Stratagem Excerpt: Responsibilities of the Instructor

Here is an excerpt from my upcoming book (2024), Stratagem: A Comprehensive Guide to Marching Arts Rehearsal

It would be quite the list to itemize every responsibility of an instructor of the marching arts. These come into play both in and outside of the rehearsal and adjust situationally. For the purposes of this book, we are going to stay within the realm of rehearsal. The list below represents basic tenets that apply to any instructor, director, tech, etc.

It is the responsibility of the instructor…

1.     to always put performers’ needs first.

2.     to make performer success a priority while providing a positive experience.

3.     to provide a safe and healthy rehearsal atmosphere.

4.     to be consistent in their approach to the performers. Be a person upon which the performers and other staff members can rely.

5.     to develop trust on the part of the performers. This happens through character. Who the instructor is as a person, is more important than what the instructor says or does.

6.     to meet the performers where they are in their own individual development.

7.     to take ownership of their own personal development as a musical/visual performer.

8.     to go first. The instructor must be willing to demonstrate for the performers.

9.     to clearly communicate expectations.

10.  to provide appropriate and useful feedback to the performers in a clear and understandable language that is consistent with other staff members.

11.  to be a good steward of performers’ time.

12.  to be prepared with a plan for every rehearsal.

13.  to develop and utilize a variety of motivating the performers.

14.  to look for opportunities to delegate or involve others in the rehearsal process. This develops the gifts of those around them and spreads ownership throughout the organization.

15.  to identify needs and act on them even when not requested to do so. See or hear something……Do something. This is ownership.

16.  to admit when making a mistake. This demonstrates honesty and accountability.

17.  to be open to performers’ ideas and questions.

18.  to find answers to performers’ questions. The instructor needn’t have all the answers, just be able to find the answers or work with the performers to find their own answers. This leads to empowerment.

And finally…….

It is the responsibility of the instructor to enjoy observing the development of the ensemble members as performers and humans through participation in the marching arts.

I’m trying to get this list to 20 items. Maybe you have thought of something that should be added. Please leave it in the comments section below and share this blog with friends or colleagues. —DB