A Guide for Band Directors

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A Guide for Band Directors
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Making intonation perfect is time taking and a
combined effort by an individual as well as a
group. It could be tricky for band directors to
guide or anchor their musicians and setting the
band up for better sound. Here, we have a few
tips to guide band directors who work on this
skill.   Often, people discuss about consistent
intonation issues in marching bands. So, why it
happens? What are the reasons? The band members
may have problem with clarity of articulation,
may be they dont understand rhythms well, etc.
Now, being the director of your band, what are
you doing to address this issue? Its probably
going to be challenging, because, marching band
show music, performance of members and ensembles
should be in a parallel line. So, what to do?
Lets have a look.   Give emphasis on listening
to peers   When a member has good ability to
tune an instrument and listen to peers, there
will be proper intonation. Musicians should get
to know their instruments and practice enough on
their own.
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Be specific while guiding   Some band directors
are not able to give proper instructions
regarding better intonation skills. In order to
counter this issue, you have to be as specific as
possible. Instead of telling a musician to listen
better, ask him/her where to listen and why. It
will have better impact on performance.   Make it
a focal consideration   You know the importance
of intonation in a marching band. Now, its
important to make sure that it is a priority from
day one of rehearsals. If you want to enhance the
skill of your musicians, you must have to give
consistent stress on it. Focus on practice and
make it as a focal consideration. While directing
your band, prepare a plan for rehearsals and
decide how much time you actually have to work
with. You may have different marching band show
ideas and you may be preparing for an upcoming
show, but you know, your musicians should never
struggle with intonation. Let them know their
instruments inside and out.