This article will offer a few truths and tips to help you and your ensemble get closer to pitch perfect. 1. Tone First —Always. Before you even touch a tuner, take a moment and listen. Is the tone quality characteristic? Focused? Supported? If your students aren’t producing a beautiful, ... Read More about Pitch Perfect: Finding the Sweet Spot
Articles
From Players to Leaders: Increasing Student Leadership in Your Program
What would you be able to accomplish with less on your plate? Would you be able to plan for better rehearsals? Would you be able to go home sooner? These are the questions I hope to answer by sparking this discussion on involving more leaders in your program. In recent years, I’ve re-structured my ... Read More about From Players to Leaders: Increasing Student Leadership in Your Program
Scale of the Week! (Quick Tip)
Looking for a way to rotate through the scales and improve technique? Consider assigning a scale of the week. Teach or review it on Monday, practice it Tues/Wed/Thur and assess it on Friday. Ideas for assessments: Hear one section at a time. Play "drop out." Play "drop out" speed ... Read More about Scale of the Week! (Quick Tip)
Taking the Right Steps in the Beginning Checklist
Establishing a strong foundation in Beginning Band takes careful planning, structured instruction, and clear communication. The first six weeks are critical for developing routines, setting expectations, and introducing fundamental musical concepts in a consistent and supportive environment. This ... Read More about Taking the Right Steps in the Beginning Checklist
When Should You Launch Your Band’s Spring Trip?
It’s a crisp morning and the sun is still hiding behind the trees. Despite the early hour, your mood is electric. It’s the first day of your band’s big spring trip! Before you know it, you and your students will be on your way to an exciting destination- one that you’ve all dreamed about for ... Read More about When Should You Launch Your Band’s Spring Trip?
Utilizing the All-Region Process to Grow Your Program
Sometimes we view the all-region/all-state music as being only for our top students, when, in fact, the process of working on this music can be critical to the development of ALL our students. In my experience, the systematic learning and assessment of this music throughout the fall semester is the ... Read More about Utilizing the All-Region Process to Grow Your Program
