The Pursuit of Perfection

This nuts-and-bolts collection of essential concepts for successful ensemble directors, like the author's The Pursuit of Excellence: A Band Director's Guide to Success, is comprised of short, easy-to-read chapters. The book's multiple sections focus on musical excellence, professional excellence, auditioning, domestic and international travel and inspirational quotes. The author, a highly successful high school band director for 37 years, addresses a wide variety of topics including: ensemble balance - commissioning - preventing teacher burnout - breathing and tone production - organization - 100+ life skills learned or reinforced through instrumental music - managing multiple levels in ensemble classes - teaching instrumentalists to sing - fundraising and keeping track of funds - an easy approach to sight reading - practicing - programming suggestions - the value of silence in music - developing the percussion section - ten common mistakes to avoid at assessment - establishing and maintaining trust.