“OK class, today is practice chart turn-in day.” Audible groans and murmurs came from the band. As I began collecting the monthly practice charts I noticed Spencer writing “20 minutes” in every box on the chart. I moved in on his position like a stealthy cougar, ready to pounce. With a triumphant ... Read More about Beyond Measure: “UnGrading” Your Classroom
Articles
The Major Reason Why Branson Missouri Is A Destination For Student Bands
Branson, Missouri doesn’t have tropical beaches. It doesn’t have breathtaking skyscrapers and it's not home to a beloved cartoon mouse. Then why do student bands flock to this humble midwest destination every year? How is Branson, Missouri ever mentioned in the same breath as America’s most ... Read More about The Major Reason Why Branson Missouri Is A Destination For Student Bands
Demystifying Social Media
**Before moving forward with any social media, you MUST consult with district policies and expectations as they vary widely! Use the following ideas within the guidelines of your district administration.** Whether we like it or not, the world of social media is thoroughly intertwined with ... Read More about Demystifying Social Media
There is Life After College! Thriving in Your First Years of Teaching Part 1: What’s Most Important?
Students, Adults, and Curriculum. If asked to put them in order of importance, what would you rank first? If you said students, you would be correct! But what exactly does that mean? Many of us decided to major in music education because we loved to play our instruments, and maybe didn’t initially ... Read More about There is Life After College! Thriving in Your First Years of Teaching Part 1: What’s Most Important?
Flutes, French Horns, and Fiber
Adding more fiber to your diet will not help the horn section play better, but it can lower your cholesterol, help stabilize blood sugars, and make you feel fuller longer, so when the trombone players are acting up, your hangry alter ego stays in check. Increasing the amount of fiber on a daily ... Read More about Flutes, French Horns, and Fiber
Kodály’s Prepare-Present-Practice Sequence Part II – Concert Repertoire
Part I of this series presented the Prepare-Present-Practice teaching sequence used by Kodály-inspired music teachers. The process prepares students’ readiness for new concepts and skills, quickly presents the new material, and practices it in multiple ways. The purpose of this article is to ... Read More about Kodály’s Prepare-Present-Practice Sequence Part II – Concert Repertoire
