All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Beginning Band

In 1986, author Robert Folghum had a bestselling book entitled All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. It was a book of short essays where the author covers the magnificent lessons he learned in his kindergarten class. The book created a popular phenomenon that resulted in parodies, a musical, and even an ongoing gag on The Simpsons.

After reading this book several years ago, I often applied it to my professional life as a high school band director. Even though musical literature was considered to be more advanced at the high school level, a successful performance was always dependent on the basic fundamentals--the same ones taught in the beginning band class. (This theory could also apply to a beginning orchestra or choir class.) These basic fundamentals include tone production, breathing, articulations/bowing, basic reading skills, dynamics, etc. (many of the skills that are reflected on the state's adjudication sheet).

If this information is accurate, then one of the most important team members (if not the most important) is the one who teaches the beginners. This is the teacher who will determine the success (or failure) of the advanced ensembles. Depending on the program, this person could be the high school director, or it could be someone not associated with the high school program. Whoever it is, they should always know how important they are in determining the success of the overall program. I once knew a junior high director who only cared about his performing ensembles and neglected the beginning classes. It always baffled me when he was so surprised that his top-performing group gradually diminished in size and could no longer perform at the same level as previous groups. If the beginners are neglected, the program will suffer!

Everyone has a favorite beginning band method book, and they all differ slightly in how they approach the various instruments. However, they all contain the information that can lead to success with proper instruction. (If there is a beginner method book that does not include the classic "Hot Cross Buns", I have yet to see it). Whatever text is used, it does not teach the class. It is up to the beginning band or orchestra instructor to teach these necessary skills to our student musicians.

So, what is the takeaway here? Don't neglect the beginners at any point or at any time! The program is totally dependent on the skills learned in this class. Because everything you need to know, you learn in beginning band.

Barry Harper recently joined the Palen Music team as an educational consultant, following 38 years of directing bands in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Mr. Harper holds a Music Education degree from the University of Arkansas, as well as a Masters in Music Performance from the University of Oklahoma. He most recently served as Director of Bands at Fayetteville High School in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Under his direction, the Fayetteville Bands performed in numerous special events including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Tournament of Roses Parade, and a featured performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City.