Substitute Lesson Plans Archives - Band Directors Talk Shop

Preservation Hall Lessons (Free Resource!)

Amanda Elizondo — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 16:45:56 +0000

The Preservation Hall Lessons is a free resource for teachers. It is a collection of lesson plans developed by preservation hall musicians for all grade levels that are aligned with national arts and common core standards. Lessons are categorized by grade, instrument or the genre/topic that you are looking for. The lessons range in topics ... Read More about Preservation Hall Lessons (Free Resource!)

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A Fresh Way to Teach American Music Genres!

BandDirector — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 16:26:14 +0000

Let’s face it—getting middle schoolers excited about music history can be… a challenge. You know the value of teaching your students where music came from—how blues laid the groundwork for rock, or how hip-hop grew from spoken word poetry and street beats. But explaining that in a way that sticks? That’s where things get tricky. ... Read More about A Fresh Way to Teach American Music Genres!

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6 Band Director Sub Plans to Have Ready-to-Go

BandDirector — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 21:41:19 +0000

Band directors know that good subs who have a music education background are hard to come by. Having a quality sub plan that even a non-music educator can implement is an important part of a band director’s toolbox. Of course, we prefer that our students play their instruments when we are out, but that is ... Read More about 6 Band Director Sub Plans to Have Ready-to-Go

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BOOM Cards: Digital, Interactive Task Cards for Band

BandDirector — Sun, 17 May 2020 18:06:05 +0000

Never heard of Boom Cards? Your band students will love them! Boom Cards are digital, self-checking, interactive, internet-based activities. Students are shown one question at a time and get instant feedback on their answers. BOOM Cards are compatible with Google Classroom, SeeSaw, Canvas, and more. Check out the short video below to see an example ... Read More about BOOM Cards: Digital, Interactive Task Cards for Band

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Happy Birthday Sousa

BandDirector — Sat, 28 Oct 2017 13:55:06 +0000

Did you know John Philip Sousa’s birthday is November 6th? What better way to celebrate his birthday than to teach your students about the music of one of the greatest American composers in history and longtime director of the President’s Own Marine Band! Learning about Sousa’s lifetime is fascinating: One dozen eggs cost only 7 ... Read More about Happy Birthday Sousa

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4 Band Activities for May 4th (May the Fourth Be With You)

BandDirector — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 21:33:19 +0000

1. Teach your students about the interval of a fourth. Give them a simple pattern of fourths to play. Also have them play chords in fourths. 2. Teach them the theme song from Star Wars. Great opportunity to teach triplet patterns! 3. Use famous quotes from Star Wars throughout the class. When a student plays really well – ... Read More about 4 Band Activities for May 4th (May the Fourth Be With You)

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Beginner Band Substitute Lesson Plan (for a Non-Music Sub)

BandDirector — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 22:18:01 +0000

This NEW lesson plan is written with beginner band students in mind and uses short, 2-5 minute videos from Khan Academy, TedEd etc. with a simple follow-along worksheet for students. (If you need one for older students, try THIS ONE. If you need one for general music, try THIS ONE.) If you have a planned ... Read More about Beginner Band Substitute Lesson Plan (for a Non-Music Sub)

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Playing the French Horn with No Arms – Amazing Story of Overcoming Challenges

BandDirector — Fri, 13 May 2016 19:13:45 +0000

If you think playing French horn with no arms is impossible, you will change your mind after seeing this AMAZING video. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uWCN2p18WM) It will inspire you and your students. (Discussion Guide below) Felix Klieser was born with no arms, so uses his feet to do most things. This includes eating, dressing, writing … and being ... Read More about Playing the French Horn with No Arms – Amazing Story of Overcoming Challenges

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Music Substitute Lesson Plan (4th/5th Grade) for a non-music sub

BandDirector — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 02:53:46 +0000

Need a music substitute lesson plan? It’s always tough to be away from your classroom, but it helps if you know that learning will continue even though you’re not there. That can be hard to do when you don’t know if your substitute will have any background in music. Here’s a great solution! This is ... Read More about Music Substitute Lesson Plan (4th/5th Grade) for a non-music sub

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How to Have a ‘Student Led Band Class’ When You Have a Substitute

BandDirector — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 19:55:40 +0000

We all know that finding band substitutes that know how to teach band (correctly) is a rare thing. When you know you’re going to be absent for things like convention, contests, festivals, or spring trips, it’s great if your students can have a student led band class. However, this does take some preparation. The students ... Read More about How to Have a ‘Student Led Band Class’ When You Have a Substitute

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