Wind Ensemble Review Frequently a band director needs assistance in preparing a wind ensemble or concert band for contests. Ideally, the band director would like to be able to focus on the sound of the complete band and delegate the preparation of the flute, saxophone, and clarinet sections to others. There are multiple benefits to this approach. One benefit is having someone entirely new listen to the sound of the various instrument sections and critique them. Another benefit is that the resulting sound of the band is generally better and the band will receive higher scores in the contests.
Input is supplied by the band director as to what he or she is looking for in the playing of the contest piece and where the trouble areas are. The sections then play the contest pieces and they are critiqued in terms of band director input, problem areas, tone, dynamics, phrasing, mix levels, etc by the contract section helper. The sections then practices the material with the critiques in mind with the contract helper. Generally it takes about two 1.5 hour sessions preferably placed about a week apart to add finishing touches to a good band.
The schools existing jazz ensemble scores are used for the jazz band work. Scores are collected after each practice and returned to the school music library. A concerted effort to have many students as possible do improvised solos as part of the overall jazz band performance. The contract helper works with the band director to suggest new scores and also to help schedule performances for the jazz band.
Reasons to hire Mr. Billington – I have
already been checked out by the
Availability Monday through Friday from approximately 6:50AM until 2 PM.
Funding
The band director usually works with the bands booster club to schedule regular payments to the contract worker based on mutual agreement.