Seven Qualities for Band Directors to Value
I consider myself to be a band director. Not a perfect one, certainly not the best one, and definitely not one that has it all figured out. I still feel that I am one that is figuring it all out one note, one measure, one piece, one year, and one student at a time. The journey is one of trying to be better tomorrow than I was today. Like some of the Finale files currently on my computer, I am a work in progress going through some revisions.
Perhaps that sounds trite and passe to some. For me it is a challenge that I take seriously. I have written a few pieces that have been received well – and some that have not. I have written articles – published here and elsewhere – that some directors found useful. Some directors were not comfortable with the position that I took or for which I advocated. But I know there are certain things that I cannot shy away from discussing with the profession.
Yet, here is where I find myself coaching myself through a semester that admittedly has not been my best. But that is part of the journey, isn’t it? Finding the courage to be honest with yourself and honest with others. Admitting that you have not been good enough for your own standards and having the grit to work through it. Like going back to chorales and scales to fix tone and technique, it is certainly a good process to walk yourself back to basic tenets to improve your daily walk as a band director.
Band directors must be diligent in their responsibilities. Some of that responsibility includes impressing upon the ensemble the importance of stewardship as they care for their rehearsal hall, the equipment, chairs, and stands. The director doesn’t own the band. It belongs to the school and community, and we are caretakers of it. The responsibilities a director takes on is always for the good of the students.
Band directors must be fair. Fairness is an obvious trait as it relates to interactions and treatment of students and people that intersect with the program. Fairness, though, extends well beyond the people that populate the ensembles. Fairness extends to matters of equity and justice. If band directors have an opportunity to champion and defend those people and issues that deserve and need attention, they must take it. Fairness requires finding seeking balance and moderation in all things. Directors must be fair with their choices, the students’ time, and the issues that might interact with the success of the group.
Band directors must be directly honest. Shortcuts at the expense of others cannot enter the daily decision making of band directors. The right conversations and decisions are not always the easiest things to say. Taking a path in avoidance of those moments can ultimately do more harm than good. Directors must be sincere and straightforward with critiques, encouragement, and responses to others in and outside their ensembles. One can frame a response that is direct and honest without tearing down the other person’s confidence or spirit. To avoid such a discussion is to go against what is in the best interest of that person.
Band directors must earn respect. The daily example a director sets in the lives of their students is vital. The courtesy that is extended and self-worth that is granted set a standard for how the band will live and treat each other. Directors can provide light to a students’ path, defense for the students’ spirit, and strength to the students’ character. Others in education value specified rules because they are easier to identify and enforce. Some directors value building professional and supportive relationships that create a mutual culture of respect. It takes time. Directors make investments in students both musically and personally. When both of those investments receive an infusion of respect, the payout for both parties is immense.
Band directors must rise above circumstances. Sometimes circumstances are well outside the control and influence of the director. The director can control their attitude, patience, and preparation as situations evolve. The perseverance directors demonstrate to bring about the best possible outcome for their students reminds them that the path may not always be easy, but it will always be worthwhile. Despite circumstances, the attitude and actions of the director are extremely important for the students to see and emulate.
Band directors must be first class. Sometimes there are elements of school culture that do not lend the optimum appreciation and support for a band program. Band directors must work in a fashion that the students of their band program always feel like a first-class citizen. The small, thoughtful gestures and unique moments directors create for their students in performance, social, and educational settings ultimately remind them of their worth as musicians, and more importantly, as people. So many directors work diligently to get to the front of the line – not for their own sake, but to hold the door open for the students to get inside first.
Band directors must refine their skills and ideas. Band directors are first and foremost essential role models to their students. To that end, directors should commit themselves to sustained professional development and personal refinement of their skill set as a conductor, educator, leader, musician, and person. It is never ideal to try and fix everything at once in a rehearsal. In a similar fashion, directors should pace themselves to fixing and improving themselves in small ways or in one area with the intent of creating a sustained upward professional development trajectory.
These reminders are the profession of band directors. Some of these things are aspects that I need to be mindful of on a daily basis. There may be some things on here that some of you have not considered lately. My only goal here is to share, to remind, and to encourage the many fine educators out there who call themselves a band director, present company included. These are seven qualities I hope you can live each and every day with your students and ensembles.
