by Tiffany English | Apr 29, 2025 | Motivating Students
The Lifelong Journey of Musical Growth As music educators, we shape the next generation of musicians, creative thinkers, and appreciative listeners. Yet to truly excel in this vital role, we must first acknowledge a fundamental truth: our own musical and pedagogical...
by Ramon Rivera | Oct 15, 2024 | Building Support / Advocacy, Mariachi Resources, Motivating Students, Recruitment and Retention
Adding Mariachi classes to your school music program can be a game-changer in various ways. Aside from increasing your enrollment numbers, it is a great way to open pathways for students who would not have considered participating in a music program or other...
by Joseph Hermann | Apr 17, 2024 | Bandroom Tips, Motivating Students
As most of us understand, we have few behavior problems in our classes with bands. The students are, by in large, among the best students in our schools. They are involved in a quality activity, and each of them wants to be a part of an interesting and valuable...
by Lance LaDuke | Nov 8, 2023 | Motivating Students
INTRODUCTION Steve Martin once said, “I’d do anything to get into shape – except to exercise and eat right.” He hit the nail on the head. The gap between what we “should do” and what we “do do” (insert joke here) is where we need to focus our efforts. For...
by Academic Alliance | May 18, 2023 | Building Support / Advocacy, Motivating Students, Student Stories
Five years ago, Jupiter filmed a commercial with an enthusiastic group of middle school band students. As they neared completion of their senior year in high school, we visited with many of these same students to ask them why band has been important to them. “Fast...
by Greg Snyder | Mar 2, 2023 | Motivating Students
Motivating students to greatness—or even “goodness” on their instruments—has always been a challenge for band directors everywhere. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, that challenge has increased—from rural Montana to urban New York City, the struggle is real. The most...