Quick Reference for Band Directors

Reviews / Votes

Ron Kearns has created a thorough, detailed, and practical approach to developing a successful band program based on the experiences and knowledge he acquired as a band director for thirty years. Well done! -- Robert White, instructional facilitator of music, Howard County Public Schools Ron Kearns' book will prove to be a "must have" resource for any band director - rookie or not. It is full of ideas and tips that are immediately applicable and usable. -- Bill Hollin, music educator, Barbara Ingram School for the Arts, Hagerstown, Maryland Ron Kearns' reference guide for building and maintaining a band program is more than just another resource book for instrumental music teachers in the public and private sector. It is a 'must-have' addition to the library of any band director interested in improving the quality of his or her instrumental music program from top to bottom...it helps solve problems. Band directors have to be 'jacks of all trades'-this book arms them with all the tools and suggestions they need to become successful instrumental music teachers. It is well thought out and presented in an easy-to-read manner. -- Willie L. Hill Jr., chair, MENC Society for Jazz Education Ron Kearns' Quick Reference for Band Directors will quickly become one of the most referenced documents in the field of music education. Kearns has taken his 30 years of experience teaching music to create a how-to-manual on seemingly everything you need to know about presenting solid principles on the fundamentals of building a successful band program. I highly recommend this book to not only the newly minted band director, but to those experienced directors who are still looking for better, more efficient ways to develop their programs. -- Rufus Jones Jr. Everything you need to know at your fingertips-from a director who has done it all. An excellent resource for new directors as well as experienced ones. -- Sally Wagner, author of <i>The Pursuit of Perfection: Creative Strategies for Today's Music Directors</i> Kearns devoted one chapter to developing an elementary program and another to having a successful first performance. His tone is direct and conversational. The twenty-two chapters are complete in themselves, and the detailed table of contents enables the reader to go directly to the chapter related to his or her immediate need....The author's thirty years of teaching experience is most evident in his recommendations for managing boosters organizations, recruiting, being a colleague within the whole-school environment, and the focus on musicality in all types of band settings. With separate chapters on small ensembles, marching band, and jazz band, Quick Reference for Band Directors encompasses the breadth of ensembles a high school director is expected to be familiar with. Many chapters conclude with lists of composers and publishers, which will be useful for younger directors who may need guidance in repertoire selection. Kearns' matter-of-fact writing style should make this text an accessible resource for developing band directors. * Music Educators Journal *