The Backwoods Bandroom

What do you do with a large percussion section? How can you organize part assignments so that every student has an opportunity to contribute, grow, and have fun without the danger of overwhelming the rest of the group...and director? Let's talk. Contact me at: ljones@westbranch.org music by: Brandon Payne

When you host a festival at your school, EVERYONE WINS! No, I mean...like...everybody. The students, you, the community, you, the administration, the boosters, and most importantly, you! Let's breakdown why you may want to consider hosting. And to those who have been at a festival every week for the last three weeks, we salute you!!!

A Backwoods Bandroom BONUS track! The story behind the turkey-call used in the winter concert addressed in an earlier episode!

Hey, let's get sick all holiday break! What a great idea! It will give you time to reflect on everything that you have done in the last six months...and possibility share some stories and goals to focus on in the spring semester. Let's go!

We're gonna hit you with some "Reading Rainbow" vibes in this episode & some book titles that you can leave in your classroom to lend students, or keep for yourself...you filthy animal! Happy Holidays!!!

This episode explores how to identify your "WHY" and how essential it is for small town teachers! -Music by Brandon Payne -Question/Comment on FB, Instagram, or email Lance (ljones@westbranch.org)

Well, you asked for it! How do go about commissioning for your group? How do small schools find the resources (finances, instrumentation, etc.) to do so? Where do you start? Find out in this episode, and I'll also share what I learned from my latest commissioning project!

This episode is dedicated to starting the new school year as we break down how to effectively & efficiently step into a new job, a new district, or just a new year! We also discuss the strategy of carrying a water-bottle around with you all day long... Music by: Brandon Payne (https://www.facebook.com/thatpaynefulmusic) Artwork by: Jonathan Fye (https://www.instagram.com/jonathanfye/)

We open season two with a discussion about journaling & the benefits of starting a journal-practice! Grab your favorite fluffy pen and your super secret tell-all friend...your diary...and let's get to work.

In the last episode of season one, we discuss 5 Wellness Tips for Educators in episode 5! I also mention almost everyone that I know...cause my friend-circle is small... If you have any wellness resources you would like to share, feel free to drop a comment on our facebook or instagram page. The Backwoods Bandroom Podcast is written and recorded by Lance Jones; Dr. Bill Stowman (Producer): www.williamstowman.com Brandon Payne (Music): http://thatpaynefulmusic.weebly.com/ or http://www.YouTube.com/c/thatpaynefulmusic or http://instagram.com/thatpaynefulmusic Jon Fye (Artwork Design): https://wtli.design/home or https://wtli.design/

In this episode we will talk about how important it is to develop a rapport with your administration. You're actually, or supposed to be, on the same team...you may have common interests...and like...need each other n' stuff...

Let's talk about some of the odd opportunities that have come our way in the last 24 months. In this episode, you may notice that I mention my wife (briefly) and you can also hear my kids land a crushing lightsaber blow during this recording. Enjoy! Music by: Brandon Payne (https://www.facebook.com/thatpaynefulmusic)

This episode is called "Alternative Approaches" because "AA for the Ensemble" looks bad! Let's break down flex band/low-grade music and take a different look at our ensembles. Music by: Brandon Payne (https://www.facebook.com/thatpaynefulmusic)

In this, the first part of our "Rurally Rebuilding" series, we will address some of the questions that we all have been living out within our band rooms so far this year. How can we engagement more students in music? How can we maximize engagement with the students we have? How can we give them opportunities that also engage the district and community? Also...I talk about my student named Billy-Bob! Music by: Brandon Payne (https://www.facebook.com/thatpaynefulmusic)

So...there have been times where I have written down thoughts and strategies to help myself navigate through or prepare for the school year. There have also been times where I have shared these thoughts/strategies with the music-teacher-community via articles. One day I realized, music teachers don't (have time to) read!!! This podcast is all about sharing ideas with fellow small school music teachers. In THIS episode, you will hear a drummer (me!) speaking into a microphone, while trying not to swallow it whole....enjoy! Music by: Brandon Payne (https://www.facebook.com/thatpaynefulmusic)