Professional Documents
Culture Documents
MUSE 375
Dr. Palmer
14 March 2017
What is a band directors job? This is a question that I have often heard
spouted from the mouths of parents, students, and even professors alike.
One of the first tasks that a band director faces when they start at a
new position is how to organize their overall program. Most likely, the new
may not want to make extensive changes to the band program as a whole.
The goal of any good band director is to organize the program in such a way
that best facilitates learning for all students. Cooper argues that directors
should seriously consider taking the approach of a wheel with concert band
at the center and all other ensembles (like jazz band, marching band,
mariachi band, etc.) are spokes on the wheel. Only when the center band is
strong can the other ensembles thrive. That is not to say that courses such
program, but directors should put their focus on their large ensemble
because they are able to teach the most musical material to the most
students in that ensemble. Directors must also keep in mind that when their
program reaches over 100 students, they most likely will need to add a
bands or mariachi bands are staples in a community and the program may
Once a director has decided how to organize their program, the next
library of high quality repertoire for their ensembles. The repertoire selection
Music should be tailored to fit the needs and requirements of each individual
ensemble, meaning the pieces should challenge the students in some way
but be achievable for them technically and musically. Directors also have the
obligation to think of how the piece will be used. Will it be used only in
piece? The most important consideration directors must take when choosing
repertoire, however, is what the students will be able to learn from the
music. Directors have to listen and research new, quality music constantly
and choose pieces that will further the students academic and musical
growth.
curriculum plan, they need to begin the process of score study. Score study is
that the directors only job is to keep time and show dynamics, when in fact
music they choose. By knowing the score, directors will also be able to
anticipate problems before they occur and detect errors as they happen
during a rehearsal. Good score study also allows the director to interpret the
view of the score, much like you would study a screenplay. Only after
the piece. During this portion of the process, directors should analyze
harmonies, melodies, rhythms, form, and textures more closely. Some might
find it helpful to play a piano reduction of the score on the piano, and, while
translate the score into musical gestures and teach any appropriate concepts
related to the piece. Much time must be spent on this step so that the
When the score study step has been completed and the director feels
desire for excellence. Demanding directors may see results quickly but their
students could fear them to the extent that they cannot trust. Directors that
which little gets accomplished because the students are given too much
freedom. A director should not be overly concerned with accurate notes but
should also strive to find a balance between technicality and musicality. Once
the director finds a balance between these styles of teaching, they will see
great gains in productivity and learning. Directors should also think about
(or entire piece), then goes back to rehearse a portion of the piece, and ends
by playing the large section once again. Directors should have a lesson plan
so that they come to the rehearsal prepared for what they want to
accomplish and the warm-up exercise should get the band ready in some
way for what they will be learning for the rehearsal. Directors should be clear
with their language so as not to waste valuable rehearsal time and should
excited to learn about and play music, and directors must do whatever
teacher. Once the rehearsals or concerts are over, the director must reflect
and decide whether they accomplished their goals and how they can
improve for the future. A directors job is not easy. They must plan a
effectively run rehearsals. But perhaps the hardest and most rewarding part
these tasks, reflect, make necessary adjustments, and then start the process
all over again. Perhaps the best thing about the job is that once one goal is
accomplished, the director can set another. Students are constantly able to
grow and improve, and directors are able to come to work every day and
make amazing music while teaching vital lessons to their students. So, what
does a band director even do, you might ask: a whole lot. Just try asking one
sometime!