As I embark on a new school year, I am faced with the challenge of taking my school ensembles “to the next level” in terms of their performance ability.  They have always struggled with the concept of HAVING TO PRACTICE in order to improve your playing skills!

For this year, I think taking a step back and going over the basics will help.  The more advanced students will have a nice review time, while the younger players will learn something new!  As music directors, we tend to get focused on the performance aspect, and not the learning.  I have heard countless veteran directors say that the basics will lend toward a better performance; meaning if students have a better understanding of the basics of playing the instrument (good tone, posture, articulation) and basics of reading (notation, rhythms, dynamics), then the music will come together much easier.  It’s time to step back, get re-focused on what is important in music education-have students enjoy creating music.