Bandmasters Review - December 2019

times to casually remind them throughout the year and meet with them in January to see if it’s possible for the next school year. Remind them again in the late spring. This could be something as simple as what time your band has lunch or what day your after-school duty is so it doesn’t interrupt your sectionals schedule. If you can’t get it next year, put a pin in it and come back to them next fall. Chip away until they can’t say “NO”. Once you’ve got things moving toward your vision, you must show some incremental improvement as proof that what you asked for has actually equated to progress. You have to grow the program both in numbers and tangible successes to advocate openly for more of what you need. Remember, have a long-term vision and the patience to execute it. Nathaniel Neugent is Director of Bands at T.A. Howard Middle School in Mansfield ISD. His duties include conducting the Honor Band and assisting with the Symphonic and Concert Band. The Howard Honor Band has been a five-time CCC State Honor Band finalist placing in the top seven each time and finishing as First Runner-Up in 2017-2018. The band was awarded the Mark of Excellence National Wind Bands Honors eight years. Mr. Neugent has continued the long tradition of UIL Sweepstakes Awards with the Howard Honor and Symphonic Bands earning First Division ratings eleven years in a row. The Howard Honor Band was also invited to perform at the 2017 Midwest Clinic. Mr. Neugent previously served as Director of Bands at Creekview High School in Carrollton, TX. While there, his bands consistently earned superior UIL ratings and the Mustang Marching Band twice advanced to the 5A State Marching Contest. They were also Bands of America Regional and Super- Regional Finalists. Mr. Neugent began his career in Lewisville ISD at Lakeview Middle School in The Colony, under the mentorship of Clay Paul and Dick Clardy. He is a native Texan, having begun his musical training under Joe Gunn at Harwood Junior High and his father, Tom Neugent at Trinity High School in the HEB school district. He received his bachelor’s degree in music education, graduating cum laude, from the University of North Texas. Nathaniel was recently honored to be inducted into Phi Bet Mu International and is a member of TMEA and TBA. Having a Long Term Vision of How to Structure Your Program ( Part 1 ) R HAND-CRAFTED INSTRUMENTS FOR SUPERIOR MUSICAL PERFORMANCE conn-selmer.com