The Great Yogi Berra Tries To Explain Jazz

I saw this posted recently. I don’t know if it’s a true story, but it definitely sounds like how Yogi would explain jazz.  Interviewer: Can you explain jazz? Yogi: I can’t, but I will. 90% of all jazz is half improvisation. The other half is the part people play while others are playing something they …

Why I Love The Saxophone

When it comes to musical instruments, the saxophone stands apart as a true masterpiece. With its unparalleled ability to evoke emotion, its versatile sound range, and its captivating blend of elegance and energy, the saxophone has rightfully earned its place as one of the most beloved and revered instruments in the world of music. Recently …

Episode 234 – Teaching 2 Levels of Band in the Same Classroom

Having both beginners and intermediate students in the same class at the same time is not ideal, but it can be done. In this epiosde I share some tips on how you can make it work. Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. Get my FREE …

Take This Job and Love It

I’m a band teacher and belong to several social media sites where other members can post questions, express struggles, and share resources. It’s great most of the time, but I have noticed a disturbing trend where, when responding to a member’s difficult situation – instead of posting helpful advice – members post responses like this: …

Episode 233 – Tips for Reed Selection – Clarinet and Sax

When suggesting reeds for sax and clarinet players, should you choose Vandoren, Rico, some other brand? What strength reed should you start students on? What reed should you avoid? Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. Get my FREE TRAINING, 7 Tips To Save 5 Hours This …

Episode 232 – Staying Organized

Do you struggle with staying organized? In this episode, I share some strategies that may be helpful… Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. Get my FREE TRAINING, 7 Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week Subscribe in iTunes  Free Smooth Jazz Music Has …

Episode 231 – Setting Boundaries and Saying No Nicely

Remember Nancy Reagan’s theme from the 1980s to Just Say No to drugs? She was made fun of, but it is an effective strategy. You may not struggle with drugs, but I bet you do struggle with saying no! When you say yes youre saying no to something else. Many miss the great doing the good …

Get started writing a book

Get Started Writing a Book

Do you have an idea for a book or article? Many people dream of writing a book, but they don’t ever start.Starting is probably the most important thing to do! Get started writing a book.. Follow these steps: Set a goal Don’t worry about editing or proofreading If you follow these steps, you will be …

That’s My Orchestra Teacher

I was driving and stopped to get gas and a drink at a local store when I heard a loud exclamation… “ Hey everybody – that’s my orchestra teacher.” I didn’t recognize the young lady the exclamation came from, but upon further inquiry, I found out she was a student of mine from 4-5 years …

Episode 228 – Interview with Scott Watson

You have got to listen to this fantastic interview with Scott Watson! Scott is an experienced music teacher and composer. Besides his wonderful works like “Aesop’s Fables: The Tortoise and the Hare, Extraordinary Machines of Clockwork and Steam,” and more, Scott has created tons of FREE resources to aid in your teaching. Check out his …

Teaching Great Concert Etiquette to the Audience and Performers

You walk into a concert hall and are bombarded with crying babies, cell phones ringing, people talking on their cell phones, people playing games, cat calls to band members, and doors opening and closing in the back. It’s frustrating. It’s disrespectful. Proper concert behavior can and should be taught to the audience and the band …

Episode 222 – Choosing Quality Wind Literature

Here are a few things I have learned about selecting music for wind band… Ability Level of the Ensemble You Direct:  A piece of music may be the greatest creation ever made, but if it is too difficult for the students to play, they will become discouraged.

Episode 221 – Tube Socks, Giants, and a Teacher’s Trust

Have you ever had a teacher say or do something that had a huge impact on you for your entire life? I have had many of these opportunities. Some teachers affect you in a negative way. I’ve had my share of those. Most of my teachers had huge, positive impacts on my life. My seventh …

Episode 219 – Interview with Jennifer and Kris – Creators of Baton Sync

Have you ever looked into a software management system for your band, one that can help you track inventory, budgets, uniforms, finances, lockers, ensemble lists and more? If so, you know how expensive it can be. Husband and wife team Jennifer (band teacher) and Kris (software developer) have joined forces to create an inexpensive solution …

The Story Project – Funny stories of growing up Italian

The story I shared at The Story Project a couple of years ago. It  aired on KRCC in Colorado Springs.  This is my recording of that public airing so forgive the poor sound quality. I share funny stories of growing up Italian, including: How garlic permeates everything when you’re Italian Why I speak SO LOUDLY …

I Was Bullied Throughout School, but in 6th Grade I Became a Bully

From 2nd through 7th grades, I was bullied by other boys. Mom felt it was always wrong to fight. She would quote Jesus’ admonition to turn the other cheek. Later I realized that verse describes a time when someone insults you. Even Jesus overturned the moneychanger’s tables, and sometimes boys have to defend themselves.  One …

We Were Homeless, But Not “Sleeping Under a Bridge” Homeless

I didn’t understand we were homeless.  It wasn’t the “live on the streets in a box” homeless. We lived with relatives. We lived with friends. Italians are great at putting together a makeshift bed to bring in extra people. We had our own apartment for a time – but we could not afford electricity, so …