Preparation and Practice

            Preparation is the key factor in the lives of musicians. To perform well and not embarrass themselves, there is a certain amount of preparation and practice beforehand that has to occur. The amount of time spent on practicing will vary from one person to the next based on their natural skill and how much time they put in of practice time total. Without preparing, or preparing well, musicians would show up to contests and performances sounding mediocre.

            In many cases, this is one of the problems for the Kennedy Band program. Many of the musicians involved in the groups don’t want to practice on their own before rehearsal, let alone before a performance. This is a big issue. Groups do not sound good if the musicians don’t know their part or can’t execute it well. This is the story of all Kennedy Band ensembles; we can’t figure out how that everyone has to do their part.

            Not every section, or every person, is terrible. There are the few that are willing to do the work while others don’t see it necessary. So, when it comes to contests—in our case, recordings—we do not live up to our potential. The Kennedy Wind Symphony could be an amazing group, but we can’t pull it off if not everyone gives their all.

            This problem is like a disease; every ensemble: concert bands, jazz bands, and marching band, has a terrible case of laziness. For example, the jazz bands are going to a competition this Friday and we are not close to ready for competition season. We don’t sound quite as well as we could. The main problem, not everyone takes it seriously or practices at home. As much as I hate to admit it, I am victim to this disease as well. Even today I did not take home my music to practice. In fact, of the three years involved in the organization, I haven’t ever taken home music to practice. Not once have I done more than needed, minus practicing for my private lessons. I see no need to just like so many others in the groups. Except the difference is, I know my music and can execute it fairly well, at least that’s what I think.

            This problem will not go away for a long time. There is absolutely no incentive for the musicians to practice. It will be the downfall of the failing band program—if it hasn't burned it too much already.