Star Alumni Association Skills Survey

One hundred and ninety-five people participated in a survey posted on the Star Alumni Web Board in January 2006. Respondents located throughout North America and beyond participated, with the largest concentration of respondents residing in Indiana. The survey revealed the existence of sufficient talent and equipment available to support a performance ensemble. Additional skills in various disciplines including education, financial management, computers, events/fundraising, communications, general office work, merchandising, carpentry, transportation, and professional services were also identified in the survey. Respondents indicated a willingness to perform work on behalf of the Star Alumni Association in their homes or many miles away. Many also indicated a readiness to provide additional financial support for initiatives that interest them or when finances allow.

On January 1, 2006, approximately 750 members, supporters, and friend of the Star Alumni Association were offered the opportunity to participate in an online skills survey during the month of January. The intent of the survey is to assess resources available to the Star Alumni Association for the purpose of identifying possible initiatives to be undertaken.

Approximately 750 email notifications were used to direct respondents to the Star Alumni Web Board (staralumni.org) to take the survey. One hundred and ninety-five people (26%) completed the survey and 78 (10.1%) emails were undeliverable. Those invitees whose emails were undeliverable were sent a postcard notifying them of the survey and asking them to update their email accounts on the Web Board. Thirteen postcard recipients (16%) responded and thirteen postcards (16%) were returned as undeliverable. Results of the survey are presented below:

The following table provides a recap of the number of respondents per geographic region.

United States
State	# of Respondents	% of U.S. Respondents*
Indiana	55	31.4%	Click here for a recap of Indiana respondents
Kentucky	16	9.1%
California	9	5.1%
Texas	9	5.1%
Georgia	8	4.6%
Florida	6	3.4%
Illinois	6	3.4%
New York	6	3.4%
Ohio	6	3.4%
Tennessee	6	3.4%
Minnesota	5	2.9%
Colorado	4	2.3%
New Jersey	4	2.3%
Louisiana	3	1.7%
Massachusetts	3	1.7%
Maryland	3	1.7%
Missouri	3	1.7%
Nevada	3	1.7%
Washington	3	1.7%
Arkansas	2	1.1%
Iowa	2	1.1%
North Carolina	2	1.1%
Virginia	2	1.1%
Wisconsin	2	1.1%
Arizona	1	.6%
Connecticut	1	.6%
District of Columbia	1	.6%
Michigan	1	.6%
Mississippi	1	.6%
Nevada	1	.6%
Pennsylvania	1	.6%
Total	175
Total responses: 175 (20 skipped this question) Of the U.S. respondents who identified their location. Other Lands*
Country	# of Respondents	% of Respondents*
Canada	3	1.7%
Netherlands	1	.6%
*Of all respondents who identified their location.

Respondents overwhelmingly indicated their preferred method of contact is through email. This is not surprising considering the primary means of soliciting participants was through the World Wide Web.

Contact Method	# of Respondents	% of Respondents
Email	172	91.5%
Mobile Phone	47	25.0%
Home Phone	29	15.4%
Daytime Phone	16	8.5%
Other: (carrier pigeon)	1	.5%
Total responses: 188 (7 skipped this question)

The survey asked respondents to indicate specific skills they would be willing to utilize on behalf of the Star Alumni Association. The table below contains a ranking of skills sorted by popularity:

Performance Skill	# of Respondents	% of Respondents
Trumpet	54	34.6%
Mellophone	29	18.6%
Visual Ensemble (flag)	26	16.7%
Euphonium	22	14.1%
Accessory Percussion	21	13.5%
Baritone	21	13.5%
Vocal	19	12.2%
Other*	18	11.5%
Tuba	16	10.3%
Visual Ensemble (dance)	16	10.3%
Melodic Percussion	15	9.6%
Bass	14	9.0%
Trombone	13	8.3%
Visual Ensemble (rifle)	12	7.7%
Visual Ensemble (saber)	12	7.7%
Field Snare	10	6.4%
French Horn	10	6.4%
Piccolo Trumpet	9	5.8%
Saxophone (all keys)	6	3.8%
Flute/Piccolo	4	2.6%
Tenor Drums	4	2.6%
Clarinet	3	1.9%
Piano	3	1.9%
Alto Horn	1	.6%
Oboe	0	0%
Bassoon	0	0%
Bagpipes	0	0%
Total responses: 156 (39 skipped this question) *Eighteen "others" were posted that included: two administrative, two composers, two conductors, a teacher, visual instruction, didgeridoo, bass trombone, guitar, coffee, drum set, uniform design, cook, volunteer, one "n/a," and one (gasp) baton twirler/ballroom dancer.

Respondents were offered an opportunity to disclose equipment they own or can access for use by the Star Alumni Association. Here's a listing of available equipment sorted by popularity:

Performance Skill	# of Respondents	% of Respondents
Trumpet (B-flat)	50	48.5%
Mellophone	20	19.4%
Trombone	19	18.4%
Other*	14	13.6%
Flugelhorn	13	12.6%
Tuba	13	12.6%
Euphonium (upright)	12	11.7%
Cornet (B-flat)	11	10.7%
French Horn	11	10.7%
Flute	10	9.7%
Clarinet	9	8.7%
Trumpet (C)	8	8.7%
Accessory Percussion	8	7.8%
Field Snare	8	7.8%
Piccolo Trumpet	7	6.8%
Baritone horn (bell-front)	6	5.8%
Saxophone (alto)	6	5.8%
Saxophone (tenor)	6	5.8%
Tenor Drums	6	5.8%
Trumpet (E-flat)	5	4.9%
Marimba	5	4.9%
Piccolo	4	3.9%
Saxophone (baritone)	4	3.9%
Xylophone	4	3.9%
Bass Drum(s)	4	3.9%
Bassoon	3	2.9%
Oboe	3	2.9%
Euphonium (bell-front)	3	2.9%
Saxophone (soprano)	3	2.9%
Baritone horn (upright)	2	1.9%
Other Melodic Percussion	1	1.0%
Alto horn (upright)	0	0%
bagpipes	0	0%
Total responses: 103 (92 skipped this question) *Fourteen respondents offered "other" instruments that included: various percussion equipment, guitar, soprano bugle, bass and alto trombone, sound equipment, guard equipment.

In the following sections, respondents were asked to rate their proficiency level for various non-performance skills that they were interested in utilizing on the behalf of the Star Alumni Association. Respondents were asked to utilize a numerical range between 1 and 5:

1 = Skilled Professional; formerly or currently employed in this area, able to work independently and oversee others.

2 = Skilled Non-professional; able to take responsibility for my won work in the area without supervision.

3 = Semi-skilled; some "hands-on" experience in this area; able to take responsibility for my own work when given moderate supervision.

4 = Knowledgeable; no "hands-on" experience in this area; familiar with this area and able to perform or follow instructions regarding tasks.

4 = Unskilled; but I have interest in learning this area and participating.

An average percentage of responses for each dimension is included in the tables below. This percentage is used to rank the dimensions of skill (the most advanced skills are ranked first).

I have skills in educational/instructional areas that I am willing to use on the behalf of the Star Alumni Association:

	Skilled/ Professional	Skilled/Non Professional	Semi- skilled	Knowledge- able	Unskilled	Response Average
Marching	49	33	20	11	3	2.02
Brass	41	24	18	6	13	2.27
Field Drill Design	23	7	11	17	23	3.12
Arranging/Composing	19	10	12	15	25	3.21
Percussion	14	11	11	15	27	3.38
Woodwind	13	10	13	13	27	3.41
Visual Ensemble	14	9	12	12	33	3.51
Vocal	6	11	15	18	29	3.67
Electronic Instrumentation	8	3	11	13	37	3.94
Total responses: 132 (63 skipped this question)

I have skills in the following areas that I am willing to use on the behalf of the Star Alumni Association:

	Skilled/ Professional	Skilled/Non Professional	Semi- skilled	Knowledge- able	Unskilled	Response Average
Preparing Budgets	10	7	16	7	30	3.57
Fund Raising	7	11	20	9	31	3.59
Bookkeeping	7	5	11	14	29	3.80
Accounting	5	8	10	10	33	3.88
Investments	2	4	7	11	37	4.26
Tax Preparation	2	5	5	10	39	4.30
Grant Writing	1	3	11	14	41	4.30
Total responses: 95 (100 skipped this question)

I have skills in the following computer disciplines that I am willing to use on the behalf of the Star Alumni Association:

	Skilled/ Professional	Skilled/Non Professional	Semi- skilled	Knowledge- able	Unskilled	Response Average
Microsoft Office Applications	27	31	21	13	11	2.51
Music Notation Software	26	10	8	14	32	3.18
Computer Configuration/Set-up/Hardware	17	12	11	21	24	3.27
Website Design/Maintenance	10	13	9	16	30	3.54
Total responses: 116 (79 skipped this question)

I have skills in the following public relations and sales areas that I am willing to use on the behalf of the Star Alumni Association.

	Skilled/ Professional	Skilled/Non Professional	Semi- skilled	Knowledge- able	Unskilled	Response Average
Public Presentations	24	16	19	10	17	2.77
Event Coordination and Management	15	22	21	10	20	2.98
Event Support Staff	14	25	17	22	17	3.03
Marketing and Publicity	17	8	13	16	25	3.30
Membership Recruitment	9	12	17	15	25	3.46
Photography	4	16	19	13	31	3.61
Grant Research and Writing	1	4	14	8	39	4.21
Total responses: 121 (74 skipped this question)

I have skills in the following communications areas that I am willing to use on the behalf of the Star Alumni Association:

	Skilled/ Professional	Skilled/Non Professional	Semi- skilled	Knowledge- able	Unskilled	Response Average
Writing Articles	8	29	17	14	22	3.14
Database Management	14	9	14	10	24	3.30
Newsletter Editing	4	17	21	11	26	3.48
Desktop Publishing	5	16	17	12	26	3.50
Total responses: 101 (94 skipped this question)

I have skills in the following administrative areas that I am willing to use on the behalf of the Star Alumni Association:

	Skilled/ Professional	Skilled/Non Professional	Semi- skilled	Knowledge- able	Unskilled	Response Average
Answering Telephones	20	20	18	16	11	2.74
Miscellaneous Office Work	18	22	18	18	9	2.74
Copies/Binding	16	22	18	18	13	2.89
Mailings	15	17	20	21	13	3.00
Total responses: 95 (100 skipped this question)

I have the skills in the following merchandising areas that I am willing to use on the behalf of the Star Alumni Association:

	Skilled/ Professional	Skilled/Non Professional	Semi- skilled	Knowledge- able	Unskilled	Response Average
Marketing/Advertising	16	14	11	10	25	3.18
Cashier	11	20	10	13	24	3.24
Retail Work	9	18	17	13	23	3.29
Inventory Control	9	18	8	16	21	3.31
Product Design	12	13	11	13	24	3.33
Sales Clerk	10	15	13	10	26	3.36
Total responses: 97 (98 skipped this question)

I have skills in the following construction and maintenance areas that I am willing to use on the behalf of the Star Alumni Association:

	Skilled/ Professional	Skilled/Non Professional	Semi- skilled	Knowledge- able	Unskilled	Response Average
Painting	2	14	27	11	11	3.61
Maintenance (lawn, snow removal)	2	11	17	7	31	3.79
Landscaping/Planting	1	8	18	13	34	3.96
Drywall Installation	2	8	12	13	36	4.03
Exhibit Design/Construction	3	4	12	11	36	4.11
Plumbing	0	9	8	10	39	4.20
Electrical Work	0	5	10	10	40	4.31
Transportation/Delivery (have truck)	3	4	4	7	42	4.35
Total responses: 88 (107 skipped this question)

I have skills in the following transportation areas that I am willing to use on the behalf of the Star Alumni Association:

	Skilled/ Professional	Skilled/Non Professional	Semi- skilled	Knowledge- able	Unskilled	Response Average
Driving	4	19	7	7	29	3.58
Tour/Travel Planning	3	11	13	8	35	3.87
Tour/Travel Guide	1	9	9	7	36	4.10
Truck Driving/Hauling	4	2	4	6	40	4.36
Dispatching	1	2	4	7	38	4.52
Bus Driving	1	1	5	3	43	4.62
Total responses: 81 (114 skipped this question)

Thirty-two respondents offered comments on skills they possess that were not elsewhere identified in the survey. Excerpts from several of these responses are presented below:

“I am a professional videographer/editor/producer of television commercials, programs, and long and short DVD/video presentations.”

“Audio/video editing and production, sound recording/engineering”

“I am a public address announcer with TV and radio credits. I have done voice-over work for commercials, educational videos, and live sporting events. If there is an opportunity for me to contribute in this area, please let me know.”

“Audio and video recording and production non-profit experience (founding board member)”

“Music typesetter for BT/Blast from 1994-2001.”

“Information Technology, Digital media conversion, Data communications. Some programming/and or have people that can do it for me.”

“Areas of skill that a band director could handle are where I'd be able to help the most, since that is what I do for a living.”

“I was support staff when my son marched. I am willing to help with anything administrative or cook when you have camps.”

“Am a licensed Automotive Technician, if those skills can be used in any way.”

“Worked with uniforms and food service with the Corps. Would be willing to work in those areas again.”

“Sports Medicine/Athletic Training/Medical Needs”

“travel and travel management.”

“I am a 14 year veteran band director with all of the various skill sets that come along with surviving in that game for that long.”

“Well besides playing the trumpet and teaching music, tax preparation is my best skill. I worked at H&R block for 5 years.”

“Legal Services (Skilled/Professional). I am an attorney licensed to practice in the state of Illinois, and I have helped non-profit tax-exempt organizations in the past.”

“Full-time Band director with access to facilities and equipment!”

“Baton Twirling and Ballroom Dancing”

“Gopher? resource linker?”

“Legal services. I am licensed to practice law in Illinois, but any work I would do for the SAA would have to go through my law firm, and it would have to meet certain requirements to be pro bono work.”

“Online research on the computer.”

“I work in the credit card processing business and can definitely help when/if this becomes a need. I also have connections with publicity and music/Broadway people in NYC, if something in that area is needed.”

“I can do brass/woodwinds arrangements”

“Sorry that I am not much help. It is hard for me to help with the limited skills that I have and I am restricted on travel due to my position of pastor of a church. However, I can provide prayer for all of the activities involving the SAA.”

“graphic design”

“Artist, Art Photography (digital and traditional), Library Management and Visual presentation, Research skills (physical and digital/virtual), fencing, historical reenacting, art history, criticism writing.”

“Anything that falls under the Drum Major or Management umbrella.”

“Unfortunately, my work has invaded into my personal time but I am still very interested in doing my part to help SAA succeed!! Growing up sucks....”

When asked if time could be provided for Star Alumni Association Activities outside their home city, 91 respondents (65.5%) indicated they could. One-hundred and thirty-nine responded to the question, 56 skipped the question.

Those respondents who indicated they could perform activities outside their home city were asked to identify a distance from their home they would be willing to travel on a periodic basis:

Distance From Home	# of Respondents	% of Respondents
50 miles	16	16.2%
100 miles	49	49.5%
500 miles	15	15.2%
> 500 miles	24	24.2%
Total responses: 104 (91 skipped this question)

Asked if they could provide time for tasks that could be performed in their homes, 126 (90%) responded positively, 14 (10%) declined and 55 skipped the question.

Respondents indicated that they could provide financial support to the Star Alumni Association in amounts beyond annual dues as follows:

Support Amount	# of Respondents	% of Respondents
$50	19	29.2%
$100	27	41.5%
$500	7	10.8%
More than $500	3	4.6%
Other	15	23.1%
Total responses: 71 (124 skipped this question)

Of those responding with "other" support options, six indicated they could contribute, but would need to know more about the specific cause, four indicated they couldn't provide support at this time, and the remainder listed increments below $50.

We have a great talent pool to pick from in all regions of the country and beyond. This survey is the first step in harnessing that talent and pointing it in the right direction. THANK YOU to those who responded and volunteered time, energy or money. You will be hearing from me!

-Nancy Brown

Special thanks are extended to those members and supporters who took time to participate in this survey. Many thanks also to Nancy Brown for undertaking this initiative and for the support provided by The Middle Horn Leader in facilitating the survey and this report.

If you have comments or questions regarding this survey, please contact Nancy Brown (email) or post your comments or questions on the Star Alumni Web Board (here).

Star Alumni Association

P.O. Box 2629

Indianapolis, IN 46206-2629

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