
Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band
Quick and easy tips to help you be a better band teacher.
Latest episodes

Nov 4, 2015 • 7min
(a repeat of) Episode 35: You CAN constitutionally have a Christmas concert in a public school
Are schools allowed to have Christmas concerts? Can you wish your students "Merry Christmas?" Can one put up a nativity scene or Christmas tree on public property? These are all questions answered in today's podcast.
You might also check out Episode 10, Why I Don't Do Christmas Concerts.
Download a copy of the letter I received from my principal that gives some of the references for why these things are allowed.

Oct 28, 2015 • 7min
Episode 56: Stop Comparing
It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing what you do with what other band directors are doing. Are you doing that? Take Newhart's advice...Just Stop It!

Sep 30, 2015 • 8min
Episode 55: Why Marching Band Is Needed Now More Than Ever Before
When I started at my current school, I was determined NOT to have a Marching Band. My mentor convinced me otherwise. Listen as I share three reasons why Marching Band Is Needed Now More Than Ever.

Sep 23, 2015 • 17min
Episode 54: Interview with Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser on Student Leadership
Did you know 10% of students are good leaders, 80% are followers and 10% are bad leaders?
Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser and I discuss this and other important topics centered around student leadership, something he is very passionate about.
Find out more about Dr. Tim:
Attitude Concepts for Today
Music for All
Tim's book, "The Art of Successful Teaching"
Tim's book, "The Joy of Inspired Teaching"

Sep 9, 2015 • 7min
Episode 53: Throw Practice Sheets in the Trash
Why you should throw practice sheets away and aim for a systematic, progressive test of skills for your music students.

Sep 2, 2015 • 12min
Episode 52: Starting A Booster Organization
Tips for starting your own band booster organization, and avoid the HUGE mistake I made!

Aug 26, 2015 • 19min
Episode 51: 8 Reasons Why Band Students Quit

Aug 19, 2015 • 17min
Episode 50: Interview with Julie Novak; Tips for working with students who have visual or aural challenges
Download the podcast hereEpisode 50: Interview with Julie Novak; Tips for teaching students with aural/visual challengesOn today's podcast, I interview my friend and colleague Julie Novak, who teaches music at The Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind. She shares tips on what you can do as a band director if you have students who are visually or aurally challenged.LinksOhio State School for the Blind Marching Band Program
About Music for Braille
Music to Braille Software
American Music Therapy Association

May 6, 2015 • 9min
Episode 49: What to do the last few weeks of band class
Busy, Busy, Busy, (but a good busy)...that describes these last few weeks for me and why I missed two weeks of the podcast.
I used tip #1 myself in these 7 tips for what to do (and not to do) the last few weeks of band class.

Apr 15, 2015 • 10min
Episode 48: 5 Tips For Communicating With Parents
Some people dread having to call parents. It doesn't have to be that way.
Here are five tips that will help you communicate with your band parents more effectively.
I'll also share my guarantee at the end that has virtually eliminated angry parents.