music program, but also their school, and a positive expe- rience will benefit everyone. It is important for students to buy-in to the larger vision of promoting music education. Te director must cast the vision and inspire students to work hard to accomplish their goals.
Team Work Te director also needs to share the vision with teaching staff in their building, reminding them of the positive im- pact the jazz band is having on the district and the com- munity. Tere may come a time when a director will ask students to leave during school hours for a performance. Tis could place an extra burden on the staff as they make provisions for the student(s) to miss a class period. It is imperative that the director has built a good relationship with the staff, and that the staff understands the signifi- cance of the performance and how it positively impacts the school. Directors should offer to help teachers in any way they can as students try to make up for the lost class time. For example, the director could offer to proctor a quiz the student missed, or allow the student to miss part of their music class to make up the work. Whatever is worked out, the director should make sure to follow up with the students so they understand the importance of their part in making up missed work in the time allotted.
Developing a culture that values music education may take years, or even decades, but it is a goal worth pursuing. Your jazz band can be a useful tool in shaping your community’s values. It is a small enough ensemble that the logistics of performing in the community are much easier than other traditional instrumental groups. It also offers a style of mu-
sic that fits in many venues, and can be versatile enough to accommodate specific musical needs. Administrators love to have student groups like this to point to when bragging about their district. In fact, the community all feels a sense of pride when they experience a quality performance by local students. So, consider becoming more intentional in promoting your jazz band or other small ensemble as the face of your music program, and watch how it impacts your entire community for good.
Greg Wells is entering his 16th year teaching instrumental music. Te first eight years were in the DeWitt Public schools and the subsequent years at Northview Public Schools, where he teaches 3 concert bands, jazz band, marching band, pep band, guitar class, and a post high school readiness class. Wells was an alumni of Northview in 1996, he has proudly continued the tra- dition of success of the Northview
program that was established at Northview by Max Colley Jr. Greg Wells is a third generation band director, and has had eight other music educators in the family. His father was the middle school band director at Northview for 33 years. Need- less to say, he was raised in a musical family. Wells enjoys playing professionally around the West Michigan Area as a freelance musician in many different ensembles. He has an endlessly supportive and wonderful family of a wife and four children.
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