“score-study” time and fewer band parent meetings! Many of your colleagues would be glad to come to your rehearsal and “lend an ear” to help you and the students. Call on them!
II. Marching Band A. There are very few State Lists that exist for marching band; however, there are several resources that we may consider.
1. Books written by accomplished band directors throughout our country are available. These texts are valuable tools to help us consider ways of teaching. Here are several texts that I am confident will be helpful: a. The Complete Marching Band Resource Manual: Techniques and Materials for Teaching, Drill Design, and Music Arranging by Wayne Bailey and Thomas Caneva, University of Pennsylvania Press.
b. Marching Bands and Drumlines: Secrets of Success from the Best of the Best by Paul Buyer, Meredith Music.
c. Marching Fundamentals (a video DVD) by Greg Martin, Alfred Publishing.
d. The Marching Band Handbook, by Kim R. Holston, Mcfarland & Co., Inc., Publications.
e. The Marching Band Program: Principles and Practices, by Bentley Shellahamer, James Swearingen, and Jon Woods, C. L. Barnhouse Co.
2. Our Colleagues are an invaluable asset and this was discussed above. In addition, reach out to those who a are actively involved in Drum & Bugle Corps. These professionals are “up-to-date” considering matters of drill design and the field of marching arts. Many of my ideas come from my experiences with this activity and associations with those involved in the activity. In summary, the literature we chose identifies both the program and the director. Who we are and what we desire to accomplish is evident in this decision. There are times that we must acquiesce to the desires of the school community and that is when we must adjust to “play the game”. However, do not accept lower standards of performance with your ensembles. Maintain your high expectations because that is what is vitally important to the continued success of your students. They must accept the idea that every performance is important. The pep rally in the gymnasium, the Friday night football game, District MPA, and the International Marching Band Competition are all important! In my final installment of Three Critical Concerns, I will focus on jazz education. I will discuss the philosophy of teaching jazz, choice of literature and other concerns related to jazz education.
Dr. James J. Smisek is director of bands and chairman of instrumental studies at Samford University.
Online Professional Development! Got music education questions? Want some expert advice?
NAfME offers this exciting free benefit to members throughout the school year. NAfME members visiting the band, orchestra, chorus, and general music networks can get expert advice in answer to their questions. Our mentors rotate on a monthly basis and respond to your questions every few days.
If you would like to be a mentor or make a recommendation regarding the mentoring website, please contact Susan Lambert at
SusanL@nafme.org.
Visit
www.nafme.org/mentors ala breve 61
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