Brendan O’Neal

Dr. Cicconi and Dr. Fischer

Intro to Conducting

9/9/20

Director Interview

A lot of what Sara Norris (band director of Century High School) discussed generally

enforced my current philosophy of conducting, and much of the conversation gave me great

insights into what to expect from the position and what to change.

I asked her what she was surprised to find with her position as band director/music

teacher, and she said that it took her years to understand that the vast majority of musicians in

grade school were not like her. Students in music class, especially lower grades and levels, are

not dedicated musicians in the slightest. She had to adjust her expectations for the dedication

and interest of her students, and this was very wise advice that I will try to understand as soon

as possible. Describing the relationship between educator, director, and conductor, she

confirmed what we basically learned in class--it depends on the level. Elementary is primarily

educator, middle is director, and high is ideally conductor. But all three occur on all levels.

Sara gave me insights into the semi-political job of the band director position. She

advised that I should accept the fact now that it is hard for parents and administration to

understand that music and the arts have a role in school that is just as important as the major

subjects (ie math and english). I already had a suspicion that this was the case, but hearing that

basically no one except the band director finds value in playing music in school was

disheartening, and I will have to do my best to fight for support and to argue why music is

important. Building on this, the single most important piece of advice she gave me was to build

relationships with everyone. This includes other teachers, administration/office workers, janitors,

and of course the students. Realizing that this was not even mentioned in my own philosophy, it

shows me that I need to realize that I can’t do everything alone and that I will need to get out of
my comfort zone and build relationships with other adults to build a great music program.

Though my priority may be the students, the means to their success is by building relationships.

Notes
1. How long have you been a music educator/conductor? How long have you thought
about doing it?
7 yrs, always (2 yrs maternity sub, 5yrs middle school, just started high school)

2. What did you not expect going into the position?

Adjust expectations for how dedicated people are, not teaching 30 dedicated musicians

3. What does your job mean to you, and where are your priorities? (As educator, director,
or conductor)
Depends on level, el. Educator, middle more director- teaching artistic and expression, high
school director/conductor primarily

4. What has been your biggest challenge in your career?

Hard to make classes relevant to admin and parents, again adjusting expectations and flexibility

5. What is one important piece of advice you’d give an aspiring

educator/conductor/director?
Build relationships with everyone (janitors, students, parents) and network