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
Articles
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
Improving Sightreading Skills with Thirds
Thirds patterns are an excellent way to bridge the gap between playing scales and sightreading within a specific key. Here’s a way to change up the monotony of playing straight through a page of thirds. To keep it easy, teach these patterns by rote - just tell the kids to double the note. (see ... Read More about Improving Sightreading Skills with Thirds
It’s All in the State of Mind
It is appropriate that this post be dedicated to Randy Storie. He was an inspirational band director and mentor to many. “Talking shop” with Mr. Storie was always educational, motivating and greatly enjoyed by all. He touched the lives of countless students, many of whom became band directors. ... Read More about It’s All in the State of Mind
