| Master teachers are often held in high regards by their colleagues for their effective teaching strategies and the abilities of their students. For band teachers in secondary schools, reputations are often built on contest ratings, awards, or perhaps how many students made a local honor ensemble. They may even give presentations at state and national conferences. However, they are very seldom formally observed teaching in their own classrooms.;In this current study, successful middle school band teachers were observed and interviewed concerning their methods of teaching rhythmic concepts to their students. The teachers were selected based on their invited presentations relating to beginner band pedagogy at an annual major music education conference. These included the Texas Bandmaster's Associations annual conference, the Texas Music Educators Association annual conference, and the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic.;Each teacher was observed teaching a normally planned beginner class of their choosing. During each lesson, a new piece of music was introduced, again at the choosing of the teacher. After the observation, the teachers were interviewed about the class and their approach to rhythmic pedagogy with beginning band students.;Three (3) themes were found in each band director's teaching. These themes are as follows: 1. The development of students' sense of pulse is the top priority from the very beginning of the year. 2. The development of pulse should use the whole body. 3. The ultimate goal is successful, independent learning and performance by the student. |
