-elect and president, in serving as MMEA’s president-elect, president, and now wrapping up the position as immediate past-president. The bottom line is that I have felt it was my obligation to serve. I don’t know that I measured my time in years as much as recalling the methods of communication with MSM Editor Dee Lewis. We have come a long way from sending hard copies of a typed article, to a submission of a floppy computer disk, and now a simple email attachment. In order to meet a deadline, there were a few times I had to ask the postmaster if one could get airmail service to Marshfield from Farmington!

As educators our lives are filled with multiple responsibilities; school, church and family. When you have found balance in your life, I hope you will consider reaching out to serve in your district or state music organization. There are eleven MMEA districts, all of which have offices that need volunteers to serve. The state also has many affiliate music groups including those centered around Orff, Kodaly, jazz (MoIAJE), strings (MoASTA), choral (MCDA), and wind/percussion (MBA). At the collegiate level, CMENC and numerous music service fraternities and sororities exist. And currently, the MSHSAA is attempting to revise the PML (graded music list) by calling on volunteers around the state. The satisfaction of contributing is immeasurable and the impact of your contribution will be far reaching.

It has been an honor, a privilege, and a personal responsibility for me to serve the past six years as a member of the Board of Directors of MMEA. I thank you for your trust and for your support. I wish you the best with the remainder of your school year. Don’t forget your responsibility to serve!

Kurt D. Bauche, Past President
2627 Oak Ridge Drive
Farmington, MO 63640
573-756-7990
kdbauche76@hotmail.com
Farmington High School
One Black Knight Drive
Farmington, MO 63640
573-701-1310 ext. 129
kbauche@farmington.k12.mo.us