Set the Stage for High Expectations on Day 1

by Aaron Noë

"...get organized for the first day with the expectation of playing"

The school year is quickly approaching, and before you know it, you’ll be sitting in faculty meetings, checking off everything admin wants done when the first bell rings. Students will be juggling forms, supply lists, and schedules—and their backpacks will feel like a ton of bricks.

But in the Band Room, you’ve got a chance to do something different.

From Day 1, it’s important to establish your routine and set high expectations. And the best way to do that? Show students that making music is the top priority in your classroom.

Make it a non-negotiable: Play on the first day.

Now, getting through all the admin requirements and making time to play takes preparation. You’ve got to think through that first day before it arrives. Here’s a breakdown to help you hit the ground running.

BEFORE SCHOOL BEGINS

2–3 Weeks Before Class

Two weeks before school begins, send an email to your students and their parents. You should be able to find all of the contact information in your teacher portal for your school (Moodle, Blackboard, etc.). If not, reach out to your guidance secretary for a little help.

In your email, show excitement about the new school year and all of the things you have planned. Give an overview of the year and what to expect as a band member. Be sure to include a calendar with all of the concert dates, community performances, travel to assessment, spring trip, etc. Also include a list of things they will need for band. Attach a copy of the syllabus and/or Band Handbook.

Also include a notice to “Bring your instruments to school on the first day. We will be playing!”

A few days before school starts, send a follow-up email. Reply to the original thread so they have all of the information. Again, show excitement about the new school year and all of the things you have planned! Remind the students and parents to re-read the previous email. And also include the reminder to “Bring your instruments to school on the first day. We will be playing!”

The Band Director's Goal-Setting Planner

Prepare the Band Room for Day 1

During the work week(s) leading up to the start of school, be sure to get organized for the first day with the expectation of playing. Put together the folders for the students with warm-ups, exercises, and repertoire for the first concert cycle. Have 2–3 pieces ready to read through on the first day.

Also put together a seating chart for the band. Have it posted or include it in the folders.

Need a template? Here’s a free stage diagram you can fill out.

DAY 1

It is important to start class on Day 1 by playing something. As the students enter, show your excitement to see them again, but start establishing your routine for rehearsal from the beginning. Tell the students to grab their instruments and music folio and get ready to play. Have a short warm-up activity prepared: long tones, scales, exercises, a short chorale.

The warm-up should be 10–15 minutes.

It is so important to establish the expectation for the rest of the year from the beginning. By prioritizing playing and making music before tackling the required first-day expectations from admin, you send a clear statement to your students: “We’re here to make music. And THAT’s our top priority!”

If a student didn’t bring their horn, they’re not off the hook. Have them use a pencil as their instrument: finger and “tizzle” through the exercise. Be sure they are actively engaged in the playing.

Mastering the Scales: Chords, Scale Studies, Technical Exercises, & Arrangements for Band

After you’ve played something, then knock out all the ‘required stuff’.

Don’t dwell on it.

You’ve already emailed the handbook and listed required materials.

Do a quick overview: highlight the things that need to be highlighted, review the calendar, give any announcements, etc.

When you review the calendar, show excitement about the things you have planned—concerts, traveling to assessment, spring trip, etc.

Get them excited about what’s ahead!

Here’s a bonus: if you want to make sure they sign off on reading the materials (handbook, guidelines & expectations), create a Google or Microsoft Form that requires a login for them to sign that they have reviewed the handbook. Be sure they have to sign in to fill it out. Both Google & Microsoft Forms display the signer’s email address and time stamp when they fill out the form. This also makes it easier to collect parent contact info. You can even create a QR code and print it out to take to their parents to fill out the form.

After you’ve reviewed what needs to be done, take a few minutes to read through some of the repertoire for the first concert cycle. Get them excited for the opportunity to make music with their friends after a long summer separation (I know… it wasn’t long enough…).

The key for Day 1 is to Set the Stage for High Expectations.

This requires a lot of preparation, but the rewards are HUGE!