Junior High Band
Conducting Tips

Watch Your Back

Be aware of how you look to the audience as you conduct. An easy way to do that is to use a video camera. I have a friend who is tall and slightly bowlegged. When he conducts he leans forward at the waist. It is not a pretty sight from behind especially when his band performs on a raised stage. Avoid doing anything that will draw undo attention to yourself.

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.