The life of a band director is busy – sometimes insanely so. We’re responsible for rehearsals, logistics, assessments, and tasked with making sure our work follows educational standards and displays measurable growth. On top of those things which are related directly to teaching we’re also ... Read More about Time Crunch: Score Study and Rehearsal Design for the Busy Band Director
Search Results for: teaching strategies
What To Do When Band Kids Don’t Get It
Music educators at any grade level know what it’s like: you’re rehearsing music, you did not think it was too hard for your kids, but things are not getting better. The kids just aren’t getting it, and what you’re doing isn’t working. Here are a few strategies to try in that situation: ... Read More about What To Do When Band Kids Don’t Get It
Building Intrinsic Motivation in the Music Ensemble: Lighting a Fire in Kids
The interviewer looked at me and said, “What are you going to do to make sure your kids practice?” I’m not sure of my exact response but I’m sure I uttered the words, “practice chart,” “raise the bar,” and “play tests.” At the beginning of our careers as teachers, I think many of us teach the way ... Read More about Building Intrinsic Motivation in the Music Ensemble: Lighting a Fire in Kids
Method Books
Habits of a Successful Musician is a complete full-band method that includes both physical and mental warm-ups. The foundation-building method begins with stretching and breathing exercises that continues with long tones, whole and diatonic scales, and articulation technique patterns. With this ... Read More about Method Books
5 Steps to Recruit More Tuba Players
We all “know” that the quality of our concert bands is first and foremost dependent on our tuba players. It is INDEED "All About That Bass", and without a strong foundation of low-frequency tones the rest of the band cannot build a great sound. This simple truth hit me like a solid gold ... Read More about 5 Steps to Recruit More Tuba Players
Contagious Engagement in Band
Ok, so this is a little off the wall. This article was inspired by a book that is not your normal “band director” book. The book had nothing to do with music. Nothing to do with teaching. This is a behavioral economics book based on scientific studies of why things ‘go viral.’ But SO many parts ... Read More about Contagious Engagement in Band
Working With District Initiatives, Not Against
A great number of decisions are made without us music teachers in mind, both at the district and campus levels. When there is a new program or district-wide initiative, it is often done with another area in mind and, because we are all on the same team, we all must participate. It is at this point ... Read More about Working With District Initiatives, Not Against
