Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • June 2014
12
along). Rather than feeling like all authorities are out
to expose every wrong note or mis-step, students can
be confident that the instructor or squad leader is on
their side. We are all in this together and we are all
giving our best.
I can hear you now, “Mistakes Happen!” Of course
they do! However, if you teach your students to expect
them, and even how to laugh at them, you will be
imparting on them a lifelong skill that will make them
a winner no matter what. If you can do this with your
students, they will grow up to be strategic risk takers
and great problem solvers.
We all want to make a difference, even
your students do!
The success of this approach
is based on the belief that people really do want
to be part of something greater than themselves,
contribute to others, and make a difference. Call
mistakes “opportunities”—an invitation to see what
needs attention. Develop a mission statement for your
group that your staff and students can adopt and
to which they can adhere. Wayne Markworth wrote
one of my favorite mission statements. In his book,
Dynamic Marching Band
, he wrote, “Rehearsals will
be conducted with a positive attitude in a pleasant
atmosphere. Students will be focused, energetic and
relaxed to achieve outstanding results. The director
and staff will be organized and efficient, demonstrating
careful planning and goal setting. These qualities will
make the experience enjoyable and productive for
students and staff.”
The “rehearsal equals performance” mantra takes on
a new meaning when the freedom to relax and take
risk in the expression of passion becomes the norm.
This is the opposite from the pressure of perfectionism
currently associated with performances being produced
on the field. We must keep alert to maintain and even
multiply opportunities for our students in order to
keep them from retreating to the sidelines as though
their participation in our groups are inconsequential.
This awareness must permeate everything we do in
order to keep everyone involved and attain the optimal
result. It will soon become apparent that, in order for
them to fulfill their personal milestones, they will need
to work together for the good of all.
Band camp and rehearsals should be a laboratory
of possibilities for a total and complete musical
experience. Don’t limit your students or yourself.
Discover and Focus on their POTENTIAL and attain
unbelievable possibilities!
Randy T. Gilmore served ten years as a nationally recognized high school band director and assistant marching band director at West Chester
University. For over 20 years Randy has developedMarching ShowConcepts as a nationally known company for qualitymarching band products
and exceptional one-to-one services. Randy exemplifes an expertise and standard of excellence that is well known and respected throughout
the music industry. He is an accomplished clinician, adjudicator and drill designer who continues to display his talents in the MSC collection of
products and services.
Focusing on Your Students’ Potent ial