All directors attempt to get a greater level of expression out of their ensembles. Students can make significant improvements by combining listening with quality instruction. Listening, if done efficiently, can be a great investment. Conceptualization, motivation and other student attributes will receive a significant push in a positive direction. This session, in addition to exploring the power of listening, will present strategies that can make the process easy and efficient.
Jim Childers
- Biographical Information
Jim Childers has directed bands since 1991. He has been teaching at Marion Jr. High School, where he directs all band activities in grades six through eight, since 2002. In addition to directing at Marion, Mr. Childers has compiled and authored a resource book, Listening Excerpts to Develop Band Musicianship, for concert band directors, which is published by GIA Publications. He also enjoys guest conducting, judging, presenting at conferences and serving as a clinician.
The different bands under the direction of Mr. Childers have collected several honors. The Wind Ensemble at his school has performed at the Illinois Music Educators Conference two different years. He has taken bands from two separate districts to the “Super State” festival at the University of Illinois. The Wind Ensemble from Marion has gone to “Super State” nine times. His top band at Marion has won the “State of Illinois Jr. High Concert Band Competition” three times. On eight separate outings, his Jr. High students outscored all other bands, including high school ensembles, to win the top band trophy at Mid-western festivals. The Marion band program has also commissioned works by David Gillingham, Michael Sweeney, Todd Stalter, Jan Van der Roost and Robert Sheldon.