Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band

When I was a young director, I thought the thirty minutes they gave us to warm up was too long. I just didn't know what to do. Now I fill those thirty minutes quickly and wish I had more. I share my warm up process for festival and for most days in band. Link to the Breathing Gym Materials Link to Function Chorales by Stephen Melillo

Have you taught for 30 years or have you taught your first year 30 times? There is a difference! Jane and I discuss the importance of longevity in a band program and how you can stay fresh in a 30 year career.

It's the little things that make the difference. In this podcast I share 11 things we sometimes do (or fail to do) that cause us to lose a student. We often get the music right, but fail at the relationship. Incorporate these ideas and you will find yourself keeping more of your students.

A Bass Player and Percussionist are absolutely essential to making a jazz band or combo sound good. You can make almost any combination of instruments work. There are good percussionists almost everywhere, but what do you do if you don't have a bass player? In this podcast I share several strategies for obtaining a decent bass player.

Would you believe me if I told you my work area is clean and clutter free? What if I told you it was easy (it's not)? Putting in some time on the front end to get your work area organized can save you precious time later, giving you more time to devote to what you really love...teaching music.

If you're like me, you have often struggled with eating properly while teaching. About 10 years ago, I weighed 30 pounds more than I do right now. Did the two packages of M&Ms every day have anything to do with it? In this episode, I share tips that helped me maintain my weight, which enables me to be a better band teacher. Also check out the MyFitnessPal app (it's free) and for some healthy recipes, check out www.tasteofdivine.com.

In this podcast, I share tips and strategies for teaching jazz band, from how to balance your rhythm section, how to add a bass player, and what length wind players should play their notes.

Our words have power! In this podcast, I share four powerful things we can say to our students that will lift them up (and a few words to avoid).

5 Ideas you can implement today for NO cost that will dramatically improve the climate of your classroom. Try them.

Are schools allowed to have Christmas concerts? Can you wish your students "Merry Christmas?" Can one put up a nativity scene or Christmas tree on public property? These are all questions answered in today's podcast. You might also check out Episode 10, Why I Don't Do Christmas Concerts. Download a copy of the letter I received from my principal that gives some of the references for why these things are allowed.