So another year has come to an end and, for the first time in over a decade, so has my time as President. I can’t remember exactly how long it has been – probably 11 or 12 years.
I’ve not decided to renominate because I don’t want to, its because I don’t have the time. I’m simply time poor. With a new job, wife and two kids I cannot devote the extra-carricular time required to be the President the band deserves. It takes a considerable amount of time to do the job properly, and I’ve rather not do the job at all than do it poorly.
The past year has been successful again. The band has been running well over the past few years. A stable group in both management and operations helps to keep things familiar to our members and customers. Our difficulties with the Council seem to have been resolved, to the point that we’ve now forged an agreement for access to the Cultural Centre and potentially other benefits to the band. The incoming administration will be advancing the agreement to the benefit of ourselves, the Council and the community at large. I personally look forward to finding out what comes of our future relationship with them.
Our financial position remains strong, with a good bank balance meaning we can buy assets as required and cover expenses without significant concern. I would like to extend my personal thanks to Andrew for his decided leadership in this portfolio. A strong positive bank balance is behind every successful organisation. It gives us the freedom to operate as we see fit, without having to second guess our decisions because of a lack of funds.
The recent appointment of Corrina and Michelle as Assistant Musical Directors will begin to show dividends for the band. The band has AMDs in order to act as a backup for the MD, but it also allows us to help members who need to go that extra bit further in their music career. They are both great musicians who are dedicated to our group, it’s future success and their own success too. I want to wish them the best for their roles.
Mat is a stellar example of success in the methodology we have for our MDs. He was appointed about 5 or 6 years ago as AMD, and when the time was right, he was ready to take the next step. He’s proven to be very successful in the role, and I can fairly comfortably say it has helped him in his personal career as well. Michelle and Corrina could do a lot worse than follow in his MD steps.
Our administrative arm of the band is run by Barb as our Secretary. Barb, as you may already know, played for the band several years back, left, and returned a few short years ago to resume her musical career and as it turns out, help run the group. I want to thank her and wish her the very best in her future roles with the band.
To the other committee members, thanks to you all for helping out. Your thoughts, time and other inputs are what keep the group ticking. I’d like to hope most of you hang around on the committee!
To the band at large – keep up the good work. We’ve come a hell of a long way over the years. Keep coming to rehearsals, practicing and getting your friends along to play. We all need to keep up that effort if we are to continue to succeed.
Regards,
Evan.