#38. Don’t Get Interrupted

#38. Don’t Get Interrupted

by | Jul 25, 2017 | Boonshaft's Blog

“People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.” Let’s vow not to be interrupted, or to be the one interrupting! It is as easy to say, as it is hard to do, but nonetheless so truly important. Peter Loel Boonshaft, Director of...
#37. Silence Is Better Than Golden

#37. Silence Is Better Than Golden

by | Jul 11, 2017 | Boonshaft's Blog

Silent rehearsals may be one of the most remarkably effective rehearsal tools I know. Nothing I know works better to focus an ensemble than posting the order of what will be played on the board, then having the conductor begin without so much as a word. Rehearsing...
#36. Said Versus Did Versus Feel

#36. Said Versus Did Versus Feel

by | Jun 27, 2017 | Boonshaft's Blog

In the words of Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” And that, my friends, is why music education is so important; why you are so important...
#35. Roses

#35. Roses

by | Jun 20, 2017 | Boonshaft's Blog

I guess it’s all in how we look at things. The renowned philosopher Ziggy – you know, the cartoon critter – profoundly counseled, “You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses.” The truth of those words cannot be...
#34. Right Versus Wrong

#34. Right Versus Wrong

by | Jun 13, 2017 | Boonshaft's Blog

Try simply writing this remarkably perfect quote in giant letters on the board before band. Don’t say a word about it. However, just before you start to rehearse, after the band is quiet and focused on you, simply stare at it in silence: “Students practice...