Boonshaft’s Blog
#283. Education
B. F. Skinner stated, “Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten.” And that, my friends, really frames what we do, and more importantly, why we do...
#282. Where, But Not What
Though I know your teaching day is long and exhausting, with a seemingly endless list of tasks and responsibilities, I ask that you take a few minutes to find a quiet place....
#281. One Thing
The other day, I saw a sign that asked, “What’s something you’ve been meaning to try but just haven’t gotten around to?” And it got me thinking and asking myself...
#280. Impossible
Though I doubt we could ever agree on the hardest aspects of being a teacher, I think overcoming a student’s feeling that a goal is impossible, simply because they haven’t...
#279. Everything
Every once in a while, you come across words that need no clarification, can’t be improved upon, and are just perfect in their power, simplicity, and truth. These words of Johann...
#278. “Socrates’ Way”
I am often asked by teachers for recommendations of books to read. And though that list is very long, one of my favorites is a book by Ronald Gross entitled, “Socrates’ Way.” I...
#277. Today
Before school, write these words on the board. Just as you start a class or rehearsal, walk over to the board, tap on it, and point to the words. Then, just look at them and nod...
#276. What A Difference A Comma Can Make
Getting an ensemble to phrase where we tell them to is pretty simple. But getting them to really understand the concept of phrasing can be challenging. For them to truly make...
#275. What You Allow You Accept
I once heard my dear friend and renowned string educator, Bob Phillips, say five words that left me speechless with their simple, yet absolutely undeniable power. He said, “What...