Meredith Music’s The Pursuit of Perfection: Creative Strategies for Today’s Music Directors by Sally Wagner is a nuts-and-bolts collection of essential concepts for successful ensemble directors. The book’s multiple sections focus on musical excellence, professional excellence, auditioning, domestic and international travel, and inspirational quotes. The author, a highly successful high school band director for 37 years, addresses a wide variety of topics including: ensemble balance, commissioning, preventing teacher burnout, breathing and tone production, organization, managing multiple levels in ensemble classes, teaching instrumentalists to sing. fundraising and keeping track of funds, programming suggestions, developing the percussion section, and ten common mistakes to avoid at assessment.
