Zacharey Hartley is the conductor of Shadow Ridge’s High School band. The Band Winter Concert is on Dec. 13th at 6:00 p.m. in the Mustang Mountain Theater, with free admission, and the show is Christmas themed. Hartleys band is Known for their raw energy and catchy tunes, the band brings together a mix of different sounds, like pop and all kinds of music all under Hartley’s direction.
He’s the kind of guy who knows how to get the best out of each member, pushing them to create something unique without taking themselves too seriously.
“There is not one song that the band struggles with specifically but there are moments in each piece we are playing that challenge different members at different times depending on their experience,” says Hartley.
Being aware of time management and pacing is VERY important in rehearsals. Hartley gives individual or section attention where he needs it, when the time calls for it.
Hartley says, “During rehearsals we try to keep an upbeat, honest, and playful atmosphere to offset the feeling of frustration we occasionally get while rehearsing or grinding our music and fundamentals.”
The elements are essentially what makes his ensemble sound the way it does with their unique style and all the individual strengths. The collective individuality mixed and blended together to make one core sound and emotion is what he strives for.
Hartley says, “In class we work on creating situations where the group feels nervous or anxious in a safe space so they are able to learn how to handle/deal with the feelings. When they get on stage the feelings don’t go away, but they are more used to the feelings so when they are on stage, it’s are not a big deal.”
For concert season Shadow Ridge’s band has no rituals or routines, but he has a series of protocols and procedures that he follows to create a sense of consistency and normalcy whether it’s a rehearsal or performance.
“As with any group that works together for an extended period of time, be it sports, activities or the arts, we deal with conflict. We stress open communication and not making emotionally charged decisions or statements. We allow our students time to try to resolve any issues between themselves first, then if needed one of my students leaders will step in to assist and/or mediate, if that doesn’t work one of my drum majors steps in to help, and if needed I will step in. It is all about our students learning how to handle and deal with conflict resolution,” says Hartley.
The band at Shadow Ridge is always seeing growth in the band over the course of preparing for this concert. Whenever the music and theater directors select material for performances, student’s growth and development are the first thing that Hartley considers when selecting music.
