Through the pandemic, there have been stories of success as directors reinvested and reinvented their approach to maximize reaching students and successively starting them in band. It is vital that directors examine and share these victories with the profession at large.
Trophies at competitions, degree of difficulty in the repertoire performed, or the number of performances completed will not determine the success of instrumental ensembles in music education in the immediate future.
Conducting is but one aspect of successful teaching in instrumental music, and similar to discussion on rehearsal techniques or studio pedagogy, will only improve through sustained conversation and self-analysis of one’s own work.
Where to perform? How to share the good work of your students? Some thoughts on “taking it (our music) to the streets” in Episode 21 of the The Two Minute Clinic.
Holding oneself accountable for artistry can only be accomplished through actively creating and making music as an individual and with others.
