You've made timing number #1, and sound #2. Now what? Take your students to the next level by focusing on the most difficult thing is music - Transitions. Learn how to use mental runs and dedicated rehearsal time to help your ensembles and individual students navigate transitions successfully starting in their beginner year.

Rule #4: Hug Your Monster (AKA Practice Your Weaknesses, Not Your Strengths). The team explains how to implement this for the battery, front ensemble, and for individuals, and discusses how both rules develop and require a high level of patience. 

Stick around to the end for a story about the Phantom Regiment 2008 quad line and a Christopher Deane marimba solo, which you can check out here -https://youtu.be/kz2sIjMfKYs?si=OIKcDKnyBFEIUVrM

Questions? Comments? - Reach out to us at [email protected].

Books:
https://teamislas.com/shop/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas
https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

Socials:
Doug
https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31
https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/

Patricia
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas
https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/

Zach
https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/
https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

What's the right instrumentation, setup, and strategy for YOUR front ensemble? The team covers the pros and cons of front ensemble instrumentation and setup. Tune in to hear some hot takes on drumset in the pit, learn more about the "business in the front, party in the back" set up, and get ready to set your front ensemble up for success. 

Questions? Comments? - Reach out to us at [email protected].

Books:
https://teamislas.com/shop/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas
https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

Socials:
Doug
https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31
https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/

Patricia
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas
https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/

Zach
https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/
https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

Want to free up your time and focus on the things only you can do, all while having your students continue to improve? Tune in to hear the Team discuss how to hire, retain, evaluate, and (if necessary), fire, private lesson teachers. Doug, Patricia, and Zach draw on their experiences and share practical tips about how to successfully implement and run a private lesson program. Whether you've got an army of teachers or are starting from scratch, this episode will help you attain, and maintain the next level for you and your students!

Questions? Comments? - Reach out to us at [email protected].

Books:
https://teamislas.com/shop/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas
https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

Socials:
Doug
https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31
https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/

Patricia
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas
https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/

Zach
https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/
https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

In the land of high school band halls, one question echoes through the ages: Which grip shall rule them all? In this episode, we pit matched against traditional, and Burton against Stevens in a battle for the ages, seeking the one true grip to unite your section. Will chaos continue, or will clarity be finally forged in the fires of rehearsal? Summon your students and join us on this epic quest to unlock the power of the One precious, perfect grip. 

Questions? Comments? - Reach out to us at [email protected].

Books:
https://teamislas.com/shop/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas
https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

Socials:
Doug
https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31
https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/

Patricia
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas
https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/

Zach
https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/
https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

Have you ever experienced keyboard confusion in your beginner classroom? We have, and that’s why we started from the ground up for the mallet mode in Player’s Guide for the Beginning Percussionist. Tune in and hear how the book navigates students through complex concepts in ways that help them build confidence and enjoy playing keyboards from day one. 

Questions? Comments? - Reach out to us at [email protected].

Books:
https://teamislas.com/shop/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas
https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

Socials:
Doug
https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31
https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/

Patricia
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas
https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/

Zach
https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/
https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

Double stops, dynamics, and diddles, oh my! Tune in to hear the team discuss the distinctives of drumming in Player's Guide for the Beginning Percussionist. Learn why the drum portion of the book is laid out the way it is, and how it can help you take your students to the next level. 

Questions? Comments? - Reach out to us at [email protected].

Books:
https://teamislas.com/shop/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas
https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

Socials:
Doug
https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31
https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/

Patricia
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas
https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/

Zach
https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/
https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

"Player's Guide for the Beginning Percussionist" - Why did we write it? What makes it distinct? Who is it for? How can it help your students? Doug, Patricia, and Zach answer these questions and more. Tune in to the first of three episodes about the newest, most affordable beginner percussion book on the market. 

Questions? Comments? - Reach out to us at [email protected].

Books:
https://teamislas.com/shop/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas
https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

Socials:
Doug
https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31
https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/

Patricia
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas
https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/

Zach
https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/
https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

This episode breaks down the top two priorities in any percussion program—timing first, sound second—and why they matter more than anything else (even technique 👀). Doug, Patricia, and Zach share real classroom strategies, stories, and practical rehearsal ideas to help your students play in time and make better sounds. From mental reps and metronome work to teaching sound through modeling and listening, this one’s packed with takeaways you can use today.

Questions? Comments? - Reach out to us at [email protected].

Books:
https://teamislas.com/shop/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas
https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

Socials:
Doug
https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31
https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/

Patricia
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas
https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/

Zach
https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/
https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

Questions? Comments? - Reach out to us at [email protected].

Books:
https://teamislas.com/shop/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas
https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

Socials:
Doug
https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31
https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/

Patricia
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas
https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/

Zach
https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/
https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

We’re back for the second half of our deep dive into drumline auditions. In this episode, we get into more details and discuss setting students up for success once the line is set. Doug, Patricia, and Zach also share some do’s and don’ts they’ve picked up over the years. If you’re planning auditions—or just want to make them smoother—this is a must-listen!

Questions? Comments? - Reach out to us at [email protected].

Books:
https://teamislas.com/shop/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas
https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

Socials:
Doug
https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31
https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/

Patricia
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas
https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/

Zach
https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/
https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/