If you have read my previous article on strategies to increase student attendance for before and after school events, then you know we have a process of working to get the majority of students on the section rehearsal train. However, we found that we still had a few students who didn’t attend and ... Read More about Creating Positive, Peer-Led Section Rehearsal Attendance Accountability in a low-SES school
Search Results for: teaching strategies
Beginner Band Substitute Lesson Plan (for a Non-Music Sub)
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 ... Read More about Beginner Band Substitute Lesson Plan (for a Non-Music Sub)
Holiday Practice Band Scavenger Hunt
It is the most anticipated and dreaded time of year for anyone teaching beginning band: Winter break. The kids are on a roll and really developing into players, when suddenly, the holidays have arrived. They are left to their own devices to not practice and/or ignore the things they’ve been told ... Read More about Holiday Practice Band Scavenger Hunt
“Out of the Box” Rhythm Exercises
It’s not uncommon for band directors to focus on counting with their students during their beginner year, then struggle to keep the momentum going in the following years. It can also be easy to fall into the trap of counting the same rhythm page over and over and simply “going through the ... Read More about “Out of the Box” Rhythm Exercises
Band Registration Day
Do you feel like you spend the first week of school dealing with paperwork, t-shirts, assigning lockers and updating information? Wouldn’t it be great if you could start teaching on day 1? Try having a band registration day a few days before school starts. Here are some pictures from our recent ... Read More about Band Registration Day
Using Student Assistants in Beginner Band
Inspire Beginners, Create Mentors, and Promote a Culture of Can-Do Learning Starting heterogeneous classes of beginner band students can be tough for even the most veteran of teachers. On average, I start one beginner class of about 65 students at the beginning of the year. Each different ... Read More about Using Student Assistants in Beginner Band
6 Books for Band Directors to Read
Have you ever heard the saying that in 5 years you'll be the same person you are except for the people you meet and the books you read? Change who you'll be in 5 years - hey, change you you'll be in 1 month - by checking out one or more of these books. These 'books for band directors' cover a ... Read More about 6 Books for Band Directors to Read
