In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat chats with Cori Smith, a rising star in the music education field. Cori teaches at Curtis Junior High School and is deeply involved in various musical ensembles around the Puget Sound area. She shares three practical tips that have enhanced her rehearsals and teaching approach.

1. Evaluate Without Judgment: Cori draws inspiration from the inner game of tennis, emphasizing the importance of evaluating without judgment. Just as she analyzes her tennis game without negative self-talk, Cori applies the same principle to her teaching. Instead of criticizing herself or students for mistakes, she focuses on specific improvement areas. This approach cultivates a positive and growth-oriented rehearsal environment.
2. Wooden-Style Coaching: Cori borrows from the coaching style of John Wooden, the renowned basketball coach. She adopts his concise and specific feedback approach: "Try, analyze, try again, analyze." Cori applies this method to her teaching, using memorable one-liners to efficiently guide students' musical growth. These succinct instructions help build a culture of constant improvement.
3. Sticky Note Mantra: Inspired by her love for tennis, Cori employs a "sticky note mantra" technique. She places a sticky note with the phrase "The music is here" on her music stand or computer during rehearsals. This mantra reminds her to stay present, focused, and fully engaged with her students. It serves as a visual cue to keep her attention on the music and students, enhancing the overall quality of the rehearsal.

Cori's insights reflect her dedication to creating a positive and effective learning environment. By applying principles from tennis coaching, self-awareness techniques, and simple visual reminders, she shapes rehearsals that foster growth, mindfulness, and musical excellence.