The second year of band, or the “gap” year, is as important as the first year. Since the novelty of beginner band has worn off, this year usually consists of second-year students who are no longer in the “honeymoon” stage of band. However, they are not third-year students who are looking forward to ... Read More about Bridging the Second Year Gap
Articles
Spring Trip Survival Guide ‘25
The big spring trip is on the horizon and whether it’s your first time or thousandth time leading one, there’s always a lot to consider. But what do you really need to focus on to make your spring trip a success? We’ve broken it all down in our spring trip survival guide ‘25! 1. Keep the Kids ... Read More about Spring Trip Survival Guide ‘25
Grow and Cultivate Your Small School Band Program
Small school bands face unique obstacles, from limited resources and sparse instrumentation to a scarcity of dedicated musicians. These obstacles do not define the musical experience for you or your students. Creating meaningful opportunities is not far out of reach by using the limitless ... Read More about Grow and Cultivate Your Small School Band Program
Diamond Balance – How to Get Better Clarity and Balance From Your Ensemble
There is no shortcut to great ensemble resonance. After 30+ years of band directing, and more than 2 decades of ensemble adjudication, alongside attending and presenting band clinics, I find the one thing that eludes us as band directors is the concept of “ensemble sound.” People ask me often “How ... Read More about Diamond Balance – How to Get Better Clarity and Balance From Your Ensemble
Embracing Routine: A Path to Preventing Teacher Burnout
As we emerged from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, many educators began to recognize the deep-seated issues of teacher burnout that had long lingered beneath the surface. A staggering 44% of teachers report frequently feeling burned out, a sentiment exacerbated by the pressures of social ... Read More about Embracing Routine: A Path to Preventing Teacher Burnout
5 Reasons to Keep Performing and Exploring Music
The life of a band director is incredibly demanding. Many directors find balancing their professional responsibilities with maintaining an active performance life challenging, so they choose not to participate. However, other educators feel the opportunity to perform outside the classroom is ... Read More about 5 Reasons to Keep Performing and Exploring Music
