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Band Directors: Difference-Makers
At the Highest Level
Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser
After presenting countless professional development in a quantity-driven curriculum), but rather the intrinsic
programs for ALL educators, I’m firmly convinced there is satisfaction generated as a result of MUSIC-MAKING.
no individual in the school setting who has the wherewithal Music teaches an appreciation for QUALITY as well as an
to impact the lives of his/her students more than a music understanding of QUANTITY.
teacher. Band directors spend countless hours with their
students and, by design, the band director becomes far WHY MUSIC? WHY BAND?
more than “the person on the podium.” Arguably, the band • Music lifts our spirits.
director could well be the most influential educator for the • Music helps us share our inner thoughts and feelings
students who choose to be a part of the program. with a vocabulary beyond the common word.
While I may not see the day when music is a requisite • Music avails us to emotions we otherwise will suppress
subject of the academic/mandated curriculum, it is ever- or ignore.
apparent there will come a time when the undeniable • Music is a universal language.
evidence of THE VALUE OF MUSIC dictates this • Music makes life worth living by bringing joy to our
important reality. In the meantime we have to embrace soul.
the responsibility of sharing the good news with all the These are all well and good and a resounding “AMEN!”
decision-makers who are part of every child’s educational is extended by this author, however it is often difficult to
journey. Ultimately: MUSIC IS A PLACE FOR EVERYONE! express the importance of music-making to someone who has
Eric Jensen, research author on brain-based learning, never made music. The only way one can truly explain and
writes, “Music is part of our biological heritage and is understand music is with music; it is a language unto itself.
hard-wired into our genes as a survival strategy.” (Jensen, If we are to convince non-music makers about the
E. 2001, Arts with the Brain in Mind, p.15.) importance of music-learning, we may have to put the
Recruitment and retention are the key components to recruitment spotlight on essential human wants and needs:
the positive growth of every band programs. As a dear • Music has a direct impact on academic achievement.
friend said, “I can’t teach them music if they aren’t in my • Music creates a forum for healthy human exchange.
music classes.” • Music enhances perceptual motor skills.
Our educational system is heavily focused on assessment/ • Music supports the qualities needed to survive and
testing. We measure the success and/or failure of the thrive in the modern day society.
learning process through a series of evaluations. We must Music is NOT a frill subject or a fringe activity, but
ask, “Can the ‘quantitative results’ be integrated into the music-study is a microcosm of society bringing the vital
students’ lives to promote better living, learning, and disciplines of high level achievement to the ensemble
being?” This very inquiry is all the more reason to bring experience. In other words: music learning for the sake of
MUSIC to every child, for we know the priceless value of music; and music learning for the sake of life. What better
the musical journey. way to prepare for a successful future?
Music, by nature, triggers both the cognitive and Do parents, administrators, community leaders, and
affective mind. Not only does the young artist experience teachers of other disciplines understand - even know -
the input of facts and figures, but he/she simultaneously this information? Are we as music educators sharing this
develops an appreciation for art. We don’t make music to extraordinary news with our educational partners?
get to the end of the musical composition; we make music Perhaps instead of being overly cautious about
to make music. The reward is NOT the final evaluation (as emphasizing the extrinsic benefits of music education,
Bandmasters Review • September 2018 13 Texas Bandmasters Association