Team Islas Podcast

Should beginner percussionists start learning keyboards on day one, after Thanksgiving, or even after Christmas? In this episode, Doug Bush, Patricia Islas, and Zach Scheer explore one of the most common questions in beginning percussion education: When is the right time to introduce keyboard percussion? The team discusses the advantages and challenges of different approaches, including the import...

Is the All State Band process a time tested way to develop well rounded players and focus on execution, and learn to perform under pressure, or does it suck the life out of the musicality that we have worked so hard to develop in our students? Which side are you on, and how does that shape your program? Tune in for an honest discussion about pros and cons and different approaches to the All-State...

Imagine this - You're a young teacher walking into your first gig. You discover old gear in disrepair, kids with bad attitudes who show up late, no help from the anyone else, and music that's too hard for the group. WHERE DO YOU START? This listener question boils down to priorities. Hear the team discuss discipline, achievable goals, and practical advice on what to attack first when eve...

French Grip, Gauges, Pedaling, Tuning, Muffling, & More! Should you teach your students everything there is to know about timpani? Can it even be done? Is the juice worth the squeeze? If it is, WHEN do you teach it, and what should you prioritize? Tune in for some real talk and differing perspectives on a practical approach to teaching timpani in your program.  Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comm...

Rule 12: "(TEACHING) Drumming Is About Attention To Detail" - What does it look like to focus on details in your teaching and how does that motivate your students to focus on details in their playing? What does a detail oriented approach look like in your beginner class or the high school drumline? Tune in for examples and advice! Rule 13: "You Relax By Breathing" - Tension any...

A GREAT private lesson experience vs. going through the motions. What's the difference? Join Doug, Patricia, and Zach for practical tips about how to shape a lesson experience that involves the director, parent, and teacher collaborating in a way that motivates the student to move through a sequential program of development. Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.c...

Staff changes are inevitable, but they don't have to disrupt your percussion program. In this episode, Doug Bush, Patricia Islas, and Zach Scheer discuss how to navigate the hiring process by first identifying what you hope to accomplish with a new hire—and then intentionally pursuing that goal. They also share practical advice for evaluating candidates, supporting new staff members, and buil...

THANK YOU for listening to the Team Islas Podcast! It's been a year and we are just getting started. Join Doug, Patricia, and Zach as we reintroduce, recap, and look forward to what's next. Also, IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME! Email us your question for a chance to win a book pack including "Players Guide", "Super Hands" & "Momentum"! Send us Fan Mail Question...

It's the spring! Is it time for percussion ensemble? Should I have a guest artist? Forget it and do indoor? Both? Neither?!?! Actually, answer this question first. Why would you do a concert, and what do you want out of it? Once you know your goal, it's much easier to fill in the details, and the end result will be better as well Tune in for tips on how to answer these questions for your...

Yes, you read that correctly! Rule #10 From Master Hands by Doug Bush states "There is no such thing as a roll, there is only rhythm and sticking". It's time for a mindset shift that will benefit you and your students! Stop playing rolls and start playing rhythms!   Rule #11 - "Always know the relationship between your hands and your feet". Here, the team breaks down how,...

A listener asked:  How do you build a strong percussion culture when the band program isn’t fully aligned? In this episode, we break down practical strategies for creating buy-in, building momentum, and navigating challenging situations as a percussion educator. From small wins to long-term vision, this is a real-world look at what it actually takes to build a great program, regardless of your sur...

"The best we can do for them (students) is to insist on having the thing done right because they're capable and it's our job to shine a light on that, on the path towards something that is better than they even realized they can do ." Often, we leave the door open to a mistakes and create a permission structure that allows students to achieve less than they're capable of....

There are THREE types of timing: Spatial, Motion Based, and Rhythm Change. Distilling them down into digestible definitions that you reinforce day after day WILL make a huge difference for your students. Listen in as Doug, Patricia, and Zach review each type of timing and discuss the KEY to success for each one. This episode gets us through Rules 6, 7, 8, and 9 of Doug's list of rules from &q...

PASIC is the one percussion event that reminds you why music in person matters. In this episode, we recap PASIC 2025 and past PASIC experiences—world-class performances you can feel in the room, hallway run-ins with your heroes, and the exhibit hall experience you simply can’t get from scrolling on your phone. We talk student takeaways, teacher recharge, magical moments, and why the live, shared e...

Band parents aren’t problems to manage — they’re a gold mine of support just waiting to be invited in. In Episode 17, we talk about professional communication (and why GroupMe doesn’t count) , handling conflict face-to-face, being proactive instead of reactive, and simple relationship builders that change everything: shake hands, say hi, listen, and tell the truth. We also share real stories, prac...

The fifth rule from "Master Hands" by Doug Bush. Join the Team for a discussion of what, when, and how your students should expend their mental energy. Get practical advice about how to make sure your ensemble is subdividing before the attack, and getting in the right headspace before a big performance.  Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com Books: Player...

There are a million “good” exercises… so how do you pick the right ones for your students? Doug, Patricia, and Zach break down how to build an exercise routine that actually serves the show . We talk about choosing exercises that match the skills and tempos in the show, why getting your front ensemble on sticks and pads can tighten timing fast, and how to simplify your focus (especially in a rebui...

The spring semester is here and we've got six simple steps you can implement TODAY to take your beginner class to the next level! The team discuss proven strategies for classroom management, planning, assessment, and more! Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com Books: Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book Super Hands - I...

The drumline is set and the camp is scheduled - now what?!?! Let's get in the weeds and work out every detail of your drumline camp. Set up, pacing, exercises, procedures, goals, leadership, and MORE! Is this week to work out your electronics? Should you go ahead and change that part you don't like? All this and more discussed by the team in episode 13!  Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comme...

Your drumline camp schedule has a HUGE impact on your success throughout the fall! Time of year, time of day (this one might surprise you) , staff considerations, location, and more! The Team shares insight on how to use the schedule and setup of your drumline camp as a force multiplier to help your students achieve.  Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com Books: Pl...

You've made timing number #1, and sound #2. Now what? Take your students to the next level by focusing on the most difficult thing is music - Transitions. Learn how to use mental runs and dedicated rehearsal time to help your ensembles and individual students navigate transitions successfully starting in their beginner year. Rule #4: Hug Your Monster (AKA Practice Your Weaknesses, Not Your St...

What's the right instrumentation, setup, and strategy for YOUR front ensemble? The team covers the pros and cons of front ensemble instrumentation and setup. Tune in to hear some hot takes on drumset in the pit, learn more about the "business in the front, party in the back" set up, and get ready to set your front ensemble up for success.  Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Rea...

Want to free up your time and focus on the things only you can do, all while having your students continue to improve? Tune in to hear the Team discuss how to hire, retain, evaluate, and (if necessary) , fire, private lesson teachers. Doug, Patricia, and Zach draw on their experiences and share practical tips about how to successfully implement and run a private lesson program. Whether you've...

In the land of high school band halls, one question echoes through the ages: Which grip shall rule them all? In this episode, we pit matched against traditional, and Burton against Stevens in a battle for the ages, seeking the one true grip to unite your section. Will chaos continue, or will clarity be finally forged in the fires of rehearsal? Summon your students and join us on this epic quest to...

Have you ever experienced keyboard confusion in your beginner classroom? We have, and that’s why we started from the ground up for the mallet mode in  Player’s Guide for the Beginning Percussionist.  Tune in and hear how the book navigates students through complex concepts in ways that help them build confidence and enjoy playing keyboards from day one.  Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Rea...