6 Things I Learned From My High School Band Director | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

6 Things I Learned From My High School Band Director

Behind every band geek is the person who taught them how to put their left foot first.

906
6 Things I Learned From My High School Band Director
Savannah Now

High school was a strange time. It acted as a transitional period from the preteen angst of middle school to the pretend-adulthood of college. I learned a lot in my four years, including how to procrastinate effectively and when it was acceptable to wear sweatpants (every day). However, some of the more practical and meaningful lessons I gleaned from the time I spent on the marching field or in the band room. Coaches are often praised for their life advice, but I'm taking this opportunity to give credit where it's due: to high school band directors. Here are six tidbits I learned from mine:

1. When to act professionally... and when to have fun.

Our band director knew how to get down to business; he did not mess around when it came to performance days or precious rehearsal time. I remember all the prank wars on the boys' floor during band camp (stolen mattresses, barricaded doors, silly string, etc.). When our director heard about it... he swiped all of their pillows during sectional rehearsal. It's necessary to be professional sometimes, but it's just as important to let loose and join in the shenanigans.

2. "Don't do anything stupid."

Every year, during the week before prom, our band director would tell us, "Don't do anything stupid. I want to see you all in class on Monday." This advice is still applicable, even though we're not reckless and naive adolescents anymore (maybe). Want to take six shots the night before an exam? Don't do anything stupid, unless you're prepared to deal with the stupid consequences.

3. Family comes first.

A couple years ago, our band director transferred to a different school closer to home, so he could spend more time with his wife and kids. His former students miss him, but he has my respect. Family > career, without a doubt.

4. Money isn't everything.

Anyone pursuing a degree in music, education, or (even better) music education must take this saying to heart. Our band director spent countless unpaid hours working on marching band drills and planning trips and activities for his students because he was dedicated to and enjoyed his job. If you have the privilege to pursue something you love, do it! There are better things to be than a billionaire.

5. If you love something, don't quit.

I can't tell you how many times I was encouraged (rather sternly) not to give up music when I started college. Whether you join pep band, a jazz ensemble, or even a choir or theatre group, your passion for music doesn't have to be left behind with your cap and gown.

6. Music is more than the weekly top 40.

Clearly, I learned a thing or two about music from my band director. Titles, composers, dynamics, time signatures, the way good music feels. Music has a complex and colorful history, from classical to jazz to rock and roll. We not only played music together, but we also listened and learned to appreciate music for more than catchy rhythms and thumping bass lines.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

168442
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

54100
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

48225
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments