Course Description
Participants in this session will explore topics designed to enhance their conducting skills, add to their inventory of rehearsal techniques and increase their knowledge of band repertoire. Daily sessions on these topics will be designed to help band directors be more effective in practical and immediately noticeable ways. Each of these three interconnected areas will be addressed as part of an all-inclusive approach intended to help music educators at all levels of instruction. Conducting techniques will be addressed in ways that will help teachers convey musical concepts clearly and effectively. Following from this, a broad approach to enhancing the rehearsal process will be explored using materials from a wide variety of sources. All levels of band literature will be examined, studied, and listened to with an equal emphasis on both new and established music. In all sessions, participant contribution will be an important part of the process so that idea sharing and group discussion will be as important as instructor-led portions of the week.
Instructor: Andrew Mast, Assistant Professor of Music
Andrew Mast conducts the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band while teaching courses in band history and conducting. He has taught at all levels of instrumental music education from beginners through graduate students and maintains a busy guest conducting schedule. He has conducted in the Czech Republic, at the Interlochen Arts Camp and throughout the United States. He is co-founder and president of the Vincent Persichetti Society and has continuing research interests in the areas of wind band music and history.
