You can’t always choose your group’s size. But no matter how many players you’ve got, you can do plenty to bring out their best.

Working and performing with a small band can be just as satisfying and musically robust as directing a larger one. There are advantages:

• Smaller class size
• Fewer conflicts with extracurricular activities
• More one on one time

Some challenges do exist though, like maintaining good balance and blend. Chad Criswell and other MENC members offer the following ideas to boost the sound of your group.

• Stick with publishers that provide flexible instrumentation and part choices
• Consider combining bands for at least one concert each year
• Re-arrange music to match the abilities of specific players
• Ask more advanced students to double on other instruments
• Use marimbas, vibraphones, or even a synthesizer to cover any missing parts that cannot be placed within the woodwinds and brass
• Make sure students have proper posture and horn position to optimize breathing capacity
• Rearrange seating and use risers
• Use a music notation/playback software to program and fill in for instruments you’re lacking
• Boost your band attitude and pride

The simple fact is that little bands don’t have to sound little.

Read more about enlarging the sound of your smaller ensemble in the November 2009 issue of Teaching Music.
 

This article has been adapted from an article of the same name by Chad Criswell in the November 2009 issue of Teaching Music.

Chad Criswell is a thirteen year veteran music educator, residing in central Iowa.  He has taught all levels of music instruction, including nine years teaching high school band before recently venturing into the land of elementary instrumental music.

—Becky Spray, October 21, 2009 ©MENC: The National Association for Music Education