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Band Benefits . . . and More!

(learning that will support a positive, purposeful lifestyle). we have or who we are? Are we training students to
Band is one of the few areas of the school day that supports “focus on high test scores,” or teaching students to “enjoy
expression as well as impression. Music learning embraces a life filled with personal satisfaction?” These are serious
all forms of cognitive learning and goes a step further by questions, for they determine the learner’s mind-maps.
integrating the data into the human soul: EMOTION. Is the student connected to the product (the grade at the
Music reinforces the principles and ideals that have a end of the semester) or the process (the holistic experience
significant and lasting effect on the way we choose to live. of blending intelligence, aesthetics, and emotion)? It’s
It teaches the ability to work with others, nourishes the not about “just knowing the right answers.” It’s about
love of learning, encourages cultural awareness, promotes “using the right answers” for what they can yield as
cooperative flexibility in a communal climate, develops a reference to meeting the challenges of daily living.
self-discipline, extends understanding, etc. All the while Every individual must determine his/her personal
it does have standards and it can be assessed. There ARE criteria for happiness. Nobody can (nor should) dictate
testing evaluations that measure ACHIEVEMENT, and there what brings pleasure and joy to the human spirit. Whether
IS solid testimony that evidences the WISDOM gained dealing with short term goals or long term goals, we often
impacts the welfare of the learner. Simply put: band makes become so goal-driven we ignore or simply don’t recognize
better human beings and makes human beings better. the importance of enjoying the journey as we attain our
given goals—the very reason for WHY WE EXIST. Band
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INNER PEACE SECURITY offers a new paradigm of learning. The music IS the reason,
We humans continue along the pathway of SECURING it IS the reward, it IS the substance, and it IS the payoff.
various things to promote personal happiness. Whether it The means and the extremes are one in the same. We do
is a new car, a college education, a house, a boat, a job, not play music to get to the end of it; we play it to make
a title, or any other extrinsic reward. The chase (and the music. In fact if we are truly “connected to the process” we
race) for goal attainment is threaded into every aspect of do not want the music to end, or the rehearsal to stop, or
the educational docket. When and where do we come the concert to be finished. We acquire and develop a desire
to the point of personal satisfaction, the payoff, the joy for expressing our inner thoughts and feelings through
of living life, and the very reason we choose to educate the music. We become artists and enjoy the highest form
ourselves in the first place? Is success measured by what of personal satisfaction, CREATIVE EXPRESSION, the

“Strike up the Band!”

Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser is a trusted friend to anyone interested in working with young people in developing a desire for excellence and a passion for
high level achievement. His career involves ten years of successful college band directing and three years with McCormick’s Enterprises working as
Executive Director of Bands of America. In 1981, he created Attitude Concepts for Today, Inc., an organization designed to manage the requests for
presentations. Dr. Tim presently serves as Vice President of Education for Conn-Selmer, Inc., Senior Educational Advisor for Music for All and NAMM
(The International Music Products Association) and is an adjunct faculty member at Ball State University (Earl Dunn Distinguished Lecturer), Indiana-
Purdue/Ft. Wayne University, and Butler University. In addition, he serves on The Midwest Clinic Board of Directors and the Western International Band
Clinic/American Band College Board of Directors.

Bandmasters Review • April 2018 15 Texas Bandmasters Association