The First Six Notes with Classroom Composers

Classroom Composers
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  • Performing Arts
  • Every two weeks

The First Six Notes Podcast helps music educators build stronger programs, improve rehearsals, and make teaching more manageable. Hosted by Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank of Classroom Composers, each episode features practical, classroom-tested conversations about beginning band and orchestra, classroom management, curriculum, rehearsal strategies, recruitment, retention, program growth, and the everyday realities of teaching music. Whether you are a new music teacher or an experienced educator looking for fresh ideas, you will leave each episode with strategies you can use with your students right away. Because every great musical journey begins with the first six 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

  1. 5 days ago

    29. The First 30 Days of Beginning Band, Part 3

    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 instrumentsTeaching safe case and assembly proceduresEstablishing posture and breathing routinesPreparing mouthpieces, reeds, and headjointsAssessing students’ first soundsUsing mouthpiece work to troubleshoot problemsIntroducing articulation and pitch before reading musicChapters 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.

    29. The First 30 Days of Beginning Band, Part 3

  2. 10 Aug

    28. The First 30 Days of Beginning Band, Part 2

    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 instrumentUsing short videos, guided notes, and demonstrationsTesting woodwind and brass sound productionEvaluating percussion coordinationManaging instrument testing with a large classBalancing student preference with ensemble instrumentationHelping students succeed on their assigned instrumentChapters 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.

    28. The First 30 Days of Beginning Band, Part 2

  3. 3 Aug

    27. The First 30 Days of Beginning Band, Part 1

    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 proceduresTeaching an effective entry routineSetting expectations for instruments, music, and phonesHandling consequences calmly and privatelyAvoiding vague policies and classroom argumentsChapters 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.

    27. The First 30 Days of Beginning Band, Part 1

  4. 2 Aug

    26. We're Back!

    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 pauseKevin and Jessica’s career changesKevin’s transition into high school and marching bandJessica’s experience in administrationBuilding stronger elementary, middle, and high school music pathwaysWhy they decided to bring the podcast backWhat listeners can expect nextChapters 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.

    26. We're Back!

  5. 05/08/2023

    25. Setting up for Success: The First Weeks of School

    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

  6. 22/07/2023

    24. The Band Director Teaching Strings

    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 m...

  7. 08/07/2023

    23. Connecting Sheet Music to Daily Warm-Ups and Drills

    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...

  8. 24/06/2023

    22. Taking What Didn't Work This Year and Making it Work Next Year

    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 abou...

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The First Six Notes Podcast helps music educators build stronger programs, improve rehearsals, and make teaching more manageable. Hosted by Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank of Classroom Composers, each episode features practical, classroom-tested conversations about beginning band and orchestra, classroom management, curriculum, rehearsal strategies, recruitment, retention, program growth, and the everyday realities of teaching music. Whether you are a new music teacher or an experienced educator looking for fresh ideas, you will leave each episode with strategies you can use with your students right away. Because every great musical journey begins with the first six 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

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