Junior High Band
Conducting Tips

On and After the Beat

Most entrances are either on or after a beat. To help the band play on the beat, make the rebound of the beat prior to the entrance as long as possible. This gives the players time to prepare and makes it obvious when they should play. To help the band play after a beat, give a quick and short "click" beat on the beat prior to the entrance. This makes it virtually impossible to play on the beat and it identifies where the after beat is.

Video Disclaimer

The attached videos are not perfect examples of how each tune should be played. They are recordings of junior high students, some of whom have had their instruments for only a few months. Also, they are not professional recordings. They were taken by band parents using home equipment and naturally focusing on their own children.

I include them for two reasons: (1) To give you an idea of what the arrangements are like, and (2) To illustrate the kind of performance you can expect from your junior high students.