Band Director Profile: Brian Hunter

The New Jersey-based educator on helping kids fall in love with band and teaching them how to practice.

For Brian Hunter, DMA, the music and movement teacher at Constable Elementary School in Kendall Park, N.J., helping young students discover a passion for band is more than a job—it’s a mission. With a deep-rooted love for music that began in his own childhood, Hunter has made it his life’s work to instill that same love in the students he teaches.

A Lifelong Passion for Music

As a child, band practice was always the highlight of Hunter’s day. During those formative years, Hunter developed a profound connection to music—a connection that would eventually lead him to pursue a career in music education.

“When I was a kid, I looked forward every day to instrumental lessons and band,” Hunter recalls. “I want to give kids the same exposure to music that I had, and have a part in helping them fall in love with band just as I once did.”

Hunter’s teaching philosophy reflects this personal experience. He believes that by creating a positive and engaging environment, he can help students overcome their initial fears and challenges, and ultimately fall in love with the experience of performing music with others.

The Joy of Overcoming Challenges

For Hunter, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a band director is watching his students push through their self-doubt and accomplish something they once thought impossible. He describes it as helping kids get “past the hump.”

“The best part about being a band director is helping kids get past the hump—seeing them do what they thought they were unable to do,” Hunter explains. This breakthrough moment is pivotal, not only in building a student’s confidence but also in solidifying their love for music.

Hunter employs several strategies to help students overcome these hurdles. One of his key tools is his “How to Practice” sheet (included below), a guide he gives to all his students to help them develop effective practice habits. By breaking down the music into manageable sections and approaching practice with a plan, students quickly realize that they can master challenging pieces.

“Everyone likes doing things they’re good at—this just ensures a greater chance at success,” Hunter says.

Dr. Hunter’s ‘How to Practice a Band Instrument’

1. Break the music into small parts. Example: two measures at a time.
2. Say the names of the notes in rhythm. Check your fingering chart if you do not know the name of the note; clap the rhythms if you have trouble with them.
3. Finger (or slide position) the notes as you say the names of the notes in rhythm.
4. Play the section.
5. If you have difficulty with a step, go back to the previous step.
6. Go to the next small section (example: two measures) and repeat all steps.
7. Put the smaller sections together until you can play the complete piece.

If you practice for three days and cannot get past step 2, see Dr. Hunter!

Creating a Team Atmosphere

For some elementary school kids, playing in band might be their first major foray into group activities. Hunter recognizes the many similarities between band and sports, noting that in band, everyone is “on the field” all of the time. “There are no bench players in a band—every student’s contribution is essential to the overall performance,” he says.

That’s why, from the very beginning of the school year, Hunter places a strong emphasis on balance and blend. His students not only learn about good tone and technique, but also how to blend their individual sounds within their instrument group and the larger band.

“We talk about blending within their instrument group and balancing during band [playing soft enough that we can hear all of the other instruments],” Hunter explains. This focus on teamwork helps students see the value of their effort and how it contributes to the group’s success, much like a sports team working toward a common goal.

Creating a Fun and Engaging Environment

While Hunter is serious about teaching the fundamentals of music, he also believes in keeping things light and fun. He regularly incorporates humor into his lessons and band rehearsals, which helps create a positive atmosphere. This approach makes the learning process more enjoyable and helps students feel more comfortable and open to trying new things.

In addition to his lighthearted approach, Hunter uses technology to support his students’ learning. He creates videos of himself playing their specific instruments, which are accessible through Google Classroom. These videos are a valuable resource for students to reference at home, allowing them to hear and see how the music should be played. “It takes effort to produce the videos in advance, but they can provide value for years to come,” he says.

A Band Director’s Impact

Hunter’s dedication to his students extends beyond the classroom. He’s seen firsthand the long-lasting impact that a band director can have on a student’s life. One of his proudest moments came when a trumpet student from his first year of teaching invited Hunter to his college senior recital. That student was then moving on to graduate school for performance—a testament to the influence Hunter had on his musical journey. “The impact you have is greater than you could ever imagine,” Hunter reflects.

Beginning a New School Year

As a new school year begins, Hunter says it’s critical to stay organized and keep a close eye on the upcoming calendar. “Concert dates can sneak up quickly if not planned for in advance,” he says.

Hunter prepares for the new school year by playing through all of the music he plans to teach, on each instrument. This helps him identify potential challenges that students might face, and address those issues proactively.

For the fall, Hunter typically chooses music that his students can learn quickly, which gives them more time to focus on playing as a group. This approach prepares them for their first concert and builds a strong foundation for future performances.