Too often administrators don’t understand the process of what we do in band. Help them understand what we do and how we do it. Make them a part of a performance. Obviously, if they play an instrument, that’s easy, have them sit-in with the band on a piece for your next performance. If they don’t play an instrument, feature them speaking in a work for narrator and band. Or even simpler, have them read a poem that is the inspiration for a piece or an unrelated poem that captures the essence of the composition. As they “rehearse” with the band, they will come to understand how astounding what our students do really is!

Peter Loel Boonshaft, Director of Education
KHS America

About the Author

Dr. Boonshaft is the author of the critically acclaimed best-selling books Teaching Music with Passion, Teaching Music with Purpose, and Teaching Music with Promise. Dr. Boonshaft is currently on the faculty of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, where he is Professor of Music and Director of Bands. He has also been named Director of Education for KHS America. He was honored by the National Association for Music Education and Music For All as the first recipient of the “George M. Parks Award for Leadership in Music Education.”

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