Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • September 2015
24
Too often there are reports
of disturbing news about
educators who got themselves in
serious trouble because of their
actions or inappropriate words.
Whenever this occurs, it is always
extremely painful, damaging, and
inexcusable. After all, as teachers
and administrators, we have the
tremendous responsibility to guide,
lead and nurture the students that
we have the privilege of teaching. I
would like to offer some advice on
how to avoid making mistakes that
can damage or end a career, crush
a program and devastate a student
and his or her family.
During the 2015TBAconvention,
I shared some experiences and
thoughts on this subject. I covered
a variety of topics including:
• How To Be a Great
Communicator
• How to Be Proper Stewards
of Money Collected From
Fundraisers (bookkeeping);
• How a Director Should Interact
(behave) with Students; and
• Appropriate Language to Use
with Students.
In this article, I would like to
highlight a few key items that I
shared at my clinic.
Band Directors today have
multiple roles. We are not “just
teachers”. Over the course of the
school year, we will wear many hats
including:
• Teacher
• Promoter
• Organizer
• Counselor
• Bookkeeper
• Conductor
• Consultant
• Problem-solver
• Motivator
• Speaker
• Architect (in the case of new
band hall facilities)
• Band uniform designer
• Music arranger
While it is tough if not
impossible to be “perfect” while
wearing each of these hats, here are
a few suggestions to keep in mind:
1. Dress professionally at school/
rehearsals/community gatherings.
2. Promote “good will” in your
community. Offer to perform at key
community gatherings like parades
or ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
3. Invite your school board
members and administrators to your
concerts and acknowledge their
presence. Send letters to parents
when their child has accomplished
marvelous achievements such as
all-area, all-state, and UIL solo/
ensemble achievements.
Teach your band to respect/
applaud the hard work of other
bands. Competitions are terrific,
but don’t promote hatred or
disrespect toward the other bands.
4. Bond with your faculty
whenever you can….attend faculty
parties and social events. Let them
know that you value academics and
that academics come first! Say those
words to your students, parents,
faculty, and school administrators.
5. Return emails and phone calls!
I know, I know…. You will always
be “too busy”, but you have to get
this done—you will earn respect
within your community and with
your parents. Remember: you are
the CEO of your band program.
Always make your students proud
that you are their leader.
Be positive in your approach to
situations—especially in a heated
exchange. Be open-minded if or
when your decisions are questioned
or contested. The perspectives of
others may be helpful and result
in better solutions. Changing your
mind is NOT a sign of weakness;
but in fact, it is a sign of strength!
6. To the best of your ability,
make sure your students and
parents know that you
sincerely
care
about them/and you have a
great appreciation
of them. The
best way to do that is to tell them!
Being a successful teacher starts
with being a good person. I believe
Don Haynes
The Most Common Mistakes
Band Directors Make
