MS Band Director

For music educators - By music educators

middle school band leadership

I have recently come from a high school teaching position (for which I used leadership programs and resources extensively) to a middle school one. I am looking to develop a leadership system amongst my first and second-year ensemble members (I only teach the first two years of instrumental study) that is mutually beneficial to the band program and the students.

When I was in the high school, I had no problems assigning students to handle many of the peripheral duties that surround any high school band program (website, uniforms, publicity, equipment, etc.). But, the middle school setting is different in many ways. The band doesn't meet as much after school, does not travel as much and does not have marching band uniforms, booster groups, committees, etc. And also, even though there are many exceptions to this rule, the students are younger and frankly, often less responsible.

So my question is...can anyone out there offer help in developing a student leadership program at the middle school level that provides students with meaningful opportunities that

1) Serve the band program
2) Socially and musically develop the students involved and
3) Foster teamwork and develop student ownership of, and pride in, the band program?

Any advice or help you could offer would be much appreciated!

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Permalink Reply by Russ Weaver on August 19, 2011 at 8:06am

I use middle school officers each year at all levels and nothing is more beneficial to young learners than leadership training.
If anything, HS expectations may be just the thing that this level student needs, as your leaders tend to want higher expectations and opportunities to serve.

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Permalink Reply by Drew Carter on August 19, 2011 at 4:16pm

What oficers do you have and what tasks do you have them perform?

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Permalink Reply by Russ Weaver on August 23, 2011 at 6:34am

President: Leader, spokesperson, conductor when I am out. Se
VP: Right behind President, training and assisting. Deals with classroom visitors. Day to day management of section leaders.
Secretary: Keeping notes of minutes and everyone on task with reminders.
Historian: Take pictures, update website, work on awards dinner powerpoint all year.
Librarian: Busy busy, deals with keeping everyone in music.

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Permalink Reply by Pamela A Rezach on November 4, 2011 at 6:58pm

I have established several student positions this year. The outcome of these positions thus far has proved to be perfect for the middle school age child. I use a different band secretary every day (those interested serve on a rotating basis - they sit at a small desk near my stand. They take notes on class activities during band class, they take attendance, students report to them why they are not playing their instruments, etc., and they write anything I ask them to write. (Ex. "Rhythm problem at rehearsal C.") We also have audio technicians - they serve on a rotating basis. They run the recorder when students record their bi-weekly assignments; There is a set up crew and tear down crew; Student conductors are
conducting at least one day a week; and we are in the process of establishing peer, band tutors. Many of the band students, in each grade level band, are now serving their own band in their own special way and they are "feeling" the pride.

Since starting these jobs I have opened the band room before school, during lunchtime, during our intervention time, and after school. At the present time there are about 30 - 50 students coming to the band room every day to practice. They are loving it! Students have stated on several occasions, including the 8th graders, "Mrs. Rezach, practicing in the band room is so much fun!" Note: They seem to love the unstructured noise. It is noisy, but it is a lovely noise. I'm beginning to hear improvement in their tone quality and I believe it is due to the amount of practice they are incorporating as part of their every day living. (They work with tuners during these practice sessions. I believe this has helped their overall intonation.) Thus, my conclusion statement is: Give them jobs to serve the band and they will begin to "feel" the pride. ~Pamela Rezach

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Permalink Reply by Karin Llyr on April 3, 2012 at 1:17pm

Hi Pamela,

I'm intrigued and interested in your ideas especially the positive effect of raising the level of "pride." Now that it is April 2012, do you still see positive evidence of these jobs? Or has it been cumbersome at all and/or did you alter to make it better? I would love to read your feedback on this. I've just found out I'm going from primarily general music k-5/beg. band to full time band at the middle school (very excited!) Thanks!