Getting the Most Out of Your Festival Experience
December 1, 2015
As soon as I saw my students taking a nap outside the auditorium, I knew we were in trouble.
Déjà Vu All Over Again
May 15, 2014
New music/arts standards will drive education for the next decade… or longer
Overcoming Weakness
December 1, 2011
When I first began teaching at Central High School in Phoenix, Arizona five years ago, the plan was to build a successful high school choral program.
Grant Writing: Shaking the Money Tree
September 20, 2011
Grant writing is not hard, just a little time consuming. Whether you’re an instrumental or choral instructor, grants are out there for your use. My suggestion for everyone is: “Go for it.” The worst they can do to you is say no. However, if you don’t even try, you will never know if there is a “Yes” out there.
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
April 19, 2011
In today’s environment of budget cuts and ever increasing demands on teacher time, this song from The Clash seems like an appropriate anthem for music programs across the country.
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
March 22, 2011
In today’s environment of budget cuts and ever increasing demands on teacher time, this song from The Clash seems like an appropriate anthem for music programs across the country. For decades, performance travel has been a cornerstone of the school music experience. The benefits for students are undeniable, but are they justifiable in the current […]
4 Ways to Improve Your Ensemble’s Sound…and Improve Your Festival Rating Along the Way
January 19, 2011
For many years, at the conclusion of the spring festival season, I have thought that I should write an article about the performances that I have heard. The impetus for this is the fact that while many groups bring outstanding performances to adjudicated music festivals, others frequently receive lower ratings for reasons that are often […]
The Other Side of Glee
September 28, 2010
I finally have a choir class at the middle school that feeds my high school; this is the first time I have had a feeder program. On the first day of class last year at the middle school, the kids asked me if I watch “Glee.” I told them I didn’t, because I am not […]
