Growing Band Director Podcast - Episode 68

Guest Speaker: Dr. Robert Grogan

Position: Cobb County Schools, Barber Middle School, Acworth, GA
Recent Presentation: Classroom Management for the Modern Middle School Band Director – GMEA

Importance: Firm and consistent on the podium, approachable and relatable off the podium.
Children’s trust correlates with expectations.
Use of personal items (e.g., Star Wars decor) as conversation starters.

Essential Elements: Predictability and Consistency
- Consistent routines create a sense of safety and predictability for students.
- Avoid being unpredictable in behavior/management.
- Daily consistency in tone, expectations, and routines.
Strategies
- Greet students at the door.
- Learn and use student names.
- Use positive reinforcement (e.g., 3:1 ratio of positive to corrective feedback).
- Engage with individual students effectively rather than addressing entire class for misbehavior.
Teacher Attitude
- Teacher efficacy – believing in one’s ability to manage and influence classroom outcomes.

Clearly defined class procedures and expectations.
Rehearsal expectations should be concise (3-5 expectations) and phrased positively.
Examples of Expectations:
1. Give the podium 100% attention.
2. Focus on themselves.
3. Be content without needing constant attention.
4. Respond appropriately.
5. Respect everyone’s time.

Engagement and Fast-Paced Rehearsals
- Consistently engage students with dynamic, interesting teaching methods.
- Gamification of routines to make basic procedures interesting.
Podium Presence
- As a teacher, one must be more interesting than the distractions in the room.
- Engage through voice modulation, enthusiasm, and movement.
- Teacher persona – mixing care, engagement, and energy.

Effective Behavior Interventions
- Tiered system of consequences (e.g., verbal reminder, email home, detention, office referral).
- Focus on positive, productive interactions rather than confrontational ones.
- Preserve student autonomy and dignity in disciplinary actions.

Difference between Compliance and Engagement
- Ensure that students are not just quiet and compliant but actively engaged.
- Foster a safe environment for mistakes and emphasize effort.

Self-Determination Theory
- Components: Competency, Autonomy, and Relatedness.
- Progress students from extrinsic rewards to intrinsic motivation.
- Continuous focus on moving up the motivation ladder (e.g., from reward-seeking to intrinsic love for music).

Meeting Students Where They Are
- Focus on students’ current skills rather than rushing through curriculum.
- Teach and program music based on the students' level rather than adhering strictly to books or standards.