Beginning of Year Archives - Band Directors Talk Shop

Practical Pedagogy: Level up Your Rehearsals

Carly Grace — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 22:05:17 +0000

When people ask us what makes a rehearsal successful, they often expect an answer about repertoire or performance quality. But for us, the real answer is much simpler: systems. The strongest rehearsals we’ve led didn’t happen because we picked the perfect piece or gave an inspiring speech before a concert. They happened because we were ... Read More about Practical Pedagogy: Level up Your Rehearsals

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Lessons from a Day in Beginner Flute Class

Carly Grace — Thu, 07 May 2026 19:33:12 +0000

This article will speak to a lot of flute-specific things, but so many of the things that happen in flute class are easily transferable to any beginner class that you teach. I will be sharing the class structure that really works for our students, along with some tips and tricks that help me be a ... Read More about Lessons from a Day in Beginner Flute Class

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Empowered Leaders – Inspired Performers: How Student Leadership Shapes the Culture of Our Organizations

Carly Grace — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 19:02:20 +0000

If culture is everything, then student leadership is one of the strongest forces shaping that culture. In our profession, we talk constantly about excellence…better tone, stronger fundamentals, recruitment, retention, competitive success. But those results do not exist on their own. They grow out of culture. Culture is not something we hope for; it is something ... Read More about Empowered Leaders – Inspired Performers: How Student Leadership Shapes the Culture of Our Organizations

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Taking the Right Steps in the Beginning Checklist

Carly Grace — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 20:51:10 +0000

Establishing a strong foundation in Beginning Band takes careful planning, structured instruction, and clear communication. The first six weeks are critical for developing routines, setting expectations, and introducing fundamental musical concepts in a consistent and supportive environment. This comprehensive checklist—presented at the 2025 Texas Bandmasters Association Convention—outlines key action items from the spring semester through ... Read More about Taking the Right Steps in the Beginning Checklist

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Beginning Band Building Blocks

Carly Grace — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 15:07:18 +0000

One of my favorite parts about being a band director is that we are always learning ways to do things better. This is more than just throwing new ideas at the proverbial wall to see what sticks, it requires being detailed and methodical in EVERY step of instruction while holding students to the highest standards ... Read More about Beginning Band Building Blocks

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Flutes, French Horns, and Fiber

Carly Grace — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 18:04:24 +0000

Adding more fiber to your diet will not help the horn section play better, but it can lower your cholesterol, help stabilize blood sugars, and make you feel fuller longer, so when the trombone players are acting up, your hangry alter ego stays in check. Increasing the amount of fiber on a daily basis can ... Read More about Flutes, French Horns, and Fiber

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Building Structure Into Your Classroom: Creating a Learning Environment That You Look Forward to Everyday

Carly Grace — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 22:32:08 +0000

What if you could set classroom expectations in such a way that it created a class FULL of students that are enjoyable to work with, where they could run their own class, and get along without so much effort on your part? What if you could make it where you don’t dread seeing the students ... Read More about Building Structure Into Your Classroom: Creating a Learning Environment That You Look Forward to Everyday

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Healthier Snacks for Busy Band Directors

Carly Grace — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 02:35:06 +0000

The plight of band directors often includes long days, longer weekends, and an overall environment that’s not conducive to healthy eating. With the start of a new school year just around the corner, this could be a great time to focus on better eating habits, one of which includes choosing healthier snacks. When the day ... Read More about Healthier Snacks for Busy Band Directors

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Starting with Structure

Carly Grace — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 13:32:37 +0000

Every great organization has a system for getting things done that is clear and concise. In other words, simple rules that everyone knows and can execute consistently. As we begin a new year, it’s always good to review our classroom management plan and make sure it is clear and can be followed consistently. My actual ... Read More about Starting with Structure

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Goal Setting Templates (Editable & FREE!)

Amanda Elizondo — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 13:58:21 +0000

We believe that having clear goals and striving daily to meet them is key to having a successful music program. With a variety of uses, these goal setting sheets can work for many different purposes. As a teacher you can use them to set monthly goals for yourself and your classes. There is also an ... Read More about Goal Setting Templates (Editable & FREE!)

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