The Backwoods Bandroom

uhh...No help is coming! So it is up to you to build your own toolbox & reading can be the key. Here is how!! www.backwoodsbandroom.com *Sponsor: Rule 5 Digital (mitch@rule5digital.com) *Music: Brandon Payne (www.thatpaynefulmusic.com) *Art: Jon Fye (www.wtlistudio.com)

LEAVING. The decision to leave, including: applying, interviewing, & inheriting! www.backwoodsbandroom.com *Sponsored by Rule 5 Digital (mitch@rule5digital.com)

Flakey Administration, Checked-Out Colleagues, Unsupportive Parents, and Unengaged Students….now what?? www.backwoodsbandroom.com

How to Identify the “Love Language” of your PrinicPAL, or other administrator! www.backwoodsbandroom.com *Sponsored by Rule 5 Digital (mitch@rule5digital.com)

In this track we will discuss alternate opportunities that can be offered to our students. My mic balance is garbage, I apologize! I will stick to my day-job... www.backwoodsbandroom.com *Sponsored by Rule 5 Digital (mitch@rule5digital.com)

In this track, we are breaking down amazing concepts in Ethan Hawke’s TED Talk for small school music teachers! www.backwoodsbandroom.com *Sponsored by Rule 5 Digital (mitch@rule5digital.com)

In this track, we discuss understanding the impact we have during this time of year, and also, what are we doing with this opportunity/responsibility? www.backwoodsbandroom.com *Sponsored by Rule 5 Digital (mitch@rule5digital.com)

In this track, we talk establishing a culture of  trust and vulnerability in your classroom or ensemble...oh yeah, and baseball! www.backwoodsbandroom.com *Sponsored by Rule 5 Digital (mitch@rule5digital.com)

Exploring how to respond when students quit our music programs. www.backwoodsbandroom.com *Sponsored by Rule 5 Digital (mitch@rule5digital.com)

Welcome to Volume 4! This track is about taking some time for an "In-School Sabbatical!" That's right. No trip to plan, no festival to host, no fundraiser to prepare…just focusing on doing our job well…every day! www.backwoodsbandroom.com *Sponsored by Rule 5 Digital (mitch@rule5digital.com)

"Process vs. Product"...Do We Practice What We Preach? Then Looking Back to Look Forward!

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly...I mean, what we teach and what we learn through Field Trips!

Breaking down planning and hosting an MPA!

Have you been asked to present in front of the Board of Education? Maybe you want to update the board on the happenings of your program, celebrate the achievement of your students, or inform of upcoming events related to your programs. Let's break down how to approach school board meetings!

Are you being authentic with the students? Because they know, yah know? Are you creating an open and safe place to make music happen in your room? Let's dig in with our final installment of the "Best You" Collection. Enjoy!

In part two of this three-part series, we take a look at the best lens to provide for our students. We may also discuss the ethics of elementary students trapping and hunting wild games before school...yikes!

How can we keep ourselves on track to being our best selves for our students? I may not have the answers, but I sure do have questions! In the first of this three-part dive, we will take a look at currency!

Rewards and accolades can be awesome, buuutttt...they can also have a negative effect on our students and our programs if we are not careful. All wisdom from a highly decorated and classic piece of cinema!

It's true...there's not a lot here. Not many street lights, last names, options for eating out after 8pm. But scratch the surface, and you might find that it's still a great place for great things with great people.

The S.E.L. movement happening in our schools is an opportunity for all arts educators to advocate for our students, and our craft. Check it out!!!

What do you do with a large percussion section? How can you organize part assignments so that every student has an opportunity to contribute, grow, and have fun without the danger of overwhelming the rest of the group...and director?  Let's talk.  Contact me at: ljones@westbranch.org  music by: Brandon Payne

When you host a festival at your school, EVERYONE WINS!  No, I mean...like...everybody. The students, you, the community, you, the administration, the boosters, and most importantly, you!  Let's breakdown why you may want to consider hosting.  And to those who have been at a festival every week for the last three weeks, we salute you!!!

A Backwoods Bandroom BONUS track! The story behind the turkey-call used in the winter concert addressed in an earlier episode!

Hey, let's get sick all holiday break! What a great idea! It will give you time to reflect on everything that you have done in the last six months...and possibility share some stories and goals to focus on in the spring semester.  Let's go!

We're gonna hit you with some "Reading Rainbow" vibes in this episode & some book titles that you can leave in your classroom to lend students, or keep for yourself...you filthy animal! Happy Holidays!!!