Junior High Band
Rehearsal Tips

Water Break

Playing a band instrument is a very physical thing. It also takes a lot of mental exertion. To maintain the students' ability to work hard and remain focused, they need to be hydrated.

For most of my career the class periods were between 50 and 60 minutes long and hydration didn't seem to be a big problem. The last few years I taught we were on an A-day B-day block schedule. The students went to four 90-minute class periods each day. I found that it was more productive to take a five-minute water break in the middle of the rehearsal rather than work the whole period. Not only did the water help, but the short break was refreshing by itself.

Some teachers allow their students to have water bottles in class. I was never that trusting. Fortunately there was a water fountain in our classroom so we could take a water break and not disturb the rest of the school.

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.