Band

Characteristic tone, articulation, intonation, precision, andb alancea re fundamental qualities that are evident in all great musical performances. As band directors, our goal is to develop a teaching method that advances our students' understanding, awareness, and performance skills in regards to these five fundamental goals.

Go! You're off for the start of another school year. Some have likened a school year to a race - not a sprint, but a marathon. While it's important to start well, it's more important to finish well. Those in a race receive their reward at the end of the race, not at the beginning.

The trees are turning and the days are getting shorter, so it must be time to get back up on the podium for the start of another school year. For many, it seems as though it was just yesterday that we said goodbye to last year's graduating class. No doubt this school year will bring with it questions, dreams, and hopes. Keep in mind and put into practice these helpful tips regarding People and Perspective to make this school year THE BEST EVER!

Many of you are faced with the need to create plans for online band instruction as we all come together in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). I want to remind you that if you are using either the Tradition Of Excellence Comprehensive Band Method or Standard Of Excellence Enhanced Comprehensive Band Method Second Edition, you already have everything you need to facilitate distance learning!

Matching Students to Instruments One of the most exciting and important events in the life of a prospective band student is when he or she selects the instrument they are going to play. There are many factors that influence a student’s decision such as the availability of an instrument, the popularity of an instrument, parental preference, peer pressure, perceived musical opportunities, and band director needs and suggestions.

In my earlier years as a band director, I was pretty good at fixing problems as they occurred in my band. I could address wrong notes, rhythms, basic articulations, musical phrasing, and intonation issues. I gradually learned, however, that I was working too hard and my students generally did not know how to solve these problems on their own. I was putting out “fires” as they happened, rather than giving my students the necessary skills to address these “fires” as (and before) they occurred.

As we’re moving through the first semester and onto the spring term, I’m reminded of the challenges we face in finding good material for performance—pieces that can bring together a freshly-minted group of students… 

 

Learn more how TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE develops total percussionists, and helps every percussion student find success and enjoyment in their music studies.

While training young musicians to become band directors, a considerable amount of time is devoted to the study of music theory, music history, musicianship, stylistic practices, conducting, and to the pedagogy of the instruments in the ensemble. These studies are critical to the success of the band director and his or her students.