Practicing teachers can learn a great deal about music and teaching in many different ways. One of the most practical is directly communicating with other music teachers. While every teaching situation is unique, there are also many similarities—common challenges that are faced by most directors. Finding a solution that was first adopted by someone else can help to solve some problems that arise.
With the explosion of social media, the ability to communicate is far easier than in the past. Before our Facebook era, directors often met informally, sometimes at a music store on the weekends or during the summer. New literature trends and specific pieces would be discussed. With so much information available through electronic means, the informal coffee-klatches have gone the way of the horse and buggy. However these kinds of discussions—electronic or otherwise—continue to be valuable.
Another strategy to learn about literature is to exchange programs with other band and wind ensemble conductors. Keeping a collection of programs helps to broaden one’s view of the literature. An organized example is the listing of concerts that can be found in the “CBDNA Report” available to members online. Many state band and music education organizations maintain similar newsletters.
Attendance at clinics and conferences can be valuable in learning more about teaching techniques, new approaches to teaching, and new and standard literature. Most states host state music education and/or band conferences. Saving handouts and conference programs can prove to be useful.
National and international organizations host conventions as well. Certainly the most popular of these might be the Midwest Clinic held each December in Chicago. The Clinic continues to grow in scope. The conference program is the size of a full-length book.
As is detailed in the next section, taste is developed through exposure to quality in the arts. There is an increasing number of resources available. The rapid expansion of music services is of enormous benefit. Certainly, the Internet is the source of all kinds of information. The only caution is that some of the content may be inaccurate. Many websites are not subject to the kind of editorial review as is print media. However, there are a great many sites for composers, ensembles, conductors, and authors that are valuable sources of information. Sites for professional organizations are important as well.
Two of the most valuable sources for listening to music are iTunes (and other such services) and the Naxos Music Library. The iTunes world is familiar to all. The Naxos Music Library is available by subscription. The good news for many teachers is that Naxos is available at many college libraries for free. Their collection of all works including pieces for band and wind ensemble continues to grow. Listening services such as Spotify also continue to expand their offerings of classical music. Certainly, the availability of both audio and video recording will continue to increase dramatically.
In conclusion, resources for use in acquiring information about wind band/ensemble literature include: