The episode is the FIFTH part of a series titled “The First Days of Choir,” inspired by Harry Wong’s educational text “The First Days of School.” This particular episode, part five, shifts focus from Wong’s general educational strategies to more music-specific elements relevant to vocal and music educators at the start of the school year. Chris shares insights and live clips from their own choir classes, highlighting experiences with different groups, including an intermediate group in their second year, a third-year group, and an advanced chamber choir. The episode also includes a reflective segment where we discuss the challenges and opportunities of starting a new school year, emphasizing the importance of a strong start and offering encouragement to educators.

Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!

Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope

July 2025 Newsletter. The Calm Before the Storm by Chris Munce

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For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and Facebook

Harry K. Wong authored over 130 publications, including the leading book in education on how to start THE First Days of School, a monthly column in an online site for teachers, a CD set, and books on new teacher induction, classroom management, and instruction.  He co-created an eLearning course on classroom management and appeared in the award-winning video series, The Effective Teacher.

His techniques have been adapted by thousands of educators for success in their schools and classrooms.  He was called “Mr. Practicality” for his common sense, research-based, no cost approach to managing a classroom for high-level student success.

His many journal articles were featured in such publications as Educational Leadership, KAPPAN, Principal Leadership, NASSP Bulletin, American School Board Journal, Kappa Delta Pi Record, School Business Affairs, Education Week, and Instructor.

He was credited with transforming schools and turning around the lives of tens of thousands of teachers. 

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