Cross-curricular applications in band can be a touchy subject. I think most band directors agree that we teach music for the sake of music. Not to help teach math or history or science. We teach it because music is amazing and important and worth it. However, sometimes administrators like to ... Read More about Cross-Curricular Applications in Band (Quick Tip)
Articles
Organizing a Band DIRECTOR Calendar – 3 Tips
What is a band director calendar? I'm talking about your personal calendar. The one on your phone or on your desk that you check every day and you look at a month ahead of time to see what's coming up. It will include your band events and performances, but this post is about what else it should ... Read More about Organizing a Band DIRECTOR Calendar – 3 Tips
How Playing an Instrument Benefits your Brain
If you find it interesting to learn about how playing an instrument benefits your brain, this is a great 4 minute video that is well worth your time. (This picture does not have the link - the link is at the bottom of the article.) What I like even more is it's perfect to show your ... Read More about How Playing an Instrument Benefits your Brain
Teaching Clarinets to “Roll to A” Isn’t Enough
If you're teaching clarinets to "Roll to A" that's good - but it's not enough. The left index finger is usually considered to be THE most important finger to affect clarinet technique, especially in advanced music. Here are some other words and phrases to use as well as a great trick that lets ... Read More about Teaching Clarinets to “Roll to A” Isn’t Enough
Motivate Your Band – Countdown to Contest
Looking for ways to motivate your band? This series - Motivate Your Band - will feature ideas that you can put into practice immediately in under 5 minutes. Here's our first installment - a "Countdown to Contest" sign. Figure out how many days (rehearsals) until contest. Figure out how many ... Read More about Motivate Your Band – Countdown to Contest
Teaching Beginning Band with Games – Jeopardy
Teaching beginning band with this game is a great way to make class more fun while reviewing many different concepts. Categories can include anything you want to review. In this example we’ll use rhythm, scales, note names, lines in the book, and director’s choice. Write this on the ... Read More about Teaching Beginning Band with Games – Jeopardy
