On the MENC Band Forum, "Mr. H" recently posted, "Everyone's first year stinks. I have not yet met anyone who says otherwise. Even my former classmates who landed their personal 'dream job' right out of college admit to feeling knocked off their #$#% before Christmas rolls around."

Your first day at the new school is almost here. Make the most of the new opportunity by preparing yourself for the before, during and after.

Before the fateful day:

Prepare yourself psychologically. Make a resolution to be patient. Whether you are starting a new program or taking over an old one, reaching your goals will take several years.

Scout the field of battle. Find out what kind of facilities, instruments and class rosters you have. Get the details on your schedule so you know when your preparation periods are.

Do the homework. Make seating charts and have writing work for the students to do when they come in. Have a selection of lessons and stick with basic instruments for the first year—flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone and bells.

Talk to people. Make contact with your administrator. Ask questions and bring up any holes in equipment or supplies. Request the help of a mentor. You'll need a veteran teacher to help you adjust to the school.

Read Part Two
Read Part Three

Continued in two weeks: During the fateful day.

Tips collected from the Band Forum.

—Paul Fergus, August 21, 2009. © MENC: The National Association for Music Education