Assistants

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to assist in organizing a high school honor band event at a local university. What struck me most was how much of a difference having assistants made in managing all the last-minute changes and logistical details. It reminded me that while a conductor or ensemble manager often directs the big picture, the little nitty-gritty stuff can make or break the success of an event. In my experience, assistants help by taking care of small but important tasks like ensuring chairs and music stands are set up correctly, managing the flow of participants, and addressing unexpected changes smoothly. Without this support, one can easily become overwhelmed — I know firsthand how anxiety-inducing it can be to juggle so many moving parts alone. One key lesson I learned is that responsibilities should be shared to foster a sense of ownership among all members. For example, ensemble members themselves should be responsible for their own equipment and personal items, such as their chairs and stands. Just like in everyday life, where people are expected to tidy up after themselves in public places, music ensembles thrive when everyone contributes to maintaining order. Interestingly, I decided not to use a traditional equipment manager this time because I wanted individuals to be accountable for their own gear. This approach promotes respect and awareness within the group — much like how grocery shoppers are expected to return their carts instead of leaving them scattered around the parking lot. If you are conducting or organizing an ensemble, I highly recommend recruiting assistants whenever possible. They not only reduce your workload but help build a more harmonious and efficient environment. Having even just two assistants can significantly ease stress, allowing you to focus more on the musical direction rather than logistical chaos. Finally, this experience reinforced my belief that creating a cooperative community mindset within a music ensemble is essential. When everyone understands their role, no task feels too small, and the entire event runs more smoothly. This small but powerful shift leads to a better society overall—something that every music educator and conductor should strive for.