Boonshaft’s Blog
#256. “Every day…”
On Tuesday, December 16, 2014, a contestant by the name of Alysha Rooks on the TV game show Jeopardy offered words that are at once stunningly true and remarkably empowering....
#255. “The Thing That Happens…”
For many of us, we recently started a new school year. A new start full of promise. It represents a clean slate for us to write a new story. It is a time of renewal, reflection,...
#254. Spock Understood
The renowned actor Leonard Nimoy is best known for playing the Star Trek character Spock on television and in movies. The thoughtful, half-human, half-Vulcan Science Officer...
#253. A Joy To Read
I was recently asked to rattle off a list of some of my favorite books about education. Toward the top of my list, I mentioned “Teacher & Child” by Dr. Haim G. Ginott...
#252. How Many Times?
Some years ago, while attending a holiday party, I had a conversation with a gentleman who worked in advertising. It was fascinating. The most interesting thing to me was hearing...
#251. Confirmation Bias
One of my greatest worries when rehearsing an ensemble is whether I am hearing reality, or hearing what I want to hear. It is an extremely common problem we should all guard...
#250. It’s An Attitude
Try walking into your classroom or rehearsal hall, and without saying a word to your students, write the following quote on the board. Then just stare at it for a moment as you...
#249. Grab Your Paintbrush
On the list of extraordinarily important technical things we must teach our students to do and understand has to be holding long durations for their full length. Hearing whole...
#248. Listen
In the past, I have written about the necessity of us making the use of the word “listen” actionable. Simply instructing a group to “listen” is of little help. Telling them what...