Orchestra 101 Podcast artwork

Orchestra 101 Podcast

27 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 months ago - ★★★★★ - 9 ratings

Hello & welcome to the Orchestra 101 Podcast. I am your host Linda Ramirez. I am an Orchestra teacher who has taught 3rd-12th grade orchestra for over 15 years in Texas. My goal for this podcast is to be able to share my personal classroom experiences and that of other orchestra directors that will hopefully be a stepping stone for your music education journey. I love when there is a room full of orchestra teachers and we enjoy sharing the things that we are doing in our classrooms. The things that work and the things that don’t. I want to capture those conversations in this podcast. We will focus on specific topics which can be easy for you to come back to check out when you need some tips for your orchestra.

How To Education Music directors teaching classroom highschool middleschool orchestra students
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Episodes

Part 3 - Help! I Am Teaching Guitar Next Year

October 11, 2023 03:21 - 29 minutes - 40.5 MB

Many Orchestra teachers throughout the country are now teaching additional classes such as guitar and piano. This creates a challenge when you don't play guitar. Where do I start? What kind of guitar should I buy?  What does a beginning guitar class look like? What kind of curriculum should I use? Join me in this journey as I will be teaching guitar for this upcoming school year. My guest is Arturo Gomez, guitar instructor at Socorro High School in El Paso, TX. In this 3-episode series, we...

Part 2 - Help! I Am Teaching Guitar Next Year

July 11, 2023 16:53 - 20 minutes - 28.8 MB

Many Orchestra teachers throughout the country are now teaching additional classes such as guitar and piano. This creates a challenge when you don't play guitar. Where do I start? What kind of guitar should I buy?  What does a beginning guitar class look like? What kind of curriculum should I use? Join me in this journey as I will be teaching guitar for this upcoming school year. My guest is Arturo Gomez, guitar instructor at Socorro High School in El Paso, TX. In this 3-episode series, we...

Part 1 - Help! I am Teaching Guitar Next Year

July 11, 2023 05:20 - 30 minutes - 41.9 MB

Many Orchestra teachers throughout the country are now teaching additional classes such as guitar and piano. This creates a challenge when you don't play guitar. Where do I start? What kind of guitar should I buy?  What does a beginning guitar class look like? What kind of curriculum should I use? Join me in this journey as I will be teaching guitar for this upcoming school year. My guest is Arturo Gomez, guitar instructor at Socorro High School in El Paso, TX. In this 3-episode series, we...

Part 3 - Starting with the End in Mind

July 27, 2022 02:32 - 1 hour - 96.9 MB

The beginning of the school year can be a very stressful time for teachers. But if we can prepare for the next school year by being proactive. In this third and last episode, our guest, Mary Escarciga, provides us with some more tips on how we can achieve that starting in May. This episode will cover how to get your student instruments ready so you can start the year performing on day one. Mary Escarciga is an Orchestra Director with over 18 years of experience both in the middle and hig...

Part 2 - Ending with the Start In Mind

May 26, 2022 03:34 - 19 minutes - 26.9 MB

The beginning of the school year can be a very stressful time for teachers. But if we can prepare for the next school year by being proactive in May, we can make it a little less stressful. In this second episode, our guest, Mary Escarciga, provides us with some more tips on how we can achieve that starting in May. This episode will cover how to get your student music binders ready so you can start the year performing on day one. Mary Escarciga is an Orchestra Director with over 18 years...

Part 1 - Ending with the Start in Mind

May 24, 2022 07:03 - 29 minutes - 40.4 MB

The beginning of the school year can be a very stressful time for teachers. But if we can prepare for the next school year by being proactive in May, we can make it a little less stressful. In this episode our guest, Mary Escarciga, provides us with some tips on how we can achieve that starting in May. This episode will cover how to incorporate students into this process, checking in your school inventory and supplies, resources you can plan ahead of time, instrumental repair and so many o...

Part 2 - Preparing for Your Music Festival

February 09, 2022 06:54 - 41 minutes - 56.6 MB

Preparing for a Music Festival can be less stressful if we know what the adjudicators are listening for. Join me and my special guest, Mrs. Adria Dunn on this second of three episodes as we talk about the adjudicators point of view especially in the sight-reading room and how we can implement these strategies in our everyday teaching.  Adria Dunn is an Orchestra director with over 27 years of experience in the public school setting. She also is a violinist in the El Paso Symphony and other...

Part 1 - Preparing for Your Music Festival

January 30, 2022 17:50 - 39 minutes - 53.6 MB

Preparing for your Music Festival takes a great amount of planning. But this task can be daunting if there is no clarity on the starting point. Join me and my special guest, Mrs. Adria Dunn as we discuss the steps required to plan for our annual festival.  In this first of three episodes we discuss the many components that come into play when we are picking our Music Festival selections. We also discuss several rehearsal tips and techniques to help our students perform successfully.  Adr...

Part 3 - Classroom Management

January 16, 2022 02:21 - 26 minutes - 21.8 MB

Classroom management is an important aspect if a successful program. Students thrive when it is done correctly. Frustration happens when procedures are not set in place. In this third of three episodes I share several instructional strategies, guiding students on how to ask questions and how to be mindful of the energy and effort you bring to your classroom.    Links to the Resources mentioned in this episode: Teaching Music with Purpose: Conducting, Rehearsing and Inspiring by Peter Bo...

Part 2 - Classroom Management

January 16, 2022 02:01 - 32 minutes - 44.9 MB

Classroom management is an important aspect if a successful program. Students thrive when it is done correctly. Frustration happens when procedures are not set in place. In this second of three episodes I share my experiences with how to engage students in the orchestra classroom, establish student rapport, defining your role as a teacher and mentor, and some more management strategies.  SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW Are you subscribed to this podcast? If you are not, I want to encourage you to do th...

Part 1 - Classroom Management

January 16, 2022 01:53 - 21 minutes - 17.8 MB

Classroom management is an important aspect for a successful music program. Students thrive when it is done correctly. Frustration happens when procedures are not set in place. In this first of three episodes I share my experiences with factors that affect student behavior, establishing class routines, how to get to know your students and discuss management  strategies.  SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW Are you subscribed to this podcast? If you are not, I want to encourage you to do that today. This wi...

Part 2 - Shoot for Perfection Land on Excellence

October 10, 2021 14:00 - 43 minutes - 60.3 MB

How do we as Orchestra directors keep our high level performing students engaged in our classes? What preparation is needed to help them transition into the the collegiate music level?  Our guest, Sergio Ramos, Orchestra Director at Pebble Hills High School in El Paso, TX joins us to discuss how he creates a community and environment that fosters his high level performing students. This is a two part series of our conversation in which we also discuss teacher demonstration, private/group l...

Part 1 - Shoot for Perfection Land on Excellence

October 03, 2021 23:38 - 38 minutes - 53.2 MB

How do we as Orchestra directors keep our high level performing students engaged in our classes? What preparation is needed to help them transition into the the collegiate music level?  Our guest, Sergio Ramos, Orchestra Director at Pebble Hills High School in El Paso, TX joins us to discuss how he creates a community and environment that fosters his high level performing students. This is a two part series of our conversation in which we also discuss teacher demonstration, private/group l...

Technology in the Orchestra Classroom

September 20, 2021 04:49 - 46 minutes - 63.7 MB

Technology in the Orchestra classroom can help enhance your lesson delivery, help with classroom management, and provide options when creating assignments specific to our student needs.  In this episode I share some of my favorite technology tools that I use in my classroom such as:  Google Slides Flat Add-On Click Here >> Tutorial Video Classroomscreen.com Click Here >> Tutorial Video Musictheory.net EdPuzzle.com SeeSaw.me Nearpod.com ...and some extra tips!! SUBSCRIBE...

Part 4 - How To Start Beginners in Orchestra

September 05, 2021 20:38 - 59 minutes - 81.7 MB

This is the final session of a four part series on how I start Beginning Students in my classroom. I use the the Suzuki Method and modify it for the public school setting. Both my students and I have so much fun while a lot of learning is also taking place. In this final episode I finish talking about how I teach all of the Twinkle Variations; introducing more Suzuki Book 1 pieces; the method books I use in the classroom and how I do my first Beginners Concert.  SUGGESTED LINKS No H in ...

Part 3 - How To Start Beginners in Orchestra

August 30, 2021 05:30 - 44 minutes - 61.5 MB

This is the third part of a multiple episode series on how I start Beginning Orchestra students in my classroom. I use the Suzuki Method and modify it for the Orchestra classroom. Both my students and I have so much fun while a lot of learning is also taking place. In this third episode I share the first lessons I use to help students play their instruments for the first time, how students start placing their fingers and the fun songs to help develop the left hand skills.  YouTube Link for...

Part 2 - How To Start Beginners in Orchestra

August 30, 2021 04:19 - 36 minutes - 50.5 MB

This is the second part of a multiple episode series on how I start Beginning Orchestra students in my classroom. I use the Suzuki Method and modify it for the Orchestra classroom. Both my students and I have so much fun while a lot of learning is also taking place. In this second episode I share how we train the muscles to hold a training bow and instrument using egg cartons and paint rollers. I also talk about how I distribute my instruments to my beginning students.  YouTube Link for Su...

Part 1 - How To Start Beginners in Orchestra

August 22, 2021 17:29 - 43 minutes - 59.7 MB

Starting beginning students in Orchestra can be a wonderful experience when you have the right tools. I will be sharing my personal experience on how I start Beginning Orchestra students in my classroom. I have used the Suzuki Method and adapted it to the Orchestra classroom. Both my students and I have so much fun while a lot of learning is also taking place. I invite you to join me in this multiple part series on how I implement this method with my beginning students.  YouTube Link for S...

Part 2 - Thirsty Horses

August 18, 2021 05:44 - 43 minutes - 59.8 MB

We continue with the second and final part of my interview with Orchestra Diretor Jesus "Chuy" Diaz on what is that “WHY” factor that keeps our students coming back our classroom year after year. Please check out the first part of this interview to hear about how our guest started his music education journey.  SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW Are you subscribed to this podcast? If you are not, I want to encourage you to do that today. This will ensure you get notified of future episodes . I would also b...

Part 1 - Thirsty Horses

August 09, 2021 02:50 - 47 minutes - 65.2 MB

What is that “WHY” factor that keeps your students coming back to your classroom year after year? “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink”. We can offer our Orchestra students many opportunities but we cannot force them to take them. So how do we create that “thirst” in our students so they could choose to “drink” the water? Orchestra Director, Jesus “Chuy” Diaz, shares his experiences from his musical journey. SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW Are you subscribed to this podcast? If ...

Part 3 - Creating, Shaping or Rebooting a New Music Program

August 05, 2021 03:40 - 19 minutes - 26.6 MB

This is the last episode of my 3 part interview with Cynthia Cabada on creating, shaping or rebooting your new music program. We finish our conversation with some last tips for all our fellow teachers out there who find themselves stepping in a new program this year. Please check out the the first two episodes of this series as well. Thank you so much for joining me in this conversation. I truly appreciate it. SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW - Are you subscribed to this podcast? If you are not, I encou...

Part 2 - Creating, Shaping or Rebooting a New Music Program

July 31, 2021 07:54 - 49 minutes - 67.8 MB

This is the second part of a three part interview about how to Create, Shape or Reboot a new music program. In this episode we will be discussing how to setup up the following for your Orchestra organization: handbook, routines, events, curriculum, and so much more. Don't forget to check out Part 1 and Part 3 of this series as well.  SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW - Are you subscribed to this podcast? If you are not, I encourage you to do that today. This will ensure you get notified of future episode...

Part 1 - Creating, Shaping or Rebooting a New Music Program

July 28, 2021 05:36 - 27 minutes - 38.1 MB

Are you starting in a brand new school this year and tasked with starting a new Orchestra? Or perhaps your stepping into a well established Orchestra program? Maybe your rebooting an Orchestra that didn't have a director for a while. Today's guest has had experience in all these three unique scenarios. She will be talking about her experiences and sharing her advice for each of these cases. This is a three part series so don't forget to check the other episodes. Part 1 will cover these top...

002. Creating, Shaping or Rebooting a New Music Program - Part 1

July 28, 2021 05:36 - 27 minutes - 38.1 MB

Are you starting in a brand new school this year and tasked with starting a new Orchestra? Or perhaps your stepping into a well established Orchestra program? Maybe your rebooting an Orchestra that didn't have a director for a while. Today's guest has had experience in all these three unique scenarios. She will be talking about her experiences and sharing her advice for each of these cases. This is a three part series so don't forget to check the other episodes. Part 1 will cover these top...

ORCHESTRA 101 - Introduction

July 10, 2021 16:50 - 1 minute - 1.37 MB

Welcome to the ORCHESTRA 101 Podcast!  

001. Converting Paper Resources To Digital

July 10, 2021 16:19 - 35 minutes - 49 MB

Many teachers expereinced a school year in remote learning during the Covid Pandemic in 2020. Technology became a requirement and was no longer an option for many Orchestra Teachers.  In this podcast I share my reflection on the past year and how I learned to convert some of my classroom paper resources into digital copies such as:  Music Worksheets Sheet Music Handbooks Instrument Inventory SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW Are you subscribed to this podcast? If you are not, I want to encourage ...

Converting Paper Resources To Digital

July 10, 2021 16:19 - 35 minutes - 49 MB

Many teachers expereinced a school year in remote learning during the Covid Pandemic in 2020. Technology became a requirement and was no longer an option for many Orchestra Teachers.  In this podcast I share my reflection on the past year and how I learned to convert some of my classroom paper resources into digital copies such as:  Music Worksheets Sheet Music Handbooks Instrument Inventory SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW Are you subscribed to this podcast? If you are not, I want to encourage ...