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Is the All State Band process a time tested way to develop well rounded players and focus on execution, and learn to perform under pressure, or does it suck the life out of the musicality that we have worked so hard to develop in our students? Which side are you on, and how does that shape your program? Tune in for an honest discussion about pros and cons and different approaches to the All-State Band process for percussion students. Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! [email protected] Books: Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas  https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer Socials: Doug https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31 https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/ Patricia https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/ Zach https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/ https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

Imagine this - You're a young teacher walking into your first gig. You discover old gear in disrepair, kids with bad attitudes who show up late, no help from the anyone else, and music that's too hard for the group. WHERE DO YOU START? This listener question boils down to priorities. Hear the team discuss discipline, achievable goals, and practical advice on what to attack first when everything seems wrong. Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! [email protected] Books: Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas  https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer Socials: Doug https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31 https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/ Patricia https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/ Zach https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/ https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

French Grip, Gauges, Pedaling, Tuning, Muffling, & More! Should you teach your students everything there is to know about timpani? Can it even be done? Is the juice worth the squeeze? If it is, WHEN do you teach it, and what should you prioritize? Tune in for some real talk and differing perspectives on a practical approach to teaching timpani in your program.  Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! [email protected] Books: Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas  https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer Socials: Doug https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31 https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/ Patricia https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/ Zach https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/ https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

Rule 12: "(TEACHING) Drumming Is About Attention To Detail" - What does it look like to focus on details in your teaching and how does that motivate your students to focus on details in their playing? What does a detail oriented approach look like in your beginner class or the high school drumline? Tune in for examples and advice! Rule 13: "You Relax By Breathing" - Tension anywhere is tension everywhere, so how do you get your students to relax? The Team shares some practical advice about how and when your students should use breathing to help them perform at their highest level. Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! [email protected] Books: Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas  https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer Socials: Doug https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31 https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/ Patricia https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/ Zach https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/ https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

A GREAT private lesson experience vs. going through the motions. What's the difference? Join Doug, Patricia, and Zach for practical tips about how to shape a lesson experience that involves the director, parent, and teacher collaborating in a way that motivates the student to move through a sequential program of development. Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! [email protected] Books: Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas  https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer Socials: Doug https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31 https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/ Patricia https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/ Zach https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/ https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

THANK YOU for listening to the Team Islas Podcast! It's been a year and we are just getting started. Join Doug, Patricia, and Zach as we reintroduce, recap, and look forward to what's next. Also, IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME! Email us your question for a chance to win a book pack including "Players Guide", "Super Hands" & "Momentum"! Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! [email protected] Books: Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas  https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer Socials: Doug https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31 https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/ Patricia https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/ Zach https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/ https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

Staff changes are inevitable, but they don't have to disrupt your percussion program. In this episode, Doug Bush, Patricia Islas, and Zach Scheer discuss how to navigate the hiring process by first identifying what you hope to accomplish with a new hire—and then intentionally pursuing that goal. They also share practical advice for evaluating candidates, supporting new staff members, and building a culture that helps both educators and students succeed.  Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! [email protected] Books: Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas  https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer Socials: Doug https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31 https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/ Patricia https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/ Zach https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/ https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

It's the spring! Is it time for percussion ensemble? Should I have a guest artist? Forget it and do indoor? Both? Neither?!?! Actually, answer this question first. Why would you do a concert, and what do you want out of it? Once you know your goal, it's much easier to fill in the details, and the end result will be better as well Tune in for tips on how to answer these questions for yourself, and then how to execute year after year! Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! [email protected] Books: Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas  https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer Socials: Doug https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31 https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/ Patricia https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/ Zach https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/ https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

Yes, you read that correctly! Rule #10 From Master Hands by Doug Bush states "There is no such thing as a roll, there is only rhythm and sticking". It's time for a mindset shift that will benefit you and your students! Stop playing rolls and start playing rhythms!  Rule #11 - "Always know the relationship between your hands and your feet". Here, the team breaks down how, why, and when your students should be aware of the composite rhythm between the hands and feet. Also learn how you, as the teacher, can reinforce this skill, even for students who struggle with it. Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! [email protected] Books: Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas  https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer Socials: Doug https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31 https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/ Patricia https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/ Zach https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/ https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

A listener asked: How do you build a strong percussion culture when the band program isn’t fully aligned? In this episode, we break down practical strategies for creating buy-in, building momentum, and navigating challenging situations as a percussion educator. From small wins to long-term vision, this is a real-world look at what it actually takes to build a great program, regardless of your surroundings. Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! [email protected] Books: Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas  https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer Socials: Doug https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31 https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/ Patricia https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/ Zach https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/ https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

"The best we can do for them (students) is to insist on having the thing done right because they're capable and it's our job to shine a light on that, on the path towards something that is better than they even realized they can do." Often, we leave the door open to a mistakes and create a permission structure that allows students to achieve less than they're capable of. What would it look like to cast a vision of excellence, and then hold your students to it without compromise? Tune in and find out! Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! [email protected] Books: Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas  https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer Socials: Doug https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31 https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/ Patricia https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/ Zach https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/ https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

There are THREE types of timing: Spatial, Motion Based, and Rhythm Change. Distilling them down into digestible definitions that you reinforce day after day WILL make a huge difference for your students. Listen in as Doug, Patricia, and Zach review each type of timing and discuss the KEY to success for each one. This episode gets us through Rules 6, 7, 8, and 9 of Doug's list of rules from "Master Hands." Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! [email protected] Books: Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas  https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer Socials: Doug https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31 https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/ Patricia https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/ Zach https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/ https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

PASIC is the one percussion event that reminds you why music in person matters. In this episode, we recap PASIC 2025 and past PASIC experiences—world-class performances you can feel in the room, hallway run-ins with your heroes, and the exhibit hall experience you simply can’t get from scrolling on your phone. We talk student takeaways, teacher recharge, magical moments, and why the live, shared energy of PASIC hits different than any clip ever will.  Special shoutout to Joshua Simonds, Justin Ramirez, & the rest of the team at the Percussive Arts Society for knocking it out the park this year.  Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! [email protected] Books: Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas  https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer Socials: Doug https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31 https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/ Patricia https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/ Zach https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/ https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

Band parents aren’t problems to manage — they’re a gold mine of support just waiting to be invited in. In Episode 17, we talk about professional communication (and why GroupMe doesn’t count), handling conflict face-to-face, being proactive instead of reactive, and simple relationship builders that change everything: shake hands, say hi, listen, and tell the truth. We also share real stories, practical ways to recruit help and give parents ownership, and the small detail that can make or break trust: End rehearsal on time. Every time. Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! [email protected] Books: Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas  https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer Socials: Doug https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31 https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/ Patricia https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/ Zach https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/ https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

The fifth rule from "Master Hands" by Doug Bush. Join the Team for a discussion of what, when, and how your students should expend their mental energy. Get practical advice about how to make sure your ensemble is subdividing before the attack, and getting in the right headspace before a big performance.  Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! [email protected] Books: Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas  https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer Socials: Doug https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31 https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/ Patricia https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/ Zach https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/ https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/