Leaders Digest by Band Interview
August 14, 2020
"My advice to leaders is to collaborate, adapt, and embrace change."
College Director of Athletic Bands, and Pipe Band Drum Major, Jonas-Charles E. Brown, knew at a young age that he wanted to not only teach music but continue his family tradition and cultural heritage of pipe bands. Being of both Irish and African American descent, Jonas-Charles values and seeks to balance his different cultural backgrounds. That's why at the age of 19, he took initiative and founded the first black high-stepping marching band in Sacramento, California – the James Smooth Steppers. His initiative and tutelage eventually led him to his current position at Medger Evers College in Brooklyn, New York. Now a seasoned mentor and President of the non-profit Brooklyn Music & Leadership Institute, Jonas-Charles continues to teach and perform his passion, while maintaining high hopes for the day his marching band can resume performing in person and win a band national championship.
What is your leadership style?
"My leadership style is fair – structured, and reliable. I provide a student leadership program to help my students prepare for corporate careers after they graduate with Bachelor's and Master's degrees."
What’s most rewarding about what you do?
"The most rewarding aspect of my job is seeing the students graduate in masses, also, performance, I love the way my bands sound."
What’s the greatest challenge you’ve had to overcome as a leader?
"My greatest challenge is trying to navigate team politics. Music should be simple, but it really has more to do with politics than it does with the forming of the embouchure. Also overcoming stereotypes has been a challenging triumph. My school community was not at all in favor of a marching band. National victories would see to it that our trajectory as a school community would forever change, and be closely linked to the marching band."
What's important to consider when leading kids
"It's important to consider that you had the same perspective as a child did when you were their age. This means that you should be flexible in your lesson planning, and be more receptive to the music the students want to play. Be fair and listen, but ultimately make decisions for the greater good of the community. Remove yourself from the equation. Work hard, and don't give up, find a new way to reach your outcomes in music should you be faced with a brick wall."
How has BAND helped you stay engaged while practicing social distancing?
"BAND has been wonderful in keeping up with the media we post, the photos we share and the assignments we complete on the app as a band. Also the chat feature is helpful because not only can I send a message to my entire group, I can also conference with parents, staff and student leaders in chat groups."
What have you learned about your team or yourself during the crisis?
"I have learned that my students have the tenacity to succeed no matter the circumstance. About myself, I learned that I can overcome not having music stands and musical instruments to work with by being creative with the lessons I teach."
What’s the greatest leadership advice you ever received?
"Best leadership advice I received was 'Learn to follow before your lead.' "
