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Episode 186 – What To Do At The End Of The School Year (5/27/2021) - You’ve just performed your last concert and there are two weeks left in school. Now what? Has the show benefited you? Would you consider supporting the podcast with a $5/month pledge through patreon or make a one time donation of any amount through Paypal (jamesthedivine@gmail.com). Find out more about fundraising for your program at Scool … Continue reading "Episode 186 – What To Do At The End Of The School Year"
Episode 185 – Advice for When Someone In Your Community Loses Their Life (5/19/2021) - There is nothing about a lost life that is easy. I experienced a huge loss in a community I served a number of years ago. I navigated it with great difficulty, anguish of heart, and much prayer. Hope my journey helps you. Has the show benefited you? Would you consider supporting the podcast with a … Continue reading "Episode 185 – Advice for When Someone In Your Community Loses Their Life"
Episode 184 – What To Do In a Parade (5/11/2021) - A parade can be a lot of fun – or it can be stressful and annoying. The choice is really up to you. These tips can help it lean more towards the fun side! Has the show benefited you? Would you consider supporting the podcast with a $5/month pledge through patreon or make a one … 
Episode 183 – Is Getting a Master’s Degree Worthwhile and Affordable (4/28/2021) - Although I have been in music my entire adult life – 34 years to be exact – I did not have a music degree until I was 43 years old. I had wanted to earn my master’s degree for many years, but kids, life, and cost prevented me. There are excellent master’s in music education … Continue reading "Episode 183 – Is Getting a Master’s Degree Worthwhile and Affordable"
Episode 182 – Should You Focus On Sound With Beginners – Here Are Three Tips (4/21/2021) - Air will get you there! I learned this from one of my mentors when he would come to work with my band – and even as a professional musician – when taking lessons – I was told to USE MORE AIR. In this episode I share three tips to help your beginners get a fuller, … Continue reading "Episode 182 – Should You Focus On Sound With Beginners – Here Are Three Tips"
Episode 181 – Teaching Jazz Phrasing (4/14/2021) - I recently taught these exact same lessons to my 6th, 7th, and 8th grade bands. It didn’t take them long to get the hang of playing notes the proper length and acquiring a swing feel. In this episode, I lead you through the process to teach the same concepts to your band. Has the show … 
Episode 180 – Have you thought of leaving the profession – Hang in there (4/7/2021) - It has been a crazy year for teachers! Even though I KNOW I am where I am supposed to be, I still found myself looking at job postings at least 100x the last year. Listen in as I share from my heart about my calling and how those of us with a high EQ can … Continue reading "Episode 180 – Have you thought of leaving the profession – Hang in there"
Episode 179 – Job Hunting Tips (3/24/2021) - It’s that season, where band teacher jobs are listed and many people change schools. Make sure you change for the RIGHT reason. Here are some tips that helped me a few years ago when I changed positions. Has the show benefited you? Would you consider supporting the podcast with a $5/month pledge through patreon or … 
Episode 178 – 7 Things They Don’t Teach You in College (3/17/2021) - College is great, but we don’t learn everything we need to know there. In this episode, I share seven things I wish I knew BEFORE I started teaching. Learn from my experience. Has the show benefited you? Would you consider supporting the podcast with a $5/month pledge through patreon or make a one time donation … Continue reading "Episode 178 – 7 Things They Don’t Teach You in College"
Episode 177 – Help! I’m retiring/leaving and don’t know what kind of job to do (3/10/2021) - There is life after teaching band. It MAY be something still in music, but it may be something totally unrelated to music. You have many options! To get my free resource 40 Ways to Make Money as a Musician send me an email at jamesthedivine@gmail.com. Has the show benefited you? Would you consider supporting the … Continue reading "Episode 177 – Help! I’m retiring/leaving and don’t know what kind of job to do"
Episode 176 – Take Care of YOU (3/3/2021) - You are not going to be the best teacher you can be if you don’t put your needs first – physical, relational, spiritual. When you take care of you, you are more equipped to serve your students. Everything in life works under the pay now or pay later rule. Has the show benefited you? Would … 
Episode 175 – Creating a Great Culture (2/24/2021) - In this podcast, I share some great tips and ideas that you can use to create traditions and develop a great culture in your band. You must be intentional in this. The traditions you create will often be the memories that students think of years from now. You have the power to create a terrific … 
Episode 173 – Easy Ways to Incorporate Reading Into Band (2/10/2021) - What do you think when your principal tells you she would like for you to incorporate reading into band? Do you inwardly groan? Do you dread the thought of giving up an entire day of music for reading? It doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, I interview reading expert Dr. Danny Brassell. … Continue reading "Episode 173 – Easy Ways to Incorporate Reading Into Band"
Episode 172 – 5 Tips for Student Engagement in an Online Environment (1/27/2021) - Even though teaching may look differently for a while, you can still engage your students! In this episode, I share five tips that have worked for me. Has the show benefited you? Would you consider making a one time donation of $5? Donate here: Find out more about fundraising for your program at Scool Services … Continue reading "Episode 172 – 5 Tips for Student Engagement in an Online Environment"
Episode 171 – Marching Band is Needed Now More Than Ever Before (1/20/2021) - These are trying times! Even though I currently don’t teach marching band, I am considering starting one at my middle school (I started and taught marching band for a decade or more at my previous school). Through marching band, we learn team work and socialization and leadership skills! Also see Episode 47: How To Start … Continue reading "Episode 171 – Marching Band is Needed Now More Than Ever Before"
Episode 170 – Interview with Scott Watson of the University of Kansas (1/13/2021) - Join me as I interview tuba Professor Scott Watson of the University of Kansas. We talk about starting students on tuba, as well as recruiting, switching, and tips for producing a great sound. Scott also shares about a method he created using words to paint sound concepts into students’ brains. These words are effective in … Continue reading "Episode 170 – Interview with Scott Watson of the University of Kansas"
Episode 169 – Why I Don’t Do Christmas Concerts (12/2/2020) - This is a replay of an episode I recorded in 2012. Excuse the sound quality. Many of you may not even be doing ANY concerts this year, much less a Christmas concert. In this very short episode, I just wanted to share some of my thoughts on why I chose many years ago to not … Continue reading "Episode 169 – Why I Don’t Do Christmas Concerts"
Episode 168 – Why I Made the Shift to Teaching Business (11/18/2020) - A few weeks ago I did something I thought I would NEVER do – switch to teaching something besides music. Now this isn’t permanent, and I’m not advocating this for everyone. I share this primarily to encourage you that if you find yourself needing to shift for any reason, you CAN do it. Has the … Continue reading "Episode 168 – Why I Made the Shift to Teaching Business"
Episode 167 – Radically Rethinking Grading (11/4/2020) - It’s time to radically rethink grading – not because of a pandemic but because our current way of grading is outdated. Imagine if you showed up for work Monday-Thursday and gave it your all, 100%, every day. But then you decided to slack off on Fridays and only give 10%. Your grade would be a … Continue reading "Episode 167 – Radically Rethinking Grading"
Episode 166 – 6 Strategies for Surviving the Stress of Teaching Music (10/21/2020) - If you don’t actively seek ways of reducing the stress in your life, you ARE going to burn out. In this episode, I share six strategies for reducing that stress. I use all of these as part of my own plan to be able to teach for a LONG time. Has the show benefited you? … Continue reading "Episode 166 – 6 Strategies for Surviving the Stress of Teaching Music"
Episode 165 – Interview with DJ Eshelman (10/7/2020) - “Be the person your dog thinks you are.”…DJ Eshelman Wow DJ! That seems almost impossible to attain. Music teachers – you have powerful influence to change the young people in the world for good – or for bad. Join me as DJ shares stories about his life and developing a Better Than You Found It … 
Episode 164 – Why Large Ensembles are STILL Important (9/23/2020) - Despite changes in our profession – or maybe because of these changes – large ensembles are more important than ever. Our groups invite collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, analysis, multi-tasking and dozens of other skills valued in society. In this episode I share why large ensembles are so important. Has the show benefited you? Would you … Continue reading "Episode 164 – Why Large Ensembles are STILL Important"
Episode 163 – Don’t Neglect These Four Things (9/9/2020) - These four things – sleep, music, exercise, and eating properly – are ESSENTIAL if you want to be successful as a teacher. Also check out this article about How to Say No to demands on your time. Has the show benefited you? Would you consider making a one time donation of $5? Donate here: Find … Continue reading "Episode 163 – Don’t Neglect These Four Things"
Episode 162 – 5 Tips to Gain 5 Hours in Your Week (8/26/2020) - We all wish we had more time, but we are all given the same amount. However, you can use your time wisely and save 5, 10, even 15 hours a week using the 5 strategies I share in this episode. Has the show benefited you? Would you consider making a one time donation of $5? … Continue reading "Episode 162 – 5 Tips to Gain 5 Hours in Your Week"
Episode 161 – Starting the First Day of School Well (8/12/2020) - Investing 20 minutes or even several days in the right things at the start of the school year can reap days and maybe even weeks of saved time later. In this episode we cover greetings, getting instruments, passing out music, creating a seating chart, and more. Create your own seating chart here: https://www.bgreco.net/band/ Get Harry … Continue reading "Episode 161 – Starting the First Day of School Well"
Episode 160 – 10 Band/Life Lessons I Learned from the Coronavirus (6/24/2020) - This coronavirus pandemic has taught me a lot. Even though it was difficult, it has made me a better person. In this episode I share ten things I learned about music and life. Here is the music video link mentioned in the podcast: Flowing Water at Sunset Has the show benefited you? Would you consider … Continue reading "Episode 160 – 10 Band/Life Lessons I Learned from the Coronavirus"
Episode 159 – I Almost Didn’t Join 6th Grade Band (6/17/2020) - Thirty two years at a job I love – 22 years of that teaching! It’s hard to believe. But it’s also hard to believe that I almost didn’t join band. In this episode, I share my story of joining 6th grade band. Listen all the way through to the end as there is a free … Continue reading "Episode 159 – I Almost Didn’t Join 6th Grade Band"
Episode 158 – A Love Letter to Title I Teachers (6/10/2020) - Coronavirus definitely brought out some of the inequities in teaching. Many teachers at Title I schools found their students could not connect or were absent from online learning. Yet, you DO make a difference, and that’s why this love letter is devoted to you. Support the show at Patreon. Find out more about fundraising for … Continue reading "Episode 158 – A Love Letter to Title I Teachers"
Episode 157 – What To Do This Summer (6/1/2020) - What should I be doing this summer? How can I get back into playing my instrument? Should I start planning for next year? We talk about these things and more in today’s show. In the show, I mention the free download 40 Ways to Make Money as a Musician. Support the show at Patreon. Find … 
Episode 156 – Searching for a Job (5/29/2020) - In this episode, I share several tips about job hunting, including the MOST important skill to have…Persistence. Send your resume’ to me (not an expert but I’ll give it a look) at www.jamesdivine.net or check out an expert and get in touch with Kevin at careermaverick4@gmail.com. Here’s the link to my Searching for a Job … 
Episode 155 – A Method for Teaching Students How to Practice Difficult Passages (3/25/2020) - There are so many ways to teach kids how to practice. In a Title I school where almost nobody practices at home, this is a method I have found successful with my students. If you like the podcast, consider supporting us at www. patreon.com/themusicedpodcast.
Episode 154 – 8 Tips to Add Spice to Your Rehearsal (3/18/2020) - We can always make our rehearsals more interesting by adding some spiciness to them! What makes Italian food delicious is having the right spices in the right amounts. Check out these eight ideas. Incorporate some or all of them over several weeks, and if you like the podcast, consider supporting us at www.patreon.com/themusicedpodcast.
Episode 153 – Make Lesson Planning Easier (3/11/2020) - A quick and easy tip to make lesson planning easier as a music teacher.
Episode 152 – How Music Saved My Life; James’ story (2/18/2020) - This episode is a little different. In this podcast, I’m sharing a presentation I made on The Story Project, a show similar to The Moth for those who have heard that on NPR. In the presentation, I use my 100 year old saxophone to tell the story of how music saved my life (specifically teachers). … Continue reading "Episode 152 – How Music Saved My Life; James’ story"
Episode 151 – Making More Music by Managing Administrative Mayhem (2/5/2020) - In this episode, I interview Wendy Reeves, band director at Sells Middle School. Wendy shares tips with us on how to reduce the amount of time spent on paperwork, classroom management, equipment, travel, and more, so we can devote time to what we really enjoy – teaching music! You’ll find several tips you can immediately … Continue reading "Episode 151 – Making More Music by Managing Administrative Mayhem"
Episode 150 – Top 13 Mistakes New Directors Make (1/29/2020) - I have made ALL of these mistakes – and MORE. You can learn from me and others and move ahead in your career faster. Support the podcast here
Episode 149 – 7 Strategies for Working with a Small Jazz Band (1/22/2020) - If you have a basic rhythm section – a good bass player and set player at minimum – you can make almost any combination of instruments work for a jazz band. These 7 strategies will provide you with additional resources you can use. Jamey Aebersold Jazz Play-Alongs Custom Backing Tracks Support the Podcast
Episode 148 – 4 Tips to Help Your Band Sound Their Best (1/15/2020) - The longer I teach – 22 years and counting – the more time I spend on fundamentals. You may be surprised at just how much time! Like the podcast? Become a patron, get free gifts and support us at www.patreon.com/themusicedpodcast Here’s the link to the Student Led Rehearsal episode mentioned in the podcast: https://www.jamesdivine.net/2017/01/18/episode-75-student-led-rehearsal/
Episode 147 – Getting Students to Play in Tune (12/18/2019) - Tu-Ning – that great Chinese song that nobody seems to play right. Tuning is not an act – it’s a lifestyle. Join me as I share some tips and strategies to help you with tuning your ensembles, no matter what their age.
Episode 146 – 7 Tips for Gaining More Time for Teaching Music (12/11/2019) - We all have the same 168 hours per week. The key is NOT to spend more time at work, but to use your time more wisely. These tips helped me gain 5-8 hours of my week back!
Episode 145 – Dealing with Post-Marching Band Season Depression (12/4/2019) - It’s normal – after achieving a goal or spending a lot of time in an activity – to feel some post-season blues.
Episode 144 – 6 Tips for Keeping Percussionists Engaged (11/13/2019) - When percussionists get bored, they tend to get in trouble. Plus we have the most active students placed in the back of the room – and we give them sticks! These tips can help keep them engaged and actively doing great things. Support the podcast on patreon.
Episode 143 – 16 Things I Wish I Knew About Festival as a Young Director (11/6/2019) - Oh the mistakes – so many – I made as a young director going to festival. I share 16 things I learned the way, tips that can help you do better. Support the podcast at patreon.
Episode 142 – Repertoire Selection Tips (10/30/2019) - Repertoire selection can MAKE or BREAK your band’s performance! Focus on musicianship, not those gems you played in college. In this episode I share some tips and huge MISTAKES I made. Support us on patreon.
Episode 141 – What To Say at the Concert (10/22/2019) - Do you struggle with what to say – or not say – at the concert. There’s a fine line between being informative and helpful, and just rambling. Here are some tips to help. Support us at www.patreon.com/themusicedpodcast
Episode 140 – 5 Tips for Developing Great Student Relationships (10/16/2019) - Dare I say that a positive student teacher relationship is even MORE important than teaching music skills? You may not agree totally with that statement, but you have to agree it is an important piece in the puzzle. In this episode I share 5 strategies that have worked for me, several for over 20 years. … Continue reading "Episode 140 – 5 Tips for Developing Great Student Relationships"
Episode 139 – Help Beginner Trumpet Players Change Partials (10/9/2019) - When beginner trumpets have a hard time changing partials, it’s almost always about the air. We as music educators know what we want the students to do, but they often don’t understand what we are asking. In this episode I share more than six tips to help your trumpet players change partials. It’s also effective … Continue reading "Episode 139 – Help Beginner Trumpet Players Change Partials"
Episode 138 – Getting Middle School Students to Quiet Down and Focus (10/2/2019) - This was my first year back teaching beginning band after a 14 year hiatus while I taught at a suburban high school. My first experience 14 years ago was at a prestigious private school where the students and parents all seemed to care and were on their best behavior. Now I’m at an urban school. … Continue reading "Episode 138 – Getting Middle School Students to Quiet Down and Focus"
Episode 137 – How To Structure Rehearsal Time (9/11/2019) - My rehearsal time looks completely different starting my 22nd year than it did when I first started out. I find myself devoting more and more time to fundamentals. Join me as I share tips for how I structure my rehearsal time, and join me as a supporter on Patreon. You’ll get some cool free things … Continue reading "Episode 137 – How To Structure Rehearsal Time"
Episode 136 – 10 Ideas For Creating Traditions (9/4/2019) - Traditions are such an important part of every band program, and traditions need to be unique to you and your school. When I started at one of my schools, they only had one tradition, and it was terrible! It was hard for me to continue it, but I needed to just for one year. Would … Continue reading "Episode 136 – 10 Ideas For Creating Traditions"
Episode 135 – 8 Tips For Dealing With Kids Wanting To Switch Instruments (8/21/2019) - The dreaded “I want to switch instruments.” Although there are occasionally legitimate reasons for kids switching instruments, most of the time you have to become a psychologist and dig deep to find the “real” reason. You are a coach! Here are ten tips to help you out. Even more dreaded is when students say they … Continue reading "Episode 135 – 8 Tips For Dealing With Kids Wanting To Switch Instruments"
Episode 134 – Interview with Marc Gelfo, Creator of the Modacity Practice App (8/14/2019) - Join me as I interview Marc Gelfo, musician and creator of the Modacity Practice App – an all inclusive practice aid that also includes a recorder and drone. Find out more and download the app at www.modacity.co. Questions about the app? Contact the team at hello@modacity.co. Have you benefitted from this podcast? Would you consider … Continue reading "Episode 134 – Interview with Marc Gelfo, Creator of the Modacity Practice App"
Episode 133 – Baby Shark by Rote (5/8/2019) - I had never heard Baby Shark until recently when my six month old grandson came over for a visit. He did not like being in the car so my daughter sang this and many other songs to him. I became an expert at it. It’s a fun – albeit annoying – song that your students … 
Episode 132 – The Funniest Statement You’ve Made to Your Ensemble (5/1/2019) - Director language is so full of fun similes and colorful language. The most fun ones are those that spill out in the spur of the moment. These are my favorite top ten uttered by me and others.
Episode 131 – Healthy Easy Eating (4/24/2019) - It’s hard to eat properly as a band director. If you’re not careful you will find yourself eating a lot of fast, unhealthy food. I once weighed thirty pounds more than I do right now. In this episode, I share tips for easy healthy meals that have worked for me and others.
Episode 130 – When Students Misbehave for the Sub (4/17/2019) - A good substitute teacher will be able to handle the class even if you didn’t leave lesson plans. The best substitute – if you can find one – is a retired music educator you know and trust. In this episode, I share four tips for how to handle the situation after things went band and … Continue reading "Episode 130 – When Students Misbehave for the Sub"
Episode 129 – Preventing Purposeful Damage to School-Owned Instruments and Accessories (4/10/2019) - Oh how I hate walking into the rehearsal room and finding out some equipment has been damaged on purpose. I usually find myself trying to control my temper, which is usually in control. I also find myself having to be careful not to issue a mass punishment (something I detested as a student).
Episode 128 – 6 Small Steps to Avoid Burnout (4/3/2019) - I have burned out TWICE! The second time wasn’t nearly as severe. Both times I had to make changes in my life because I want to last in this field a long time. In many ways, our field is very dysfunctional. In this podcast I share six small ideas that have helped me to avoid … Continue reading "Episode 128 – 6 Small Steps to Avoid Burnout"
Episode 127 – 11 Movies Every Band Kid Should See (3/20/2019) - Disclaimer: View movies yourself before showing them to your students. Check your school or district’s policy on showing movies. In my opinion, movies are best reserved for bus trips or special viewing events rather than replacing a rehearsal, Also, I think they work best when combined with discussion and reflection. I have included some of … Continue reading "Episode 127 – 11 Movies Every Band Kid Should See"
Episode 126 – 7 Tips For Great Concert Behavior (3/13/2019) - In this episode, I share 7 tips for how you can get your students to be a GREAT audience. In tip #1 – my story – I share a tip that has been extremely successful for over a decade for me.
Episode 125 – 7 Tips For Making Band Fun (2/13/2019) - We know that band is fun, but our students don’t always know that. We know that fun is achieved by aiming for and reaching excellence, but our students don’t always know that. How can we make band fun while still focusing on excellence? Listen to these 7 tips for help.
Episode 124 – Should Practice Outside Of School Be Required (2/6/2019) - We all wish that each and every one of our students practiced two hours a day every day, but is this possible or even realistic? It depends. In my 21 years of teaching I’ve tried it all. Surprisingly I have found success by trying something different. Perhaps it will work for you.
Episode 123 – Six Responses When Students Say “I Want To Switch To Drums” (1/30/2019) - I’ve been teaching for 21 years, but I still HATE it when a student asks me if he can switch to drums. Why doesn’t anyone want to switch to tuba? Can we control the number of drummers in our bands (yes, we can)? Can we shape the culture of our band to minimize this (yes, … Continue reading "Episode 123 – Six Responses When Students Say “I Want To Switch To Drums”"
Episode 122 – How To Properly Use Festival Warm-up Time (1/23/2019) - Believe it or not, in my early days of teaching I did not know how to use this time properly. I actually ran out of things to do! Now I know better. This is a repost from an episode several years ago in which I share tips on how to use your warm-up time, what … Continue reading "Episode 122 – How To Properly Use Festival Warm-up Time"
Episode 121 – Prepare To Be Judged (1/16/2019) - In this episode, I bring back Lori Schwartz Reichl from last week. With contest season coming up, we discuss the how to prepare your band to be adjudicated. What are the goals with adjudication? How can directors prepare themselves in the weeks, days and hours beforehand? How can we prepare our students for the experience? … 
Episode 120 – How To Get Admin On Your Side (1/9/2019) - In this episode, I interview Lori Schwartz Reichl on getting administrators on our side. We discuss what’s important to admin, the biggest challenge young and old directors face with admin, and some tips on how to handle the relationship if it becomes adversarial. We also discuss the importance of the three Ps…PreparednessPositivityPersistence As a music … Continue reading "Episode 120 – How To Get Admin On Your Side"
Episode 119 – 12 Band Room Hacks (12/5/2018) - We all develop those ideas – those hacks – that make our jobs much easier. In this episode I share 12 of them – most that I have used myself and a few I’m going to try soon. See the pictures of some of the hacks at www.jamesdivine.net.
Episode 118 – Ways To Mix Up The Method Book (11/28/2018) - The students get bored. I get bored. But we need to review the exercises we’ve worked on. Here are some tips to make the review a little more interesting.
Episode 117 – Can I Go To The Bathroom – How To Respond (11/14/2018) - This is THE question I hate the most as a teacher. I’m very strict with it and my policy is “No/Never.” I also want to answer like my 5th grade teacher did…”Yes you can, but you may not.” Oh how I hated that. Here are some strategies for dealing with this age old question.
Episode 116 – When A Life Is Lost (11/7/2018) - When tragedy strikes the band room, either through accident, natural causes or suicide, how do you handle the grief? Is it ok to cry in front of students? What about counseling? A few years ago we had several tragic events in a row at my school. Here are some ideas for dealing with it and … 
Episode 115 – 11 Tips For Managing A Large Group Of Beginners (10/31/2018) - Do you ever feel like you are teaching a STADIUM full of students? There are tips to manage them a little better. Join me as I share 11 tips that I and others have used to make teaching a large group of beginners more manageable.
Episode 114 – Parents Are 45 Minutes Late. What Do I Do? (10/24/2018) - Don’t you hate when parents are late picking up their kids? You are ready to leave and go home yourself, maybe to your own family, but you are stuck waiting. Be careful not to react in anger because sometimes the lateness is legit. Follow these tips.
Episode 113 – When Students Are Dating (10/17/2018) - What should you do when students are dating each other? Ignore it (not completely)? Freak out (no)? Try these band director tested tips and remember that I married my high school sweetheart who happened to be in the guard in our marching band! We’ve been married almost 32 years, raised 4 kids and now have … 
Episode 112 – HELP! I’m a Band Teacher Teaching Orchestra. (10/8/2018) - In Colorado, music teachers are certified as K-12 music. But just because we are certified, does not mean we feel qualified. This year, I transferred to a Title I school and moved from teaching high school band to middle school orchestra. I learned a lot of things the hard way. If you find yourself in … Continue reading "Episode 112 – HELP! I’m a Band Teacher Teaching Orchestra."
Episode 111 – What To Do With Too Many Trophies? (9/12/2018) - If this is the problem you have at your school, count your blessings! In this episode I discuss some tips on what you might do. Whatever you do, DON’T haphazardly throw old trophies away. You might be driven out of town, and not in a limo.
Episode 110 – Getting More Parental Participation (9/5/2018) - We all wish we had more parents participating in our program. In this podcast, we talk about some tips and ideas to do that. A pitfall regarding email. When it’s ok to let the ball drop. How the process might look different in a suburban versus Title I school. Example Pledge and Parent Involvement
Episode 109 – Interview with Frank Tracz of Kansas State (8/22/2018) - In July, I had the chance to meet Dr. Tracz when he presented at The Colorado Bandmasters Association Conference. We carved out a couple of minutes to talk about some tips and challenges for todays band director. Dr. Tracz talked about burnout in one of his sessions. Although we don’t cover it on the podcast, … Continue reading "Episode 109 – Interview with Frank Tracz of Kansas State"
Episode 108 – When To Play (and other tips) for Football Games (8/15/2018) - When I first started teaching at the high school level, I was totally lost when the pep band played at our football game! Perhaps you feel lost too? Listen to the podcast to learn some tips and tools of the trade. When to play. When NOT to play. What to play. Who to talk to … Continue reading "Episode 108 – When To Play (and other tips) for Football Games"
Episode 107 – A Rehearsal Method for Learning Marching Band “Sets” (5/23/2018) - This is a great technique for learning and polishing marching band sets. I stole it from my friend and colleague Keith Bisaillon. I’ve used it for several seasons. This will be the last podcast of the season. Lord willing, I will see you back in August. In the meantime, perhaps you are looking to gig … Continue reading "Episode 107 – A Rehearsal Method for Learning Marching Band “Sets”"
Episode 106 – Things I Never Thought I’d Say During Rehearsal (5/16/2018) - This episode is just for fun. Have you ever suffered from foot in mouth disease, when you either say something embarrassing or say something you never thought you would! That often happens to me. Sometimes I get my tirds wisted. Maybe I have a speed impechiment.
Episode 105 – Motivating Students to Practice (5/9/2018) - I think the big mistake we make when trying to motivate students to practice is to think they are just like we were when we were their age.
Episode 104 – Teaching the Audience Proper Etiquette (5/2/2018) - We’ve talked about student etiquette in concerts, but how about when it’s the audience members who are the problem! You CAN change the culture. No one said it would be easy.
Episode 103 – Incorporating Special Needs Students in Band (4/25/2018) - I’m not talking about adapting so much in this episode. Most of us can use our creativity and figure out something to make it work. This is mostly about how to incorporate students with severe needs who may never be able to learn an instrument.
Episode 102 – I Can’t Play, My Throat Hurts…How to Respond (4/18/2018) - I strongly dislike this response. Sometimes it comes from ignorance, sometimes from a need for sympathy, and other times out of laziness.
Episode 101 – Posting Audition Results (4/11/2018) - Do you ever just want to RUN AWAY after posting audition results? Hope these tips help to make it less uncomfortable. Try posting this and sending an email to parents… STUDENTS STOP! Before you discover your placement, remember: 1. We care about you. 2. Sometimes, the lessons we don’t want to hear are the ones … 
Episode 100 – Instilling High Standards (4/4/2018) - Back in the day, teachers were always believed and respected. Now, many students and parents get their feelings hurt, especially when we are trying to set high standards for our groups. How do we set and maintain those high standards? Get some helpful tips in this podcast.
Episode 99 – Jazz Band Warm-ups (3/7/2018) - If your jazz band is like mine, it’s filled with some of the most creative and ENERGETIC students in the school. They never get in serious trouble, but if I don’t keep them occupied and doing something, they can tend to get in a little bit of “teen goofy” trouble. I like to start … 
Episode 98 – Are Practice Sheets Worthwhile (2/28/2018) - I started my career utilizing practice sheets, but dropped them shortly after arriving at my current position. Are they useful? Are they a waste of time? In this podcast, I share some thoughts from fellow band directors on both sides of the debate. Ultimately you have to decide what’s best for your program.
Episode 97 – Thoughts on Marching Band Philosophy (2/21/2018) - We all know directors who have burned out teaching marching band. Some flee from the thought of ever teaching it again. However, I think with a few changes in our philosophy, we can have successful marching bands that don’t destroy our life. I share a few of those thoughts in this podcast.
Episode 96 – 5 Tips for Dealing with Bullying Colleagues (2/14/2018) - It’s bad enough when we are bullied by a boss or superior, but what do we do if a fellow teacher is bullying us? This is a difficult situation to deal with, especially if you are a young teacher and the one doing the bullying is more experienced. Here are 5 tips to help you … Continue reading "Episode 96 – 5 Tips for Dealing with Bullying Colleagues"
Episode 95 – Leaving or Retiring? Some Communication Tips… (2/7/2018) - I have only left one teaching position. Telling my students was one of the hardest things I have had to do! It’s never easy, but hopefully these tips will lessen the pain.
Episode 94 – 8 Tips to Consider on Overnight Trips (1/24/2018) - Trips can be fun and educational. The secret is to over plan and plan early. Follow these 8 tips to make your overnight band trip more successful and reduce the risk of something going wrong. trip behavior agreement Parent Educational Leader Guide Link to Travel 101 by Andrew Yaracs 
Episode 93 – Dealing with Poisonous Students (1/17/2018) - We have all had our share of poisonous students. Do we cut them out like a cancer and get rid of them, or do we try and work patiently with them? The answer isn’t always clear cut.
Episode 92 – Dealing With “I Quit” (12/13/2017) - I’m not talking about you the teacher, but the student. I personally want to quit at least once a month, despite having spent 20 years in this wonderful field. If we have this desire (and get over it), don’t you think the same can apply to students? You do have to learn to develop a … 
Episode 91 – Getting Non-Performing Groups to Sit Quietly (12/6/2017) - In my early years of teaching, it was chaos with my students who were waiting their turn to perform. I knew something had to change, so I developed a strategy that has been effective for 10 years. No strategies are foolproof, but this has worked for EVERY student I have had, except for three stubborn … Continue reading "Episode 91 – Getting Non-Performing Groups to Sit Quietly"
Episode 90 – Retention and Recruiting Ideas (11/29/2017) - Relationship is really important to retention and recruiting, but you can also plan and organize some fun musical events that will improve retention. Here are 8 ideas that have worked for me and other directors.
Episode 89 – Dealing With Student Profanity (11/15/2017) - What should you do if a student drops the “f” bomb? I’m working on an app that would deliver a strong electric shock to any student who does this, but until that is perfected, here are some strategies to help you deal with them.
Episode 88 – Tuning Tips (11/7/2017) - Tuning is one of the hardest tasks to teach and accomplish, especially for a brand new teacher. You can and will get better at it, but it’s not an event…it’s a lifestyle. Some tips to help you in the process.
Episode 87 – Italian Pronunciation of Music Terms (11/2/2017) - It drives me crazy when I hear weird pronunciation of the Italian terms we use in music! Maybe because for many years I mispronounced them. Here’s a quick guide to help you on your way. Ciao.
Episode 86: 7 Things Your Middle School Director Wants You To Know (10/4/2017) - Many times, High School band directors are quick to put the blame on their middle school. Often they have not even met their middle school director. I am fortunate to work with an outstanding director who is also my assistant director for the high school marching band. We collaborate often. I started my career as … Continue reading "Episode 86: 7 Things Your Middle School Director Wants You To Know"
Episode 85: How To Organize Your Music Library (9/20/2017) - When I started at my current position in 2005, I inherited a stack of music three feet tall that was mostly SINGLE sheets of music that had not been filed. The school was first opened in the 1970s. It seemed like nobody had organized the library ever! It took me the entire school year, but … Continue reading "Episode 85: How To Organize Your Music Library"
Episode 84: 5 Performing Groups in 62 Minutes (9/5/2017) - Have you ever wondered how to get a bunch of groups to perform in a short amount of time? I remember when my two oldest kids were in high school. The concerts were great, but they seemed to drag on as the stage crew set each chair exactly in place between each group. I didn’t … Continue reading "Episode 84: 5 Performing Groups in 62 Minutes"
Episode 83: How To Be a Great Guest Clinician (8/21/2017) - Being a great conductor does not make one a great clinician. Besides having a lot of music knowledge, a great clinician will be a people person, adaptable and have the ability to inspire. Join me as I share some tips on how to be a great guest clinician.
Episode 82: Create a Yearly Task List (8/9/2017) - I learned a long time ago that there’s no way my brain can remember everything I need to do. I created what I call a “Yearly Task List” to help me remember what I need to get done and WHEN I need to get it done. This list gets revised each year as I add … 
Episode 81: Make Your Marching Band Rehearsal More Efficient (7/31/2017) - Did you know many of our top marching bands in the country are under what’s called the 8 hour rule. They are only allowed to spend 8 hours a week practicing their marching band show. How do they do it? With efficiency! In this episode I interview marching band judge and clinician Andy Brady. Find … Continue reading "Episode 81: Make Your Marching Band Rehearsal More Efficient"
Episode 80: Getting Sax Players To Play With Good Tone (4/26/2017) - As a professional sax player myself, I am sometimes deeply disturbed by what I hear coming from the sax section, even in my own band! But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode I share 8 tips that will help your students to have a better sax sound.
Episode 79: 14 Tips on How To Get Better At Fixing The Music (4/18/2017) - The main thing we do…fixing the music! How do we get better at that? In this episode, I share 14 tips that I have learned over the years, including an acronym from the Army Band (DIAC) and what NOT to use as a rehearsal technique, a technique used frequently by one of my band commanders. … Continue reading "Episode 79: 14 Tips on How To Get Better At Fixing The Music"
Episode 78: Answers to Listener’s Questions (4/12/2017) - I take a slight turn in this podcast and answer a few listener questions. I hope to do more of these. If you would like to submit a question, please go to the contact page at www.jamesdivine.net and send your question. Joel writes…I’ve been teaching awhile with the program growing stagnant. Do I need to … Continue reading "Episode 78: Answers to Listener’s Questions"
Episode 77: How and Why You Should Start a Tri-M Chapter (4/4/2017) - Like me you probably think you don’t have time to run a Tri-M chapter. I’m here to tell you you don’t not have time! A 2-hour investment per month can yield hundreds of hours of influence. It’s simple and not expensive. Go to the Nafme website to find out how to start a chapter in … Continue reading "Episode 77: How and Why You Should Start a Tri-M Chapter"
Episode 76: What to do (and eat) the night of a concert (2/22/2017) - In my younger days, I didn’t have a plan for preparing myself for a concert (besides the music). It ultimately led to a few – shall we say – uneasy rumblings while on stage. I have developed a routine that works for me to prepare me physically, mentally and emotionally for each concert.
Episode 75: Student Led Rehearsal (1/18/2017) - What is a teacher to do when he has to be gone and the sub knows nothing about music! Have the students lead the rehearsal…after all, they probably know more than the sub. A student led rehearsal is different than having a student conduct. Nobody conducts in a student led rehearsal. The students collaborate. I … 
Episode 74 – Teaching Guitar Effectively: Interview with Bill Swick (1/4/2017) - Join me as I interview Bill Swick – master guitar teacher. We dig into several strategies for how to effectively teach guitar, especially if you are a band teacher. When I started at my current school 12 years ago, I had no experience as a guitar teacher. I must confess that in the back of … Continue reading "Episode 74 – Teaching Guitar Effectively: Interview with Bill Swick"
Episode 73: Creating a Marching Band Schedule and Plan (11/29/2016) - In this episode, I share some tips regarding when I schedule marching band related dates. Our first one – to pick our marching show for next year – is already coming up!
Episode 72: Incorporate Writing & Math WITHOUT Giving Up Band Time (10/27/2016) - In this episode, I share a quick strategy that will give you up-loadable evidence to show that you are incorporating writing and math into your curriculum. The best thing about it is that it is probably something you are already doing!
Episode 71 – How To Practice, with Professor Jimmy (10/5/2016) - Professor Jimmy, James Divine’s twin music teacher brother, gives you tips on how to use your practice time wisely. Professor Jimmy is much more fun to watch rather than listen to. Watch him here. 
Episode 70: Interview with Greg Martin, author of “Marching Band Techniques” (8/23/2016) - Order the book on amazon This book can be used as an accompanying text for the collegiate marching band techniques course and to help build a successful marching band program at a high school. Topics include everything from developing a program handbook to student leadership and adult staffing, budgets, rehearsal techniques, sample forms, and basic … Continue reading "Episode 70: Interview with Greg Martin, author of “Marching Band Techniques”"
Episode 69: What To Do The Last Two Weeks Of School (5/18/2016) - You just had your final concert but there are still two weeks left at school. What do you do now? Don’t make the mistake I made early in my career and have no plan. Now is the time to try a few different things while still holding the students to high expectations. Listen to find … Continue reading "Episode 69: What To Do The Last Two Weeks Of School"
Episode 68: Successful Differentiation In The Music Classroom (4/27/2016) - Many of us have learned to differentiate for special needs students, but did you know gifted students also need differentiation? In this episode, experienced music educator and music supervisor shares a few strategies for differentiation. Does this whet your appetite for more? Earn college credit and learn more this summer when Samantha teaches a 4-day … Continue reading "Episode 68: Successful Differentiation In The Music Classroom"
Episode 67: 5 Tips For More Efficient Rehearsals (4/12/2016) - Have you ever felt like you stunk as a teacher? I have 18 years experience and recently I felt this way. One of my colleagues came for a visit. He gave me some tips afterwards and pointed out some things that I should know better about! I was embarrassed (but glad he pointed these things … Continue reading "Episode 67: 5 Tips For More Efficient Rehearsals"
Episode 66: The Joy of Teaching in a Rural School 2; interview with Karen Gregg (3/17/2016) - Where can three degrees in bassoon performance take you? Sometimes to exciting and unexpected places like teaching music in a rural public school. Join me as I have a conversation with Karen Gregg about the joy of teaching in a rural school, where Karen has a ton of community involvement, more flexibility, gets to know … Continue reading "Episode 66: The Joy of Teaching in a Rural School 2; interview with Karen Gregg"
Episode 65: How To Properly Use Festival Warm Up Time (3/2/2016) - When I was a young director, I thought the thirty minutes they gave us to warm up was too long. I just didn’t know what to do. Now I fill those thirty minutes quickly and wish I had more. I share my warm up process for festival and for most days in band. Link to … Continue reading "Episode 65: How To Properly Use Festival Warm Up Time"
Episode 64 – Interview with Jane Church (2/24/2016) - Have you taught for 30 years or have you taught your first year 30 times? There is a difference! Jane and I discuss the importance of longevity in a band program and how you can stay fresh in a 30 year career.
Episode 63: 11 Ways To Lose A Band Student (and 11 Ways To Keep Them) (2/10/2016) - It’s the little things that make the difference. In this podcast I share 11 things we sometimes do (or fail to do) that cause us to lose a student. We often get the music right, but fail at the relationship. Incorporate these ideas and you will find yourself keeping more of your students. 
Episode 62: What To Do If You Don’t Have A Bass Player For Jazz Band (1/28/2016) - A Bass Player and Percussionist are absolutely essential to making a jazz band or combo sound good. You can make almost any combination of instruments work. There are good percussionists almost everywhere, but what do you do if you don’t have a bass player? In this podcast I share several strategies for obtaining a decent … Continue reading "Episode 62: What To Do If You Don’t Have A Bass Player For Jazz Band"
Episode 61: Get Organized and Save TIME (1/21/2016) - Would you believe me if I told you my work area is clean and clutter free? What if I told you it was easy (it’s not)? Putting in some time on the front end to get your work area organized can save you precious time later, giving you more time to devote to what you … 
Episode 60: Proper Eating and Fitness for Band Directors (1/6/2016) - If you’re like me, you have often struggled with eating properly while teaching. About 10 years ago, I weighed 30 pounds more than I do right now. Did the two packages of M&Ms every day have anything to do with it? In this episode, I share tips that helped me maintain my weight, which enables … Continue reading "Episode 60: Proper Eating and Fitness for Band Directors"
Episode 56: Stop Comparing (10/28/2015) - Download (I’ve been away for a few weeks…end of marching season). It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing what you do with what other band directors are doing. Are you doing that? Take Newhart’s advice…Just Stop It!