Why Compete?
Deb Laferty Asbill addresses reservations some directors have about participating in Bands of America competitions and encourages the pursuit of positively life-changing experiences over the necessity of winning.
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Specialty: Band
The Recruiting Connection
Robert W. Smith shares tips for cultivating a sustainable band program with emphasis on recruitment and feeder programs.
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The Design Pyramid: Orchestrating General Effect for a “small band”
Kevin Ford shares his detailed process for designing a production which he calls “the design pyramid.”
Read MoreFive Proven Methods for Smaller School Bands
Tim Allen shares his tips for small band success to help garner and maintain success.
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Thoughts on Competition and the Judging Process
Bands of America Chief Judge Gary Markham shares his thoughts on competition and why the “reaction to competitive results” is the most important aspect.
Read MoreThe Five Stages of Peak Performance
Performance coach Jon Skidmore discusses the psychological processes behind having a great performance.
Read MoreA Prestigious Goal, An Unforgettable Journey
Read what participating directors and students had to say about their experiences at the 2005 Music for All National Festival.
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The Pursuit of Excellence: Using Competition as a Tool to Achieve Excellence
Dean Westman writes on the “journey towards excellence” as a perspective on competition.
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Remembering Frederick Fennell – Tribute
A reflection on the life and work of Dr. Frederick Fennell, “messiah to the wind band world”
Read MoreCreating Concerts
Gary Hill shares his thoughts on making concert band performances as impressive and engaging as marching band performances.
Read MoreFennell on Lincolnshire Posy
This excerpt from a session by Frederick Fennell at the 2004 Music for All Summer Symposium describes Fennell’s admiration for Percy Grainger and his fascination with Grainger’s work “Lincolnshire Posy.”
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A Conductor’s Perspective: A participating director’s view of defining moments at the BOA National Concert Band Festival
Frank Troyka shares thoughts on the 2004 National Festival as a director who has participated in various capacities since 1992.
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Putting the Judging System to Work
Freddy Martin writes on how he chose to incorporate Bands of America adjudication sheets into the curriculum for his students.
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Having It All, Basic Principles Create Basic Success
This interview with three nationally-recognized band directors explains that maintaining a strong, successful marching band shouldn’t mean you have to sacrifice having a strong concert band.
Read MorePractice makes perfect
Mary Karen Clardy shares tips for efficient practicing intended to leave musicians feeling encouraged and motivated.
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Paving the Way
A young student at Julliard reflects on how the life lessons he garnered through participation in high school band prepared him for his college experience.
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Making the Most of your One Chance
Read about the lifelong impact of one teacher’s generosity on two middle school band students.
Read MoreHonor Band Blast Off
From BOA to Blast! stage: how the Honor Band of America shaped life-long connections By: Jonathon Almond An empty computer screen is pretty intimidating. When I was asked to write about my experiences with Bands of America, I...
Read MoreThe Band Director as Leader, Part 2
Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser shares some of his observations on what characteristics help band directors to be successful leaders.
Read MoreSelecting Quality Literature for High School Bands at All Levels
Elizabeth Jackson breaks down what “good music” means to her, shares what considerations she makes when programming concerts, and lists some of her favorite band literature.
Read MoreStraight Talk for the College Bound
Mark Camphouse offers advice for young college-bound musicians – those who wish to be music majors AND those who do not.
Read MoreDaily Sightreading Practice
Joseph Neisler explains the benefits of developing sightreading skills as a musician and offers tips and exercises to improve your sightreading abilities.
Read MoreBands of America representatives are guests at All-Japan Marching Band Association Championships
Scott McCormick recounts his visit to Japan and what he learned from observing the All-Japan marching contests.
Read MoreThe Band Director as Leader – Part 1
Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser writes on the changing demands of modern band directors and explains the difference between an approach that “demands excellence” and one that “desires excellence.”
Read MoreObserving Conductors in Rehearsal
Jeffrey Renshaw writes on observing rehearsals and studying field experts as essential parts of professional growth and development for conductors.
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It All Starts With the Music — General Effect Considerations in the Music: A partnership between Designer, Teacher, Performer, and Judge
Gary Markham attempts the challenge of defining “general effect” in terms of ensemble adjudication.
Read MoreThe Process…As Important as the End Result
Mark Lane shares how to deal with rejection and how to use it as a tool for continuous learning for your ensemble.
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