Tue, 29 November 2016
In this episode, I share some tips regarding when I schedule marching band related dates. Our first one - to pick our marching show for next year - is already coming up!
Direct download: Episode_73_-_Creating_a_Marching_Band_Schedule_and_Plan.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:17pm EDT |
Thu, 27 October 2016
In this episode, I share a quick strategy that will give you up-loadable evidence to show that you are incorporating writing and math into your curriculum. The best thing about it is that it is probably something you are already doing!
Direct download: Episode_72_-_Incorporate_Writing__Math_Without_Giving_Up_Band_Time.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:03pm EDT |
Wed, 5 October 2016
In this episode, James brings on his twin brother - who is a college professor - to provide instruction on how to practice. Professor Jimmy is fun to listen to, but even more fun to watch. Watch here...
Direct download: Episode_71_-_How_To_Practice_with_Professor_Jimmy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:03pm EDT |
Tue, 23 August 2016
This book can be used as an accompanying text for the collegiate marching band techniques course and to help build a successful marching band program at a high school. Topics include everything from developing a program handbook to student leadership and adult staffing, budgets, rehearsal techniques, sample forms, and basic information regarding the development process of a marching band show, as well as basic drill design techniques. It also addresses typical mistakes made by young teachers and offers suggestions on how to avoid/handle those mistakes. Finally, workbook-style activities at the end of each chapter help support and reinforce the material presented.
Direct download: Episode_70_-_Interview_with_Greg_Martin_author_of_Marching_Band_Techniques.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:04am EDT |
Wed, 18 May 2016
You just had your final concert but there are still two weeks left at school. What do you do now? Don't make the mistake I made early in my career and have no plan. Now is the time to try a few different things while still holding the students to high expectations. Listen to find out more.
Direct download: Episode_69_-_What_To_Do_The_Last_2_Weeks_Of_School.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:59pm EDT |
Wed, 27 April 2016
Many of us have learned to differentiate for special needs students, but did you know gifted students also need differentiation? In this episode, experienced music educator and music supervisor shares a few strategies for differentiation.
Does this whet your appetite for more? Earn college credit and learn more this summer when Samantha teaches a 4-day seminar of the same title. Find out more and register HERE for the course at Colorado College.
Direct download: Episode_68_-_Successful_Differentiation_In_The_Music_Classroom.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:09am EDT |
Tue, 12 April 2016
Have you ever felt like you stunk as a teacher? I have 18 years experience and recently I felt this way. One of my colleagues came for a visit. He gave me some tips afterwards and pointed out some things that I should know better about! I was embarrassed (but glad he pointed these things out).
Direct download: Episode_67_-_5_Tips_For_A_More_Efficient_Rehearsal.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:57pm EDT |
Thu, 17 March 2016
Where can three degrees in bassoon performance take you? Sometimes to exciting and unexpected places like teaching music in a rural public school. Join me as I have a conversation with Karen Gregg about the joy of teaching in a rural school, where Karen has a ton of community involvement, more flexibility, gets to know her students and has 40-45% of students in band.
Also check out Episode 41: The Joy of Teaching in a Rural School; interview with Kevin Beaber.
Direct download: Episode_66_-_The_Joy_of_Teaching_in_a_Rural_School_2-Interview_with_Karen_Gregg.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:23am EDT |
Wed, 2 March 2016
When I was a young director, I thought the thirty minutes they gave us to warm up was too long. I just didn't know what to do. Now I fill those thirty minutes quickly and wish I had more. I share my warm up process for festival and for most days in band.
Direct download: Episode_65_-_How_To_Properly_Use_Your_Festival_Warmup_Time.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:59pm EDT |
Wed, 24 February 2016
Have you taught for 30 years or have you taught your first year 30 times? There is a difference! Jane and I discuss the importance of longevity in a band program and how you can stay fresh in a 30 year career.
Direct download: Episode_64_-_Interview_with_Jane_Church.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:10pm EDT |
Wed, 10 February 2016
It's the little things that make the difference. In this podcast I share 11 things we sometimes do (or fail to do) that cause us to lose a student.
Direct download: Episode_63_-_11_Ways_To_Lose_A_Band_Student_and_11_Ways_To_Keep_Them.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:16am EDT |
Thu, 28 January 2016
A Bass Player and Percussionist are absolutely essential to making a jazz band or combo sound good. You can make almost any combination of instruments work. There are good percussionists almost everywhere, but what do you do if you don't have a bass player?
Direct download: Episode_62_-_What_To_Do_If_You_Dont_Have_A_Bass_Player_in_Jazz_Band.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:28am EDT |
Thu, 21 January 2016
Would you believe me if I told you my work area is clean and clutter free? What if I told you it was easy (it's not)? Putting in some time on the front end to get your work area organized can save you precious time later, giving you more time to devote to what you really love...teaching music.
Direct download: Episode_61_-_Get_Organized_and_Save_TIME.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:55pm EDT |
Wed, 6 January 2016
If you're like me, you have often struggled with eating properly while teaching. About 10 years ago, I weighed 30 pounds more than I do right now. Did the two packages of M&Ms every day have anything to do with it? In this episode, I share tips that helped me maintain my weight, which enables me to be a better band teacher. Also check out the MyFitnessPal app (it's free) and for some healthy recipes, check out www.tasteofdivine.com.
Direct download: Episode_60_-_Proper_Eating_and_Fitness_for_the_Band_Director.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:55am EDT |