Who is your starting five?

I still enjoy watching college basketball. I am thankful for Al Campman instilling the love of basketball in me – the strategy, the fundamentals, the nuance, the constant shift from offense to defense. It is interesting to watch a team develop under the leadership of a coach. The coach puts five players on the floor that gives the team the best possible chance to be successful and win the game. The game plan is carried out by five people with a coach giving in game adjustments.

Each player has a role. Each player contributes something to the collective good of the team. Each player has a unique personality. One voice – that of the coach – has to be in their ear, and hoping the teaching, drill, and repetition in practice informs the player to make the best possible judgements in moments that matter.

A band director often has different odds. In rehearsals , band directors are leading more than five people. Every section of the ensemble has different roles they are expected to contribute. Ever player in section has strengths and weaknesses that must be accounted for by the director. Ensembles have different personalities, as does the individuals who comprise them. Leading and teaching a group throughout just one concert cycle is an immense undertaking in optimal conditions.

When situations get difficult or tense, the team can lean on the coach. Likewise, the ensemble can lean on the director. But who does the director lean on?

Regardless of their years of experience or teaching situation and context, every band director needs to have a starting five of mentors. My observation and concern among some band directors has me concerned that they feel they are left to flounder about without a steadying voice or presence offering them support. This should not be the case for any director at any level. In some case the help is there, but it is simply a matter of asking for it. Writing a desperate plea for advice on a social media platform might get responses and ideas. I appreciate those who reach out to complete strangers in the profession to offer perspective and advice – it truly is noble and heartwarming to see. Without knowing that person, their background, their persona, and teaching situation, the advice provided might not provide the best solution to be utilized.

Too many voices can bring internal paralysis for someone working through a difficult situation. Not enough voices can contribute to ignorance on the part of the teacher, thinking themself to be beyond reproof. I would suggest every band director needs to have their own starting five, inner council, or think to traverse times when difficulties arise.

Find a sage – one who can help you think through an issue, a question, or the multiple levels of a problem. The sage needs to know your background and experience and how it relates to your current teaching situation.

Find a warrior – one who helps reignite your fire , gives you encouragement in the face adversity, and tells you to fight for the ideals and students in which you believe. The warrior must be an optimist who understands your reasons for being a band director.

Find an artist – a resident Michelangelo. The artist is committed to the purity of music, its place in society, and its value for those who study it. The artist maintains a healthy balanced perspective between the collective whole of what you do, but can adjust with laser-focus on one smaller part of the canvas which is not yet come together.

Find a brother/sister – one who is side by side with you doing a similar kind of job. The brother or sister is in the trench, has walked many of the same paths you have, and knows that some conflict or stress is unavoidable through the process of working in the arts.

Find a rebel – one who unabashedly will challenge the status quo, and perhaps challenges you. The Rebel is not one to sheepishly agree or take your side in a difficult situation. The Rebel is not adversarial in nature – the Rebel challenges you, your depth of knowledge, or the clarity of your perception.

At the core of their character, every one of your starting five should have this at heart: They want to see you become the best version of yourself. Our mentors have worked tirelessly at points to get to the front of the line, but not for their own benefit. They got to the front of the line to make sure the door stayed open for us to walk in. When it comes to difficult situations, questions about repertoire, techniques, or students, and being honest with our own growth, our starting five must be the starting point for improving and making necessary changes.