Re: Questions for HS band instructors


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Posted by ken k on November 28, 2001 at 19:18:19:

In Reply to: Questions for HS band instructors posted by jared on November 28, 2001 at 18:29:09:

Hello Jared,
Requirements for a band director would parallel those for any teacher in a public school. Those requirements vary from state to state. Most require a Bachelors degree in Music Education and the pasage of a professional teachers exam. IN PA teachers are required to get a masters degree in 6 years and then continue to take either 180 hours of inservice or 6 graduate credits every 5 years. I do not know how that is different compared to other states. You go to college four years and student teach in your senior year, just like any ed major.
For a military band director, I would imagine you would probably need a degree in conducting or music of some kind. Not sure.

As far as salary, that is dependant upon the school distrct. Every teachers union local bargains their own agreement. So it will vary from district to district. Check with your local teacher.

Advantages:
1. You get to work with kids for a living
2. You get to make music for a living
3. Summers off! Don't write that your teacher will kill you!(not a real advantage, since you are usually writing your marching band show during that time)
4. Fairly stable job with good pay and benefits.

Disadvantages:
1. You have to work with kids for a living (depends on your outlook)
2. Long hours for HS BDs with marching band, jazz band, concert band, musical pit orchestra, and other performance schedules. (And you spend your summer writing the marching band show)
3. Depending on where you work pay may not be too great, especiall private/parochial schools

To start preparing for it start taking lessons on as many other instruments as you can. To be a good director you really have to have a good understanding how all the instruments work.

Especially start taking piano lessons. NOW! There is a lot more to music than just playing your tuba.
ken k


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