You went to school to be a “band director” not a “performer.”  You mean I have to do both?  Well, yes you do. Well first and foremost, you went to college to become a music educator. 

A few months back someone asked about how they will stay active as a performer once they start to teach.  Well, its difficult at times, but it is possible.  For me, I arrive at school an hour early, just to do my daily trumpet warm-ups.  It does seem to make for a better day, as I really do enjoy playing.  After my hour warm-up, students are already in my room ready for first period.  So I get a solid warm-up daily.  I play every lesson period that I can (keeps the endurance going) and then try to work on something everyday after school.  I try to get a good two hours of practice a day, most days I can do this, but sometimes its not possible.

I’m active in my area as a musician, but where I am located……..there’s not always many playing opportunities.  I take everyone performance opportunity that comes my way.  I’ve played lead trumpet in the Clarion University Jazz Band, many musicals, a brass quintet, and I’m also a sub for one of the local church praise bands.  The church praise band has been one of the most exposing gigs that I get.  (Many of my students attend this church, so its been great getting critiqued for Monday mornings.)  YES – It is possible to continue performing once you start teaching.  The great thing is that some of your students will see you and ask when you are playing/singing again.  They really do like to see their teachers in action, not only do we “preach” it to them everyday, but we get to apply it as well.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I even took a lesson over this past summer with David Detwiler, a great trumpet teacher, player, and a great educator.  It was a great experience and very encouraging.  Make sure to keep your chops up, you never know when you will be asked to play……take every opportunity you can.  Remember we encourage our students to perform as often as they can, do the same. 

          -Scott DiTullio

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* Editor’s Note:  I’ve asked Scott to join our “Team” at mustech.net.  Scott has written a number of articles for us in the past and they are all well thought and written.  We look for more of great posts from Scott in the weeks and months to come!  Welcome Aboard!  -J. Pisano

To see some other articles from Scott, Check Here:
http://www.mustech.net/?s=ditullio

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