Group prepares students to be band directors

The University of North Georgia (UNG) added a chapter of the National Band Association this spring, and in February the group hosted its first sight-reading clinic.

"We wanted to provide our students with a professional organization that helps better prepare them for a career as middle school and high school band directors," Dr. Ashley Jarrell, UNG associate professor of music and director of bands, said.

Jarrell said UNG's music education students mostly know upper-level music when they graduate, so practicing with pieces appropriate for middle and high school bands offers valuable experience. It also allows them to become experienced with a variety of instruments.

"They're not just learning about it in a book," Jarrell said. "They're doing it. This hands-on experience is going to extend into their classroom."

Atira Murawski, a sophomore from Oakwood, Georgia, pursuing a degree in music with a concentration in instrumental performance, is part of the leadership team for UNG's Wind Ensemble. She is grateful for UNG's National Band Association chapter and particularly for its initial event.

"It helped us learn how to give feedback and conduct in front of people," Murawski said.

In addition to the musical experience, she also thrived on lining up the logistics.

"I had a lot of fun making the posters and organizing the clinic. It was a great experience for me as someone who's going to be a teacher," Murawski said. "We were able to create the clinic from the ground up and make it work."

The National Band Association, founded in 1960, is the largest professional organization for bands in the world. It was organized to promote the musical and educational significance of bands and is dedicated to the attainment of a high level of excellence for bands and band music.