Hi all.I just need to vent a little. Hopefully the instructors on here can simpathize a little. I'm the equivalent to the Brass Caption Head/ Arranger for a high school program in Utah. Just recently I've had to take on the responsibility of also instructing the Front Ensemble and the Battery. (The guy who we had couldn't handle the job.) The battery has some solid players throughout except we have an entire freshman bass line. (Thanks to the guys on here I've used the tips and suggestions in the bass forum to help them move along rapidly.) The front ensemble, unfortunately isn't doing as well. It seems that they are all the "rejects" from the battery. They're all really good kids, but they are young (the pit doesn't have anyone over a freshman, and because we are such a small program the majority are in the 8th grade.) My frustration is that I am constantly having to reteach technique (When I was at University I played mallets a lot) and it seems that the basics were never really taught to them. I'm used to having to repeat myself because sometimes that's the only way to break bad habits. But as instructor's when should we say enough is enough?
Anyway, I feel better now, thanks for listening to me rant. Are any other instructor's running into the same type of issues??
Bill

Brass,
I hear your pain man. At all of the places I have ever taught I have always had at least a portion of the Front Ensemble similar to your's. It is difficult, but unfortunately common. It seems that a lot of beginning band directors either dont know percussion technique, or dont put enough emphesis on instructing it properly. Unfortunately the only way to correct it is to keep beating it into them. Also you should suggest that they start taking lessons from a good private instructor, that will help a ton.