So…How Are We Doing?

So…How Are We Doing?

In the Fall of 2021 posted about the impact of Covid-19 on band programs. Since that time, I have continued to track how band programs are doing. Without any formal surveys or polls, the research has been very anecdotal in nature. I have enjoyed many good discussions with directors on an individual level about their program.

Some commonalities that I have noticed:

– I know of 20+ junior high/middle school & high school directors that have started or been given space in their schedule for a “beginning band” class. Students in this class are either a) students who quit prior to Covid and restarted on a different instrument, or b) students who never initially joined. The format varies from individual instruction to small group activities, but the end result is increasing the number of students participating, and often helping address deficiencies in low voice and color instruments (e.g., tenor saxophone, bassoon, horn in F).

– An area of concern among band programs seems to be social maturity at the elementary and junior high/middle school level. Some students are struggling in large ensembles conforming to rehearsal etiquette and expectations. I would suggest that some of this could be traced back to the amount of time students spent within virtual learning communities and large ensemble experiences were either eliminated or cut in half (both from the standpoint of amount of rehearsal time and/or number of personnel). Directors having success in this area have invested time into establishing routines and reforming their rehearsal expectations for conduct. It is not an immediate fix, but like many things in instrumental it is for the long term.

– While numbers are starting to be smaller at the middle and high school level, there is deep growth in band programs. Essentially, the students who are still there are very involved, committed, and are thriving. Deep growth is essential for programs to succeed – core values are established, routines are adopted and embraced. I hope that there will be wide growth in the years to come. The pause many directors took to evaluate how they were teaching, what they were offering, and how to give students a better experience seems to be another contribution to the positive gains and deep growth I hear in groups.

– There is renewed attention on establishing a student’s individual relationship with music. The communal/social reward of being in band is still there – and still a draw for many musicians. However, I am noticing directors take steps to make sure students are becoming individual musicians – more opportunities for solo work, small groups (e.g., duets & trios), and – this is important – creating experiences whereby students can take their music out into the public instead of hoping those people arrive for a couple of concerts a year. I can appreciate the amount of extra work taking music to those outside the rehearsal hall entails. The return on that kind of investment is perhaps a long-term goal that ultimately strengthens programs.

– Some directors and programs are rediscovering the joy of playing an easier work with meticulous attention to artistic growth and expressive elements. Competition among music groups is a larger topic for another day, but the idea that each year bands must program at grade level “x” lest they be professionally embarrassed by a regional school of similar size or context borders on being incredulous. Directors know their students well. They know where they are strong. They know where they need to grow. A concert of white-knuckle playing is not an enjoyable experience for anyone. One full of variety of meters, tonalities, styles, and composers allow the students to show what they can do rather than what they have barely learned.

At the end of the day, I see persistence, creativity, and positivity in many band directors for the good of their programs. I hear encouragement, I see collaboration, and feel pride students are taking in their bands. No one is taking performance opportunities – whether small or large – for granted, and the general public is appreciative of live music performances. I hope we are doing well, we all finish strong, and we work together to ensure bands continue to trend up. To the bands and band directors who unknowingly shared their story and journey with me over the last 18 months (there were 60+), my humble thanks, appreciation, and best wishes. Until next time friends, Life, Love, Music.