How to Insure Quality Programming for Young Band
Chip De Stefano
- Don't forget the classics! Stop looking for the next Folk Song
Suite and start performing Folk Song Suite.
- Select music in which the musical difficulty meets or exceeds the
technical difficulty.
- Look for works in the standard band literature that may fit your
ensemble well. A work that may otherwise be considered to difficult
for the middle school band may be accessible if only one movement is
performed. (The Holst Suites, English Folk Song Suite, William
Byrd Suite, etc…)
- Stay away from “brand new” literature (except from those
composers and publishers that you absolutely love/trust).
- Beware of formula composers.
- Don't be afraid to bail out on a work that doesn't meet your musical
expectations after spending some rehearsal time.
- Don't confuse audience appeal with musical depth.
- Plan early, and take your time. Some of the most important decisions
you will make as an educator are selecting the works that you will
perform.
- Don't perform everything you rehearse.
- Perform often. Get through as much literature as you can each year.
- Don't be afraid to rewrite the music. Modify parts for students that
are struggling. Write in doublings for weaker sections. Add percussion
parts so that all students are involved. Just be sure to maintain the
intent of the composer and arranger.
- Choose an authentic transcription over a watered down arrangement
- Don't buy bad music. It only encourages publishers to churn out more
of it.
See also: Significant
Repertoire for Young Band