Wagner S. - 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, and establishing and maintaining trust.