I was transplanted into teaching from a performing career. I didn't know anybody, but I quickly found my homies who could give me advice and encouragement when needed.

It's important to find someone you can call - on the phone - or have coffee with. Social media friends don't count. Oh, there are times when that can help, but there are times you just need to cry with someone.

The greatest mentor I ever had was Hosea Haynes. He was a member of the American School Band Director's Association, an organization I'm proud to be a part of now.

If you don't have some great people you can call, it just might be your own fault.

Has the show benefited you? Would you consider a one time donation of any amount through Paypal (jamesthedivine@gmail.com)?

Check out Music, Instruments and Science which includes 8+ lessons that are great for use on sub or distance learning days.

Why don’t they teach that in school?! Check out Adulting 101.

Need a speaker for your event? Need leadership training for your students? I’d love to talk.

Have a question for the podcast? jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. 

Multitude of links and resources here

For years I have listened to interviews where people grew up in an award winning program, decided to be a teacher, went back to the award winning program to do their student teaching, found out the director was retiring and wanted them to step into the award winning program, and it continues to be an award winning program.

That is wonderful! But it hasn't been my story. I have had to basically build each program from scratch. Don't be afraid of doing that yourself!

Has the show benefited you? Would you consider a one time donation of any amount through Paypal (jamesthedivine@gmail.com)?

Check out Music, Instruments and Science which includes 8+ lessons that are great for use on sub or distance learning days.

Why don’t they teach that in school?! Check out Adulting 101.

Need a speaker for your event? Need leadership training for your students? I’d love to talk.

Have a question for the podcast? jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. 

Multitude of links and resources here

With 23 years of teaching and ten as a professional musician, I have learned a lot over the years - much of it the hard way.

Not every technique works for every band every single time, but in this episode I share dozens of quick tips that have worked for me and others. Tips to improve tone and tuning, tips to improve balance and technique - and more.

Has the show benefited you? Would you consider a one time donation of any amount through Paypal (jamesthedivine@gmail.com)?

Check out Music, Instruments and Science which includes 8+ lessons that are great for use on sub or distance learning days.

Why don’t they teach that in school?! Check out Adulting 101.

Need a speaker for your event? Need leadership training for your students? I’d love to talk.

Have a question for the podcast? jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. 

Multitude of links and resources here