If you are about to start band pass-offs, here are some ideas to help it be a huge success! Keep in mind - the goal is to help the kids become better players. There are many ways to go about doing that. If you choose not to use extrinsic motivation, that’s totally fine - this post might have some ... Read More about Successful Band Pass-Offs
Articles
Free Printable Band Audition Music (for end of year auditions)
Choosing audition music for the next year’s band auditions is always tricky. You may have beginners trying out for the same band as advanced third year player. You have 8th graders competing against juniors in high schools. The big question is - How do you challenge the top students without ... Read More about Free Printable Band Audition Music (for end of year auditions)
How to Have a SILENT Band Rehearsal
Does your band lose focus when they’ve been working on the same music for a while? Do you feel like you ask them to get quiet over and over? Are you about to ‘go old school band director’ on them? This may be a better solution. What is a silent band rehearsal? A positive reinforcement of how ... Read More about How to Have a SILENT Band Rehearsal
How to Have a ‘Student Led Band Class’ When You Have a Substitute
We all know that finding band substitutes that know how to teach band (correctly) is a rare thing. When you know you’re going to be absent for things like convention, contests, festivals, or spring trips, it’s great if your students can have a student led band class. However, this does take some ... Read More about How to Have a ‘Student Led Band Class’ When You Have a Substitute
Getting Band Students to Look Up!
The most effective way that we as band directors have to communicate with our band members, especially when performing, is through our conducting. Here are some strategies to help encourage students to look up. Hold Up Fingers While conducting through a passage, hold up a random number for a ... Read More about Getting Band Students to Look Up!
Band Director Jobs (Nationwide!)
This is a nationwide list by state with links to the best resources for searching for band director jobs. It includes state government sites or state music educator association sites, not 3rd party sites or sites that charge money for use. If you know of another website that fits these ... Read More about Band Director Jobs (Nationwide!)