"Better Than Band" isn’t just a cheeky (yet catchy) name—it’s our commitment to supporting school bands and providing young musicians with a deeper understanding to their instrument. Open to students of all playing abilities, this class is designed to move beyond the confines of beginner band programs.
The goal? Develop more advanced, musically educated performers at an earlier stage in their musical journey.
The History Behind 'Better Than Band'
Originally, "Better Than Band" started as a wind choir, designed as just another way for students to play music in a group setting. However, it quickly became clear that the ensemble would be better served by focusing on preparing students to be better than the average beginning band student. The class has since evolved to include students of various skill levels, but the mission remains the same: push students beyond the basics to ensure they become not just capable musicians but exceptional ones.
I’ve personally run into the "problem" of teaching beginners so well that by the time they get to the traditional beginning band setting, the material feels redundant, like a big long review. But that’s a good problem to have! It means students are ready for more, and it pushes beginning band programs to get better. When students are challenged early on, they develop into stronger, more engaged musicians, which benefits both them and the ensembles they join later.
A Dynamic Class
Unlike a traditional band, "Better Than Band" is dynamic, constantly evolving based on attendance, instrumentation, and the music being studied. One week, we might explore classical repertoire and small ensemble pieces, and the next, we’re diving into jazz or contemporary pieces. The focus shifts based on the unique makeup of the class, which means students are always exposed to new challenges and styles. This flexibility also ensures that students are consistently engaged and improving in ways that keep them excited about learning.
Accelerated Growth
To give you an example of how effective this approach can be, one of my students started brand new to saxophone back in April. In just a few months, they’ve already moved past the beginner-level Essential Elements band book, typically seen in most beginning bands, and are now working through the intermediate Rubank method, typically reserved for high school students, BEFORE they even started beginning band. This is a testament to how much students can achieve when they are given the right tools and encouraged to push beyond their limits. While this particular progress has been aided with private instruction, it highlights the philosophy behind "Better Than Band."
Who I am and Why I teach this
One of the unique aspects of "Better Than Band" is the breadth of knowledge I bring to the class. I play and teach around 13 different instruments, and I have an in-depth understanding of each one. This means I can provide students with answers to virtually any question they have and give them specific, detailed insights into their instruments that many band directors may not have the time to dive into.
This personal strength allows me to tailor lessons and give individualized feedback on everything from finger positioning to tone production, ensuring that each student gets exactly what they need to improve. My ability to be specific with my knowledge helps set this class apart from more traditional band settings, where time constraints might prevent students from getting the attention they deserve.
From Playing Notes to Becoming Musicians
There is a difference between playing the notes on the page and truly understanding music. In this class, we focus on more than just reading sheet music. My goal is to teach students how to understand their instrument, how it fits into different musical settings, and how to think and perform like real musicians. Regardless of what genre students are learning, we are heavy on creating knowledgeable well rounded musicians with our education.
Why It’s Working
Traditional band settings often take a long time to move through the basics. In "Better Than Band," we speed up the process while still emphasizing strong foundational skills. This allows students to grow faster and become more versatile musicians who can blend into an ensemble or solo with confidence. As a whole, we want students in this class to reach their full potential.
Join Us
If you’re looking for a way to become a better, more advanced musician, then our "Better Than Band" program is for you.
Sign up today!
September 2024 Rehearsal Dates
October 2024 Rehearsal Dates
November 2024 Rehearsal Dates
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