William B. McBride
Specialty areas: Band, music education
Publications:
McBride, William B. “Our Maturing
Profession.” Music Educators Journal. (February-
March
1958): 35-37.
Professional Accomplishments:
1943-45 – Director of the Ohio
State University Marching Band
1956-58 – President of the MENC
Professor of Music Education, Ohio
State University
Chairman of the Department of
Music Education, Ohio State University
Biography:
Dr. William B. McBride was
President of the MENC from 1956-58. Prior to that time he served two years as
the Director of the Ohio State Marching band, taking over from Manley Whitcomb
who had left for Army service the year before. While most universities were
barely able to put together small pep bands during this time – as most bands
were all male and were being forced to fold as members were being sent into the
service – due to the extraordinary efforts of McBride, Ohio State kept a
marching band on the field. Evidentially personnel changed constantly, and
often at the last minute as the result of the draft, or sickness. Brass players
were scarce, so woodwind players and vocalists were allowed to join. Often
players were recruited the mornings of performances to fill in vacancies.[1]
Quote:
If we hope to achieve a truly professional status, we
probably will have to follow the patterns of those occupations which currently
are accepted by society as professions. … Analysis of the patterns indicates
that there are at least five different typical characteristics:
1. A profession serves society.
2. A profession has a philosophy and code of ethics…
3. A profession regulates most aspects of the preparation
and practice of its members.
4. A recognized profession demands that its practitioners
continue their professional growth after initial preparation.
5. A recognized profession possesses a body of specialized
knowledge and skills.
These things will not come about easily or quickly.
Selfishness, ambition, prejudice, short-sightedness, ineptitude-all are common
deterrents. Nevertheless, a dedication will develop among all of us to the
degree that we concern ourselves with the problems of professionalism, and only
through professional service can we hope to reap the results of high professional
status and social recognition-and economic security-which we are convinced our
calling deserves.[2]
Sources Used:
Arneson,
Arne Jon. The Music Educators Journal Cumulative Index 1914-1987. Stevens
Point, Wisconsin: Index House, 1987.
McBride, William B. “Our Maturing
Profession.” Music Educators Journal. (February-
March
1958): 35-37.
Ohio State web site. www.acs.ohio.state.edu/org/osuband/history/director/mcbride.html.
For more information,
consult the following sources:
Ohio State web site. www.acs.ohio.state.edu/org/osuband/history/director/mcbride.html.
McBride, William B. “Our Maturing
Profession.” Music Educators Journal. (February-
March
1958): 35-37.
--Submitted by Diana Hollinger, December 2002