The Growing Band Director (105) Craft Your Rehearsals for Student Success Throwback with Laura Estes
Dec 27, 2025
Laura Estes, a 36-year band teaching veteran turned composer, shares her approach to crafting rehearsals for student success. She talks about diagnosing musical problems early, selecting student-centered literature, engaging percussion, and adapting repertoire year-to-year. Laura also discusses her transition to composing and the ideas behind two playful works inspired by New Zealand and Dutch holiday traditions.
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Preempt Tuning And Balance Issues
- Diagnose likely musical problems in the score before handing parts to students.
- Avoid passages that force natural tuning conflicts like clarinet A vs. flute G for long stretches.
Study Texture And Solo Writing
- Know score context, not just notes and rhythms, before rehearsing.
- Check homophonic versus soloistic writing so students aren't shocked by exposed parts.
Match Repertoire To Students And Goals
- Choose repertoire that fits students' skills and concert goals, and be ready to change it.
- Balance challenge and confidence: start with accessible material then add tougher selections.