Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • December 2012
20
Using Multiple Clinicians
Using more than one clinician can be a very beneficial thing. The obvious benefit is the access
to more ideas, techniques, and points of view. Here are some guidelines.
Decide if you want to use one clinician or multiple clinicians.
Decide if you want to go "Old School" or "New School" or a combination of the two;
depends on your goals and needs.
In general, it is best to have someone who shares your basic concepts of tone production,
band sound, balance, articulation, etc. If you use more than one clinician, make sure their
information does not conflict.
There are many different "paths to the mountain top," and a variety of views and
techniques can be very beneficial, but "too much of a good thing" - i.e. too much
conflicting information - can create confusion and loss of confidence.
Make sure all of the clinicians are aware of each other. This alone can avoid confusion
and conflicting information and may even lead to a cooperative working "team effort"
between the clinicians.
The Business Side
Communicate - before and after the clinic
Arrange all financial matters - i.e. clinician fees, expenses, payment schedule, etc. - prior
to the (first) clinic. Make sure both the director and the clinician know exactly what to
expect.
Pay the clinician in a timely manner, usually within two weeks of the clinic unless other
arrangements have been made.
Final Thoughts
Clinician Anxiety
There are directors who want help and know they need help, but are apprehensive about enlisting
the services of a clinician. Some directors develop a great deal of anxiety over the very thought
of having a clinician. Many directors do not use a clinician because they are intimidated by the
Cl inicians: What Are They Good For?
Suggestions to help clinician have an enjoyable and productive time at your school.
Scores and any other music or Daily Drill on stand set up when the clinician walks into
the room.
A chair or stool if it is a long day.
Water
Lunch and/or dinner if the clinician is there during those times.
After-clinic discussion. Ask/answer questions. Set goals for next clinic.
Expectations for the Clinician:
Be reliable and be on time.
Proper attire
Positive attitude
Enthusiasm/energy
Ability to communicate
High level of musical skills and knowledge
A wide variety of strategies
High expectations
Caring attitude
Knowledge of literature
Absolute honesty
Professional conduct ALWAYS
“Always try to
associate yoursel f
wi th and learn as
much as you can from
those who know more
than you do, who do
better than you,
who see more clearly
than you. ”
President Dwight D.
Eisenhower