Aug 20, 2019
Frank Parker is director of bands at Quakertown High School in Quakertown, PA. In his program, Frank teaches a wide range of ensembles including two concert bands, two jazz bands, and the award winning Panther Marching band. As a highly sought after conductor, Frank has been featured as a guest conductor at many honors band festivals and has also directed his students in performances at several state and national level music education conferences.
Topics include:
(03:53) Frank talks about his background and making the decision to change his college major from business to music performance to music education.
(07:50) Frank talks about his band program at Quakertown High School.
(09:36) Bringing a new director into a program
(12:00) Mentoring young teachers
(15:31) Selecting repertoire
(20:01) “If I knew then what I know now”
(24:14) Common elements of thriving music programs
(26:25) Building a sense of community within a program
(29:48) Balance and longevity of a career in music education
(34:48) Factors that contribute to teacher and student stress/burnout
(42:50) Sustaining a successful program
(46:11) Frank’s favorite rehearsal tactics
(48:25) Frank discusses leaders that have influenced him in his life/career
(53:05) What does excellence look like in a program?
(55:35) Three words that describe a leader of a comprehensive music program
(57:41) Advice for music educators
(1:00:01) Being remembered as a leader for your music program
Links:
Quakertown HS Wind Symphony performance at 2017 PMEA Conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUfPh_Efb94
2018 Quakertown HS Panther Marching Band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyXeHgUqDu8
Quakertown HS Q-Jazz Jazz Ensemble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reQIV1TZnws&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1fLbEsoaMukcE1y3w6hcs185pARE-pgrhuzEjuEo0FpJ5vpoiNmis0vWI