Here's part 1 of the "DO Sweat the Small Stuff" series, this time for beginning woodwinds. Click here for this helpful band director read.
Do you need a good beginner band substitute lesson plan for unplanned teacher absences? This article has a great, ready to print plan for a non-music sub!
Beginning Band - do you cringe just hearing those words? I remember the Christmas Concerts at my elementary school. As soon as the band...
This beginning band resource provides a framework for the first 2 years of band instruction. This easy, no-prep resource for teachers includes: Year 1 Benchmarks Year 1 month-by-month Pacing Guide Year 1 chart for benchmark ranges by instrument Year 1 pacing guide for note introduction by instrument Year 2 Benchmarks Year 2 month-by-month Pacing Guide Year 2 chart for benchmark ranges by instrument Year 2 pacing guide for note introduction by instrument Editable templates for all of the above Related resources: Beginning Band Quiz Beginning Band Toolkit | Year 1 (((this pacing guide is included in the toolkit resource))) Beginning Band BUNDLE | First 5 Notes Flash Cards and Fingering Charts Beginning Band BUNDLE | First Octave Flash Cards and Fingering Charts
The first year of beginning band is the most crucial. Make the most use out of your rehearsal time and learn how to start your students off right!
Check out this quick, informative article offering some GREAT advice on how to get your entire band started on the road toward music improvisation.
Tonguing and embouchure flexibility are two of the most crucial concepts we teach early in beginning flute class. This article (with picture and videos) explains.
Elementary music, band, strings, performances and concerts can go smoothly using this concert manners poem. Help the audience and your students by using this poem at the beginning of your assembly/concert. Empower your students to be the teachers. Concert Manners Poem for Music-Drama-Events-Programs-Concerts can help teachers and students teach the audience concert manners. Audiences will respond so well to this poem and love the hand actions. Perfect for K-6 Concerts. RESOURCE INCLUDES: Presentation to teach the poem Pdf Printing friendly version for student's HOW TO USE: Teach your students the poem. Practice during your rehearsals. Use the poem to start your concerts. **This is a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD. No physical items will be mailed to you.** After purchase you will receive an email receipt with a link to download your purchase. You will receive a text file with the download link. The text file will have a LINK to your resource. You will open the text file and copy paste the LINK in your browser which will start the download. If you have any problems with the download. Please email us and we will get you the resource.Questions? Email sandra [!at] singplaycreate.com
The Novice Sweater is knit seamlessly from the top down. That means that you will begin by knitting the neckband, then the yoke, then the body, and finally the sleeves. The sweater is knit in stockinette stitch, while the neckband, bottom edge (waist band), and cuffs are knit in rib. The Novice Sweater has a round yoke, which is shaped by knitting increases on four rounds evenly separated on the yoke. Size guide and measurements You can only rely on the measurements in the pattern if you are able to achieve the correct gauge. The sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL are intended to fit a bust measurement of approximately 80-85 (85-90) 90-95 (95-100) 100-110 (110-120) 120-130 (130-140) 140-150 cm [31½-33½ (33½-35½) 35½-37½ (37½-39¼) 39¼-43¼ (43¼-47¼) 47¼-51¼ (51¼-55) 55-59 inches]. The Novice Sweater is meant to have a loose fit (positive ease) of 5-10 cm [2-4 inches]. This means that if your bust circumference is 90 cm [35½ inches] (measure yourself with a measuring tape), you should knit a size S that has a bust of 98 cm [38½ inches]. Sizes: XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL Sweater’s bust: 91 (98) 103 (109) 116 (128) 138 (149) 161 cm [35¾ (38½) 40½ (43) 45½ (50½) 54¼ (58½) 63½ inches] Total length: Measured mid back without neckband: 54 (55) 57 (60) 62 (64) 65 (66) 68 cm [21¼ (21¾) 22½ (23½) 24½ (25¼) 25½ (26) 26¾ inches] Gauge: 16 stitches x 21 rows = 10 x 10 cm [4 x 4 inches] in stockinette stitch on 6 mm [US10] needles Suggested needles: Circular needles: 5.5 mm [US9] and 6 mm [US10] / 40 and 80 or 100 cm [16 and 32 or 40 inches] Double pointed needles: 5.5 mm [US9] (unless Magic Loop method is used) Suggested yarn: Suggestion 1: 300 (350) 350 (400) 450 (450) 500 (550) 600 g Jensen by Isager Yarn (50 g = 125 m [137 yards]) held together with 100 (100) 125 (125) 125 (125-150) 150 (150) 175 g Silk Mohair by Isager Yarn (25 g = 212 m [232 yards]) Suggestion 2: 350 (350) 400 (450) 450-500 (500) 550 (600) 650 g Snefnug by CaMaRose (50 g = 110 m [120 yards]) Suggestion 3: 250 (300) 350 (350) 400 (400) 450 (500) 550 g Kos by Sandnes Garn (50 g = 150 m [164 yards]) Difficulty: ★ (1 out of 5) See the classification of difficulty here. The white Novice Sweater is knitted in Jensen by Isager in color 0 held together with Silk Mohair by Isager in color 6. The brown Novice Sweater is knitted in Arwetta by Filcolana in the color Red squirrel [352] held together with Brushed Lace by Mohair by Canard in the color Cognac [3048].
In our survey, we asked Band Directors Talk Shop readers “What do you do to facilitate leadership in your band program?” With many great responses, here is the list of very helpful ideas and practices for growing leaders.
4 flute hacks and tips for band directors and private lesson teachers to implement NOW! These tips will help prevent bad flute playing habits- a win!
Practical steps to help your title one students stay eligible in order to have academic success and participate in your band program!
Boosting up the Student-Teacher Relationship. Teaching students how to treat each other and how to treat adults should be always at the top of your list and present in each lesson. With students from low socio economic backgrounds, communication with them and teaching them how to communicate is the difference between life success or life ... Read More about Boosting Up the Beginning Band Basics: Techniques for Developing High Student Engagement, Motivation and Accountability for Low Socio-Economic Students
4 Quick tips to help your beginner tuba players today. Lots of detailed descriptions. Click here to check it out and improve your tuba teaching!
Band directors, looking for a new game to challenge your band students and help review rhythms you've been learning? The rhythm envelope game is a great way to review rhythms in a totally different way. Click here to learn how to use it in your classroom!
Band directors - looking for a quick and fun way to remind your beginning band students to correct their posture? Take a look at this easy-to-learn chant!
It's no secret; I am a fan of tech in education! Here are my favorite apps for beginning band and orchestra.
In kindergarten and first grade, students can begin to explore their personal areas of strength and areas for growth. SEL activities are the perfect opportunity to get students thinking. Using a growth mindset approach, students can celebrate their strengths, while acknowledging there are areas that can improve. In this lesson, students identify areas of strength, areas for growth, tools to help them grow, and obstacles that might be in their way. What You Get 3 Step Lesson Plan with SEL Standards Mini Lesson with Anchor Chart Materials and Student Visuals. Student-friendly visuals to help explore areas they shine and areas they want to grow. Shine Card, Grow Card, Tools Card, Clouds Card, PLUS visual examples. Guided Practice Activity: Short character stories where students can identify the character's strengths, areas for growth, possible tools, and obstacles. Henrietta & Ollie Story Cards Shine, Grow, Tools, Clouds Chart Differentiated Independent Activity: Students explore their own strengths and places for growth. Multiple Student Shine & Grow Pages Shine & Grow Takeaway Bookmark Exit Ticket This is a 3 Step Lesson: Introduce, Practice, Apply. You will be able to scaffold your instruction using the additional materials provided to modify and differentiate for students and setting. Consider following up on the lesson with the suggested bulletin board, game, activity, or book connections. Details This resource is perfect for teachers and school counselors incorporating social emotional learning and emotional awareness. SEL Standards Names activities or tasks one does well, Names activities or tasks one may need help to improve. CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) has established five competencies for social-emotional learning. Some school districts and states have taken this work and developed standards to be used at each grade level or a multi-grade level band. The gold standards of this work have been developed by the Illinois State Board of Education, Austin Independent School District (AISD), and Anchorage School District.The AISD and the Anchorage School District use almost identical standards, goals, and benchmarks. I have merged these two sets of standards into one given their similarity. These districts also created five grade bands (early elementary, upper elementary, middle school, early high school, and late high school). Elementary through Middle School is included here.The Illinois State Board of Education created 3 goals drawn from CASEL’s five competencies and then created 10 standards for those three goals. Each grade has two to three levels of skills/performance descriptors that should be expected to be accomplished under each standard.
We asked band directors to tell us ONE thing they've done that improved student performance in band. Here are the results! Get some great tips from experienced band directors!
Created by Nicole Brocke and Angela Zirille, these beginning band lessons are designed to be used before any method book. They allow teachers and students to focus on the most important basics for not only a successful start, but also continued success on their chosen instrument. Each instrument is presented with three sequential lessons, and the lessons are formulated to use with homogeneous classes. The lessons are designed to provide the framework for the teacher to present their first five notes (Concert B-flat through Concert F). In essence, when your students have completed these three lessons, they should be more familiar with their instrument carriage, embouchure formation, articulation, and breathing. They will also be able to play their first five notes and are now ready to learn how to read them in their method book. These lessons have proven to provide a very successful and positive start on their instrument. Included in this "6 pack" are the following: a preface, flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and mallet percussion lessons. Look for our "specialty pack" to purchase other instrument lessons. Each instrument has 2-3 lessons each. The preface describes in detail how to approach these lessons with your students.
-- CUTTING STRIPS -- This printable is a perfect resource to help children practise their cutting skills. Help your child learn how to use scissors and cut set lines with this practical resource. It is easy to prepare, with each of the seven designs collated together four to a page. Print on coloured paper for a more fun experience. Perfect for young children beginning or refining their cutting skills. --------------------- ** Please note this is a digital download, no physical product will be sent to you. You will receive a PDF to print upon purchase. **This printable activity is intended for personal use only. Not for resale. You may not copy, alter or share this file. ------------------------ Would you like to see what other fun educational printables we have available? https://www.etsy.com/shop/lillearnerprintables You can also keep up to date with all the new things we have happening at Lil Learner Printables by following us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lillearnerprintables ---------------------------- SAVE MONEY Spend $30 AUD or more and get 10% off your order. Just follow this link to apply the coupon LLPFRIENDS https://www.etsy.com/shop/lillearnerprintables?coupon=LLPFRIENDS Make sure your cart is over $30 and the code is applied at checkout ---------------------------- Please, feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Thank you so much for visiting Lil Learner Printables.
Looking for new, easy games to help your band? "A 'Band Drop Out Contest' is a chance to have a spur of the moment contest that takes about 1 minute once the kids learn how to play it." Band directors, click here to learn how to implement this easy game with your ensembles, from beginning students to advanced!
Check out this fun music theory match-up game you can use with your band students! Work on note names, rhythms, anything you want. Click here!
My district is one that is implementing Student Learning Objectives...which are basically large-scale goals for each student in class based on their ability levels. Teachers have to set target scores/learning outcomes for lower level learners to higher level learners. That means there has to be some sort of pre-assessment in order to determine the level of the students. I really have struggled in attempting to create pre-assessments for orchestra. It has been hard to wrap my head around giving a test to see what I know students don't know yet...since I haven't taught the skill, yet. Anyway, I am focusing my learning objective on rhythm. I want to be sure my students are fluent note-readers and rhythm readers. For my pre-test, I will use the 'I Got Rhythm' form that I created. This can be used many different ways and can be a useful tool in a variety of rhythm exercises. For my pre-assessment, I will perform the rhythm from one box on each line...and I will have students circle the rhythm that they think I played. This will help me see if students are already recognizing these rhythms. The rhythms get progressively more difficult as you move down the page, so I will be able to set some learning targets for individual students. Eventually of course, students will demonstrate the ability to perform these rhythms on their own - by the end of year 1. I can also use this form as a rhythm exercise...students can perform the rhythms across and down each line. They can cut them up to make flashcards. You can use the different rhythms for warm-ups and scales.
Looking for an easy, fun way to teach the lines and spaces of the treble and bass clefs? Click here to check out this chant! Perfect for beginning band.
The first year of beginning band is the most crucial. Make the most use out of your rehearsal time and learn how to start your students off right!
We all know that we should be hearing our students play individually as frequently as possible. Learn how to use lanyards in band to accomplish this!
The first 4 weeks of beginning band (or orchestra) are a pivotal for developing relationships, expectations, and laying ground work for success. Read more!
In our summer survey, we asked Band Directors Talk Shop readers “What is one thing you recommend to help with the beginning of the year?” With over 300 responses to the survey, we came up with these 60+ things that give you ideas about how to have a successful start to school! Thanks so much to ... Read More about Beginning of the Year Tips from 60+ Band Directors
Share this story of the "Band Puzzle" with your students to help them understand how their individual piece fits into the big picture...
These full band ensemble tips can be put into practice today! Band directors will learn great tips for teaching beginner brass, woodwind and percussion.
The French horn is an awkward instrument for students that are still physically developing. As young hornists grow they will need regular attention. Making time for some routine maintenance to your hornist’s posture is valuable. Learn some great tips in this article!
In kindergarten and first grade, students can begin to explore their personal areas of strength and areas for growth. SEL activities are the perfect opportunity to get students thinking. Using a growth mindset approach, students can celebrate their strengths, while acknowledging there are areas that can improve. In this lesson, students identify areas of strength, areas for growth, tools to help them grow, and obstacles that might be in their way. What You Get 3 Step Lesson Plan with SEL Standards Mini Lesson with Anchor Chart Materials and Student Visuals. Student-friendly visuals to help explore areas they shine and areas they want to grow. Shine Card, Grow Card, Tools Card, Clouds Card, PLUS visual examples. Guided Practice Activity: Short character stories where students can identify the character's strengths, areas for growth, possible tools, and obstacles. Henrietta & Ollie Story Cards Shine, Grow, Tools, Clouds Chart Differentiated Independent Activity: Students explore their own strengths and places for growth. Multiple Student Shine & Grow Pages Shine & Grow Takeaway Bookmark Exit Ticket This is a 3 Step Lesson: Introduce, Practice, Apply. You will be able to scaffold your instruction using the additional materials provided to modify and differentiate for students and setting. Consider following up on the lesson with the suggested bulletin board, game, activity, or book connections. Details This resource is perfect for teachers and school counselors incorporating social emotional learning and emotional awareness. SEL Standards Names activities or tasks one does well, Names activities or tasks one may need help to improve. CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) has established five competencies for social-emotional learning. Some school districts and states have taken this work and developed standards to be used at each grade level or a multi-grade level band. The gold standards of this work have been developed by the Illinois State Board of Education, Austin Independent School District (AISD), and Anchorage School District.The AISD and the Anchorage School District use almost identical standards, goals, and benchmarks. I have merged these two sets of standards into one given their similarity. These districts also created five grade bands (early elementary, upper elementary, middle school, early high school, and late high school). Elementary through Middle School is included here.The Illinois State Board of Education created 3 goals drawn from CASEL’s five competencies and then created 10 standards for those three goals. Each grade has two to three levels of skills/performance descriptors that should be expected to be accomplished under each standard.
Although days can be busy and rehearsals can get crazy, here are 5 things you should say to your band more often. They will energize, inspire and motivate your students- and you!
Learn how to play "would you rather- band version!" perfect for concert bands and large classes. It's non-competitive and sure to have your students smiling if not laughing throughout rehearsal!
Is your scale routine feeling a little dull by this point in the year? Looking for ways to motivate your students to practice those scales? Try out this "Jar of Dooooom" game to shake things up a bit! Your band students will love it, and it's perfect for every level, from beginning to advanced.
Band directors, if you're looking for something to change up your typical review, try this Band Jeopardy idea! It's a great team-building exercise that will keep everyone engaged and motivated to review, with OR without instruments.
This toolkit includes a wealth of resources for beginning band students, and TONS of resources for directors! Everything from recruitment, scheduling, and parent communication to warm ups, rhythm exercises, and fingering charts. Several existing products in The Balanced Beehive store are included, as well as several BRAND NEW resources! Here is what's included: Beginning Band Quiz - UPDATED 10/2021 Beginning of the Year Resources Concert Bb BUNDLE - flashcards and fingering charts for the Concert Bb scale Concert Prep BUNDLE First 5 Notes BUNDLE - flashcards and fingering charts for the First 5 Notes Grading & Inventory - editable spreadsheets for attendance, grading, and music & instrument inventories Leveling Up Check-Off System 10 full-band warm up exercises Pacing Guide - month-by-month for the first year of band instruction Practicing Resources - practice calendars, practice log, practice tickets, and practice session checklist Recruitment Resources - recruitment process explainer, join the band form, sign-up letter templates and sample registration form Rhythm Resources - Level 1 of the Rhythm Matrix and digital flashcards for classroom use Scheduling - editable templates for planning schedule and student handouts Teacher Planners - weekly and monthly planners for the 2021-2022 school year This toolkit has everything you need to be successful with your first-year band students! The toolkit for second-year students is coming soon! Related resources: Band Fingering Flash Cards BUNDLE Beginning Band Fingering Charts | Concert Eb Scale
If you work with beginner flute students, then click here to check out these quick tips for establishing proper balance of the imstrument from day one!
This article gives details about scale clubs and their motivation and musical benefits for young band and music students.
