by Peter Boonshaft | Feb 4, 2020 | Boonshaft's Blog
After the recent passing of remarkable Australian musician, conductor, educator and music education advocate Richard Gill, I got to thinking of how much I enjoyed reading his memoirs, entitled “Give Me Excess Of It” several years ago. This amazing man possessed...
by Peter Boonshaft | Jan 28, 2020 | Boonshaft's Blog
I have often thought that part of being a great teacher is keeping what we do in perspective. I will freely admit I haven’t always been very good at it, but the older I get the more it rings true. Sometimes, it is as simple as remembering the words of John C. Maxwell,...
by Peter Boonshaft | Jan 21, 2020 | Boonshaft's Blog
I often think of the words of Alfred Mercier, “What we learn with pleasure we never forget.” I marvel at how true that statement is! It also reminds me of an experience I had many, many years ago when I had to take the last class for my doctoral degree. It was a...
by Peter Boonshaft | Jan 14, 2020 | Boonshaft's Blog
One of the fastest ways I know to improve and unify the tone quality of a clarinet section is to remember the wisdom found in a very, very, very old saying. Though the wording gives away the fact that it was from a distant time, it is nonetheless as applicable and...
by Peter Boonshaft | Jan 7, 2020 | Boonshaft's Blog
“When one door closes, another opens. Or you can open the closed door. That’s how doors work.” I read this anonymous quote the other day and laughed until my sides hurt. I thought it was hilarious, cute, and adorable. But there was something about it...