Band Directors Would Make Good Preachers

Band directors would make good preachers.

Now that you have overcome your gag reflex and given this statement a little thought, you may agree, at least on some level.

I often tell students that I only have one “sermon”; it just appears as though I have an unlimited supply of them. I seem to have a talent for moving the words around each time I deliver one. Regardless of where the sermon starts, it always ends up being about the BAND—and I’m always passionate about that subject.

One of my favorite topics is about what makes a “band kid” different from a “kid in band”. Most directors probably have their own version of this sermon they share with their students; I thought I would share mine with you.

Anybody can be a “kid in band”—all you have to do is show up with a horn. You don’t need any particular musical knowledge or talent, or even try to develop or discover any. It does help if you are physically sitting in your chair or standing in your spot during rehearsals, but to be a “kid in band” there is no requirement that you actually DO anything. Their contribution to the identified musical goals of the group can be almost zero, but they will claim all privileges of band membership for themselves regardless. Personal needs always come before any expectation the group might have of them. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is optional depending upon their personal schedules. Sending text messages behind their music stand, talking while instruction is being given (or even while the band is playing), leaving their seat at random intervals, eating or chewing gum while playing, and generally ignoring the group effort are all part of their “participation”. They leave their area of the room a shambles; articles of clothing and half-consumed food and drink are jumbled along with their music and instrument, usually in the floor. They usually need multiple copies of assignments, music, and schedules. If they are using school-owned equipment (read: fundraised for by the band), they never know how it gets broken and wouldn’t think of reporting that it is, even though they are the only one who touches it and have signed an agreement accepting responsibility for its care. Showing up late, leaving early, and pointing a finger at others or making excuses for their inadequacies are all part of their game. They usually have great leadership skills, and work very hard to succeed in influencing others to “be like them”. They are perfectly happy with a minimum grade (or even a failing one) as long as they can be identified with the group. They generally think band should be an easy “A”, but can’t figure out why they don’t get one.

A “band kid” is low-maintenance. The instrument almost always goes home in the evening, and their music folder is worn through from use. These folks tend to be the first ones in the band room in the morning, would rather hang out there than go to class, and are the ones still around when the director has to leave several hours after school is out. They set up chairs and stands if they aren’t already in place, and ask if they can help if someone else is doing it for them. They pick up after the folks who leave their area in a mess; if they move something, they put it back where they found it. They are the folks who are already warmed up when the conductor steps on the podium to begin rehearsing. Even though they may not be the most talented individuals, they spend time working on their skills because they don’t want to let the group down in rehearsals or performance. They maintain their equipment in good working order, report problems, and accept responsibility if they had an accident. They usually complete assignments on time and don’t make excuses if they miss a deadline. They resolve schedule conflicts to meet the commitment they made to the group.

They make plenty of mistakes in rehearsal and performance, but try like crazy to not let them happen again. They ALWAYS have a pencil in rehearsals, and know why they need one. They don’t complain; they get busy. They respect the music they perform, the people they perform it with, and the organization enough to give their best effort every time the band is together. They are capable of leading 100 people without saying a word, often without realizing they are doing so. They think band is an easy “A”, and don’t feel the least bit overwhelmed by the work involved in earning it.

Great bands are the product of great “band kids”.

For a band (or any group with a common purpose and goals) to be successful, the members must agree to hold themselves and each other accountable for meeting the highest standards for participation and performance. They must also be willing to give up a portion of their “individuality” in order to embrace the expectations of the ensemble. While it is possible to have a group with only a few members willing to uphold those standards, it is impossible to have a BAND.

Everyone involved in a truly great band possesses an “A” work ethic and an “A” commitment to the others in the band. Talent and natural ability are a bonus, but quite honestly, the largest part of a director’s job should be identifying and developing those things. If a lot of energy is expended dealing with poor attitude and effort, development of that talent is a lot harder to accomplish. Most directors would rather work with “A” attitudes and “C” talent than with “A” talent and “C” attitudes—because the end result in performance is often better, and the journey there is much more enjoyable and rewarding.

“Kids in band” can become “Band kids”-- often they are closer to it than they imagine. They simply have to change their minds about themselves. It is all about bringing the correct attitude to their band involvement and giving an honest effort every day.

It is the main difference between good bands and truly great ones.

Brad Rogers

Oldham County High School Band