// Staff Bus — Running Rehearsals

Teaching the Ensemble

Stop spending rehearsal getting through things. Teach the band to do them.

Last updated July 2026
Stop Running the Show. Start Teaching the Problem.
  • What a Good Rehearsal Block Actually Looks Like
  • Why Another Run-Through Probably Isn't the Answer
  • Band Camp Is Not About Coverage

Primary articles

More about rehearsal and teaching →

About the author

Dr. Ryan J. Williams (DMA) directed programs of up to 200 students and spent twelve summers teaching and calling reps from the box on DCI staffs.

Heading into camp? See the Band Camp Survival Guide →

Where does rehearsal keep breaking down?

Tell me what the students are doing, what you've already tried, and where the improvement stops sticking.

Talk the rehearsal through with me →

Have another problem you're working on?

Tell me what is happening in your program. I read every submission. Questions that come up repeatedly may become future Staff Bus articles, videos, or resources.

From My Binder
The Rehearsal Block

A fillable plan template with time-block rows (stretch, visual basics, drill cleaning, warm-up, ensemble, run-through, water breaks) and a minutes column, so you can schedule the whole session before walking in.

Plan your next rehearsal →