Music Educator Back to School “Toolbox”

Welcome to a new school year; another year to share the gift of music.  If this is your first year teaching, congratulations, and thank you for committing yourself to a profession that is so important in the development of the next generation.  We have compiled some items that we hope will help you along this journey.  Please share with any educator that you feel could benefit from them.

Student Motivation and Developing the Band culture 
https://academicalliance.com/student-motivation-and-developing-the-band-culture/

This article will give you tips on how to motivate your students and create the type of culture you want in your program.

A Beginning of the Year Welcome Letter to New Music Parents
https://academicalliance.com/a-beginning-of-year-welcome-letter-to-new-music-parents/

A fantastic letter to give to the parents of your new music students.  This helps give them an idea of the importance of the endeavor, information on what to expect, and tools to help them work with you to give their student the best chance at success.

3 Things Parents Must Tell Their Children When They Begin a Musical Instrument
https://academicalliance.com/3-things-parents-must-tell-their-children-when-they-begin-a-musical-instrument/

More ideas to help parents motivate their children to succeed on their new instrument.  By getting your student’s parents on the same page, retaining interest in their musical instrument becomes less daunting.

Rewatch Past Sessions from our Virtual Education Series
https://academicalliance.com/virtual-education-series/

The KHS America Virtual Education Series is a free virtual professional development series. Rewatch past sessions that include information about Chamber Music, Effective Communication with Administration, Percussion Ensembles, Mariachi Programs, Jazz Bands, and a discussion on Getting Your Program Back to Normal.

Maximize Your Practice Time Using The Rule of 10’s…
https://academicalliance.com/maximize-your-practice-time-using-the-rule-of-10s/

Learn more about how the Rule of 10’s can help students find a pocket of time in their day to practice, focus their practice sessions, and feel a sense of accomplishment.

Building a Bridge of Success to Secondary Music Programs Using the Orff Schulwerk Approach
https://academicalliance.com/building-a-bridge-of-success-to-secondary-music-programs-using-the-orff-schulwerk-approach/

Are you currently meeting with your PLCs? Learn more about how the Orff Schulwerk approach in the elementary setting can help grow your instrumental music programs.

The Jupiter Join The Band! Wind Instrument Try-Out Kit
https://academicalliance.com/band-try-out-kit/

The Wind Instrument Try-Out Kit was designed to help introduce and guide students towards finding the instrument that is the best fit for them. It includes mouthpieces similar to the ones found in a band classroom, but are not intended to replace the actual instrument mouthpieces. They can easily be cleaned in the dishwasher or hot soapy water.

Be a Part of the Music
https://www.bepartofthemusic.org/

A compilation of recruitment materials to aid in attracting more students towards instrumental music.  This program includes informational demo videos of most band and orchestra instruments, & downloadable documents that you can customize for your specific program.

Best of luck in your new school year.  We hope these resources will help make your school year a successful one.