by Peter Boonshaft | May 16, 2023 | Boonshaft's Blog
What’s at the heart of being a teacher? I could write for hours and not even begin to scratch the surface. But one of my favorite quotes certainly captures one aspect of it perfectly: “You don’t get points for predicting rain. You get points for...
by Peter Boonshaft | May 9, 2023 | Boonshaft's Blog
As you start your next ensemble rehearsal, simply write the following words on the board without saying a word: “It marks a big step in your development when you come to realize that other people can help you do a better job than you could do it alone.”...
by Peter Boonshaft | May 2, 2023 | Boonshaft's Blog
In the 1970s, then UCLA Professor Albert Mehrabian postulated a theory he called “The 7-38-55 Rule.” According to Professor Mehrabian, just 7% of a message is communicated through our words. Our tone of voice contributes 38%, and our body language...
by Peter Boonshaft | Apr 25, 2023 | Boonshaft's Blog
Those of you who know me know that for all of my efforts to be an optimist, I am a card-carrying pessimist at heart. I hate it, but it’s true. However, I’ve gotten much better as I age. How? By simply remembering an amazing anonymous phrase: “People...
by Peter Boonshaft | Apr 18, 2023 | Boonshaft's Blog
Many years ago, the legendary W. Francis McBeth wrote an article entitled, “It’s A Hard Life” that sticks (pun intended, as you’ll see!) with me every time I rehearse an ensemble. The essence of this article was his opinion that all too often...
by Peter Boonshaft | Apr 4, 2023 | Boonshaft's Blog
This past summer, I had the wonderful privilege of serving as a clinician for a wind conducting symposium with my dear friend, Dr. Robert Halseth. Bob’s extraordinary abilities as a conductor and teacher are only matched by his kindness, sincerity, and spirit....