Essay

Band Teaches Focus

by Jill Tomey

My kids were in marching band from middle school through college and learned much more than music scores or drill charts. Band taught them Focus. Long and frequent practices spent learning music and drills taught them that Focus will reward them with mastering skills, attaining goals, and accomplishing tasks.

When the band performs, it acts as a team, but it’s different than a sports team. Band teaches about improving your contribution to the team. You are competing against yourself to get better. Practicing your part alone, focusing on the same few measures until they are mastered, provides personal feedback you can use for improvement. Focus in any area requires both focus and feedback.

When Focus results in success, it builds confidence in your skills, and it builds confidence in Focus. Band students are proud of the accomplishment of the group and in knowing they contributed to something bigger than themselves. Keeping up with practice isn’t always fun but letting down other band members is even less fun. Their personal ownership and commitment to the band feeds Focus.

How can you use your Focus for success?

“That awkward moment when you realize the marching band works harder than the football team.” – Kathleen Alcock

“You know, if I can survive marching band, I can survive anything.” – Nellie McKay

“Band is not proud because it performs well; it performs well because it is proud.” – George Parks

Band Director Quotes:

“One more time.”

“Early is on time. On-time is late.”