Lessons from Coaching Honors Modern Band Ensembles

Abstract

Honors music groups, such as all-state and regional ensembles, have expanded beyond traditional large ensemble models to include opportunities such as honors modern band ensembles (HMBEs). Information on HMBEs remains limited, and the extent to which these ensembles resemble the structure of band, choir, and orchestra models is largely unknown. Drawing from our experiences as HMBE coaches, we describe various approaches to facilitating honors modern band groups. Specifically, we discuss the audition process, the rehearsal process, the development of stage presence for student performers, and, finally, how the director’s role shifts from facilitator to producer throughout the rehearsal process. After describing how we navigated these experiences, we invite music educators to consider the implications and applications for applying similar approaches in the music classroom.