Team Islas Podcast

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...

Double stops, dynamics, and diddles, oh my! Tune in to hear the team discuss the distinctives of drumming in Player's Guide for the Beginning Percussionist. Learn why the drum portion of the book is laid out the way it is, and how it can help you take your students to the next level.  Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com Books: Player's Guide For The Beg...

"Player's Guide for the Beginning Percussionist" - Why did we write it? What makes it distinct? Who is it for? How can it help your students? Doug, Patricia, and Zach answer these questions and more. Tune in to the first of three episodes about the newest, most affordable beginner percussion book on the market.  Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com...

This episode breaks down the top two priorities in any percussion program— timing first, sound second —and why they matter more than anything else (even technique 👀). Doug, Patricia, and Zach share real classroom strategies, stories, and practical rehearsal ideas to help your students play in time and make better sounds. From mental reps and metronome work to teaching sound through modeling and l...

Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com Books: Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas  https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer Socials: Doug https://www.facebook...

We’re back for the second half of our deep dive into drumline auditions. In this episode, we get into more details and discuss setting students up for success once the line is set. Doug, Patricia, and Zach also share some do’s and don’ts they’ve picked up over the years. If you’re planning auditions—or just want to make them smoother—this is a must-listen! Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - R...

In this first half of a two-part episode, we dig into the nitty gritty of drumline auditions . Doug Bush, Patricia Islas, and Zach Scheer break down what makes a great audition process, how to balance fairness, seniority, musical achievement, and lessons learned (sometimes the hard way) along the way. Whether you’re gearing up for next season or rethinking your whole process, this episode is full...