The First Six Notes with Classroom Composers

Not every music educator gets the ideal schedule, class size, instrumentation, or teaching setup. Sometimes success means adjusting your expectations and finding a system that works for the students and circumstances you actually have. In Episode 33, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss their experiences teaching in unusual situations and how they have adapted instruction, pacing, routines, and priorities when the traditional model does not fit. In This Episode Adapting when your teaching situation is not ideal Working with unusual schedules and limited instructional time Adjusting pacing based on how often students meet Teaching students with different experience levels Making the most of the students and instrumentation you have Prioritizing what matters most when time is limited Building routines that maximize instructional time Avoiding comparisons to programs with completely different circumstances Finding success by adapting instead of forcing the ideal model Chapters 00:00 Not every teaching situation is ideal 02:00 Adapting to unusual circumstances 05:00 Working with challenging schedules 08:00 Making limited instructional time count 11:00 Different experience levels in the same class 14:00 Adjusting expectations and pacing 17:00 Prioritizing the most important skills 20:00 Building routines that save time 23:00 Working with the program you actually have 26:00 Defining success in your circumstances Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Join our email community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

Good classroom management is not about having the perfect consequence system. It starts with creating clear expectations, predictable routines, and an environment where students know exactly what is expected of them. In this episode, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss practical classroom management strategies for music educators, including establishing routines, responding consistently to behavior, handling problems privately, and avoiding power struggles with students. In This Episode Creating clear expectations and routines Establishing procedures for the entire class period Being consistent with rules and consequences Correcting behavior calmly and privately Avoiding arguments and power struggles with students Creating a safe and predictable rehearsal environment Recognizing that the behaviors you allow can quickly become the norm Chapters 00:00 What good classroom management looks like 02:00 Setting clear expectations 04:30 Building predictable classroom routines 07:30 Procedures throughout the class period 10:30 Consistency with rules and consequences 13:30 Correcting behavior without stopping rehearsal 16:00 Handling problems privately 18:30 Avoiding arguments and power struggles 21:00 Creating a safe and predictable environment 24:00 Final classroom management takeaways Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Join our email community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

Once students can assemble their instruments and produce a full instrument sound, it is finally time to start learning notes and making music. In Part 5, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss how they introduce the first notes, connect fingerings with music notation, build note changes, incorporate percussion, and decide when students are ready to move into method book exercises and simple songs. In This Episode Teaching the first notes on each instrument Connecting note names, fingerings, and notation Deciding how quickly to add new notes Practicing clean transitions between notes Incorporating articulation from the beginning Keeping percussion involved with the winds Moving from isolated notes into short exercises and songs Knowing when students are ready to move forward Chapters 00:00 Recapping the first 30 days 01:00 Moving from first sounds to first notes 03:00 Introducing the first fingerings 05:30 Connecting fingerings to written notation 08:00 Adding additional notes 10:30 Practicing note changes 13:00 Incorporating rhythm and articulation 15:30 Keeping percussion involved 18:00 Moving into exercises and simple music 21:00 How quickly should beginners progress? 23:30 Wrapping up the first 30 days Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Join our email community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

After students produce their first mouthpiece sounds, the next step is assembling instruments correctly, establishing faster setup routines, and creating the first full-instrument sounds. In Part 4, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss how they keep percussionists engaged, teach safe instrument assembly, correct posture and hand position, and address common problems before they become habits. In This Episode Keeping percussionists engaged from the beginning Building stick control and rhythm skills Teaching safe instrument assembly Using timers to improve setup routines Checking instruments section by section Teaching posture, hand position, and instrument placement Producing the first full-instrument sounds Preparing students to learn their first notes Chapters 00:00 Recapping the first 30 days 01:00 Keeping percussionists engaged 02:00 Starting the percussion section together 04:00 Stick control and rhythm exercises 06:30 Balancing percussion and wind instruction 08:00 Moving to full-instrument assembly 09:30 Demonstrating instrument assembly 10:00 Building a faster setup routine 10:30 Checking instruments section by section 12:00 Teaching safe instrument handling 13:00 Helping individuals without stopping the class 15:00 Hand position and holding instruments 17:00 Posture and breathing 19:00 Instrument-specific playing positions 21:00 Producing full-instrument sounds 23:00 Correcting common tone problems 24:00 Moving into the first notes Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Join our email community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

Once students receive their instruments, it can be tempting to start playing immediately. However, taking time to teach instrument care, assembly, posture, breathing, and first sounds can prevent problems later. In Part 3, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss how they distribute instruments, establish safe setup routines, teach mouthpiece and headjoint assembly, and help students produce their first sounds. In This Episode Checking out and labeling instruments Teaching safe case and assembly procedures Establishing posture and breathing routines Preparing mouthpieces, reeds, and headjoints Assessing students’ first sounds Using mouthpiece work to troubleshoot problems Introducing articulation and pitch before reading music Chapters 00:40 Checking out and renting instruments 02:00 Teaching instrument responsibility 02:30 Distributing and labeling instruments 06:00 Posture and breathing exercises 08:00 Opening instrument cases correctly 10:30 Identifying instrument parts 12:00 Building efficient setup routines 13:30 Attaching reeds correctly 16:00 Preparing mouthpieces and headjoints 17:30 Producing the first sounds 19:00 Assessing students individually 21:00 Starting class with mouthpiece work 22:00 Troubleshooting sound-production problems 23:00 Introducing articulation and pitch Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Join our email community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

Choosing instruments is one of the most exciting parts of beginning band, but student preference is only one part of the process. In Part 2, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss how they introduce the concert band instruments, test students on mouthpieces and headjoints, evaluate percussion coordination, and balance student interest with physical fit, available equipment, and ensemble needs. In This Episode Introducing students to every instrument Using short videos, guided notes, and demonstrations Testing woodwind and brass sound production Evaluating percussion coordination Managing instrument testing with a large class Balancing student preference with ensemble instrumentation Helping students succeed on their assigned instrument Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Part 1 recap 02:00 Introducing the instruments 04:00 Videos, guided notes, and demonstrations 07:30 Building balanced instrumentation 09:00 Handling high-demand instruments 11:00 Setting expectations for percussion 12:45 Preparing for instrument testing 15:30 Flute and woodwind testing 18:00 Brass testing and physical considerations 20:00 Selecting percussionists 21:30 Percussion coordination exercises 25:30 Assigning instruments Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Join our email community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

The first month of beginning band can shape the rest of the school year. Before students focus on making music, they need clear expectations for entering the room, handling equipment, following directions, and participating in an ensemble. In Part 1, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss the rules, routines, and behavior systems that help create a calm and productive beginning band classroom. In This Episode Creating clear classroom rules and procedures Teaching an effective entry routine Setting expectations for instruments, music, and phones Handling consequences calmly and privately Avoiding vague policies and classroom arguments Chapters 00:00 Why the first 30 days matter 01:15 Handbooks and written expectations 03:15 Revising unclear policies 06:00 Creating an entry routine 08:00 Rules versus procedures 10:00 Teaching students how an ensemble works 13:15 Instrument and equipment procedures 18:00 Consequences and accountability 23:45 Why procedures should not be rushed Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Join our email community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

After nearly three years away, The First Six Notes Podcast is back! Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank catch listeners up on their career changes, what they learned during the break, and why now feels like the right time to relaunch the show. Kevin discusses his move from middle school to high school and his upcoming return to middle school, while Jessica reflects on working in administration. In This Episode: Why the podcast went on pause Kevin and Jessica’s career changes Kevin’s transition into high school and marching band Jessica’s experience in administration Building stronger elementary, middle, and high school music pathways Why they decided to bring the podcast back What listeners can expect next Chapters 00:00 - The podcast is back 00:45 - Where we left off 01:25 - Teaching together in Oceanside 10:30 - Jessica’s experience in administration 14:30 - Kevin’s move to high school 18:00 - Returning to middle school 23:30 - Why now is the right time to return 24:45 - What’s next Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Email Community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with another music educator.

Are you feeling overwhelmed thinking of all you have to do to get ready for the start of another school year? No need to stress! We've got you covered with all the tips and tricks you need to start off your music classes on the right note! We are sharing everything you need to know about what to do during teacher prep week and in the first few weeks of the school year. From recruitment strategies to setting up classrooms and instrument distribution, we’re covering it all. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable tips to help you navigate back to school season with confidence. Be sure to join us inside our Facebook Group and share what your favorite back to school tips are! Show notes: www.classroomcomposers.com/first-weeks-of-school/ Website: www.classroomcomposers.com TpT Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers

How can you successfully teach beginning strings when your background is in band? Teaching beginning strings requires a unique set of skills and knowledge. If you’re a band teacher teaching beginning strings, tune in as we dive into the world of teaching beginning strings. In this episode, we are breaking down the pros of teaching beginning strings, the 7 prerequisite skills you should have before teaching beginning strings, tips we’ve learned along the way, and what a typical rehearsal for middle school strings looks like. If you have questions about teaching beginning strings, be sure to join us inside our Facebook Group ! We’ll be happy to help! Show notes: www.classroomcomposers.com/teaching-strings/ Website: www.classroomcomposers.com TpT Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers

Are you using warm-ups and drills as a way to prepare your students to play sheet music? If not, you may be missing out on an incredible opportunity to help your students be more successful in band! Join us as we dive into the importance of utilizing warm-ups and drills to effectively teach and practice new concepts and skills. Hear how we use backwards planning to craft our warm-ups and how warm-ups can be strategically used to teach important concepts needed to successfully play sheet music! If you want to chat more about using warm-ups effectively, join us inside our Facebook Group and let us know what is working for you! Show notes: www.classroomcomposers.com/daily-warm-ups/ Website: www.classroomcomposers.com TpT Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers

All over, teachers are seeing challenging behaviors that we have not seen previously. We know that in order to best serve our students and run a successful band program we need to reflect on what is working and what is not working and adapt as needed. In this episode, we are diving into the 7 main issues we saw this past school year, what our updated rules and expectations will be going forward, and how we are presenting them to students and parents to ensure there is no misunderstanding about expectations and consequences. This may be a controversial topic but it is one we feel is important to discuss so we can all continue to improve our programs. Show notes: www.classroomcomposers.com/taking-what-didnt-work-this-year/ Website: www.classroomcomposers.com TpT Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers

We’ve all gotten frustrated with method books or curriculums that move too quickly or aren’t easily understood by students. We knew there was a gap between what options were out there for beginning bands and what beginning band students and their teachers actually needed. In this episode, we are diving into how the Quarter Note Companion helps set beginning band students up for success. We are sharing the research the curriculum is founded in, a look inside the 5 components of the curriculum, and how you can use this curriculum with beginning bands or middle school bands. Show notes: www.classroomcomposers.com/quarter-note-companion/ Website: www.classroomcomposers.com TpT Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers

Teaching beginning band can be overwhelming and challenging! We have found that having three key pillars in place has been incredibly beneficial to running our beginning band classes. Establishing these overarching pillars have helped us to build our beginning band program that is successful and enjoyable for us and our students. In this episode, we are sharing the importance of planning backwards based on our big goals, how we build and maintain a great classroom culture, the importance of clear rules and consequences, and the six things we include in our beginning band curriculum. Show notes: www.classroomcomposers.com/beginning-band-year-at-a-glance/ Website: www.classroomcomposers.com TpT Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers

A lot goes into teaching beginning strings. When helping students learn the correct posture, safety, bow hold, etc., it is so important that they understand your expectations and what is expected of them. That is one of the key tips our guest, Elizabeth Rohrs, shares about teaching beginning strings. In this episode, Elizabeth is diving into how she successfully teaches her very large classes of beginning strings with efficiency. She is sharing her background as a violinist and music educator, what her general scope and sequence is for beginning string students, how she structures her classes to make the best use of time, and how she teaches posture and bow hold. This episode is packed with practical information that we know will be so helpful for teaching beginning strings! Show notes: www.classroomcomposers.com/teaching-beginning-strings Website: www.classroomcomposers.com TpT Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers

We’re reaching the end of the school year and you’re likely busy with spring concert prep and the last thing you want to think about is getting all the end of the year tasks completed. We want to help you get organized and plan for the end of the year without adding more to your to-do list. In this episode, we are diving into how we have simplified our end of the year processes to ensure all tasks get completed without adding unneeded stress. We’re sharing how we backwards plan for the rest of the year, ensure all logistics are set for field trips and concerts, clean and inventory instruments, and keep students engaged once concerts are over. Show notes: www.classroomcomposers.com/closing-out-the-school-year Website: www.classroomcomposers.com TpT Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers

What can we learn from video games and video game design that can help us as music educators? Jared Brockmeyer is joining us today to dive into how understanding video game design and student motivations can help us better reach and connect with our band students. Jared has recently been presenting on gamification in education and has so much incredible information about the topic. In this episode, he is sharing how he made the connection between video games and music education, how we can structure our instruction to resemble the structure of video game, and why it's important to understand player type theory so we can understand and engage our students better. Show notes: www.classroomcomposers.com/what-video-games-can-teach-us/ Website: www.classroomcomposers.com TpT Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers

Music education looks different depending on which state you are in but many music educators would agree that Texas’ music education is better than other places in the United States. What is it about music education in Texas that helps to create such great programs? In this episode we are joined by Andy LaRusch, a head band director in Texas, who is sharing some great insight into music education in Texas. He is sharing about his background as a music educator, his journey to becoming a head band director in Texas, the teaching environments for music educators in his district, what makes Texas music education stand out, and what he sees new music educators need the most support with. Show notes: www.classroomcomposers.com/music-education-in-different-states Website: www.classroomcomposers.com TpT Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers

Whether a side hustle has been in the back of your mind for a while or if you haven’t considered starting one, Jennifer has some great insight for you! She is sharing an inside look at what it is like for her side hustling as a full time teacher. Jennifer has a successful YouTube channel and retail shop that she runs while still working full time as a teacher. She is sharing about her background as a music educator, how she got started with her side hustles, tips for starting a YouTube channel, how she got started with her retail shop, and ideas of side hustles that teachers can do while teaching full time. Show notes: https://classroomcomposers.com/side-hustling/ Website: www.classroomcomposers.com TpT Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers

Music field trips can seem overwhelming but they don’t need to be! Whether you’ve done theme park field trips with your program before and want them to run more smoothly or if you think they’re too daunting to do, we have helpful tips for you! In this episode, we are breaking down our step-by-step process for planning our theme park field trips. We are sharing how we plan the field trip, handling the cost and funding, how we prepare our students, and all the helpful tips we have learned in the past 7+ years of planning successful theme park field trips in our program. Show notes: classroomcomposers.com/episode-14-music-field-trip Website: www.classroomcomposers.com TpT Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers