Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band

We all wish we had more parents participating in our program. In this podcast, we talk about some tips and ideas to do that. A pitfall regarding email. When it's ok to let the ball drop. How the process might look different in a suburban versus Title I school. Example Pledge and Parent Involvement

In July, I had the chance to meet Dr. Tracz when he presented at The Colorado Bandmasters Association Conference. We carved out a couple of minutes to talk about some tips and challenges for todays band director. Dr. Tracz talked about burnout in one of his sessions. Although we don't cover it on the podcast, here is a link to a Burnout Self Test. I took it and was very surprised to find I was burned out this past spring.  You can find many resources by Dr. Tracz on the Kansas State University website, http://www.k-state.edu/band/downloads/index.html Join me on this informative podcast.

When I first started teaching at the high school level, I was totally lost when the pep band played at our football game! Perhaps you feel lost too? Listen to the podcast to learn some tips and tools of the trade. When to play. When NOT to play. What to play. Who to talk to before the game...and more.

This episode is just for fun. Have you ever suffered from foot in mouth disease, when you either say something embarrassing or say something you never thought you would! That often happens to me. Sometimes I get my tirds wisted. Maybe I have a speed impechiment.

I think the big mistake we make when trying to motivate students to practice is to think they are just like we were when we were their age.

We've talked about student etiquette in concerts, but how about when it's the audience members who are the problem! You CAN change the culture. No one said it would be easy.

I'm not talking about adapting so much in this episode. Most of us can use our creativity and figure out something to make it work. This is mostly about how to incorporate students with severe needs who may never be able to learn an instrument.

I strongly dislike this response. Sometimes it comes from ignorance, sometimes from a need for sympathy, and other times out of laziness.

Do you ever just want to RUN AWAY after posting audition results? Hope these tips help to make it less uncomfortable.

Back in the day, teachers were always believed and respected. Now, many students and parents get their feelings hurt, especially when we are trying to set high standards for our groups. How do we set and maintain those high standards? Get some helpful tips in this podcast.