#292. Mr. Jacobs

#292. Mr. Jacobs

I once met a young man – a college first-year student – who excitedly talked about his goal of someday being a music teacher. I asked him about what led him to that decision. His answer was simple: “Mr. Jacobs, my sixth-grade band director.” He went on to...
#291. One More Rehearsal

#291. One More Rehearsal

If you knew that your next rehearsal would be your last rehearsal, how would it be different? Time is a gift promised to no one. Peter Loel Boonshaft, Director of Education KHS America About the Author Dr. Boonshaft, Director of Education for KHS America, is the...
#290. Familiarity Breeds Ignoring

#290. Familiarity Breeds Ignoring

Choose one thing you regularly do in rehearsal. It could be anything: one phrase you say just before you start conducting, one activity you do in a warm-up, or one gesture you use a lot. Now think about whether it has impact. Anything used once has impact, but used...
#289. Faster Horses?

#289. Faster Horses?

“If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” That wonderful quote is often attributed to Henry Ford. And though there is great debate as to whether he actually said it or not, the sentiment is absolutely fantastic. It...
#288. Habitual Sight

#288. Habitual Sight

Have you noticed yourself looking at the same few students as you teach or conduct? I do, and I find they fall into two categories: those who are always looking back at me, because it feels so wonderful to have that communication with them. Or, those kids that I fear...