Many Orchestra teachers throughout the country are now teaching additional classes such as guitar and piano. This creates a challenge when you don't play guitar. Where do I start? What kind of guitar should I buy?  What does a beginning guitar class look like? What kind of curriculum should I use? Join me in this journey as I will be teaching guitar for this upcoming school year. My guest is Arturo Gomez, guitar instructor at Socorro High School in El Paso, TX. In this 3-episode series, we will be talking about the guitar fundamentals we as teachers need to know, class equipment, class cu ..read more

The beginning of the school year can be a very stressful time for teachers. But if we can prepare for the next school year by being proactive. In this third and last episode, our guest, Mary Escarciga, provides us with some more tips on how we can achieve that starting in May. This episode will cover how to get your student instruments ready so you can start the year performing on day one. Mary Escarciga is an Orchestra Director with over 18 years of experience both in the middle and high school orchestra setting. She has mentored new teachers in her district since 2007. She has coordinated mu ..read more

The beginning of the school year can be a very stressful time for teachers. But if we can prepare for the next school year by being proactive in May, we can make it a little less stressful. In this second episode, our guest, Mary Escarciga, provides us with some more tips on how we can achieve that starting in May. This episode will cover how to get your student music binders ready so you can start the year performing on day one. Mary Escarciga is an Orchestra Director with over 18 years of experience both in the middle and high school orchestra setting. She has mentored new teachers in her di ..read more

The beginning of the school year can be a very stressful time for teachers. But if we can prepare for the next school year by being proactive in May, we can make it a little less stressful. In this episode our guest, Mary Escarciga, provides us with some tips on how we can achieve that starting in May. This episode will cover how to incorporate students into this process, checking in your school inventory and supplies, resources you can plan ahead of time, instrumental repair and so many other tips.  Mary Escarciga is an Orchestra Director with over 18 years of experience both in the midd ..read more

Preparing for a Music Festival can be less stressful if we know what the adjudicators are listening for. Join me and my special guest, Mrs. Adria Dunn on this second of three episodes as we talk about the adjudicators point of view especially in the sight-reading room and how we can implement these strategies in our everyday teaching.  Adria Dunn is an Orchestra director with over 27 years of experience in the public school setting. She also is a violinist in the El Paso Symphony and other musical organizations in the region. She is a UIL Adjudicator for the State of Texas and is currentl ..read more

Preparing for your Music Festival takes a great amount of planning. But this task can be daunting if there is no clarity on the starting point. Join me and my special guest, Mrs. Adria Dunn as we discuss the steps required to plan for our annual festival.  In this first of three episodes we discuss the many components that come into play when we are picking our Music Festival selections. We also discuss several rehearsal tips and techniques to help our students perform successfully.  Adria Dunn is an Orchestra director with over 27 years of experience in the public school setting. Sh ..read more

Classroom management is an important aspect if a successful program. Students thrive when it is done correctly. Frustration happens when procedures are not set in place. In this third of three episodes I share several instructional strategies, guiding students on how to ask questions and how to be mindful of the energy and effort you bring to your classroom.    Links to the Resources mentioned in this episode: Teaching Music with Purpose: Conducting, Rehearsing and Inspiring by Peter Boonshaft Engaging Students with Poverty in Mind: Practical Strategies for Raising Achievement by Er ..read more

Classroom management is an important aspect if a successful program. Students thrive when it is done correctly. Frustration happens when procedures are not set in place. In this second of three episodes I share my experiences with how to engage students in the orchestra classroom, establish student rapport, defining your role as a teacher and mentor, and some more management strategies.  SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW Are you subscribed to this podcast? If you are not, I want to encourage you to do that today. This will ensure you get notified of future episodes. I would also be very grateful if ..read more

Classroom management is an important aspect for a successful music program. Students thrive when it is done correctly. Frustration happens when procedures are not set in place. In this first of three episodes I share my experiences with factors that affect student behavior, establishing class routines, how to get to know your students and discuss management  strategies.  SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW Are you subscribed to this podcast? If you are not, I want to encourage you to do that today. This will ensure you get notified of future episodes. I would also be very grateful if you left thi ..read more

Classroom management is an important aspect if a successful program. Students thrive when it is done correctly. Frustration happens when procedures are not set in place. In this third of three episodes I share several instructional strategies, guiding students on how to ask questions and how to be mindful of the energy and effort you bring to your classroom.    Links to the Resources mentioned in this episode: Teaching Music with Purpose: Conducting, Rehearsing and Inspiring by Peter Boonshaft Engaging Students with Poverty in Mind: Practical Strategies for Raising Achievement by Er ..read more