Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band

Episode 288 - 6 Tips For Engaging Percussionists Often our percussion section can be our biggest headache, but it doesn't have to be that way. Have you thought through some of the things that frustrate the percussionists? We can do things as directors to engage and motivate the percussionists. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5...

Episode 287 - 13 Top Mistakes Directors Make Not planning enough - Lack of classroom management - Too lax (or too rigid) - Bringing Work Home - Taking Things Personally - Trying to be someone else - Over Programming - Ego Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band Ha...

Episode 286 - 16 Things I Wish I Knew About Festival Prep How do I use my time properly? When do I start my second song? What if the percussion equipment is not in the same place as in my room? What if my band doesn't score "well"? Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I've Learned About Teachi...

Episode 285 - Marching Band Is Needed Now More Than Ever Before Controversial statement…I think every school should have a marching band. When I started one at a previous school, every single one of my colleagues thought I was crazy. I have come to the conclusion that - because many directors have been "abused" through marching band, or it was allowed to take on too much of a focus - many are agai...

Episode 284 - Add Some Spice To Your Rehearsal I learned in the army that you can't make bad food taste good simply by seasoning it (although you could sometimes cover over the bad taste with enough hot sauce). Spices take food that already tastes good and makes it even better. In this episode, I share eight "spices" - things you can do - to make for a tastier rehearsal. Resources… Jazz From The S...

Episode 283 - Eight Strategies For Surviving The Stress Bubble of Teaching From setting boundaries to reflecting on your priorities, in this episode I cover 8 tips that will help you avoid burnout. Learn from me rather than the hard way. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I've Learned About...

My first teaching job landed in my lap! It was easy to get. My neighbor was the principal for a small private school. They needed a band teacher, he asked me, I interviewed and was hired. The next three job hunts I had to use "Job Hunt Math." Thirty applications equals six interviews equals three offers. This worked out pretty much every time. I see so many young people post, "I applied for my dre...

Episode 281 - When A Life Is Lost We lost three community members in a two month period! It was hard! It was difficult! The normal lesson plan went out the window. And one summer we tragically lost an entire family. Two of the kids were in my 20 piece orchestra. We were devastated. In this episode, I share some tips on how we got through that process. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and impr...

I once gave out gobs of candy to students right before they were to perform. I don't recommend that, but find out why I did that and join me as we explore the keys to creating a positive, productive, and inspiring environment for young musicians. From building trust and fostering teamwork to encouraging excellence and creativity, this podcast offers practical tips, heartfelt stories, and expert ad...

Episode 279 - Mastering Music Education: Is a Master's Degree Worth It for Teachers? Getting my master's degree was one of the best things I did! I was about 14 years into my career. Some of my classmates had just completed their bachelor's degrees. I don't think they got as much out of it as I did (I could tell by their responses in class discussion). There are affordable options out there that w...

Episode 278 - 7 Things I Wish I Knew Earlier In My Career Get To Know The Secretaries, Play Nice With Other Teachers,  Go Home At The End Of Your Contract Day; When a student quits, don't take it personally; AND MORE Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band Have a...

Episode 277 - I Have My First Parade - What Do I Do Whether it's a Christmas parade or a parade next spring, these tips will help you train your band for that first parade. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book  Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter...

Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics.     Check Out "Why Don't They Teach That in School curriculum Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Compl...

Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics.     Check Out "Why Don't They Teach That in School curriculum Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Compl...

Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics.     Check Out "Why Don't They Teach That in School curriculum Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Compl...

Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics.     Check Out "Why Don't They Teach That in School curriculum Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Compl...

Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics.     Check Out "Why Don't They Teach That in School curriculum Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Compl...

Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics.     Check Out "Why Don't They Teach That in School curriculum Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Compl...

Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics.     Check Out "Why Don't They Teach That in School curriculum Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Compl...

Episode 276 - Three Ps To Keeping Order In Rehearsal Get off the Podium - Keep your Pacing fast and interesting - Insist on 100% Participation every student, every day. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail....

Episode 275 - How Can I Remember Everything I'm Supposed To Do - 2 minute episode It's time to get organized! Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics.     Check Out...

Episode 274 - Work and Life Balance You CAN have a successful band program AND a balanced life. I married my HS sweetheart. We raised 4 kids while I was teaching band, and now we have 10 grandkids (and counting). We have been married 37 years. Join me as I share some ways you can achieve this balance. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as student...

Episode 273 - I Burned Out Twice, But It Can Be Avoided - 2 minute episode Burnout! A tip to avoid it. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics.   Check Out "Why Don...

Episode 272 - Practice Tips Have you wondered just how to work through those songs - especially if they contain runs? Here are some practical tips. Just make sure to avoid the BIG LIE about practicing. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contac...

Episode 271 - Connect With Positive Teachers - 2 minute episode   If there are toxic teachers in the faculty lounge, avoid it like the plague!!!!!   Resources…   Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes   Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4...