William W. Gourley
Check with principal/department head:
Budget procedure:
What are your specific duties?
Get a copy of the curriculum and read it
What are the procedures for revision?
Get a copy of the teacher handbook and read it
Get a copy of the student handbook and read it
What is the grading system?
What is the school testing schedule for the year? (MEAP, CAT, AP, etc.)
How are school repairs handled?
Is there a private lesson program?
Get keys for all areas in which you will work
What music company(ies) does the district use?
Who is their representative?
How are companies selected?
How do you request/make purchases?
Is there a schedule for new teacher meetings?
Write your Individual Development Plan
Put your name on the voice mail system
Check physical plant:
Introduce yourself to:
Secretary (can tell you the following) -
Purchasing
How much lead-time is needed to process applications, requests, etc.
Office supplies
How are money deposits handled from fundraisers?
Copying machines policies
School newsletter articles
Phone system operation
Get class lists and mailing labels if possible
Custodian -
How do you request facility use? (This may be handled through another office.)
Is your room used for other events throughout the year?
Preferences in cleaning your room
What security problems exist?
Athletic Director -
What events does the band perform?
Specific league rules regarding bands
How are athletic/music conflicts avoided or resolved?
Transportation Director -
How are busses and equipment van requested?
How many chaperones on the bus?
Facilities/Auditorium coordinator (if there is one) -
How is facility requested?
What are the policies for use?
Music Booster Officers -
What has their function been?
What fundraisers are there and who is in charge?
How is the collection of money handled?
Ask for volunteers to inventory instruments, uniforms and organize library
Mentor Teacher -
Set up a weekly meeting time.
Will he/she be available to observe your class?
Is it possible to visit other districts to observe successful instrumental instructors
Other Music Teachers in the Building or District -
What insights can they share regarding the program?
What is the general music schedule?
How can the music department coordinate more efficiently?
MSBOA District President -
Recommend retired directors in the area
Familiarize yourself with the rules in the MSBOA Yearbook
Private Teachers -
Create a list with phone numbers
Are they available during the day to conduct sectionals?
Music Company -
Discuss procedures
Establish recruiting and rental night for beginning band
Previous Director
Building Schedule/Calendar
Order Supplies
Music, Reeds, Oil, Drum Sticks, Mallets, Grease, Rosin, Strings, Folders, Gloves, Plumes, Buttons, Flip Folders, Lyres, Drum Heads
Prepare Lesson/Shows
Prepare substitute teacher an in car packet
Put a lesson on tape that you teach and can be presented
Deadlines:
Recruiting beginners (if applicable):
Book band camp for next year (if applicable)
Secure chaperones for fall events
Announce auditions for local youth bands/orchestras
Plan for open house
Request professional days for music conferences
Prepare progress reports
Set up pep bands for fall (if needed)
Permission slips for marching festival (if required)
Send Band/Orchestra Newsletter:
Organize ensembles (if applicable):
Prepare marking period grades
Find accompanists for Solo & Ensemble Festival
Workshops/Clinics:
Parent Teacher Conferences
Musical
Performance (if there is a fall musical)
Spring musical begin planning
Set up pep and for basketball games
Registration for Midwestern Conference
Pass out concert uniforms & turn in marching uniforms
Familiarize yourself with the solo & ensemble festival rules
Give a copy of S&E rules to students
Send Band/Orchestra Newsletter:
Progress reports due
Winter Concert:
Band & Orchestra Festival:
Prepare semester exam (if required)
December break:
MSBOA Conducting Symposium
Familiarize yourself with Band & Orchestra Festival Rules
Double Check the required music list
Request busses and equipment truck for festivals (B&O and S&E)
Get chaperones for festivals
Permission slips for festivals (if required)
Order or borrow scores for festival
Check exam schedule
Semester grades due
Start budget for next year:
Solo & Ensemble:
Send Band/Orchestra Newsletter:
Prepare next years music calendar
Clear with administration & AD
MSBOA Music Technology Day
MSBOA Midwest Conference
Give proficiency requirements and rules to students
Secure accompanists
Organize recruiting for spring (if applicable)
Announce summer music camps
Confirm next year’s calendar
Progress reports due
Pre-Festival Concert:
Register for summer degree classes
Order end of the year awards
Hire band camp staff
State Regional Jazz Festival entry deadline
Order medals/plaques after festival
Registration for State Band & Orchestra Festival (if applicable)
Usually one week after district festival
Order busses and equipment truck for state festival
State Solo & Ensemble Festival
Notification of Youth Arts Soloists and Honors Ensemble
Third marking period grades
Send Band/Orchestra Newsletter:
Order uniforms replacements
Order new instruments
Start to select music for next fall
State Band & Orchestra Festival
Supply orders may be due
Spring Concert:
Memorial Day Parade (if applicable)
Contact band camp to confirm details
Contact band camp staff to confirm details
Set up summer activities:
Facility repair lists
Progress reports due
Prepare semester exam
Prepare graduation music
Collect concert uniforms
Collect outstanding debts
State Middle School Band & Orchestra Festival
Youth Arts Festival
Graduation
Instrument inventory
Uniform inventory
Return borrowed music & scores
Clean and lubricate instruments and vacuum cases