Professional Development

Music teachers are unique individuals, but they often share a few common traits.

In less than three weeks, the Ralls County R-II School District in Center, Missouri, more than doubled its beginning band program.

“Nerv-i-cited” is how my daughter describes the feeling of being simultaneously excited and nervous.

Ever since I can remember, I have been writing music. I premiered my first real composition, entitled “The Mysterious Island,” when I was 8 years old.

In the summer of 2018, I began my tenure as the Director of Bands at Shelby County High School (SCHS) in Columbiana, Alabama.

Yes, you read the title of this article correctly — please proceed with caution because this topic may offend most music teachers.

When I started at St. Michael’s Catholic Academyin Austin, Texas, about 10 years ago, I was faced with two challenges: low student program participation and school size.

Many students dream of becoming performers, but because it is so highly competitive, that world can be brutal and disheartening.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a time when you were conducting on the podium and cued a much anticipated, exposed and important snare drum roll. What did it sound like?

I clearly remember the first time I heard – or rather, felt – a snare drum. It was during the annual Memorial Day parade in my hometown of Montville, Connecticut, and I was no more than 5 years old.