The population of learners in our ensembles is becoming increasingly diverse in many ways, including how they learn best. For some students, a disability or diagnosis may affect their learning. Others who do not have a disability or diagnosis may just learn in ways that are unique and that require ... Read More about Three Ways to Make Your Ensembles, Lessons, and Classes More Accessible for Every Student, No Matter How They Learn Best
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10 Great Summer Refreshers Reading & Media List
The end of the school year is in sight. But a whirlwind of wrapping up with final assessments, report cards, banquets, and administrative duties can easily leave you drained and depleted. Summer break offers a much-needed respite, a chance to step back from the daily teaching and administrative ... Read More about 10 Great Summer Refreshers Reading & Media List
Keys to Elevating the Small School Band Program
Teaching music in small schools affords unique opportunities and benefits, while also presenting specific challenges. In February 2023, the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) initiated a new task force to support and serve its small school educators. The Small School Initiative Task ... Read More about Keys to Elevating the Small School Band Program
Universal Design for Learning Approaches to Include ALL Band Students: From the Perspective of a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Band Director
Approximately 20% of Americans experience some level or type of hearing loss, and many of these individuals are musicians. The author of this article, a veteran middle school band director with moderate to severe hearing loss who has been wearing hearing aids for thirty years, will share applicable ... Read More about Universal Design for Learning Approaches to Include ALL Band Students: From the Perspective of a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Band Director
5 S.M.A.R.T. Ideas to Retain This Year’s Beginners: A Primer for High School and Middle School Directors
This article is written as a follow-up to a session requested at a number of state MEA and national conferences by Marcia Neel. Sessions are sponsored by the Music Achievement Council, the National Association of School Music Dealers, and the NAMM Foundation. The S.M.A.R.T. approach focuses ... Read More about 5 S.M.A.R.T. Ideas to Retain This Year’s Beginners: A Primer for High School and Middle School Directors
You Can’t Teach Empty Chairs
When we chose to become band directors, many of us thought we were choosing a career free from the ties of a cluttered desk in a corner cubicle, free from the pressure of commissioned sales, free from the monotony of a “regular” 9-5. And yet, our paperwork can be all-consuming, our weekly working ... Read More about You Can’t Teach Empty Chairs
Pedagogical Practices to Maximize Precious Rehearsal Time!
When I recently gave this presentation at Midwest, my audience survey reflected the wide discrepancy in the amount of rehearsal time that exists at all school levels throughout the country. Despite the limited time we get to teach a larger number of students than an average class size, we are the ... Read More about Pedagogical Practices to Maximize Precious Rehearsal Time!
