JMU Summer Band Camps
Synergy Leadership Summit
The JMU Summer Band Camps Synergy Leadership Summit gathered 207 students, 12 college staff, and 11 thought leaders to Harrisonburg July 8-9, 2019 in conjunction with the JMU Summer Band Camps. Students engaged in large group keynotes, small group breakout sessions, college student leadership sessions, and an evening
TED Talk style event featuring speakers and performers.
TED Talk style event featuring speakers and performers.
The following is a compilation of student reflections collected from the 2019 JMU Summer Band Camps Synergy Summit.
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To Whom It May Concern,
I attended the JMU Summer Band Camps Synergy Summit. I wanted to share some of the things that I learned during the Summit. The Synergy Summit opened my eyes that I have the confidence to be a leader. Synergy empowered me to strive to be a better leader. I learned more about myself in 24 hours than I have in a season of marching band. This was the best experience of my life as a musician. I learned to be open to everyone’s differing viewpoints, and to listen and accept them as valid. Play the game, even if you don’t want to or are afraid of being judged. I learned how to trust others, even complete strangers, to come together to make something beautiful. Lead from your heart more than your mind. You don’t have to have a leadership position to be a leader. Actions speak louder than words. Admit mistakes. Always exude energy and be positive. Always work with a purpose. Process over product….people over process. An idea doesn’t have value unless you share it with someone. It’s good to sit back and be a listener. Leaders must be listeners. I lead people, not instruments. 1+1= 3. Do the things that don’t feel like work. There is only one today. Improvise and don’t be afraid to be spontaneous. Leadership is improv. Nothing is going to go according to plan; always be ready to improvise. Be confident. Be present. Find possibility. Make it intentional. I learned to constantly challenge myself to step outside my comfort zone in order to grow. Push into the uncomfortable zone to learn. When I go out of my comfort zone, I will experience important things. I left my comfort zone, but it was for the better. Leading and following are a symbiotic relationship. Vincent’s leading to follow was an amazing experience. Sometimes you have to step up and lead...sometimes you have to follow. We played games that showed me that it’s not about competitiveness; it’s about working as a team and strengthening each other. Collective acts bring out the best in us. Communication is the key. I learned that it is ok to make mistakes. This experience changed my life. The past 24 hours has helped me open up and become more accepting of myself. This experience felt like 8 hours of therapy I have needed for years. Everyone is different and unique...you can’t teach everyone as if they were you. Everyone is valuable. Meet the people around you...you never know who is sitting next to you or what they are going through. Meet hate with love. Sometimes you have to remove emotion from the situation to look at it effectively. Sometimes you have to lose yourself sometimes to find yourself. There will be challenges as a leader, but I need to stay determined and continue. Be an authentic you. Leadership is special and being a leader is special….I should cherish that. I learned to be a better leader, person, and friend at this camp. I experienced things that I never would’ve experienced had I not come to this camp. Be empowered! Empower others. EMPOWER EVERYONE!! Sincerely, The 2019 JMU SBC Synergy Summit Leaders |
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