Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band

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. 

Where can three degrees in bassoon performance take you? Sometimes to exciting and unexpected places like teaching music in a rural public school. Join me as I have a conversation with Karen Gregg about the joy of teaching in a rural school, where Karen has a ton of community involvement, more flexibility, gets to know her students and has 40-45% of students in band.   Also check out Episode 41: The Joy of Teaching in a Rural School; interview with Kevin Beaber.

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.