The First Six Notes with Classroom Composers

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Once students receive their instruments, it can be tempting to start playing immediately. However, taking time to teach instrument care, assembly, posture, breathing, and first sounds can prevent problems later.

In Part 3, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss how they distribute instruments, establish safe setup routines, teach mouthpiece and headjoint assembly, and help students produce their first sounds.

In This Episode

• Checking out and labeling instruments
• Teaching safe case and assembly procedures
• Establishing posture and breathing routines
• Preparing mouthpieces, reeds, and headjoints
• Assessing students’ first sounds
• Using mouthpiece work to troubleshoot problems
• Introducing articulation and pitch before reading music

Chapters

00:40 Checking out and renting instruments
02:00 Teaching instrument responsibility
02:30 Distributing and labeling instruments
06:00 Posture and breathing exercises
08:00 Opening instrument cases correctly
10:30 Identifying instrument parts
12:00 Building efficient setup routines
13:30 Attaching reeds correctly
16:00 Preparing mouthpieces and headjoints
17:30 Producing the first sounds
19:00 Assessing students individually
21:00 Starting class with mouthpiece work
22:00 Troubleshooting sound-production problems
23:00 Introducing articulation and pitch

Connect with Classroom Composers

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Website
https://classroomcomposers.com

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YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers

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Choosing instruments is one of the most exciting parts of beginning band, but student preference is only one part of the process.

In Part 2, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss how they introduce the concert band instruments, test students on mouthpieces and headjoints, evaluate percussion coordination, and balance student interest with physical fit, available equipment, and ensemble needs.

In This Episode

• Introducing students to every instrument
• Using short videos, guided notes, and demonstrations
• Testing woodwind and brass sound production
• Evaluating percussion coordination
• Managing instrument testing with a large class
• Balancing student preference with ensemble instrumentation
• Helping students succeed on their assigned instrument

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Part 1 recap
02:00 Introducing the instruments
04:00 Videos, guided notes, and demonstrations
07:30 Building balanced instrumentation
09:00 Handling high-demand instruments
11:00 Setting expectations for percussion
12:45 Preparing for instrument testing
15:30 Flute and woodwind testing
18:00 Brass testing and physical considerations
20:00 Selecting percussionists
21:30 Percussion coordination exercises
25:30 Assigning instruments

Connect with Classroom Composers

Teachers Pay Teachers
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers

Website
https://classroomcomposers.com

Join our email community
https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers

Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

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The first month of beginning band can shape the rest of the school year. Before students focus on making music, they need clear expectations for entering the room, handling equipment, following directions, and participating in an ensemble.

In Part 1, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss the rules, routines, and behavior systems that help create a calm and productive beginning band classroom.

In This Episode

• Creating clear classroom rules and procedures
• Teaching an effective entry routine
• Setting expectations for instruments, music, and phones
• Handling consequences calmly and privately
• Avoiding vague policies and classroom arguments

Chapters

00:00 Why the first 30 days matter
01:15 Handbooks and written expectations
03:15 Revising unclear policies
06:00 Creating an entry routine
08:00 Rules versus procedures
10:00 Teaching students how an ensemble works
13:15 Instrument and equipment procedures
18:00 Consequences and accountability
23:45 Why procedures should not be rushed

Connect with Classroom Composers

Teachers Pay Teachers
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers

Website
https://classroomcomposers.com

Join our email community
https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers

Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

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After nearly three years away, The First Six Notes Podcast is back!

Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank catch listeners up on their career changes, what they learned during the break, and why now feels like the right time to relaunch the show. Kevin discusses his move from middle school to high school and his upcoming return to middle school, while Jessica reflects on working in administration.

In This Episode:

• Why the podcast went on pause
• Kevin and Jessica’s career changes
• Kevin’s transition into high school and marching band
• Jessica’s experience in administration
• Building stronger elementary, middle, and high school music pathways
• Why they decided to bring the podcast back
• What listeners can expect next

Chapters

00:00 - The podcast is back
00:45 - Where we left off
01:25 - Teaching together in Oceanside
10:30 - Jessica’s experience in administration
14:30 - Kevin’s move to high school
18:00 - Returning to middle school
23:30 - Why now is the right time to return
24:45 - What’s next

Connect with Classroom Composers

Teachers Pay Teachers
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers

Website
https://classroomcomposers.com

Email Community
https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers

Subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with another music educator.

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Are you feeling overwhelmed thinking of all you have to do to get ready for the start of another school year? No need to stress! We've got you covered with all the tips and tricks you need to start off your music classes on the right note!

We are sharing everything you need to know about what to do during teacher prep week and in the first few weeks of the school year. From recruitment strategies to setting up classrooms and instrument distribution, we’re covering it all. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable tips to help you navigate back to school season with confidence.

Be sure to join us inside our Facebook Group and share what your favorite back to school tips are!

Show notes: www.classroomcomposers.com/first-weeks-of-school/

Website: www.classroomcomposers.com

TpT Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers

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How can you successfully teach beginning strings when your background is in band? Teaching beginning strings requires a unique set of skills and knowledge. If you’re a band teacher teaching beginning strings, tune in as we dive into the world of teaching beginning strings.

In this episode, we are breaking down the pros of teaching beginning strings, the 7 prerequisite skills you should have before teaching beginning strings, tips we’ve learned along the way, and what a typical rehearsal for middle school strings looks like.

If you have questions about teaching beginning strings, be sure to join us inside our Facebook Group! We’ll be happy to help!

Show notes: www.classroomcomposers.com/teaching-strings/

Website: www.classroomcomposers.com

TpT Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers

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Are you using warm-ups and drills as a way to prepare your students to play sheet music? If not, you may be missing out on an incredible opportunity to help your students be more successful in band!

Join us as we dive into the importance of utilizing warm-ups and drills to effectively teach and practice new concepts and skills. Hear how we use backwards planning to craft our warm-ups and how warm-ups can be strategically used to teach important concepts needed to successfully play sheet music!

If you want to chat more about using warm-ups effectively, join us inside our Facebook Group and let us know what is working for you!

Show notes: www.classroomcomposers.com/daily-warm-ups/

Website: www.classroomcomposers.com

TpT Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers

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All over, teachers are seeing challenging behaviors that we have not seen previously. We know that in order to best serve our students and run a successful band program we need to reflect on what is working and what is not working and adapt as needed.

In this episode, we are diving into the 7 main issues we saw this past school year, what our updated rules and expectations will be going forward, and how we are presenting them to students and parents to ensure there is no misunderstanding about expectations and consequences. This may be a controversial topic but it is one we feel is important to discuss so we can all continue to improve our programs.

Show notes: www.classroomcomposers.com/taking-what-didnt-work-this-year/ 

Website: www.classroomcomposers.com

TpT Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers

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We’ve all gotten frustrated with method books or curriculums that move too quickly or aren’t easily understood by students. We knew there was a gap between what options were out there for beginning bands and what beginning band students and their teachers actually needed.

In this episode, we are diving into how the Quarter Note Companion helps set beginning band students up for success. We are sharing the research the curriculum is founded in, a look inside the 5 components of the curriculum, and how you can use this curriculum with beginning bands or middle school bands.

Show notes: www.classroomcomposers.com/quarter-note-companion/

Website: www.classroomcomposers.com

TpT Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers

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Teaching beginning band can be overwhelming and challenging! We have found that having three key pillars in place has been incredibly beneficial to running our beginning band classes. Establishing these overarching pillars have helped us to build our beginning band program that is successful and enjoyable for us and our students.

In this episode, we are sharing the importance of planning backwards based on our big goals, how we build and maintain a great classroom culture, the importance of clear rules and consequences, and the six things we include in our beginning band curriculum.

Show notes: www.classroomcomposers.com/beginning-band-year-at-a-glance/

Website: www.classroomcomposers.com

TpT Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers