Page 13 - 2018-BMR-December

Musical Excellence:

The Hallmark of Texas Bands

Bradley N. Kent, D.M.A., UIL State Director of Music

Most Texas band directors and embouchure, and breath control are process can be overwhelming to the
directors from around the country among the basic tenants of learning young musician. However, when
have traditionally felt the hallmark of how to play a wind instrument. taught correctly, marching band is
Texas marching bands is their musical The development of these concepts is a skill most can achieve. With the
excellence. Specifically, the exceptional a lifelong pursuit, requiring patience, exception of an occasional parade
tone quality, technical facility, ensemble diligence, and or football playoff
skills, and artistry are some of the meticulous atten- “If you want a better game, marching
most notable characteristics. Every tion to detail. band season
year this excellence is on display at the Most band band, develop usually concludes
state marching band championships students begin better players.” sometime in
and during the countless other receiving instruct- Concert band allows November after
performances given by our bands ion in sixth grade, students to play their the band’s final
throughout the fall. How have we spend a few instruments in a contest or football
established these high standards, years developing game. At this
expectations, and performance levels? their craft at the temperature-controlled point in the year,
And, how do we not only maintain middle school or environment without the bands typically
these high standards, but also continue junior high level, task of simultaneous transition into
to grow? then continue on physical choreography. concert season.
Historically, the implementation of to high school in Additionally, we have How does
a well-balanced curriculum, combined ninth grade. Most concert band
with exemplary teaching and strong high schools intro- the opportunity to contribute to the
stakeholder support, has probably duce marching explore an immense body development of
contributed most significantly to the band into the of literature and focus the individual
success of Texas bands. When asked curriculum during our efforts exclusively musician? Concert
what constitutes a well-balanced the fall semester, on making music. band allows
curriculum, most responses would coinciding with students to play
likely relate to the development of football season. their instruments
the individual musician, which, in Instruction begins at some point in in a temperature-controlled
turn should facilitate the enjoyment the summer and students are taught environment without the task of
of high-quality music making. how to play their instruments and simultaneous physical choreography.
Remember the adage, “If you want a move their feet at the same time. We Additionally, we have the opportunity
better band, develop better players.” put a uniform on them, have them to explore an immense body
Let’s take a moment to reflect on memorize their music, teach them of literature and focus our efforts
the concept of development of the marching and other choreography that exclusively on making music. The
individual musician. goes with the music and then ask them transition to concert band sometime
Wind players are taught how to to do all this while simultaneously in November also affords band
play their instruments while seated in playing their instruments. Coupled programs the opportunity to spend
a chair. Proper posture, hand position, with the extreme Texas heat, this the majority of the school year on

Bandmasters Review • December 2018 11 Texas Bandmasters Association