by Peter Boonshaft | Mar 28, 2018 | Boonshaft's Blog
The next time you start to chide the students in your band about posture for the umpteenth time, don’t do it. Instead, ask them to sit with terrible posture. Then take a photo of the entire group. This may need to wait until you are in an auditorium or gym or large...
by Peter Boonshaft | Mar 21, 2018 | Boonshaft's Blog
The next time you are about to read a new piece with your band, especially if it is during the first few rehearsals of the school year, record them. That’s right! Then hold on to that gem. Sit on it. Wait. Wait some more. Keep waiting. And then, after great progress...
by Peter Boonshaft | Mar 6, 2018 | Boonshaft's Blog
During your next rehearsal, while working on a chorale, ballad or lyrical passage in a piece, ask your brass players to buzz their parts on their mouthpieces while the rest of the band performs normally. I actually prefer having only one section at a time buzz rather...
by Peter Boonshaft | Feb 28, 2018 | Boonshaft's Blog
When correcting a student in rehearsals, I always worry about whether I make it clear enough that I am speaking about the actions or behavior of that student, not criticizing the person. I hope they understand I am unhappy with what was done, not unhappy with them as...
by Peter Boonshaft | Feb 21, 2018 | Boonshaft's Blog
Do you ever get frustrated with the progress of your ensemble? Me too. But no matter the cause of our frustration, no matter the hurdles we must jump, no matter the tiny steps we might have to have our students take, no matter the repetitions needed, no...