These recommendations are the top responses from a survey of 30+ very experienced band directors. Be aware: some of the listed songs may have multiple movements and only certain movements are the correct level of difficulty. Books are notated. These results are from the late 1990s that took ... Read More about Middle School Solos – Tried & True Favorites
Articles
Three Quick Ways to Check Your Percussionist’s Grip From the Podium
The percussionist's grip on sticks or mallets is as fundamental as the embouchure a wind player forms. The younger the student, the more frequently you have to check the quality of the embouchure. And the younger the percussionist, the more frequently you need to check the grip. Often ... Read More about Three Quick Ways to Check Your Percussionist’s Grip From the Podium
Oops – Band Director Stress (BDS) Error
Are you suffering from Band Director Stress (BDS) Error? Feeling a little stressed out and need some humor? Post this on your office door (or on a sign around your neck!) to keep the mood light during a stressful day. Download a high-quality PDF here - Band Director Stress (BDS) Error ... Read More about Oops – Band Director Stress (BDS) Error
Free Metronome & Sheet Music
8 notes.com is a website worth looking at. I have not even begun to scratch the surface of what is on there, but I do have a couple things (metronome features and sheet music ) I love. I'm sure as you poke around the site you'll find things that fit your program. Free Metronome (with fun ... Read More about Free Metronome & Sheet Music
TBA Archives – Building Success in the Small School Band
If you're at a small school or in a small town (or in a similar situation) this post is for you! The TBA Archives refer to the Texas Bandmasters Association archives of clinic handouts from past conventions. Conventions are one of the best ways to learn new things, spark new ideas, ask ... Read More about TBA Archives – Building Success in the Small School Band
Note Starts “Try This Quick Tip…”
Note starts can be a source of frustration in both beginning classes and ensembles, especially with younger groups. A common issue is that students do not get the air "turned around" quickly enough. The teacher may also find that poor starts are the result of poor coordination between the tongue and ... Read More about Note Starts “Try This Quick Tip…”
