Cedar Park takes Silver at BOA Austin
This past weekend was an exciting one for the marching band community, and I’m thrilled to share that several ensembles I’ve had the privilege of working with achieved outstanding results. From powerful performances on the field to well-earned recognition from...
8 Works Selected as JWPepper Editor’s Choice!
We are excited to announce these 8 outstanding works for concert band and string orchestra, chosen recently as JWPepper Editor's Choice! Discover these exceptional compositions and elevate your ensemble's performance to new heights! We Belong Exciting, expressive, and...
Marching Band Shows: One Key to Perfect Ensemble Timing
Check out the second portion of my chat with John Denis, Assistant Professor of Music Education at Texas State University, as we continue our chat about some of the simple concepts your band can implement next year to take it to the next level! If you missed the first...
6 Rehearsal Strategies That Transform Your Marching Band Shows
Introduction Whether you're a seasoned band director or a novice, these strategic tips are designed to enhance your performances and make your marching band rehearsals more efficient. We'll explore everything from leveraging click tracks for accurate tempo changes,...
The Fastest Way to Make Your Band Sound Better
It's that time of year. Your first football game is behind you. Your first contest is around the corner. You can perform a good two thirds of your show without anyone running into each other. Things are on track! There's just one problem. Now things have...
Let your students take risks!
I had the pleasure to chat with John Denis, Assistant Professor of Music Education at Texas State University. He has a real passion for helping young teachers be successful, and as such, not only does he mentor some of the brightest young students entering the teaching profession, but has taken to the podcasting community to reach a wider audience!
“Program Notes: The Beginning Band Director Podcast” isn’t just for directors of the beginning band (6th Grade), nor is it for purely new to the profession teachers. His podcast site is chock-full of awesome information and thoughtful interviews on a variety of subjects that might be the very thing you need to climb over whatever teaching “wall” is currently in front of you!
In Part 1 of this multi-part podcast, we cover a few topics, including the basics of how to learn drill, and creating an environment where your students are willing to take risks for the sake of their own improvement, among other side-topics and “rabbit trails”. I had a great time chatting with John, and I hope you’ll have a good time listening in!
7 Strategies to Upgrade Your Marching Band’s Performance
Introduction When it comes to marching band shows, there are several basic concepts that every band program should focus on. In this blog post, we will explore these fundamental concepts and how they contribute to the overall success of a marching band performance. So...
Breathe Like a Pro: Mastering Stagger-Breathing in Marching Bands!
The simple truth is this: your band will not sound good if they don’t make a conscious effort to maintain a body full of air! In marching band, as directors, we must constantly monitor and be aware of this fact, and provide strategies for students to keep their bodies...
Lessons from Angela Duckworth on Marching Band and Grit
Introduction In music education, especially within the dynamic arena of marching band, the concepts of passion, perseverance, and grit intertwine to shape the experiences of students as they strive for musical excellence. Drawing parallels from Angela Duckworth's...
The Transformative Impact of Music Education in Schools
In today's swiftly changing educational landscape, the significance of music education in schools cannot be emphasized enough. It profoundly impacts students, fostering their cognitive development, emotional growth, and overall academic success. This extensive article...
An Olympian’s Playbook for Marching Band Success!
Chasing a big dream, whether it’s becoming an Olympian or leading a successful marching band season, can be grueling. One invaluable lesson comes from filmmaker and runner Alexi Pappas, who shared crucial wisdom she learned from her coach: the Rule of Thirds. This...
A Message to New Band Parents: Why Marching Band Shows Matter More Than You Might Think
As a former high school band director and now a full-time music arranger and composer, I’ve spent most of my career immersed in the world of marching band shows. I’ve written them, taught them, rehearsed them, and lived through the emotional arcs of hundreds of...