 Being a junior and senior high school band director can be a fun, yet challenging, career. By working with students at such an important stage of their development band directors can often shape a students future, for better or for worse. Mark Eveleth is a band director who knows the importance of his position and is constantly striving to push his students to the next level in their development while at the same time fostering their lifelong love of music. Mark is currently teaching at West Burlington High School in Burlington, IA, where he has produced a number of high-level jazz and band performers during his tenure at the school.
Mark took time out of his busy teaching schedule to talk about his approach to teaching young musicians and how his teachers have influenced his educational approach.
MW: What inspired you to become a music educator?
ME: Music was always my main focus in High School. I spent every minute allowed in the music room playing my trumpet. I was very involved in both vocal and instrumental music both as a performer and a listener. I was also involved in my church choir all through high school both as a member and a director. All of this led to me studying music in college and later on making music education my career.
MW: Did any of your teachers have an effect on your teaching approach?
ME: Teachers from my past that have had an influence on me would be my high school band director, Ben Haigh, and a college professor Bruce Chidester. I am constantly inspired by the teachers whom I work with now. I have been to many honor bands and clinics over the past 23 years as a teacher, and I always pick up ideas from the guest directors or the clinician. It is always amazing what wonderful things you can learn by watching others work!
MW: As a high school band director you have to conduct several different ensembles each semester. What advice do you have for young teachers who may find themselves in this situation?
ME: I teach not only at the High School level but the Junior High level as well. I would say the need to be organized is the greatest bit of advice I can give. You need to plan ahead as much as possible in order to be prepared for the students’ needs and the needs of the program. Now having said that; the next thing that is just as important is the ability to be flexible. You can never plan for everything, so the ability to think on your feet and not let it get you rattled is a great attribute. I also keep in mind that everything we do is for our students, without them there is no need for us teachers. So when you are in the most stressful times of the job keep a relaxed manner with your students.
MW: How has technology, specifically the internet, changed your teaching approach, and where do you see teaching technology headed in the future?
ME: I use technology more and more as the years go on. All my organizational things are keep on the computer such as; grade books, class lists letters to parents and students, trip schedules and so on. I also use SmartMusic in lessons as a supplement to lesson books and class work. I use the internet for research, to find music examples for students to listen to and for home communication. It is hard to say what the future impact will be. I have worked with music on the screen and found I like everything except that you can’t write on it like a lesson book or a piece of music. I look forward to the many innovations to come that will improve technology and music.
MW: Do you use method books in your teaching, and if so what are some of the books that you have had the most success with.
ME: I have used many band methods over the years such as Belwin’s Student Instrumental Course, Kjos’ Standard of Excellence and Rubanks’ Advanced Methods. I am discovering that it is not so much the books as it is how I teach from then and guide the students through them. I use all three methods interchangeably. It really depends on the student and his/her needs.
MW: What have been some of the biggest highlights for you as a music teacher?
ME: There have been many! I remember the first time my performing groups received “I” ratings at state level contest where you perform against a set of standards. I also remember the first time I took my Jazz Band to the State Jazz Championships in Des Moines because it was such a great honor! My latest highlight is to have to very talented students move on to a career in music performance. One actually wrote a jazz piece and named it after me!
MW: What advice do you have for anyone thinking of pursuing a career as a high school music teacher?
ME: Realize the responsibility and trust that is placed in your hands by the parents of your students. Give your students as many different music experiences as possible. Make sure that you and your students have fun learning and playing music. And most importantly; remember being a teacher is a job and you must balance the rest of your life around it. Be the best teacher you can be at work but also give yourself the opportunity to live outside the school.
MW: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.
ME: My pleasure, anytime.
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