Junior High Band
Program Survival Tips

Make Band Fun

Even though learning music is serious business, it still ought to be fun. Some directors are so serious they drive students away with their attitude. I've heard it said that you can't get anything done unless at least 60% of the students hate you. Perhaps a statement that is closer to reality would be, it's difficult to get anything done unless the majority of the students are scared to death of you. I think both statements are truer at the high school and college levels than they are at the junior high level.

Most junior high students react better to the carrot than the whip. I suggest sweetening the carrot with some humor. Show the students you have a sense of humor. Laugh with them occasionally and they will be loyal to you and the program forever.

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.