30 Band Director Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Band Director interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. Explain the value of private instruction.
How to Answer
An additional instruction can bring value to a band student. Share your perspective on how private instruction can improve your band program. Speak also to how you will promote private instruction.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"Private instruction helps everyone in a band. When a student takes band seriously, it rubs off on the other students. I will encourage private instruction, especially in my most talented bands, where I will have an expectation to get private instruction, at minimum, of 3 times per year. I will even offer up my serves to make this happen."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
2. What questions do you have about the band program?
How to Answer
When an interviewer asks for questions, make sure you have at least one. Do some research ahead of time for preparation sake. You may even be surprised how the interviewer reacts to your thought-out reflection on their school.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"I was looking at your website this week. I noticed that you do not have a Jazz band here at the school. Would you be willing to have one as a class or extra-curricular?"
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
3. Is improvement an important part of band?
How to Answer
Many schools want to see success within their programs. But, you need to get a sense of how important improvement and growth is at the school. Share your philosophy here to set your point home.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"I believe improvement has to be a part of band. No matter how talented a band is or not, they need to show improvment from the first day of school to the last. If not, why have band? I want to challenge my students because growth is a life lesson."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
4. What are your thoughts on 'rote' instruction?
How to Answer
'Rote' instruction is a practice that some band teachers use. But, others are not a fan of. Speak to your viewpoint on the practice and how you would use it or not.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"Personally, I am not a fan of 'rote' instruction. Though repetition matters, I would not use it with my intermediate or expert bands. Maybe beginners could this instruction, but that is where it would stop for me."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
5. What kind of training have you had?
How to Answer
Band directors are educated in different ways. Speak to why your education matters to the school you are applying for. This way, the interviewer can feel better about what they will be getting from you.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"My undergraduate came from the University of Missouri in band directing. I am currently working on my Master's in composition. Personally, I believe composition would be a way I could help students write and grow their craft in band."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
6. How do you create a student-center program in band?
How to Answer
Students are the reason a band exists in the first place at a school. Speak to how students make or break a band. The administration wants to see how much you care about the community to want this job.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"A student-centered program is what band is all about. To create this student community, I want them to have a voice, when picking songs, playing at festivals, celebrations, etc. All of these things will grow the passion of students for band."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
7. Are festivals and competitions valuable to a band?
How to Answer
Festivals are an option for most high schools. But, an adminstration may need some coaxing to get you out there. Share the reasons these competitions matter.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"Festivals and competitions help paint the picture of how talented a band is. There is quality feedback given to aide any band. Personally, these are invaluable to growth a learning. When a band works hard on a piece, even the teacher might not see areas of improvement. Additionally, positive feedback helps encourage passion within a band community. So, I believe they are important."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
8. What is the method book you use for beginners?
How to Answer
There are so many books out there for beginning band students. An interviewer wants your perspective on what text works for teaching beginners the intangibles. A plan ahead of time is all about preparation for your interviewer here.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"Standard of Excellence, by Kjos, has been my gold standard book for beginners. It has scales, fun theory activities, and songs to entice any student. This book has grown my beginners to intermediate players in a hurry."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
9. What is the ideal rhythm section for a jazz band?
How to Answer
Having a rhythm section is a valuable part of every jazz band. An interviewer will certainly want to see how you organize this section. This way, the administration will catch the vision you have in store.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"For a rhythm section in the jazz band, I want to have a drummer, as well as the rhythm guitar. These two aligned make a world of difference in jazz band. A bassist who is connected with the drummer will help in the feel, too."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
10. What part should world music play in a band?
How to Answer
World music celebrates the unity of the world as one. Share with the interviewer why this should matter in a band atmosphere. The world is shifting to a more inclusive model than ever before.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"World music is a must in any school. We are often sheltered in our communities and never branch out. With world music in place, preconceived notions change and life is enhanced."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
11. How do you set up seating of your band at a concert?
How to Answer
When setting up your band for a concert, there are some important things to consider. Share your thoughts with the administration on how you would handle this. Speak to why you would do this, as well.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"As I set up a band for the concert, I like to put my woodwinds upfront, since there are a lot of soloists that I want to have nearby. Additionally, I will have my brass section in the middle and drums in the back because they put off the most volume."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
12. Explain the design of a band concert.
How to Answer
Designing a band concert is not for the faint of heart. A lot of time is put into this practice. Share how you organize your band concerts, so they will run smoothly.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I design a band concert, I work to have a rhythm to the concert. I start with a welcome, and I have a few songs up front that have passion and energy. In the middle of the concert, I work to have more reflective pieces. Lastly, I want a song that puts the audience on its feet. This model has worked well for me."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
13. What kind of repertorie do you choose from an ensemble?
How to Answer
Schools and teachers can have expectations for what musical repertoire bands should take in. Do some research beforehand to see what the musical repertoire has been before you at the school you are applying for. Then, share your aspirations when it comes to musical repertoire.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am of the belief that a well-rounded musical repertoire is best for students. This means classical, religious, secular, world, and modern music should all be thought about. Students then get a better perspective of the world around them."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
14. What kind of student should be able to start playing an instrument?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to understand your belief system when it comes to students and playing an instrument. Explain the attributes that make up a student that cares about band. This way, the interviewer can gather your passion and encouragement to get students into a band class.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"The attribute a student needs to start playing an instrument is interest. If there is an interest in band, a commitment will be easier to obtain. Additionally, the student needs to know what fun is. My band classes are fun. If they are willing to put themselves out there, then their band experience will be worthwhile."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
15. What is the best instrument in a band?
How to Answer
Band teachers understand what makes a quality sound. But, teachers may vary on the best instrument in class. Share the instrument and the reasoning why.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"I believe the baritone is the best instrument in a band. It is ideal for solos. Also, it gives the band a sold base, that many bands do not have. With more of this instrument, a band will be on its way to success, by adding in other colorful instrument options."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
16. When is a good time for students to learn an instrument?
How to Answer
At any school, the administration wants to see buy-in from their programs. If you can get students interested in band, this can be a stepping stone towards success. Share your belief system here to help when navigating your philosophy.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"Personally, it does not matter how old you are. Everyone can start playing an instrument. I embody this by learning new instruments myself, even at my age. This paints a picture that it is never too late to try."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
17. Do you believe wind instrumentalists should perform with an orchestra?
How to Answer
There are various perspectives when it come to wind instrumentalists playing in an orchestra. Some band directors can be protective of their students' time. Share your thoughts on if you agree with this or not and explain its effect either way.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"Personally, I am fine with wind instrumentalists playing in an orchestra. It does mean that they will probably miss some of my class. But, they are still getting great music direction from the orchestra teacher, which I trust."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
18. What is the value of a marching band?
How to Answer
Some high schools really care about marching band. Get a perspective ahead of time, before heading into an interview. Then, share your thoughts on marching band to align with the school's values.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"Marching band has its value for any school. It is a program that can get the school recognized. Additionally, students learn about community and connection that few extra-curricular programs have. I believe that a solid marching band has a lot to do with the overall health of a band program."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
19. How many concerts should there be in a given year?
How to Answer
Every school has an amount of concerts from year to year. In a typical year, share your belief on concert amounts. Then, the administration can see the commitment needed for your program.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"In a typical year, I believe that one concert a quarter or 4 a year is the maximum. One a semester or two a year is a good bottom point. Of course, with more advanced bands, there may be more opportunities for them to perform in specialty concerts. Either way, I want to live up to expectations here and will do my very best."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
20. Share what a typical rehearsal looks like in band.
How to Answer
Rehearsals can look really different from teacher to teacher. Share your vision for what your rehearsals will look like at the school. Having some differences from the traditional model will be well-received here.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"Warm-ups are a great place to start for most teachers. But, I like to mix things up. Theory games are a fun way to start class. In the past, students have enjoyed the opportunity to learn, but enjoy music in this way. Then, I get into warm-ups and rehearsing pieces for concerts or festivals."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
21. What are basic issues that beginning instrumentalists deal with?
How to Answer
Every beginning instrumentalist will have their challenges. Explain to the interviewer what issues will arise. You can also speak to how you will help them to be the best student they can be.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"One challenge that most students deal with involves practice time. Many do not know how to balance their time. When this happens, the whole band suffers because of a lack of commitment. I have a reward system, as well as an organizational planner to get students on track."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
22. What is the best way to tune a band?
How to Answer
There are many ways to tune a band. But, give the interviewer a perspective of how you like to do things. This way, you can be measured on your protocols and not based on assumptions.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"I believe tuning can be done in a few ways. Personally, I like to use a piano to help in the process. Additionally, a whistle tuning slide is very useful. This make things a lot easier for my students to hear the pitch that we are all looking for."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
23. How do you warm-up the band?
How to Answer
Band warm-ups should not be short and felting. They have a lot to offer for any band. Speak to the interviewer on how you would set-up warm-ups to get the best out of your students.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"For a band warm-up, I love to do different scales. This gets students moving up and down octaves, so they can prepare for what is ahead in our rehearsal. In this way, I have seen students get warmed-up and ready to roll, being at their best throughout rehearsal."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
24. What are your thoughts on pull-out lessons?
How to Answer
Pull-out lessons seem to be all the rage in the 21st Century. But, that does not mean that everyone is on-board. Speak to the interviewer how you make pull-out lessons fair for all involved.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"Of course, any band director would appreicate pull-out lessons. But, that does mean that other teachers would lose their students periodically. If the staff is on-board with this, I would love to make this happen. If not, I certainly would be fine sticking with my traditional classes."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
25. What does a beginning instrument lesson look like?
How to Answer
A beginner lesson will certainly look different from an intermediate and expert lesson. Cast the vision on what your type of lesson would look like. Make sure to give quality details, so the interviewer can follow your plan.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"A beginning instrument lesson needs to be simple and come in short bursts. There needs to be fun activities intermixed to keep the experience lively. Clear communication needs to be established, so students can have standards to build upon."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
26. Describe how you would help a trumpeter who is struggling with tonguing.
How to Answer
Sometimes, a band director needs to simplify things for a student. With this example, the interviewer wants to see your techniques come to play. Give clear feedback in how you would handle this situation for best results.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"Tonguing can be a hard concept to grasp for beginning students. When it comes to a trumpeter, I would have them practice just on the mouth piece first, to get the handle of this technique. Then, they could eventually add it to the rest of the instrument after they have the pactice down."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
27. What instruments should beginners start on?
How to Answer
With so many instruments to choose from, it can be hard to know how to navigate things. Give some clarity to what instruments you would highlight. Then, everyone involved will have clarity on the subject.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"Instruments like the alto saxophone and clarinet are good places to start. They are fairly simple instruments to get a hold of. This way, they will have a great experience to work on other instruments down the road."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
28. What instruments should beginners not start on?
How to Answer
There are some instruments that are harder than others to play. Speak to which instruments are off limits for newbies. This way, these students have success when they start on their band journey.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"I would never start a student on the oboe. This instrument needs so much practice to be successful. A baritone or tuba are other instruments that need some time for ultimate success. Maybe after they have played for a couple of years, then they can give it a shot."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
29. How do you recruit beginners to your program?
How to Answer
Adding more people into any program can be the ultimate challenge. Share with the interviewer on how you will bring in new talent. Creating ideas that are out of the box can go a long way towards success.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"When it comes to recruitment, treats and rewards are a good way to get people in the door. We will also be able to rent out instruments or fundraise, so these students do not have to worry about paying their first year. With these thngs in place, I think more people will come out."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
30. How does singing pair with musical instruments?
How to Answer
Singing and musical instruments go hand-in-hand with teaching. Speak to how you morph the two together. This way, the interviewer can see how you try different methods when growing band in your classroom.
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021
Answer Example
"Singing has been a great way for students to hear what note they need to play. Often, beginning bands especially, struggle with pitch. When I sing the notes in class, students can work to listen around them to match the tone, as well."
Written by Shane Reinhard on May 5th, 2021