Junior High Band
Survival Tips

Observe Other Band Directors

During my first year I was able to observe other band directors – That helped me more than anything. I could see their rehearsal techniques, discipline and interaction with students. I tried to schedule the observations just before the director's prep period, lunch or the end of the school day so we could spend time talking. The directors were all willing to share.

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.