On February 12, Master Sergeant Harry Ong of The President’s Own United States Marine Band in Washington, D.C., presented a virtual clinic to the High School Band class on the topic of "Mindset Matters." His session focused on the challenges we all face—both in music and in life—and provided students with valuable tools to navigate these difficulties.
During the clinic, MSgt. Ong highlighted three key mindsets:
The Mindset of Growth – Embracing challenges as opportunities for learning.
The Mindset of Abundance – Focusing on possibilities rather than limitations.
The Mindset of Gratitude – Recognizing and appreciating the people and experiences that shape us.
Students were then encouraged to reflect on gratitude through journaling, identifying individuals and experiences they were thankful for and considering how to seek support during difficult times.
Shifting the discussion to the mindset of organization, MSgt. Ong emphasized the importance of understanding why we practice. He introduced the students to two distinct styles of practicing:
Practicing to Learn – Focusing on improvement, skill-building, and problem-solving.
Practicing to Perform – Preparing for execution with confidence and consistency.
He stressed the importance of intentionality in practice—a principle that extends beyond music into other aspects of life, such as athletics and teamwork.
Following the clinic, MSgt. Ong took questions from students, sharing insights about his experiences with the Marine Band. While he has never traveled to South Dakota with the band, he has visited the state with his family—making it as far east as the legendary Wall Drug!
A technical glitch briefly prevented him from seeing the class, but one quick-thinking student suggested using FaceTime on a cell phone. This simple yet effective solution became an unexpected lesson in the mindset of teamwork—taking ownership in working together to improve the situation.
A huge thank you to Master Sergeant Harry Ong for taking the time to share his wisdom, experience, and inspiration with our students! His message resonated deeply, offering perspectives that extend far beyond music. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity to learn from one of the best.