by Peter Boonshaft | Apr 22, 2025 | Boonshaft's Blog
Though I doubt we could ever agree on the hardest aspects of being a teacher, I think overcoming a student’s feeling that a goal is impossible, simply because they haven’t achieved it yet, must number high on that list. On those occasions, a healthy dose of our making...
by Peter Boonshaft | Apr 1, 2025 | Boonshaft's Blog
I am often asked by teachers for recommendations of books to read. And though that list is very long, one of my favorites is a book by Ronald Gross entitled, “Socrates’ Way.” I heartily suggest reading, savoring, and pondering the countless messages of wisdom this...
by Peter Boonshaft | Mar 25, 2025 | Boonshaft's Blog
Before school, write these words on the board. Just as you start a class or rehearsal, walk over to the board, tap on it, and point to the words. Then, just look at them and nod knowingly. I wouldn’t say a word, though this quote would surely be a great springboard...
by Peter Boonshaft | Mar 18, 2025 | Boonshaft's Blog
Getting an ensemble to phrase where we tell them to is pretty simple. But getting them to really understand the concept of phrasing can be challenging. For them to truly make that concept their own, they need to understand the why of phrasing as much as the where and...
by Peter Boonshaft | Mar 11, 2025 | Boonshaft's Blog
I once heard my dear friend and renowned string educator, Bob Phillips, say five words that left me speechless with their simple, yet absolutely undeniable power. He said, “What you permit you promote.” Whether it is a behavior, technique, attitude, or anything else,...