AS 508 : Work/Life Boundaries

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In this episode we re-readdress the need for an off switch within not only the band profession but within education as a whole. Teaching in the COVID era has magnified the problems of public education as well a brought a new onslaught of issues to navigate.

THAT DOES NOT GIVE US PERMISSION TO BECOME MARTYRS FOR THE JOB.

Darcy, Jenna, and TJ discuss their concerns for teachers in general, not just band directors.

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AS 506 : The Episode with a Decent Message but the Worst Audio in America

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No seriously… There might be some good information in this episode, but this is the last time we do a dad gum episode over Zoom. You are going to feel like you are IN Jenna’s mouth or at the very least sitting on her upper lip. TJ’s is audio okay, and Darcy’s microphone (despite being on with levels checked ahead of time) RECORDED NOTHING! Zero things. I Levelated the crud out of this episode to make it palatable (not enjoyable, just lightly tolerable), but it is comically bad. In fact, the only reason I bothered to post it is because it is SO bad it made me giggle a little after I stopped cussing, and I have cussed enough for several weeks in the span of about an hour.

Also, second forewarning of the episode: I was so ticked I didn’t even both to edit it. Seriously. Curious what a completely unedited recording sounds like? Well, you’ll only hear 72% of it, but there is way too much that should have been on the cutting room floor, TJ’s potty mouth, and Jenna’s kids drawing actual blood… for real.

Sorry folks.

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AS 415 : Enneagram Revisited

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In this episode we revisit the popular enneagram personality test.

In this conversation we reference the test you can find at https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test. We opted for the paid results option, which I would recommend for anyone taking the test for the first time. You can find other enneagram information at https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/.

Spoiler: Darcy 3w4, Jenna 3w2, TJ 7w8

This episode sponsored by Kaleidoscope Adventures.

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AS 407 : Private Lessons

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In this episode we talk about the structure of our private lessons program, how to sell lessons to your community, priorities within the lessons, hiring lesson teachers, etc.

Note: While not all band programs are fortunate enough to have a private lessons program, this episode still covers topics like how to build a culture of WANTING lessons within your community and approaching the money talk with your parents.

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AS 214 : Beginner Fundamentals Timeline

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In this episode we talk about what beginner fundamentals we are focusing on this semester and planning when to approach them with each of our classes.

Fundamentals to be addressed:

  • scales
  • dynamics
  • staccato
  • legato
  • vibrato
  • tuning
  • trombone slurs
  • Remingtons
  • enharmonics
  • new rule (stagger breathing)
  • range extension
  • recognizing keys
  • 2 count breaths
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AS 132 – Instrument Placement

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By popular request, we talk about how we design our beginner instrument placement. In this episode we cover:

  • selling our program
  • parent contact
  • physical set up
  • our process
  • assigning instruments
  • creating a balanced beginner program

Below are the files we discuss in the episode.

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This is our very official flier that we deliver to all of our feeding elementary campuses.
This is our very official flier that we deliver to all of our feeding elementary campuses.

 

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This is the instrument placement form that we used this year.

 

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Here is a sample of the Google Sheets shared file that Jenna and Darcy use as they check students out at the end of instrument placement. Because the file updates dynamically, both of them can see as the instrument slots fill up and so both can see where they need to steer students to keep balanced numbers.

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AS 130 : Overly Committed

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In this episode we talk about kids that are too involved to be in band… or stay in band.

If you enjoy our podcast, take 2 seconds to share it with a friend or 15 seconds to review us on iTunes… Okay maybe a solid minute for the review. Your word of mouth helps band directors like you find our voice with which to commiserate, learn, and just relax.

Thank you for sharing your car, band hall, and earbuds with us. #trypod

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AS 124 : Success Through Accountability

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This episode is a recording of our TMEA 2017 clinic entitled Success Through Accountability. We talk about specific methods we use to approach accountability with our own kids and how individual skill leads to program success. You can find the YouTube video from the actual presentation below.

Beginning Band Band Entry Checklist

SB Entry Checklist

Rance

7th Practice Sheet

steps sign

Rubric

Practice Guide

planner

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