Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • December 2013
19
Educate Eff icient ly
Utilize a three-stage approach
The process of teaching concepts is ongoing. You are
continually in one of three stages of teaching. The first
stage, TEACH, includes the initial introduction and
application of the concept. This can be
teaching of any concept. The concept
may be defined and then taught through
demonstration of a particular exercise.
The most effective concept teaching
takes place when students are engaged
in the rehearsal. The easiest way to do
this is with questions. Although telling
students the information may seem
more efficient in the short-term, it does
not promote long-term learning. To
avoid telling; ask questions and allow
the students to respond while you guide
them to the correct answer. Be sure to
call on students who may not be as
engaged in the rehearsal as others.
Stage two, REINFORCE, includes
repetition of the concept on subsequent days through
abbreviated re-teaching and additional application
or drill. The final stage, REMIND, includes periodic
reminders during the course of rehearsal as well as
relating the concept within new music.
Communicate effectively
During all stages it is critical to be as clear as possible
with your communication, both verbal and non-verbal.
Ineffective communication results in wasted rehearsal
time. Eye contact is an important and powerful tool;
look at the students before speaking
and insist that they are looking at
you. Much can be shown non-verbally
through your conducting, so ensure that
you utilize clear and communicative
conducting techniques. This is the most
efficient form of communication since
it takes place while the students are
playing their instruments. Make sure
you look at the students while you
conduct and check their stand heights
to ensure they can they see you while
they perform. If you do need to relate
something verbally, be as concise in
your instructions as possible, especially
during the reinforcement and reminding
stages. Find the most efficient way to
say something or show them non-verbally through
your conducting. Remember they want to play their
instruments during rehearsal.
Direct the listening
Since great ensemble playing is
based on the students’ ability to listen,
it is critical to teach your students
how
to listen within the ensemble rehearsal.
Teach them to listen for the basic
elements that you discovered in score
study: primary and secondary pulse
givers, pitch givers (vertical and
horizontal pitch reference), textural
priorities (balance and blend), melodic
contour, and style.
I f I Only Had One More Rehearsal !
THREE STAGES OF CONCEPT TEACHING
Teach
Initial introduction and application of the concept
Reinforce Reinforcement of the concept on subsequent days
through abbreviated re-teaching and additional
application or drill
Remind Periodic reminders of the concept in the course of
rehearsal or relation of new music to previously
taught concepts
Much can be shown
non-verbal ly through
your conduct ing,
so ensure that
you ut i l ize clear
and communicat ive
conduct ing
techniques.
This is the most
eff icient form of
communicat ion
since i t takes place
whi le the students
are playing their
instruments