When I was a young director, I thought the thirty minutes they gave us to warm up was too long. I just didn't know what to do. Now I fill those thirty minutes quickly and wish I had more. I share my warm up process for festival and for most days in band.

Link to the Breathing Gym Materials

Link to Function Chorales by Stephen Melillo

Have you taught for 30 years or have you taught your first year 30 times? There is a difference! Jane and I discuss the importance of longevity in a band program and how you can stay fresh in a 30 year career.

Have you taught for 30 years or have you taught your first year 30 times? There is a difference! Jane and I discuss the importance of longevity in a band program and how you can stay fresh in a 30 year career.

It's the little things that make the difference. In this podcast I share 11 things we sometimes do (or fail to do) that cause us to lose a student.

We often get the music right, but fail at the relationship. Incorporate these ideas and you will find yourself keeping more of your students.

It's the little things that make the difference. In this podcast I share 11 things we sometimes do (or fail to do) that cause us to lose a student.

We often get the music right, but fail at the relationship. Incorporate these ideas and you will find yourself keeping more of your students. 

A Bass Player and Percussionist are absolutely essential to making a jazz band or combo sound good. You can make almost any combination of instruments work. There are good percussionists almost everywhere, but what do you do if you don't have a bass player?

In this podcast I share several strategies for obtaining a decent bass player.

A Bass Player and Percussionist are absolutely essential to making a jazz band or combo sound good. You can make almost any combination of instruments work. There are good percussionists almost everywhere, but what do you do if you don't have a bass player?

In this podcast I share several strategies for obtaining a decent bass player.

Would you believe me if I told you my work area is clean and clutter free? What if I told you it was easy (it's not)?

Putting in some time on the front end to get your work area organized can save you precious time later, giving you more time to devote to what you really love...teaching music.

Would you believe me if I told you my work area is clean and clutter free? What if I told you it was easy (it's not)?

Putting in some time on the front end to get your work area organized can save you precious time later, giving you more time to devote to what you really love...teaching music.

If you're like me, you have often struggled with eating properly while teaching.

About 10 years ago, I weighed 30 pounds more than I do right now. Did the two packages of M&Ms every day have anything to do with it?

In this episode, I share tips that helped me maintain my weight, which enables me to be a better band teacher. Also check out the MyFitnessPal app (it's free) and for some healthy recipes, check out www.tasteofdivine.com.