Why Some Bridges Never Get Built Every band director wants a supportive administration. Yet many of us secretly believe our administrators “just don’t get it.” The reality is usually simpler—they don’t see what we see, and they don’t speak the same language we do. They operate in data, supervision ... Read More about Bridges, Not Barriers – Turning Administrative Relationships into Advocacy
Articles
The Co-Directed Concert Band
Why Co-Direct? Team-teaching is a familiar concept in music education. It is commonly used in marching bands, musicals, and large districts with multiple band directors, most notably in Texas. However, it was not something I had encountered much of in rural upstate New York. For my first seven ... Read More about The Co-Directed Concert Band
Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: What Carol Dweck’s Research Means for Band Directors
Carol Dweck, a Stanford psychologist, explains how our beliefs about our abilities shape our success. Her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, centers around two core mindsets: Fixed Mindset People with a fixed mindset believe their intelligence, talent, and abilities ... Read More about Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: What Carol Dweck’s Research Means for Band Directors
7 Ideas to Reinvent-Revitalize-Rejuice Your Program’s Handbook
Handbooks. An absolutely ‘necessary tool’ for classroom success or a completely ‘antiquated practice’ you’d sooner just skip? I’m guessing you’ve probably identified with both of these camps at some point in your teaching career. On the one hand, a program handbook is truly ground zero for ... Read More about 7 Ideas to Reinvent-Revitalize-Rejuice Your Program’s Handbook
From Small Ensemble to Large Ensemble: Elevating Your Band Through Student-Led Interpretation
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
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!)
