I am graduating from the high school this year, and my director has asked me to come back and be the instructor. That's all fine and dandy, but in all my years here we've never had a real instructor. All he's done is chaperone and hang out. What should I do as an instructor? What do I NEED to do as an instructor? I know I need to chaperone and teach them the show, but is there other stuff?

Aside from teaching the show and babysitting. Instructors need to be a knowledge database. Your kids are going to have meriad questions for you so you need to make sure you have the answers.

To be competative you are going to want to "clean" music with your line. that goes far beyond teaching. that will require teaching your kids to interprate note and beat patterns uniformly.

Basically get your line to think together if you want them to play together.

Make sure you are seen as a teacher first and a buddy second. And good luck dude. teaching percussion is a blast.

Wow, I really wouldn't know where to begin in telling you what you need to do (know). First and foremost you're a teacher but never lose sight that you are, and always will be, a student. I've been teaching various lines for 20 years and I learn something new every year. Looking back I see a lot of mistakes I made early on. Every line, every kid is different. What works with some people may not work with others.

It obviously helps if you've had a seasoned instructor to learn from but it doesn't appear you have that luxury. If you're in front of the line for the first time then just jump in feet first and learn as much and as quickly as you can. There are a lot of resources out there so start studying up now.

At the end of the season you'll be able to see the things that you did well and the things you would have done differently. Learn from both.

Good luck.

Tom Aungst and the Cadets have a video called "Rehearsing the Contemporary Percussion Ensemble" that makes a pretty good how-to video for a newbie instructor. Its target audience is you: the instructor who's looking for a little direction. It briefly covers a number of playing and rehearsal techniques, giving sort of a game plan on how to instruct a line. It's $29.00 from this YEA web site (which I have nothing to do with).

...and like akeith mentioned, there's really a lot more to it. Be professional, set goals for your students and help them achieve them, and be flexible.

One thing to be careful about: Young instructors often try to be a peer to their students instead of an instructor. Don't fall into that trap. You can (and should) be friendly with them, but never forget you're there to do a job. Don't let friendship interfere with your job. Maintaining your focus will help them maintain their focus.

One thing that I've noticed with all the instructors my school has been through is that patience is definitely a virtue.

Keep your cool. Always.

When the instructor gets frustrated, EVERYONE gets frustrated, and nothing gets done. If someone isn't learning their music (not practicing), then don't let them get away with it, but if you chomp that person's head off every five seconds for two hours, a sort of "us vs. him" mentality may form in the line. And that could lead to trouble.

;/

Hope this helps.

I had a similar situation happen to me. I was asked to instruct the year after I graduated and I had a few problems with it myself. I had marched in Drum Corps and had worked with a community drum line but up to that point most of my experience had been with gospel music drum set playing, tours, and CDs related to that.

Any ways, I approached from the stand point that I am a professional and I have been asked to do a job. I can still be friendly with my former line members but I had to be a leader. A concept they teach in the Army is "BE, KNOW, DO". BE an instructor. Teach in a way you want to be taught. Be stern but praise when needed and look to each individual members needs as well. KNOW what you are teaching, the rudiments and fundamentals behind it. How can you adequately teach if you aren't a subject matter expert (when compared to your students at least) on it? Finally, DO your job. Get your arrangements in on time. Show up to rehearsal early and stay late for those who want extra help. Set your section up for success by giving them opportunities to succeed musically. Don't be afraid to say you don't know something but follow up with an answer as soon as possible.

During that first year I just wanted to give my former line mates something I never had before.. guidance and a chance to build up a stronger program. Instill hope within them and make them realize that together they can be the best musicians if they commit.

I can't believe I didn't think of this earlier.

Pick up a book called Field Level from Row Loff's website. It is a very helpful book.

I think the hardest thing to do is to get into your head that you are an instructor(as previously stated), but also to make sure the students who marched with you the previous year get that into their head.

I would try to come back as a different person(seemingly) so they see that there is a difference compared to years you marched, and so they might view you differently (as an instructor instead of a peer).

Just a few other things you can do:

GO march DCI and or WGI, at a minimum go to some rehearsals and ask questions, join PAS, go to clinics, take lessons, read everything you can get your hands on...

Some books:

Tapspace Stuff:
Up Front - THE Front Ensemble resource
Up Front Etudes - Etudes AFTER you have played through Up Front
Green Beats - Cavs info, many great techniques
Fresh Perspectives - Great info on teaching and arranging

Rowloff Stuff:
Field Level - GREAT new book, total program stuff great exercises, etc.
The Logic Series - Bill's smart...
Percussion Discussion - It's Dennis Delucia, you should listen.

These are just a start really, there is more out there...

Plan to spend money on these materials to research what is out there, I spend money each year on books and methods to find out what is out there... I learn something all the time.

Hope that helps some!

NL

when i graduated i was in a similar situation. the only difference is that i was the assistant instructor so i learned snugglebunny from him and now im the main instructor and i have found that i have to be the voice from the drumline to the band director, be supportive of them and have lots of patience. that is very important