Band Hacks

Doug and Jason take a deep dive into developing your Marching Band show!  We try to offer some common sense ways to approach the scary parts of this design/discovery/research process.  If you are a young director or a director that thinks your creativity is lacking when it comes to show ideas, this episode is for you!

Doug and Jason sit down with RCISD's Executive Director of Secondary Schools and Leadership Development, Dr. Sean Walker.  Dr. Walker takes us through his approach to leadership and how it can be managed with students and adults, for the betterment of any organization!  

Doug and Jason have the opportunity to visit with Reagan Brumley, Director of Bands and Fine Arts Coordinator at Lake Highlands High School in Richardson ISD.  Reagan is also the current Vice President of the Texas Bandmasters Association.  This episode looks at the approach Reagan and his staff take with managing audition expectations and results within their band program.  This is a MUST LISTEN episode for all band directors, regardless of teaching location or level!

Doug and Jason look at ways to manage the anxiety and stress that goes with our profession, both in general performance and competitive environments.  Nervous about contest, feel like things are not going great, need a break?  This episode is for you!

Have you ever said..."We will never be that good/big/wealthy/loud/" while comparing yourself to other ensembles(in any classification)?  Doug and Jason take a deep dive into defining success for programs, managing differences in classification and resources, and keeping the focus of our approach where it belongs...on our students!

Doug and Jason welcome RCISD District Director of Percussion as our first guest of Band Hacks!  In this episode we ask Connor to give us some insight into his approach to marching percussion as well as the things we non percussionist band directors need to consider as we travel the season!  Some great pearls of wisdom in this episode!

Doug and Jason discuss all of the challenges and fun we experience in this small period of time leading up to summer band rehearsals!  This should help everyone start the marching season keeping the right things in perspective, while having some laughs at the same time!

Doug and Jason take a close look at what to do in certain bus travel, weather, security and active threat scenarios.  Many topics in this episode, but all are very important in the current scope of our job as music educators.  We do review the Standard Response Protocol to active shooter/active threat scenarios as published by the I Love You Guys foundation.  If you are not familiar with this, please give it a listen!!

Doug and Jason dive deep into the "End of the Year" checklist and discuss at length end of year items to consider!  The other topic gets into addressing issues in show design, communicating with designers, and double checking music/drill before it is time to teach it!  While this is a high school specific episode, still many great concepts to apply at the middle school level!

Doug and Jason get into overnight trips with students, processes, procedures, current issues facing directors (such as unique rooming situations), chaperones and best practices for a smooth and safe trip!  Remember each situation is different and must be handled in the best interest of ALL the students and according to your district's procedures!

Disclaimer:  Remember we are not attorneys and your administration is always the best place to start in determining how to handle specific situations and to make sure students are having a great trip!