New Year, Fresh Start!

At the end of the year, we often reflect on our lives and make resolutions for improvement.

Personally, I would like to play less cell phone games, use time more efficiently at work, and have more bonding moments with family. Then, of course, there’s the proverbial “exercise more.”

This issue of Halftime Magazine contains many useful articles as you and your marching organization enter a new year.

We take a look at how state representatives are beginning to implement the Every Student Succeeds Act. Signed into law in December 2015, the act includes music and other arts programs in the definition of a “well-rounded” education and gives states more autonomy in deciding how to execute and assess their students’ growth. The past year has been a year of data gathering for many groups whereas the coming year may become a time of action. The article gives music educators, parents, and students some ideas on how to be involved in the process.

In our story “Keeping With Tradition”, we share stories from various ensembles about how they celebrate a successful marching season.

We know that many bands will be traveling to bowl games and parades in the coming months. “All the Fun Without the Fuss” discusses the alcohol policies of various bands and how the organizations keep students accountable and safe.

This issue also includes tips from booster organizations on understanding and spreading the director’s vision and ways to incorporate a wellness ritual into your daily routine.

All of us at Halftime Magazine wish you a meaningful, safe and happy holiday season. Send us a note or leave a comment online to let us know about the resolutions that you and your ensemble plan to make.

Keep on Marching,
Christine Ngeo Katzman
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

About author

Christine Ngeo Katzman

Christine Ngeo Katzman is founder and chief executive officer of Muse Media, LLC, creator of books, magazines, and additional content highlighting performing arts and youth activities. Magazine assets include Halftime Magazine for marching arts participants and fans as well as Yamaha SupportED Magazine for K through 12 music educators. Previously, she was a writer and editor at Crain Communications and Imagination Publishing and a marketing manager at Chatsworth Products, Inc. Christine also worked for Yamaha Band and Orchestral Division. As a child, Christine learned five instruments, with flute being primary. She marched in the Northwestern University Marching Band, including the 1996 Rose Bowl and 1997 Citrus Bowl. Christine graduated cum laude from Northwestern University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1997 and earned an MBA with honors from the University of Southern California in 2007.

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