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.

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"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!

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Doug
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Patricia
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Zach
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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."

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Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com

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https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

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Doug
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Patricia
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Zach
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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.

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Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com

Books:
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https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

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Doug
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Patricia
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Zach
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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.

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Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com

Books:
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YouTube:
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https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

Socials:
Doug
https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31
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Patricia
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas
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Zach
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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.

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Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com

Books:
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YouTube:
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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 a million “good” exercises… so how do you pick the right ones for your students?

Doug, Patricia, and Zach break down how to build an exercise routine that actually serves the show. We talk about choosing exercises that match the skills and tempos in the show, why getting your front ensemble on sticks and pads can tighten timing fast, and how to simplify your focus (especially in a rebuild situation) so your group improves quicker with less stress.

Plus: Do you have to play keyboard exercises in all 12 keys? Practical ways to use dynamics, how to avoid the mid-season trap of teaching new exercises instead of developing skills, and why it’s worth reaching out—DM, call, ask questions—when you’re building alone.

Send us Fan Mail

Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com

Books:
https://teamislas.com/shop/

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 spring semester is here and we've got six simple steps you can implement TODAY to take your beginner class to the next level! The team discuss proven strategies for classroom management, planning, assessment, and more!

Send a text

Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com

Books:
https://teamislas.com/shop/

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/