Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band

We have all had our share of poisonous students. Do we cut them out like a cancer and get rid of them, or do we try and work patiently with them? The answer isn't always clear cut.

I'm not talking about you the teacher, but the student. I personally want to quit at least once a month, despite having spent 20 years in this wonderful field. If we have this desire (and get over it), don't you think the same can apply to students? You do have to learn to develop a hard shell. Here are some strategies that will make it easier - but to be honest - the pain never completely goes away.

In my early years of teaching, it was chaos with my students who were waiting their turn to perform. I knew something had to change, so I developed a strategy that has been effective for 10 years. No strategies are foolproof, but this has worked for EVERY student I have had, except for three stubborn knuckleheads who I get to use as an example from seven years ago. Make your concerts into even happier events.

Relationship is really important to retention and recruiting, but you can also plan and organize some fun musical events that will improve retention. Here are 8 ideas that have worked for me and other directors.

What should you do if a student drops the "f" bomb? I'm working on an app that would deliver a strong electric shock to any student who does this, but until that is perfected, here are some strategies to help you deal with them.

Tuning is one of the hardest tasks to teach and accomplish, especially for a brand new teacher. You can and will get better at it, but it's not an event...it's a lifestyle. Some tips to help you in the process.

It drives me crazy when I hear weird pronunciation of the Italian terms we use in music! Maybe because for many years I mispronounced them. Here's a quick guide to help you on your way. Ciao.

Many times, High School band directors are quick to put the blame on their middle school. Often they have not even met their middle school director. I am fortunate to work with an outstanding director who is also my assistant director for the high school marching band. We collaborate often. I started my career as the 4th-12th grade band director at a small private school. I was my own feeder! These 7 things your middle school director wants you to know were gleaned from multiple informal interviews and personal experience.

When I started at my current position in 2005, I inherited a stack of music three feet tall that was mostly SINGLE sheets of music that had not been filed. The school was first opened in the 1970s. It seemed like nobody had organized the library ever! It took me the entire school year, but I was finally able to get that all organized and now have a system in place that is easy to maintain.

Have you ever wondered how to get a bunch of groups to perform in a short amount of time? I remember when my two oldest kids were in high school. The concerts were great, but they seemed to drag on as the stage crew set each chair exactly in place between each group. I didn't care about the chairs! Incorporating some advice from friend and fellow band teacher Wayne Hoey, this past May my spring concert included 5 performing groups and we finished in 62 minutes! Parents told me that was their favorite concert ever. But you need a plan. See www.jamesdivine.net for mine.