Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band

In my younger days, I didn't have a plan for preparing myself for a concert (besides the music). It ultimately led to a few - shall we say - uneasy rumblings while on stage. I have developed a routine that works for me to prepare me physically, mentally and emotionally for each concert.

What is a teacher to do when he has to be gone and the sub knows nothing about music! Have the students lead the rehearsal...after all, they probably know more than the sub. A student led rehearsal is different than having a student conduct. Nobody conducts in a student led rehearsal. The students collaborate. I stole this idea from Dr. Menghini of Vandercook College of Music, who presented a session using his own students. I have used it with much success almost every time I have a sub.

Join me as I interview Bill Swick - master guitar teacher. We dig into several strategies for how to effectively teach guitar, especially if you are a band teacher. When I started at my current school 12 years ago, I had no experience as a guitar teacher. I must confess that in the back of my mind I planned on getting rid of the guitar class as soon as I could. How dumb I was! Guitar draws in a whole different group of students who may not be drawn in by band, orchestra or choir. It doesn't take away from the other classes...it adds to it. Out of 18,000 teachers in Clark County, Nevada, Bill was selected as the 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year. He has developed a year-long lesson plan that follows and covers his state's curriculum. Find out the biggest mistake guitar teachers make. Pick up several strategies for how to teach guitar more effectively, including some discussion of Prodigy software for assessment. You can sign up for Bill's free newsletter, which includes free resources, by sending him an email with "Free Newsletter" in the subject. Send that request to: billswick at msn.com. Find out more about Bill and order his materials at www.billswick.com.  Also see Episode 33: You CAN teach guitar and orchestra 

In this episode, I share some tips regarding when I schedule marching band related dates. Our first one - to pick our marching show for next year - is already coming up!

In this episode, I share a quick strategy that will give you up-loadable evidence to show that you are incorporating writing and math into your curriculum. The best thing about it is that it is probably something you are already doing! 

In this episode, James brings on his twin brother - who is a college professor - to provide instruction on how to practice. Professor Jimmy is fun to listen to, but even more fun to watch. Watch here...

  Order the book on amazon This book can be used as an accompanying text for the collegiate marching band techniques course and to help build a successful marching band program at a high school. Topics include everything from developing a program handbook to student leadership and adult staffing, budgets, rehearsal techniques, sample forms, and basic information regarding the development process of a marching band show, as well as basic drill design techniques. It also addresses typical mistakes made by young teachers and offers suggestions on how to avoid/handle those mistakes. Finally, workbook-style activities at the end of each chapter help support and reinforce the material presented.

You just had your final concert but there are still two weeks left at school. What do you do now? Don't make the mistake I made early in my career and have no plan. Now is the time to try a few different things while still holding the students to high expectations. Listen to find out more.

Many of us have learned to differentiate for special needs students, but did you know gifted students also need differentiation? In this episode, experienced music educator and music supervisor shares a few strategies for differentiation.   Does this whet your appetite for more? Earn college credit and learn more this summer when Samantha teaches a 4-day seminar of the same title. Find out more and register HERE for the course at Colorado College.

Have you ever felt like you stunk as a teacher? I have 18 years experience and recently I felt this way. One of my colleagues came for a visit. He gave me some tips afterwards and pointed out some things that I should know better about! I was embarrassed (but glad he pointed these things out). I took a good look in the mirror and immediately implemented some changes. Rehearsals have been more efficient and productive. These were things I knew - I had even implemented them and taught others to - but I had let things slide gradually.Hope this reminder helps you as much as it has me.