There Are No Bad Bands
By Terry White
As I begin my sixth year of retirement from teaching instrumental music for thirty-five years, I look back at those years of teaching with fondness and amazement. I’ m amazed that I survived all of those“ rookie” mistakes and when looking back realize they may not be as traumatic as they seemed at the moment. As you gain experience you will learn“ what to say and what not to say” and“ what to do and what not to do”.
* On my first day in my new position as the band director for the seventh and eighth grade band, I was welcomed by my mentor Don Doane who was the veteran fifth and sixth grade band director.
“ Mr. White” circa 1979( photo credit, T. White)
He offered me these words of encouragement:“ Just remember, there are no bad bands, just bad band directors. Good luck”. Even to this day I live by those words of wisdom.
* My first full eighth grade band rehearsal took place at 8am. At the end of the rehearsal a student raised his hand and asked:“ What is your name?”. Seems I had forgotten to introduce myself to the students.
* I stood on the podium for the seventh grade band rehearsal later in the same day. All excited to“ conduct” and began the first piece with a solid prep beat, I was greeted with total silence. After several attempts and somewhat limited success, I looked at a flute player who said:“ Mr. Doane always says‘ one, two, ready, play”. I gave it a shot and the kids played like professionals. Lesson learned. Always know how the teachers in the lower grades operate to make the transition easier for your students.
* Again on my first day, after seeing many eighth grade band members chewing gum during rehearsal, I announced that after today there would be no gum chewing in rehearsals. Later in the day I was notified by the guidance office that 6 students asked to