Have you ever had a student lie on a practice record? Would you like to see your students become more independent in their at home practice? It’s safe to assume the answer to both questions is a resounding “YES!” and that’s where the Big IDEA comes in. IDEA is an acronym designed to help teach ... Read More about Practicing with Purpose – What’s the Big IDEA?
Articles
Teaching the Individual Student in a Classroom Setting
In recent years, I have really thought about what success is for the students in my band program. I have thought about the exemplary bands in Texas and the successful directors that led those programs. I have also thought about how everyone's situation is unique and that there must be a better ... Read More about Teaching the Individual Student in a Classroom Setting
What Is Your Best Advice for Concert or Contest Day Preparation?
What is your best advice for concert and contest day preparation? – Readers’ Collaborative Post In our recent survey, we asked Band Directors Talk Shop readers, “What is your best advice for concert or contest day preparation?” With hundreds of responses to the survey, we came up with this ... Read More about What Is Your Best Advice for Concert or Contest Day Preparation?
Let Festivals Become Your Program’s BFF
Music festivals – they can be your worst nightmare, or your absolute best friend. In my thirty-five year teaching career, I found festivals were some of the very best moments in shaping both the musical development of my students as well as my own personal growth as an educator. Many ... Read More about Let Festivals Become Your Program’s BFF
Bassooner the Better: Tips for Starting Beginner Bassoonists
It's no surprise to any band director that when asked to express preference for a beginning instrument, young band students are not typically drawn to the bassoon. Bassoon is a rare, challenging instrument, and students may not know anybody who plays it. At the same time, double reed instruments can ... Read More about Bassooner the Better: Tips for Starting Beginner Bassoonists
From Fundamentals to Fluency: Flute Teaching for Non-Flutist Band Directors
Merriam-Webster defines fluent as capable of moving with ease and grace, effortlessly smooth and flowing, and having or showing mastery of a subject or skill. Musicians require fluency to perform with ease, and mastery of fundamentals builds fluency. Fluency leads to freedom. Consider this: ... Read More about From Fundamentals to Fluency: Flute Teaching for Non-Flutist Band Directors
