One of the most powerful ways to help students grow as musicians is to give them ownership of the music-making process. In a traditional concert band setting, this can be difficult. Much of the repertoire comes fully notated, with expressive markings, tempo, and dynamics already decided by the ... Read More about From Small Ensemble to Large Ensemble: Elevating Your Band Through Student-Led Interpretation
Articles
The Best Unique Gifts for Band Directors (Practical gifts they will love!)
Here are a variety of our best, unique gift ideas for band directors. Practical gifts they will love and use for years. For the band director who loves coffee during the day: Single serve coffee maker And this one will keep it warm until they can actually drink it: Mug ... Read More about The Best Unique Gifts for Band Directors (Practical gifts they will love!)
How I (Easily) Read 40+ Books a Year as a Full Time Band Director
One of my favorite quotes is,"You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read." It's sometimes hard for people to believe that I read well over 40 books a year while teaching full time, raising a family and staying involved in ... Read More about How I (Easily) Read 40+ Books a Year as a Full Time Band Director
Flexible Flutes, Stronger Bands: How to Build Tone, Control, and Confidence through Daily Fundamentals
In many band warmups that I’ve seen, brass players begin the daily routine with exercises that encourage control and flexibility, while flutes and other woodwinds are stuck drilling articulation patterns and chromatic scales. Sound familiar? As a flutist and a band director, I have seen this ... Read More about Flexible Flutes, Stronger Bands: How to Build Tone, Control, and Confidence through Daily Fundamentals
Should I Plan My Own Band Trip?
For many band directors, organizing a band trip is a meaningful tradition—a chance to showcase your students’ talent, bond as a group, and create lifelong memories. But when it comes time to start working on logistics, a critical question arises: Should I plan this trip myself, or work with a ... Read More about Should I Plan My Own Band Trip?
5 TellTale Signs It’s Time to Replace vs. Repair Your Musical Instruments
Maintaining a healthy, functioning inventory of musical instruments is vital for any school fine arts program. From beginner bands to advanced orchestras, students need reliable tools to develop their skills. But school owned instruments endure heavy use—often by multiple students year after year. ... Read More about 5 TellTale Signs It’s Time to Replace vs. Repair Your Musical Instruments
