General Band Resources

 

Before We Get Started - What's Your Philosophy? (article by MIE)

If you are a bonafide band geek like me, there is nothing more exciting than the first day of class when a fresh group of students enters the music room.  At this point there is nothing but a room full of potential waiting to be unleashed on the world of music.  Students are excited because they are going to try something completely new and challenging, and you are full of expectations and the anticipation that you will be able to shape all of this raw energy and excitement into a beautiful sounding ensemble.  You are committed to making sure that each child reaches their full potential and has a blast doing it.  It really is the best feeling in the world.  This article was written by the Musichouse Idea Exchange.
 
However, at this point we as teachers have to ask ourselves, if the students bring to our classroom their excitement and expectations, their energy and their infinite potential for achievement, what have we brought to share with them in the experience that is about to unfold?

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One Space, Two Classrooms: the beginning band room. (article by MIE)​

Over time you will discover that although there is only one physical space in which you stand there are actually two classrooms in which you work.  One is the Physical classroom and one is the Cultural classroom. 

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Selecting Instruments for Students - Part A: Preparing for Success (article by MIE)

This article deals with setting the stage with your class so that they are prepared to participate in the ensemble-building exercise that involves testing suitability for instruments.  Having students put the ensemble first, ahead of themselves  is key to successful instrument selection. 

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Selecting Instruments for Students - Part B: Setting Up for Success (article by MIE)

Actively engaging students in the adventure of finding their perfect instrument match.  ;)

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Creating Musically Functional Seating Arrangements (article by MIE)

This article outlines one line of thought on what factors should guide your beginning band seating arrangement.

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Instrument Specific Beginning Band Tips (PDF link)

This is a great little 14 page publication that gives very useful instrument-specific tips to first time band teachers.  Issues dealt with include posture, embouchure, holding the instrument correctly and so on.  This is brought to you  by the folks at www.smartmusic.com.  Enjoy.

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How to Cultivate a Great Beginner Band (online article)

This fantastic article written by Anthony Mazzocchi for the National Association of Music Educators in the United States, lays out some really sound fundamental understandings that we can all learn from.  While you are there at the article,  look around the NAFME website.  There's lots to see and even though membership to this American organization is required to access  much of the materials, there are still some useful things to see and it's kind of interesting to take a peek at what our friends to the south are doing in their classrooms.

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Correct General Posture - (video)

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Good Playing Posture - (Article by MIE)

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Fingering and Trill Charts for every instrument. (website)

A great collection with links to every fingering chart in PDF format.

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Surviving the Beginning Band Concert (online article)

The wonderful article by Randy Navarre was originally written for School Band and Orchestra magazine and is found shared with permission on the www.childrensmusicworkshop.com website.  The information provided by Mr. Navarre gives very clear instructions on when to do that first concert and how to choose appropriate repertoire.  You will also read about how to use that performance to educate your parent community about why your students are playing what they are playing.  

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Survival Tips and Instructional Materials for Junior Band Directors (website)

Based on wisdom shared in a book by Larry Hill, this page by him, contains links to information on a myriad of topics such as observing other directors, avoiding burnout, basic musicianship skills, intonation, balance, method books, mouthpiece warm-ups, listening, ear training and so much more.  Definitely worth a visit if you are new to teaching band or just want some advice from the voice of experience.

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Tuning Your Band in Short Rehearsals (online article)

Clinician: Charlotte Royall Sponsor: TEXAS BANDMASTERS ASSOCIATION

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Band and Orchestra Intonation: Teaching an Ensemble Skill (online article)

Dr. James South, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

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Intonation:  Band Training (online article)

Written by Bruce Gale

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Tuning for Beginner Bands - First-year Players  (online article)

This article by  Mr. Fred J. Allen, Director of Bands ar SFA School of Music (www.music.sfasu.edu) asks "Tuning in the beginner year?  Are you crazy?  Why would I take the time to do something that complicated?".  And then he answers with a simple four step process that is easy to implement from the very beginning.  This article is found at the Texas School Music Project website.  While you are there take a look around and you will find all sorts of useful information.  Look here for pages specifically dedicated to tips for teaching all of the basic band instruments - flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium/tuba as well as percussion.  The following two articles are also by Fred J. Allen and taken from the Texas School Music Project website.

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Band Repertoire (online article)

This article includes four PDF docs that list recommended charts for Young Band, Advanced Band, Core Repertoire for Bands and Chamber Music for Winds.

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A Prehistoric Suite by Paul Jennings - Are you working on this classic chart with your students?  If so, here are a couple great online resources we've found for you.

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Conductor's Checklist: A Review for the Public School Teacher (online article)
Although “teaching” occupies a greater portion of the time spent in public school rehearsals, teachers who conduct clearly and expressively can save valuable time.  A prepared conductor-teacher exudes more confidence on the podium, not only in performance, but also in rehearsals.

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Improving The Sound Of The Band (online article)

by Walter Beeler

This version first appeared in the WASBE Newsletter, reorganized and edited by Mark Fonder.

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Tone Quality Models: from Westfield Community School website.  (webpage)

This is a fantastic resource for any band teacher trying to point students towards great examples of proper instrumental tone on all of the common concert band instruments. 

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Instrument Demonstration for Beginning Band (video)

This twenty minute video has members of The United States Army Field Band demonstrating and briefly discussing the instruments of the concert band.

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Rehearsing the Very Young Band - Part One (online article)

"As directors, we are stewards of our rehearsal time and have the responsibility to allocate our rehearsal time where it can be used most effectively. One basic question requires an answer — are we going to use our time to build skills or to rehearse the music? Obviously, both need our attention. I believe, however, the younger the band - the more rehearsal time that should be devoted to skill building."  This article found at www.brucepearsonmusic.com.  At this website you will find other articles on everything from creating correct saxophone embouchure to A + E = T (Air + Embouchure = Tone).

Published in Kjos Band News, Spring 2002, Volume 5 Copyright © 2009 Neil A. Kjos Music Company

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Middle School Band Rehearsal: Tools and Techniques for Your Middle School Band Classroom (online PDF article)

This work by Roderic Vanscoy provides some sound basic knowledge on many useful topics for the young band teacher.  From teaching tonguing to tuning, rehearsal preparation to keeping a steady tempo, it's all here in 40 pages.

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Beginning Band - A Guide to Success (PDF file)

This course from www.beginningbandproject.com is intended for a Music Teacher, or anyone with a musical inclination, who is brave and selfless enough to lead Beginning Band.  There are Appendices that contains information about musical basics like conducting and clefs which are meant to be a resource for you if teaching music, or teaching music other than one-on-one, is a new experience.
 

Other than instruments, there is nothing to buy - for you or your students.  This free course is distributed as a .pdf.
All necessary teaching and student material can be printed as you need it.  Everything is included.  This course is FREE.
You may copy and distribute it for non-commercial, educational use.

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Ontario Music Festivals Association  (website)

Looking for information about festivals happening in your area?

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