Reflecting and retooling were two of the prominent topics at the 2009 Wind Band Institute. At the opening session, Dr. Scott Jones encouraged teachers to reflect on the previous school year.

What percentage of your teaching time is devoted to skill development versus repertoire preparation?

Many teachers sensed the direction that this question was leading- that in fact, we spend so much time concerned with the level and quantity of repertoire, that we fail to focus on transferable, fundamental skills which lie at the heart of musicianship.

In a sightreading situation, what percentage of the mechanics of the piece should be performed well in order to be a “good fit” for the ensemble?

Many teachers contended that there was no set percentage, we should find repertoire with a variety of difficulty levels for our students. I think that we often fall into the trap of choosing repertoire to “challenge” our students; as a result, we spend too much time preparing pieces for the concert rather than honing mastery of musical skills.

What broad areas of musical skills do you teach well? Which ones do you need improvement in? How do you assess individual learning in these areas of musical development?

Most teachers agreed that their own musical strengths as performers were reflected in their teaching. One teacher pointed out that his own personal areas of musical strength were more difficult to communicate with his students because it came so naturally to him. Many different ideas were shared about assessment, which served as a good launching point for Dr. Doug Orzolek's session on assessment in the music classroom.

How does a student look/behave/think if we've done our job well?

Of course, this question relies on our own personal beliefs, insights, and philosophies. But if we start thinking of our students with the end result in mind, we can more clearly create the plan and environment by which we hope to teach and inspire our students.

I have had the wonderful opportunity to be a student manager of the Wind Band Institute held at Concordia College.  I highly encourage any band director to attend!

"WBI recognizes that a successful music educator is not only an exceptional musician, pedagogue and technician, but also a flesh-and-blood human being who is fully engaged in changing the lives of students through the powerful medium of music. The exploration of this philosophical approach to teaching wind band provides a foundation that sets WBI apart from other workshops – and transforms the professional lives of participants in meaningful ways.

The Wind Band Institute offers band directors from across the country specific content to increase their knowledge of repertoire, instrument pedagogy, instructional strategy, philosophy, conducting, and rehearsal techniques. This year, Richard L. Saucedo is joining us as guest clinician and will share his unique perspectives and insights on teaching in the wind band setting. It promises to be an event that will invigorate, rejuvenate, and inspire all who attend!"

For more information, please click here

Welcome to the new and improved Music Education for All blog.

I had the pleasure of observing composer and conductor, Dr. Mark Camphouse this weekend at the Concordia College Honor Band.   The Concordia College Band had the distinct privilege of performing Whatsoever Things under Camphouse's baton as part of the Instrumental Collage concert held at Concordia.  

Camphouse had this to say to aspiring music educators:
"Be the best performer you can be.  Nothing can replace your own musicianship." Camphouse also encouraged educators to become more familiar with the piano and to take every opportunity to develop the ear.

As to the score study process, Camphouse said, "Some like to take a micro-approach to score study.  They examine one measure at a time and memorize everything about it.  That might work for some people, but I think the most important thing is to understand the macro-architecture of a piece.  Take staff paper, write out the main themes.  This is the best way you can take ownership of the music."  

To composers, he encouraged them to "Learn how to write transitions.  Beethoven was the best at this.  You can study with Beethoven, all you need are his scores, and you too can study with him." 

Mark Camphouse was guest conductor at the second annual Concordia Honor Band.  The 2010 honor band will bring composer David Gillingham as well as the American Brass Quintet to the Concordia College campus in Moorhead, MN.