The First Six Notes with Classroom Composers

Classroom Composers
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Performing Arts
  • Updated Biweekly

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. 18h ago

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

    Episode 027: 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

  2. 1d ago

    26. We're Back!

    Episode 026: 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!

  3. 08/05/2023

    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

  4. 07/22/2023

    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...

  5. 07/08/2023

    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...

  6. 06/24/2023

    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...

  7. 06/10/2023

    21. A Deep Dive Into Beginning Band with the Quarter Note Companion

    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,...

  8. 05/27/2023

    20. Beginning Band Year at a Glance

    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

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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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