Contributors: John M. Denis (Texas State University) • Kyle Glaser (Texas State University) • Jacob Harrison (Texas State University) • John Lopez (Texas State University) • Jocelyn Prendergast (Truman State University) • Brett Richardson (University of the Incarnate Word) • Jordan C. Stern (Texas State University) • Olivia G. Tucker (University of New Mexico) • Brian Wilson (Denton High School) • Jesse Woolery (Denton High School)
 

Congratulations on setting out in an amazing, rewarding, fun, difficult, confusing career. This book is intended to be all the things I wish I had known when I started, everything necessary to make those first years more successful.

— John M. Denis, from the Introduction

Written by a team of authors from Texas, one of the strongest music education communities in the United States, this practical, personal, and conversational guide for aspiring and young instrumental music educators takes a comprehensive view of all aspects of building a successful school band program.

Girded with important theoretical underpinnings for each topic, Program Notes covers the job interview, sequencing, conducting, rehearsal strategies, and dozens of other topics for beginning band, concert band, and marching band, as well as jazz, orchestra, mariachi, and modern band.

Chapters also focus on promoting creativity, recruitment and retention, finances, communication, leadership development, working with exceptional learners, and technology. Rounding out the book are a sample handbook for students, a concert self-evaluation form, and example interview questions.

With flair and years of experiences to share, the co-authors have created a resource that is designed to make the lives of young band directors better. As Denis states in the book’s introduction, “Every skilled teacher has an exponential impact on the world, and I hope this book further fosters caring people to become exceptional band directors.”

Compiler and editor John M. Denis is Assistant Professor of Music Education at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, where he teaches upper-level undergraduate and graduate music education courses. He has sixteen years of experience working with Texas students at the public school and college levels. Dr. Denis is also creator and producer of Program Notes: The Band Director Podcast.