Topics mentioned in this episode:

• Middle School Band Night… why is it important?
• How should I teach syncopation to my non-varsity band?
• What about cut time?
• What are some logistical things I should consider when running a fundraiser?
• What are things I should consider when programming for UIL?
• I'm just trying to get the right notes and rhythms… how important is style?!
• Help! My students are failing their classes… how can I help them with eligibility?

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Alex Ortega

Christina Ortega

Topics mentioned in this episode:

• How should I lesson plan?
• What are some classroom management tips for 5th graders and 6th graders?
• Help! My head band director has taken over my band class… what should I do?
• What should you initially look for when teaching beginner flute students?
• More percussion advice for the non-percussionist… When should I move on to keyboards?
• When should I change pieces with my band, if I'm feeling that it's not going well?
• What approximations can I do before I have my beginners sustain a note for 4 counts?
• What things should I consider with beginner tuba articulation?
• Am I treating my beginner classes equally?
• What are some approximations can I implement before my students play rhythm charts?

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Alex Ortega

Christina Ortega

Topics mentioned in this episode:

• How did we start this mentorship program?
• How can we teach teachers without jumping back into grad school?
• How we can create a community that allows first year band directors to connect more than just two times a year, outside of TBA and TMEA?
• How can we help first year band directors struggle less?
• Would people even want to do something like this?
• How can we manage the mentorship given the overwhelming response?
• How did we select people to be a part of the mentorship program?
• What does the structure of the mentorship program look like?
• What are group collaborations?
• Is peer to peer mentorship effective?
• What do the one-on-ones looks like?
• Why did we start this podcast?
• What are our favorite parts of the mentorship program?
• What is the vision of the podcast?
• What is the vision of the mentorship program?

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Alex Ortega

Christina Ortega

Topics mentioned in this episode:

• Any tips on working with Special Ed/504 students in the band hall?
• How should I start teaching music theory?
• How do I get my students to play louder?
• Help! My students won't learn their fingerings… what should I do?
• What do you hear when you are on the podium?
• How do you prioritize the noise?
• How do I set up the expectations for sectionals?
• How can I get parents involved when classroom management is less than perfect?
• How important is following through with my "threats"?
• I'm still on scrub level… any other tips on teaching beginning percussion for the non-percussionist?
• Am I getting respect from my students?
• My head director won't give me more podium time… what should I do?

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Alex Ortega

Christina Ortega

Topics mentioned in this episode:

• When 7th graders are not buying into you, how can you engage these students?
• A refresher on – What is "Silent Band Hall"?
• What are some tips for teaching beginner percussion as a non-percussionist?
• How important is getting along with your head band director?
• Help! My concert band piece isn't going well… should I ditch it?
• Any tips on building relationships with the students?
• Should I "real talk" with my head band director?
• How do I get my students to read music better?
• Does my band respect me when my head director is out of the room?

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Alex Ortega

Christina Ortega