Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • December 2012
18
Cl inicians: What Are They Good For?
Two Schools of Thought
Old School
A clinician is used one or two times in the spring to help put the finishing touches on the band's
UIL program.
New School
A clinician or even multiple clinicians are used throughout the school year, not only to aid in
contest preparation, but also to help guide the director/band on fundamentals, development of
technique, programming, etc.
Conducting vs. Not Conducting
The decision on whether the clinician will actually conduct the band during the clinic will vary
with each situation and each clinician. Some clinicians insist on conducting; others don't want
to. The following are things that should be considered.
Clinician Conducts
What is the preference of the clinician?
Allows director to step back and really listen to the band.
Is the clinician a good conductor?
Conducting may take away from the clinician's assessment/diagnostic abilities.
Has the band been trained to follow a conductor, not just YOUR conducting?
More of an "Old School" thing.
Director Conducts
Allows clinician to use all of their energy on listening, assessment and improvement.
Students will be more comfortable with their own conductor.
Ensemble problems will not be created by unfamiliarity with the conductor.
A mix of the two can be very beneficial, IF the clinician is a good conductor and IF your students
have been taught to follow conducting. Regardless of which way you go, make sure both the
director and the clinician know exactly what is going to happen before the clinic.
Expectations for the Host Director
Communicate
Schedule clinics early to get the times and dates you want.
Discuss fees with your clinician and how and when the clinician will be paid.
Let clinician know your expectations - or if have no idea, consult with clinician regarding
goals and needs; long term and/or short term.
A consultation with the clinician, prior to the school year, at which goals and
expectations are discussed, is advised.
Communicate with the clinician regarding all financial matters (see below).
Clinic environment
Students need to be prepped on the purpose of the clinic and on how to behave.
Director may want to give a brief biography of the clinician prior to the clinic. This helps
the clinician form relationships with students and director.