This is Miller Steam Plant in West Jefferson, AL. The house where I grew up is circled. Two of us on that street had a rare cancer (Leiomyosarcoma) that some say affects 4 in one million.

This is what we do for our composition contest.

I want this keyboard cart so badly. Most people admire shows and uniforms at contests while I am over here coveting band’s casters, carts, and props.

We do a pass-off system to determine chair placement and band placement. This is from the Rubank series (Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced 1 & 2). We keep up progress in sheets, which is tied to slides. This is constantly scrolling at the front of the room (and updates immediately).

A few more of my favorite podcasts.

If you have a jazz band this is essential listening.

My recents on Apple. The new John Williams documentary on Disney is 🔥.

My Spotify Wrapped…

My mom’s drum line back in the 40’s.

They just do it on their own. Here is what we put out to the students.

A band director wears many hats, but the most important these days has to be counselor. Students are rarely okay from day to day.

Jazz All State submissions are upon us. Even with daily classroom help many drop at the last moment. Beginning of class = all state jazz scales, jazz standard heads/soloing, volunteers for etudes, etc. Fear of failure is mighty powerful.