The Kids in the Back of the Band Room: Successful Percussionists from Day 1 to Graduation Day
Saturday, January 24, 2026
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Description
In this session, we will cover a wide range of topics to help percussionists of all ages find success. Topics will include beginning percussion sequencing, daily warm up procedures and ideas for all grade levels, tips for teaching specific percussion techniques, how to incorporate skills for concert, jazz, and marching percussion daily in rehearsal, how to keep percussionists engaged and on task during rehearsals, how to help facilitate a culture of organization and helpfulness among percussionists, and quick tools that can be applied immediately to help percussionists thrive. We will have time for questions and scenarios as well so teachers can get realistic and helpful ideas that are specific to the students in their program.
Speakers
Natalie Sears
Learning Objective 1
Teachers will have a better understanding of how to teach percussionists at all stages of development, specifically with strategies to help students stay engaged and on task during rehearsal, incorporating ideas for learning skills that are transferable to all percussion instruments and musical styles, and ways to ensure that percussionists are successful in the learning environment at all times.
Learning Objective 2
Teachers will be provided with specific instructional ideas that they can use in their own classrooms to help percussionists learn and grow daily. Topics will span across all grade levels of percussion, as many are cumulative skills, so there will be strategies and ideas for teachers of all grades.
Learning Objective 3
Teachers will have opportunities to ask questions about specifics in their program and how to incorporate the ideas presented in the session back into their classroom right away.
Session Level
Middle School/Junior High, High School