The first step to an honest and thorough self-assessment is to determine where you are right now. Answer the following questions:

• What is your current state of mind regarding your job or entering the workforce?
• What were the contributing factors that influenced you in becoming a band director?
• What do you want to achieve as a band director?
• What factors need to be in place for you to achieve your goals?
• What type of job scenario do you want to avoid?

Quickly summarize your innermost thoughts about teaching and being a band director and provide tangible reasons as to why you feel this way.

After completing the above assessment, move on to the following questions:

• Do you communicate well from the podium (cues, head out of the score, eye contact)?
• Have you videotaped yourself conducting? If yes, what did you learn?
• When you stop, do you clearly communicate your intent?
• Are you passionate about music?
• Are you passionate about music making on the podium?
• Are you able to reflect the piece (composer's intent) through conducting gestures (indication of phrasing, articulation, dynamics - contradiction of words and gestures)?
• Are you willing to say "that was my fault" on the podium?
• Are you well-prepared for rehearsal?
• Do you have a soft side, while still appearing confident?
• Are you concise in your trouble-shooting instructions?
• Do you have techniques for teaching musical concepts toward mastery?
• Do you use time wisely?
• Are you a technician or musician on the podium?

Use your answers from above to set goals, determine how you can improve your program, and continuously evaluate how you are teaching the concepts within your program.

For additional evaluation tips, respected author and MENC member Scott Rush has published two books, Habits of a Successful Band Director and The Evolution of a Successful Band Director. Scott Rush is director of bands at Wando High School in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall, Part 1

Becky Spray, April 8, 2009 © MENC: The National Association for Music Education