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It is a strange and trying time for all of us in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. We certainly understand times are tough for you, as it is for us. We have been proud to bring School Band & Orchestra for free for more than two decades and we will continue to provide you with free subscriptions during the pandemic. However, we would like your consideration in these difficult times to help support our efforts here at School Band & Orchestra to keep our information flowing and to provide you with a continuous stream of current and vital information when you need it the most.
It is with the utmost sincerity we ask you to consider supporting our efforts here with a small donation which will allow our staff the ability to keep these interesting stories about your chosen career coming to you in a consistent and timely basis. Your consideration is greatly appreciated. We at School Band & Orchestra wish nothing but the best for you, your school, your family and co-workers. We hope you continue to remain healthy during this most strenuous of times.
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Adapt, or Perish!
Thomas Palmatier | September 10, 2023Well, maybe that’s a little dramatic…. Educators are constantly adapting because the students we teach, and the environments that we teach in are constantly changing. The art of live music making is almost improvisatory. While we may or may not be reading the music, our ears, eyes, brain, and soul are constantly sensing others and […] Read More... -
Leadership – Maximizing Your Assets
Thomas Palmatier | August 20, 2023In this Back-to-School issue of SBO+ we put a special focus on leadership. Early August provides a moment between the summer professional development activities and the start of band camp to think about how you can propel your program and teaching to a new level. Assuming your school hasn’t hired you an assistant, how are […] Read More... -
Performing Music is a Lifelong Passion
Thomas Palmatier | July 16, 2023During the past month I was able to witness how music can be something that comforts, inspires, and brings added meaning to people throughout their entire lives. I was honored to be asked to be a Conductor/Clinician for the Midwestern Music Camp held at the University of Kansas. This camp has an 88-year history. Indeed, […] Read More... -
What Did We Learn from the Essays?
Thomas Palmatier | June 11, 2023In this issue of SBO+ we announce the winners of our student essay contest, with student scholarships and teacher products generously donated by the NAMM Foundation, Adam Audio, Alfred, Casio, Focusrite, Hal Leonard, MakeMusic, and Yamaha. Nearly 1,500 students took the time to tell how their music teacher had made a positive impact on their […] Read More... -
Good News!
Mike Lawson | May 11, 2023With the beginning of spring comes festivals, ensemble trips, warmer weather, and of course, seasonal allergies. This spring, the NAMM Show (National Association of Music Merchants) was in April instead of its usual date in January. It was my first time attending NAMM, and it left me feeling optimistic about our profession as music educators. […] Read More... -
Back to Normal (Sort of) – Now What?
Thomas Palmatier | April 2, 2023It’s that time of year when ensembles are preparing for festivals, assessments, contests, or whatever terminology is used in your state. I was recently a clinician for the Colorado Concert Band Festival and thought I would share the good things I observed and areas where we can all improve. First, I loved their emphasis on […] Read More... -
Working Together
Thomas Palmatier | March 13, 2023In the past few issues of SBO+ we announced partnerships with the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and the American String Teachers Association (ASTA). In this issue we feature an article by Scott Sheehan, President of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) that kicks off their partnership with SBO+ to serve you, the music […] Read More... -
Relationships
Thomas Palmatier | February 19, 2023Music, teaching, leadership, management, and daily life all have one thing in common. They are all about relationships. When people and organizations become partners in achieving a common goal, all of the parties benefit. The common goal is key. If that doesn’t serve as the guiding force in the relationship, then it’s not really a […] Read More... -
A New Year and a New SBO+
Thomas Palmatier | January 15, 2023As we look back at 2022 and ahead to 2023, it’s hard to underestimate the changes SBO+ has gone through. Our long-time editor, Mike Lawson, became owner and publisher. Soon after, I was “voluntold” (one of my favorite Army words), I’d be moving from a monthly columnist to editor, and just a few months after […] Read More... -
Learning from the Masters
Thomas Palmatier | December 15, 2022Often when you see a title like this you expect to see a collection of grizzled master educators imparting the wisdom of the ages. Indeed, SBO+ strives to bring you informative and relevant articles from leading music educators. But in this special issue, we bring you insights into the successes of wonderful music educators on […] Read More... -
Let’s Get to the Growth Zone
Thomas Palmatier | November 13, 2022For about a half century (gosh, that’s old!) I’ve been a band kid. I also played string bass in the orchestra, sang in the choir, starred in musical theater productions, sang in operas, and toured as a gigging musician playing electric bass and singing. But you are who you are, and I’ve always been a […] Read More... -
Same Great Magazine – Only More
Thomas Palmatier | October 13, 2022Every time I hear someone (especially a streaming service) say they’re going to start a “Plus” service it generally means it will no longer be free. This issue marks the premiere of SBO+ but it will always be at the same great price (free!). SBO+ welcomes our jazz brethren, chorus teachers, general music teachers, musical […] Read More...
