Reply To: Elementary general music teacher moved to high school band

[nafmeadmin]

I would immediately begin taking private lessons on the main band instruments: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion. You can probably find a local high school band teacher who can teach you. You’ll find a lot of similarities with recorder and the woodwinds. The band director will be able to sympathize with your plight and tell you just enough of what you need to know but not too much.

Are you replacing someone? If so, then that person could be the one who teaches you. And you should talk to this person anyway about how their band program was run, so you know what to expect in the fall.

But I think the most important thing is to attain a basic familiarity with the instruments. If the kids can’t figure out something instrument related, and you can’t, it’s not going to be comfortable.

Another thing you can do is to take a summer course in instrumental conducting. They are often offered at local colleges and universities.