• The majority of young band music should reinforce concepts that are being taught or have previously been taught in methods books. Teaching new concepts can be done much more efficiently and sequentially in the context of a methods book or similar resource.

  • Don't over-program. While it's great to have a variety of well-crafted repertoire; playing an abundance of music is not nearly as impressive as playing a few pieces that are well-rehearsed.

  • Choose music that has musical merit. Too many pieces are being touted as “educational” when really they should be deemed “formulaic.” Pieces should be musical. Teachers should be the ones responsible for choosing how to sequentially present pieces to students.

  • Consider all elements of music when teaching and choosing repertoire. If we have to spend too much time focusing on “notes and rhythms,” expressive playing, intonation, and tone quality probably will take a backseat.

  • Students are excellent at perceiving our opinions. If we aren't engaging during our warmups and chorales, it's no wonder that our students aren't. If we are excited by beautiful tone quality and lyrical playing, certainly our students will start to notice.