Marcus tried the tuba like his director suggested and Charlotte is enjoying the low notes after she struggled to play higher notes on trumpet. Both are considering band next year, but often get in trouble for talking, and really, what’s the point since band is boring….for tuba players! Why does this happen? Let’s investigate the ... Read More about Developing Tuba Musicians – not just Tuba Players!

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Embarking on a path to a successful year in your middle school band program involves laying a solid foundation. The upcoming months offer potential for musical growth, teamwork, and personal achievement. Implementing key strategies, from building connections to setting goals, fosters an environment of open communication and skill development. This approach not only harnesses music’s ... Read More about Setting the Stage for a Successful Year: Middle School Edition

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As Directors, we cannot assume that the students understand what being in tune really is in the ensemble. In a band rehearsal, maintaining pitch accuracy is essential for producing a cohesive and productive rehearsal. Too many times directors get into the rut of taking on the intonation responsibilities of every student in the room. This ... Read More about Tuning – It’s Not Just the Director’s Responsibility

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What if you could set classroom expectations in such a way that it created a class FULL of students that are enjoyable to work with, where they could run their own class, and get along without so much effort on your part? What if you could make it where you don’t dread seeing the students ... Read More about Building Structure Into Your Classroom: Creating a Learning Environment That You Look Forward to Everyday

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The plight of band directors often includes long days, longer weekends, and an overall environment that’s not conducive to healthy eating. With the start of a new school year just around the corner, this could be a great time to focus on better eating habits, one of which includes choosing healthier snacks. When the day ... Read More about Healthier Snacks for Busy Band Directors

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Dance of the Shadows by Adrian Sims is a Grade 2 work for band. It was commissioned in 2023 for Band Directors Talk Shop as a gift to the band director community. It is being distributed for FREE for a limited time! About DAnce of the Shadows Set deep within a magical forest, this short ... Read More about Dance of the Shadows by Adrian Sims (Grade 2 Work for Band)

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Here at Green Light Group Tours we’ve seen bands with 300 members get only 45 people to sign up for their end of the year trip. Conversely, we’ve seen bands with 30 members somehow get 80 passengers to sign up. Weird, right?  At first we were stumped by these wide-ranging amounts of interest from band-to-band ... Read More about How To Get Students Interested In Your End Of The Year Trip

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Watch all Livestreams On the Band Directors Talk Shop YouTube Channel. Monday, July 10 9:30-12:00 –  A Few Things About Band  (Dr. Gary Garner) 4:30 – Beginning to Band – Do You Hear What I Hear (Michael Roberts) Tuesday, July 11 11:00 – Teaching Flute  (Dr. Gary Garner) 1:30 – Teaching Clarinet (Kristen Boulet) 2:30 – ... Read More about Band Directors Workshop Handouts (WTAMU University Livestream)

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In our recent survey, we asked Band Directors Talk Shop readers, “What is the most meaningful piece of “Band Director Advice” you have been given?” With hundreds of responses to the survey, we came up with this categorized list of some of your answers. Thanks so much to all of our readers who took time to fill out ... Read More about What Is The Most Meaningful Piece of “Band Director Advice” You Have Been Given?

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Summer break is YOUR time to relax, reflect and recharge. As a band director, are you really ever able to turn off thinking about or planning for your program? Probably not; however, summer break is a great time for self-care, looking back and being inspired. Many directors spend the summer break working non-stop to prepare ... Read More about Whew! What a year! Summer Break is Here! Relax, Reflect & Recharge

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Be sure to read Part 1 & Part 2 first! The “Process”  Most sight-reading events offer a study period before reading a brand-new piece. The amount of time given depends on the grade level and difficulty of the music. What you are allowed to do with your students can also vary. Again, you must understand ... Read More about Taking the Fear out of the Mystery: An Approach to Sight-Reading at Music Performance Assessment Part 3

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In part 1 of this series, we discussed some of the most important aspects of sight-reading. Namely, quality of sound and playing with musical intent. We also covered how to prepare your band or orchestra during the 1st semester by focusing on rhythmic skill development using the “Rhythm, Keys, and Time” series. In Part 2, ... Read More about Taking the Fear out of the Mystery Part 2: An Approach to Sight-Reading at Music Performance Assessment

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Be sure to check out Part 2 & Part 3 of this sight-reading series! I am always fearful when I am underprepared and don’t know what to expect. Knowing what was coming up and then preparing for it was the best way to gain confidence in my performance. This is especially true regarding sight-reading at our ... Read More about Taking the Fear out of the Mystery – An Approach to Sight-Reading at Music Performance Assessment Part 1

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What is your favorite time-saving or organizational strategy?– Readers’ Collaborative Post  In our recent survey, we asked Band Directors Talk Shop readers, “What is your favorite time-saving or organizational strategy?” This categorized list of your answers. Thanks so much to all of our readers who took time to fill out the survey. Keep an eye out for more Readers’ ... Read More about What Is Your Favorite Time-Saving or Organizational Strategy?

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Have you ever had a student lie on a practice record? Would you like to see your students become more independent in their at home practice? It’s safe to assume the answer to both questions is a resounding “YES!” and that’s where the Big IDEA comes in. IDEA is an acronym designed to help teach ... Read More about Practicing with Purpose – What’s the Big IDEA?

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In recent years, I have really thought about what success is for the students in my band program. I have thought about the exemplary bands in Texas and the successful directors that led those programs. I have also thought about how everyone’s situation is unique and that there must be a better measurement of success. In ... Read More about Teaching the Individual Student in a Classroom Setting

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It’s no surprise to any band director that when asked to express preference for a beginning instrument, young band students are not typically drawn to the bassoon. Bassoon is a rare, challenging instrument, and students may not know anybody who plays it. At the same time, double reed instruments can be intimidating to band directors.  ... Read More about Bassooner the Better: Tips for Starting Beginner Bassoonists

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Merriam-Webster defines fluent as capable of moving with ease and grace, effortlessly smooth and flowing, and having or showing mastery of a subject or skill. Musicians require fluency to perform with ease, and mastery of fundamentals builds fluency. Fluency leads to freedom. Consider this: What should a flute player know how to do, when should ... Read More about From Fundamentals to Fluency: Flute Teaching for Non-Flutist Band Directors

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What is your best advice for concert and contest day preparation? – Readers’ Collaborative Post  In our recent survey, we asked Band Directors Talk Shop readers, “What is your best advice for concert or contest day preparation?” With hundreds of responses to the survey, we came up with this categorized list of your answers. Thanks so much to all ... Read More about What Is Your Best Advice for Concert or Contest Day Preparation?

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Music festivals – they can be your worst nightmare, or your absolute best friend. In my thirty-five year teaching career, I found festivals were some of the very best moments in shaping both the musical development of my students as well as my own personal growth as an educator. Many festivals are sponsored by their ... Read More about Let Festivals Become Your Program’s BFF

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