Why Concert Band clinics by instrument specialists are helpful

How hard is the life of a school band teacher? I think it is fair to say that starting up a band of absolute beginners is one of the hardest things to do. A compounding factor is the make-up of concert bands, which includes the various woodwinds (flutes, clarinets, saxophones, oboes, bassoons), brass (trumpets, trombones, horns, euphoniums, tubas) and percussion instruments (timpani, drums, etc. including melodic percussion). Since a flautist needs almost a completely different set of instructions (posture, embouchure, etc.) than a trumpet player or percussionist, the first few weeks can make for a very trying time.

Teaching Central Middle School saxophone students, September 2013

That's where instrument specialists come in. More often than not, band teachers will hire professional musicians to come out to their school and teach clinics. The big advantage of hiring these pros is that the pro-clarinettist can convene and rehearse with all the new clarinet students, the saxophonist with the new sax students, and so on. During the clinic, the pro teacher will address instrument specific issues, and will be able to help individual students more effectively. This will save the band teacher a lot of time and effort.

Band Package: three lessons for beginning band students @ $95

Would you like to get a head start on either saxophone, clarinet or flute? Sign up for the Band Package.

You will get three 45-minute lessons, working on essential basic rudiments, and more for a total of $95. The Band Package is ideal for new students as well as for music students transitioning to a new instrument.

Feel free to call me for more information: 250-477-5413

Why student concerts matter

On Saturday Jacqueline and I held our bi-yearly student concert. These concerts are quite successful!

At their core, student concerts are like progress cards, displaying the advances made through diligent practice. But there are lots of side-benefits too.

Firstly, both students and teachers put in extra effort in order to show their very best of what they have been working on over the last weeks or months. Students put in the extra practising time as to master even the hardest passages, and teachers ensure all aspects of a 'perfect performance' have been fully addressed during lessons.

Concerts also have the effect of making lessons more exciting and relevant, and parents have a real appreciation for seeing their son or daughter perform in concert, finally seeing and hearing the results of lessons and practising.

An added benefit for our combined piano and saxophone studios is the opportunity for all students and parents to get to mingle with one another, creating a sense of a larger musical community.

And how do we ALL benefit? We are reminded how wonderful music making really is. Music has the ability to bring together people from all ages, abilities, and walks of life, enjoying musical moments of presenting, sharing, listening and appreciating the talents of our peers, sons and daughters, grandsons and granddaughters; a new generation in the making.