Mentors Archives - Band Directors Talk Shop

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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Advice for Mentor and Student Teachers

Amanda Elizondo — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 14:27:11 +0000

In our recent survey, we asked Band Directors Talk Shop readers, “What are your tips for cooperating/mentor teachers?” and, “What are your tips/expectations for student teachers?” With many responses to the survey, we came up with this categorized list of your answers. Thanks so much to all of our readers who took time to fill ... Read More about Advice for Mentor and Student Teachers

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First Year Band Director Survival Guide (Great for Student Teachers Also!)

BandDirector — Sat, 06 Aug 2022 14:42:33 +0000

If you’re a first (or second or third) year band director, this is for you! Organized by subject, this gives you a quick start to researching any topic you’ll need during your school year. If you’d like a printable version for yourself or to share with colleagues or student teachers, you can download a PDF ... Read More about First Year Band Director Survival Guide (Great for Student Teachers Also!)

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30 Things I Learned During Student Teaching

BandDirector — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 16:24:20 +0000

Build on what they already know. Teach style first. Go to the doctor when you first start feeling sick. If you want kids to learn something, you better introduce it in the beginning year. “It’s not rocket science.” Always give more than is required of you. You’ve got to face your fears, dig in your ... Read More about 30 Things I Learned During Student Teaching

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If I Knew Then What I Know Now…

BandDirector — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 16:50:38 +0000

We all have said, “If I had it to do over…,” and followed that with a litany of what we would do differently if we could somehow jump in the illusive time machine and REDO, RELIVE, and REINVENT some aspects of our professional pathways. It seems like a pointless exercise, but perhaps not. My hope ... Read More about If I Knew Then What I Know Now…

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Effective Use of Clinicians and Mentors in Your Band Program

BandDirector — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 03:01:25 +0000

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 questions and be inspired. The only problem is all of that new knowledge is thrown at us in about a 48 hour window and ... Read More about Effective Use of Clinicians and Mentors in Your Band Program

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Surviving Your First Few Years of Teaching (TBA Archives)

BandDirector — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 15:52:30 +0000

Are you in your first few years of teaching? Do you know someone who is? This is great advice! 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 questions and be inspired. The ... Read More about Surviving Your First Few Years of Teaching (TBA Archives)

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9 Rules and 4 Final Lessons from Almost a Half-Century of Teaching

BandDirector — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 02:33:34 +0000

This the third post in this series – the first 8 lessons can be found here and lessons 9-15 can be found here. 16. Provide your students with opportunities for individual growth. In Texas two activities supply this opportunity: TMEA auditions and UIL Solo and Ensemble contest. While these are important, be sure students are focused ... Read More about 9 Rules and 4 Final Lessons from Almost a Half-Century of Teaching

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Band Directing – Lessons from Almost a Half-Century of Teaching

BandDirector — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 21:54:32 +0000

This is a continuation of yesterday’s post – the intro and first 8 lessons can be found here! 9. Remember that your class may not be the most important thing in your students’ lives on a particular day. Keep things in rational perspective. Your rehearsal room should be inviting and safe. The question to ask ... Read More about Band Directing – Lessons from Almost a Half-Century of Teaching

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Lessons from Almost a Half-Century of Teaching

BandDirector — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 03:10:04 +0000

I’ve spent over seven decades on earth, with participation in music in each of them. Like anyone who has lived this long, I’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way. And now, after 49 years of teaching elementary music, junior high and middle school band, high school band and orchestra, university band and music ... Read More about Lessons from Almost a Half-Century of Teaching

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