Rehearsal time is very precious, and we directors want to make maximum use of that time in terms of efficiency and productivity. The more our students play, the faster they improve. But there are times during a rehearsal where the director has to address the ensemble in order to give corrective ... Read More about It All Comes Down to Communication
Articles
Teaching Band with Games – Drop Out Contests
A "Band Drop Out Contest" is a chance to have a spur of the moment contest that takes about 1 minute once the kids learn how to play it. Examples of when to use this game: Students are playing something they know very well and it's getting boring/repetitive (scales, the same measure over ... Read More about Teaching Band with Games – Drop Out Contests
So, I Teach Band at a Low SES School…Now What?
Build a Relationship The most important thing you can focus on when you teach band at a low SES (low socioeconomic status) school, is developing a relationship with your students. I know, as teachers, we hear the “develop a rapport” speech too often. I, too, have rolled my eyes when the principal ... Read More about So, I Teach Band at a Low SES School…Now What?
Motivate Your Band – The Little Red Hen
Are you looking for a way to motivate your band and get every student to contribute equally to a goal? Read this classic folktale to your band (or summarize it for them) and then share the application at the end: Once upon a time there was a little red hen. She lived on a farm with her three ... Read More about Motivate Your Band – The Little Red Hen
Selecting Band Music for Contest – Specific Qualifications
These specifications can help you when you are selecting band music. They are taken from Teaching Music through Performance in Beginning Band by Bruce Pearson. I highly recommend this series of books as a reference when choosing band music. The Grade 1 & 2 described below are publisher ... Read More about Selecting Band Music for Contest – Specific Qualifications
5 Ways to Get More Out of Your Region Band Clinic
Region band clinics are a wonderful opportunity for our students to grow as musicians, but don’t forget they are a great place for you to grow as a director as well. Here are some ideas for how to get more out of your region band clinic. Sit in on the rehearsals and take notes. Normally as ... Read More about 5 Ways to Get More Out of Your Region Band Clinic
