Whether it’s state testing day, instrument inventory day, instrument bath day, finals schedule, or a variety of other crazy days, sometimes we want our students to work independently on a non-instrument activity. But, of course, we still want them engaged and LEARNING! Here are 5 new ideas to help you out!
1. BOOM Cards
BOOM Cards are digital, self-checking, interactive, internet-based activities. Students are shown one question at a time and get instant feedback on their answers. Assign BOOM activities with a simple link – no student accounts needed! BOOM cards are a great way to review theory, parts of the instrument or – our favorite – melodic and rhythmic dictation!
If you’ve never tried BOOM before, here are a few FREE decks of cards to get you started. They work on ALL devices- even phones!
- Notes & Rests Values (Summer Theme!)
- Bass Clef Note Names (Summer Theme!)
- Bass Clef Note Name Chunks
- Parts of the Instrument (Euphonium)
2. Instrument Specific Videos
Instrument Specific Videos are a great way to start and end class or to fill up a few extra minutes. In this Band Directors Talk Shop article, you’ll find an extensive list of links to top notch performers on all instruments. It also includes a few ‘different’ links such as interviews, behind the scenes etc.
- View this extensive Instrument Specific Videos article here.
- View our original list of Woodwind, Brass and Percussion links.
3. Escape Rooms
Escape Rooms in the band hall are a set of puzzles and challenges that a team of students works together to solve. Escape Rooms often utilize different learning styles, teamwork and prior knowledge or research skills to provide a fun and engaging activity. Perfect for the last week of school!. Here are a few ‘ready to print’ and digital Escape rooms. Or, of course, you can make your own!
- Music Theory Level 1 PRINTABLE (pictured below) and Level 2
- Music Theory Basics (Digital)
- History of Jazz (Digital)
- Baroque Era (Digital)
- Meet the Instruments PRINTABLE
4. Theory lessons (Taught by BDTS on our YouTube channel)
Need us to teach a few lessons for you? Check out our YouTube channel with 25 theory lessons. Some the keyboard lessons that cover flats, sharps, half steps, whole steps, & enharmonics have free printable worksheets HERE. See the full playlist HERE and you can pick & choose what you need for your students.
5. Bingo (Rhythm or INstrument)
Check out these digital (or printable!) BINGO Rhythm or Instrument. Variety of play options are included in the Ideas of Use.
Bonus – A few more quick & Free ideas!
- Have this Instrument Crossword Puzzle on hand to review the woodwind, brass and percussion families.
- Students can compose their own song on this seasonally themed Staff Paper.
- Have students set goals for summer or next year with this free Goal Setting Template.
- Review very basic note values with this “It’s Raining Rhythm” Worksheet.
For the director
- Need a laugh during this exhausting time – 32 Reasons Band Directors are Counting Down the Last Days of School
- This End-of-Year Checklist and Survival Kit has more end of year ideas and tips!
- Use this End of Year Program Reflection & Band Evaluation to measure the health of your program and progress of your students.
Over the past couple years we’ve published a couple “last weeks of school articles”. You can view them here:
6 Fun and Productive Activities for After Instruments Have Been Turned In
9 Things to Do Before Closing the Band Hall Doors for the Summer
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