One of the challenges I have found in teaching band is giving students opportunities to actually make musical choices. In most of the repertoire we perform, many of those decisions have already been made. Dynamics, articulations, tempo, and style are printed on the page, and as the conductor, I make ... Read More about Building Musical Independence Through Small Ensemble Work
Articles
Advice for a Director Taking Over a Band Program
In our recent survey, we asked Band Directors Talk Shop readers to share "What advice do you have for a director taking over a program?" With many responses to the survey, we came up with this list of your answers. Thanks so much to all of our readers who took time to fill out the survey. Keep an ... Read More about Advice for a Director Taking Over a Band Program
Beginning Band Music Theory: What Should I Include in a Student Theory Book?
What should beginning band students learn in music theory? Note names? Rhythms? Music symbols and terms? Key signatures? There are a lot of music theory concepts we want our beginning band students to understand, but deciding what to teach and when to teach it can be overwhelming. We use a ... Read More about Beginning Band Music Theory: What Should I Include in a Student Theory Book?
Selecting a Classical Saxophone Mouthpiece for Band Performance
When striving to produce a good saxophone tone, one of the most crucial pieces of equipment is the mouthpiece. There are many brands of saxophone mouthpieces being manufactured using a variety of materials, encompassing a wide price range and designed for performers at all levels of development. ... Read More about Selecting a Classical Saxophone Mouthpiece for Band Performance
A Band Trip To China Would Be Crazy…Right?
As a band director, you know a tradition of travel is important to your program. It helps with recruiting and retention and gives your students something to look forward to. Normally this means simple in-state trips and the occasional out-of-state trip. But once every four years we recommend your ... Read More about A Band Trip To China Would Be Crazy…Right?
The Joy of Life by William Owens – FREE Grade 2 for Concert Band
Already subscribed to the newsletter? This piece was emailed out to our ENTIRE newsletter list on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Not a subscriber yet? Sign up now and you'll receive the score & parts right away - delivered to your email. "The Joy of Life" by William Owens is a brand new Grade 2 ... Read More about The Joy of Life by William Owens – FREE Grade 2 for Concert Band
