Episode 285 - Marching Band Is Needed Now More Than Ever Before Controversial statement…I think every school should have a marching band. When I started one at a previous school, every single one of my colleagues thought I was crazy. I have come to the conclusion that - because many directors have been “abused” through marching band, or it was allowed to take on too much of a focus - many are against it. Here’s why I think it’s needed. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics.    Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum FREE Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and Live Workshop Guitar Class Extension Materials  

Episode 284 - Add Some Spice To Your Rehearsal I learned in the army that you can’t make bad food taste good simply by seasoning it (although you could sometimes cover over the bad taste with enough hot sauce). Spices take food that already tastes good and makes it even better. In this episode, I share eight “spices” - things you can do - to make for a tastier rehearsal. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics.    Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum FREE Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and Live Workshop Guitar Class Extension Materials  

Episode 283 - Eight Strategies For Surviving The Stress Bubble of Teaching From setting boundaries to reflecting on your priorities, in this episode I cover 8 tips that will help you avoid burnout. Learn from me rather than the hard way. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics.    Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum FREE Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and Live Workshop Guitar Class Extension Materials  

My first teaching job landed in my lap! It was easy to get. My neighbor was the principal for a small private school. They needed a band teacher, he asked me, I interviewed and was hired. The next three job hunts I had to use “Job Hunt Math.” Thirty applications equals six interviews equals three offers. This worked out pretty much every time. I see so many young people post, “I applied for my dream job. I haven’t heard back. Maybe I should leave the profession.” Maybe you should use Job Hunt Math. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics.    Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum FREE Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and Live Workshop Guitar Class Extension Materials  

Episode 281 - When A Life Is Lost We lost three community members in a two month period! It was hard! It was difficult! The normal lesson plan went out the window. And one summer we tragically lost an entire family. Two of the kids were in my 20 piece orchestra. We were devastated. In this episode, I share some tips on how we got through that process. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics.    Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum FREE Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and Live Workshop Guitar Class Extension Materials

I once gave out gobs of candy to students right before they were to perform. I don’t recommend that, but find out why I did that and join me as we explore the keys to creating a positive, productive, and inspiring environment for young musicians. From building trust and fostering teamwork to encouraging excellence and creativity, this podcast offers practical tips, heartfelt stories, and expert advice for band directors at all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your program, join me as we uncover the strategies that turn band classrooms into thriving communities where music and growth go hand in hand. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics.    Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum FREE Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and Live Workshop Guitar Class Extension Materials  

Episode 279 - Mastering Music Education: Is a Master's Degree Worth It for Teachers? Getting my master’s degree was one of the best things I did! I was about 14 years into my career. Some of my classmates had just completed their bachelor’s degrees. I don’t think they got as much out of it as I did (I could tell by their responses in class discussion). There are affordable options out there that will let you continue to teach full time. Mine cost me less than $9,000, and not, it wasn’t when dinosaurs ruled the earth. I completed it in 2012. Check out the summer program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics.    Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum FREE Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and Live Workshop Guitar Class Extension Materials

Episode 278 - 7 Things I Wish I Knew Earlier In My Career Get To Know The Secretaries, Play Nice With Other Teachers,  Go Home At The End Of Your Contract Day; When a student quits, don’t take it personally; AND MORE Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics.  Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum FREE Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and Live Workshop Guitar Class Extension Materials  

Episode 277 - I Have My First Parade - What Do I Do Whether it’s a Christmas parade or a parade next spring, these tips will help you train your band for that first parade. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics.  Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum FREE Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and Live Workshop Guitar Class Extension Materials  

Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics.    Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and Live Workshop Guitar Class Extension Materials