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MusicEducation

The Unconducted Curriculum

Chris McLellan & Tina Parr

Featuring veteran band directors, Chris McLellan and Tina Parr, the Unconducted Curriculum Podcast discusses everything the school band director faces "off the podium." From administrative duties to dealing with upset parents, we tackle the issues that aren't usually discussed in this medium. With high school band as well as student teacher supervisor perspectives from Chris and middle school perspectives from TIna, there is something for all levels of band directing.

Come enjoy a lighthearted conversation between friends of 27 years as well as invited guests and see what the "Unconducted Curriculum" is all about!

This podcast will feature guests on a regular basis.

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  • 7 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 1 hr
  • English

Episodes 7

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  • S1 · E7
    Thursday · 1 hr 12 min

    Episode 7: Practice Not Pressure

    The conversation explores the importance of practice outside of class, emphasizing the development of muscle memory, rhythm confidence, sound awareness, independence, and rehearsal success. Specific instructions for practice, including what to practice, how, and at what tempo, are highlighted as crucial for effective practice sessions. The conversation delves into the strategies for encouraging practice and ownership, the importance of family involvement and support, and effective grading and assessment strategies. It emphasizes positive reinforcement and the role of parents and family in the practice process, as well as the implementation of innovative grading and assessment methods to promote student engagement and accountability. The conversation explores the strategies for encouraging students to practice at home, the role of parents in supporting practice, the CLEAR model for effective practice, and the importance of reflection and ownership in practice. It emphasizes creating a safe and enjoyable environment for practice and recognizing progress as key elements in fostering a positive practice experience. Takeaways Practice outside of class is essential for developing muscle memory, rhythm confidence, sound awareness, independence, and rehearsal success. Providing specific instructions for practice, including what to practice, how, and at what tempo, is crucial for effective practice sessions. Encouraging practice through positive reinforcement Involving parents and family in the practice process Encouraging students to practice by creating a safe and enjoyable environment The importance of recognizing progress and celebrating improvement Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Practice Outside of Class 02:09 Creating a Practice Plan 03:13 Developing Muscle Memory and Rhythm Confidence 10:33 Independence and Rehearsal Success 25:28 The 30-Minute Practice Myth 26:11 Encouraging Practice and Ownership 41:04 Family Involvement and Support 50:04 Grading and Assessment Strategies 54:31 Encouraging Practice at Home 58:51 The Role of Parents in Practice 01:08:24 The CLEAR Model for Effective Practice 01:16:11 Reflection and Ownership in Practice

    • Transcript
  • September 10 · 1 hr 18 min

    Episode 6: Guest, Dexx Moore - Creating an Effective and Efficient Marching Band Rehearsal

    The episode discusses effective marching band rehearsal techniques, emphasizing the importance of intentional and efficient use of time. It covers the planning process, rehearsal expectations, and student responsibilities, focusing on performance-like rehearsals and detailed procedures. The conversation covers the importance of marching fundamentals and the incorporation of targeted marching exercises into daily rehearsals. It emphasizes the need for efficient use of time and the application of fundamentals to the drill. The conversation delves into the importance of applying fundamentals to drill, working on different step sizes, and incorporating music rehearsal time. It also explores the significance of listening to the band on the move, isolating parts for focused practice, and building confidence in individual sections. The conversation focuses on the approach to teaching and rehearsing marching band drill, emphasizing individual responsibility, consistency, and process-oriented learning. It also highlights the importance of quality over quantity, targeted instruction, and effective rehearsal sequences. The conversation delves into the importance of effective rehearsal strategies in marching band programs. It emphasizes the need for concise corrections, clear goals, and targeted rehearsals. The role of coaching and motivation in addition to teaching is highlighted, along with the significance of adapting and pivoting when necessary. Takeaways Intentional and efficient use of time is crucial for effective marching band rehearsals. Performance-like rehearsals and detailed procedures are essential for maintaining high standards and achieving goals. Efficient use of time is crucial in incorporating marching fundamentals into daily rehearsals. Applying the fundamentals to the drill is essential for a cohesive performance. Fundamentals must be applied to drill for effective performance. Listening to the band on the move provides valuable insights into the quality of the performance. Isolating parts for focused practice helps build confidence and self-worth in individual sections. Individual responsibility Consistency Quality over quantity Targeted instruction Effective rehearsal sequences Concise corrections Clear goals Adaptability and pivoting Coaching and motivation Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Effective Marching Band Rehearsals 01:15 Planning for Marching Band Rehearsals 03:15 Daily Lesson Plan and Coordination 04:15 Rehearsal Goals and Time Allocation 04:59 Measurable Goals and Specific Rehearsal Objectives 07:28 Informing Students of Rehearsal Goals 11:30 Rehearsal Expectations and Procedures 14:02 Teaching Rehearsal Expectations 16:07 Maintaining Student Focus and Participation 17:42 Effective Marching Fundamentals 26:39 Incorporating Fundamentals into Daily Routine 33:10 Incorporating Music Rehearsal Time 35:20 Listening to the Band on the Move 36:14 Isolating Parts for Focused Practice 44:13 Individual Responsibility and Consistency 53:17 Effective Rehearsal Sequences 01:03:26 Effective Rehearsal Strategies in Marching Band Programs 01:08:15 Common Rehearsal Pitfalls and Solutions 01:14:07 An Effective Rehearsal Formula 01:16:27 Closing Thoughts and Challenges

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E5
    September 3 · 1 hr 10 min

    Episode 5: September - Survive or Thrive?

    September marks the transition from excitement to reality for band directors at the middle school and high school levels. It's a time of increased demands, challenges, and the need for strategic interventions to support students. The focus shifts from getting started to maintaining motivation and addressing academic concerns. The conversation covers the challenges and pressures faced by band directors and students during the marching band season, as well as the strategies for managing workload, maintaining student well-being, and fostering a sense of ownership and belonging within the band program. September reveals the culture of the band program, and it's a critical time to evaluate and reset the culture for success. The focus is on establishing a positive culture, balancing correction and celebration, and fostering emotional connection and engagement. Practical strategies and reflection exercises are provided to guide directors in evaluating and improving their band program's culture. Takeaways Transition from excitement to reality Strategic interventions for academic concerns band directors and students face significant challenges and pressures during the marching band season. Strategies for managing workload, maintaining student well-being, and fostering a sense of ownership and belonging within the band program are crucial. September reveals the true culture of the band program Balancing correction and celebration is essential for a positive culture Emotional connection and engagement are key to a successful band program Chapters 00:00 Supporting Students and Academic Concerns 24:30 Challenges and Pressures of the Marching Band Season 29:48 Strategies for Managing Workload and Maintaining Student Well-being 37:46 Fostering Ownership and Belonging in the Band Program 01:13:01 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E4
    August 27 · 51 min

    Episode 4: Band Culture by Design

    The conversation delves into the definition of band culture and its influence on character. It explores how culture shapes character and the importance of consistency in building a positive culture. The impact of rehearsal environment on culture, leading by example, and the significance of practicing what you preach are also discussed. The conversation delves into the importance of building a resilient band culture through consistent small decisions, the role of student leaders in shaping the culture, and the significance of creating a safe space for students. It also provides reflection questions for band directors to assess and improve their band culture. Takeaways Culture shapes character Consistency is key to building a positive culture Building a resilient band culture requires consistent small decisions Student leaders play a significant role in shaping the band culture Creating a safe space for students fosters a positive band culture Chapters 00:00 Defining Band Culture 01:16 The Influence of Culture on Character 02:44 Shaping Character Through Band Culture 04:27 Rehearsal Environment and Culture 09:41 Leading by Example and Consistency 20:46 Practicing What You Preach 28:54 Building a Resilient Band Culture 35:38 Training Student Leaders 54:44 Reflection Questions for Band Culture

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E3
    August 20 · 56 min

    Episode 3: Rehearsal Structure for the Win!

    The conversation covers the importance of structured warm-ups and the significance of rehearsal planning for productive rehearsals. It emphasizes the need for a well-organized warm-up routine and the impact of rehearsal structure on the overall productivity of rehearsals. The conversation covers the importance of engaging students actively, using peer evaluation, recording and evaluating rehearsals, planning with clear objectives, and ending rehearsals with purpose. It also discusses effective rehearsal techniques, avoiding common rehearsal mistakes, and closing rehearsals with purpose. Takeaways Structured warm-ups are essential Rehearsal planning is crucial for productive rehearsals Engage students actively Use peer evaluation Record and evaluate rehearsals Plan with clear objectives End rehearsals with purpose Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Structured Warm-Ups 03:01 Rehearsal Planning for Productive Rehearsals 28:32 Engaging Students Actively 29:59 Effective Rehearsal Techniques 31:27 Avoiding Common Rehearsal Mistakes 47:17 Closing Rehearsals with Purpose

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E2
    August 13 · 48 min

    Episode 2: The First Day/Week Part 2

    The conversation covers the topics of positive reinforcement in the classroom and the role of mentors in teaching. It explores the use of positive reinforcement to manage the classroom and encourage student engagement. Additionally, it delves into the importance of mentorship and guidance for new and experienced teachers, highlighting the value of having a mentor to provide support and feedback. The conversation covers the topics of mentorship and clinics, as well as time management and reflection. It delves into the importance of mentorship in music education, the role of clinics in program development, and the significance of time management and reflection for personal and professional growth. Takeaways Positive reinforcement Mentorship and guidance Mentorship and Clinics Time Management and Reflection Chapters 00:00 Positive Reinforcement in the Classroom 16:57 The Role of Mentors in Teaching 27:17 Mentorship and Clinics 33:31 Time Management and Reflection

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E1
    August 4 · 42 min

    Episode 1: The First Day of School

    Ever felt like your first year as a band director was more like a trial by fire? Join Chris McLellan and Tina Parr as they share the raw and eye-opening experiences of their inaugural year, revealing the unexpected challenges and triumphs that shaped their journey. If you’re a new band director or thinking about stepping into the role, this episode is your essential guide to thriving in the classroom. Chris and Tina dive into the unique hurdles of starting at a small school, where the band program was struggling, and the expectations were high. They discuss the steep learning curve they faced, from learning how to build relationships to managing a mixed high school band with eighth graders from a local Lutheran school. You’ll discover how a lack of mentorship back in the early '90s forced Chris to learn on the job, and how today’s technology allows new educators to connect with mentors around the world. You’ll learn: - How to create a welcoming classroom culture on day one that encourages student engagement and excitement. - The importance of building relationships with students and why it matters just as much as teaching music. - Practical strategies for managing a diverse band program and ensuring every student feels valued. - Why first-year teachers should embrace mentorship and seek guidance from seasoned directors. - The secrets to maintaining a positive classroom environment where students thrive. This episode is a must-listen for anyone entering the world of band directing. The knowledge shared by Chris and Tina is not only practical but also deeply relatable to new educators who may feel overwhelmed. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from those who have been in the trenches and came out stronger.

    • Transcript
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