Category: CTJ Band

  • October Moves Pretty Fast

    October Moves Pretty Fast

    The sleep after the last day of marching season is unlike any other—hard, deep, and a little surreal. Waking up that next morning, we’re almost all reflecting on the fact that for over three months, band has consumed much of our lives, and suddenly it’s over. Sometimes you feel the joy of a great last…

  • Podcast | Culture Before Content by Music For all

    Podcast | Culture Before Content by Music For all

    Jarrett joined David Duarte on Music for All’s podcast “Culture Before Content” to discuss what building a culture within a band program. He reflects on his time at Claudia Taylor Johnson High School and how what he’s learned throughout his career is influencing how he runs the band program at Vandegrift High School. Click the…

  • Band Director Reboot

    Band Director Reboot

    The school year — my 16th in the classroom — is winding down. It’s the end of my “reboot” year. It doesn’t feel possible that it’s almost over. The question that I’m asked most often after 18 months out of the classroom is, “How is it going? Are you happy?” After a short pause, I always…

  • Engage Parents as Partners

    Engage Parents as Partners

    “After 15 years working at Claudia Taylor “Lady Bird” Johnson (CTJ) High School in San Antonio and an equal number on a drum corps staff, I have learned a few key points regarding the value and importance of engaging parent and alumni support. Click the link below to read the full article on the Yahama…

  • Help Students Learn From Failure

    Help Students Learn From Failure

    “How can we help our students embrace and bounce back from failures? How can we use failure to grow and continuously improve? Lifting our students from difficult moments is one of our many jobs as educators. Often, our personal encounters with setbacks and how we were able to bounce back can benefit our students as…

  • Delayed Gratification: When Students Get Tired, Teach Them to Rest, Not Quit

    Delayed Gratification: When Students Get Tired, Teach Them to Rest, Not Quit

    “Look at the big picture and help your students get through tough times because they will learn that delayed gratification isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Sometimes students don’t like band. Sometimes parents don’t like band. And, as odd as it can seem, I know there are times when I struggle to find joy in…

  • Football and Band: A Match Made in Heaven?

    Football and Band: A Match Made in Heaven?

    “Use the relationship between your athletic and spirit organizations to strengthen your campus community. Look at football games as a chance to showcase your music program while supporting and enriching the school’s culture. Pep rallies, playoffs and athletic events are a fantastic time to show the band’s versatility. Here are some of my strategies, suggestions…

  • Johnson Senior to tour the World with National Youth Orchestra [NEISD]

    Johnson Senior to tour the World with National Youth Orchestra [NEISD]

    “Johnson High School senior Jake Glaser has big plans after graduation. In a few weeks, he’ll travel the world with his clarinet alongside some of the top musicians in the country.”

  • KENS5 News [Article]

    KENS5 News [Article]

    Johnson High School musicians’ music risk scores | Kids Who Make SA Great

  • Teach Student Leaders to Teach

    Teach Student Leaders to Teach

    “I highly recommend engaging and empowering your student leaders to be instructors for music, marching  or even as peer tutors for other academic subjects. When your student leaders begin to take more ownership of your program, the overall culture and morale will improve.” Click the link below to read the full article on the Yahama…