Page 24 - 2018-BMR-December

Ten Guidelines for First Year Ensemble Directors

7. BE YOUR STUDENTS’ MENTOR, NOT THEIR scenes, sometimes known as a “support staff.” Be kind
FRIEND: and show respect to the transportation director, custodial

Students need a mentor much more than another friend. staff, maintenance department, IT people, administrative
Sometimes it is hard to put students’ long-term goals assistants, etc. These people are the backbone of any great
over their immediate need for validation/attention, but if organization and can either make your day smooth so you
students/young adults can learn how to be dedicated, have can stay focused on the more music-related aspects of your
a consistent work-ethic, and overcome challenging hurdles job, or they can make your day a nightmare of logistical
(emotionally, mentally, and physically), they will more issues. Being a good person all the time to everyone is just
likely become successful, independent adults. Also, never a good rule of thumb for life, but it can be easy to overlook
give out your personal phone number to students, and people that make your day-to-day life as easy as a support
know your school’s/district’s rules regarding text messaging staff makes it.
and social media contact with students. This is important
to protect you from losing your job and other damaging 10. FIND A MENTOR:
ramifications. Almost every young ensemble director will have huge
aspirations for their ensemble, and it can be easy to let
8. SHARE YOUR GROUP’S SUCCESS: your personal goals overshadow the actual needs of your
If you do not promote your group, who will? Use all group. Having an older, knowledgeable mentor will allow
the different types of media/social media (newspaper, blog, you to have someone to toss ideas around with and get
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) to get your program in information that only a person who has had many years
the public’s eyes and ears. Make sure you are an advocate to doing what you are doing can help you avoid obstacles
all shareholders. Reach out to administration, colleagues, only a seasoned veteran would know. Things like deadlines
parents, and future students to share news of the growth, for marching competitions/solo & ensemble come up
success, and accomplishments of your program. A lot of much quicker than one might think. Funding for band
schools/districts have media outlets that can be harnessed trips might be trickier than one would have ever imagined.
for your program’s benefit as well. Scheduling marching band rehearsals might be involve
numerous administrative people and athletic coaches.
9. BE KIND TO EVERYONE: Fortunately, most musicians and music educators enjoy
It is easy to keep in mind the people you are directly helping each other. Your “rival band” might have a director
involved with: students, colleagues, administration, etc.; who could be the most helpful person to you because “rival
however, some of the most important people to your programs” often do similar activities and are in the same
program’s success are the people that work behind the district with the same deadlines and policies.

Dr. Brad Meyer (www.Brad-Meyer.com) is a percussion educator, artist, and composer with an extensive and diverse background. He is the Director
of Percussion Studies at Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches, TX). Dr. Meyer has been an active presenter/performer at numerous festivals
and conventions, including: Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic, Texas Music Educators Association’s national convention, Percussive Arts Society’s
International Convention, and many others. He has written several compositions for snare drum, multi-percussion, and percussion ensemble published
through Bachovich Publications.
Dr. Meyer is a proud endorsee of Yamaha Instruments, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets, Evans Drumheads, and Tycoon Percussion.

Bandmasters Review • December 2018 22 Texas Bandmasters Association