u/oliveandfern

I’m starting a new position at a very small, rural school where I will be teaching 5-12th grade band after teaching exclusively 9-12th at a large school.

The elementary principal reached out and said there were currently no students signed up for 5th grade band. There is an open house event this week where students can sign up for band, and I will be given one table for families to visit, get info about band, and sign up.

What all do you think I should have at this table? What handouts should I have? What can I do to make band stand out as the coolest thing ever?

I’m looking for song suggestions to play during marching band rehearsals. I’ve been having them march from the band hall to the practice field, which is quite a trek, to work on foot timing and technique but I’d like to start using songs instead of Dr. Beat to get them excited and mix it up.

I’m having a hard time finding songs at a good, sustainable tempo that are appropriate. Even songs with no cussing have some questionable content.

I feel like I’ve listened to everything 😵‍💫

Suggestions? Open to any genre so long as it’s clean and school-appropriate! Bonus points if it’s something “tuff” as the kids say!