THE FLIPSIDE
The Flipside is a space for rethinking music education. Through honest reflection, bold ideas, and real-world experiences, this blog challenges traditional assumptions and explores what music learning can become. From modern band and inclusive practices to creativity, community, and lifelong musicianship, The Flipside looks beyond “the way it’s always been” and asks what truly serves students.
Before the Band Room: What School Music Forgot
School music often centers on large ensembles, but that model represents only a small slice of how humans have historically made music. This article explores how participatory traditions—singing, improvising, and playing in small groups—shaped music for centuries, and why modern band reconnects classrooms with these deeper roots of human music-making.
When Rehearsal Means Something Different: Understanding the Functional Differences Between Traditional Ensemble and Modern Band Rehearsals
This article explores the functional differences between traditional ensemble and modern band rehearsals, highlighting how goals, success markers, and rehearsal practices differ across settings. Written for music educators, it offers practical guidance for teaching students how to rehearse and practice effectively in modern band contexts while honoring the strengths of both approaches.