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About Jarrett Lipman

Jarrett Lipman is the Director of Bands at Vandegrift High School in Austin, Texas. He also works with the Boston Crusaders Drum Corps, where he serves as the Brass Caption Manager. From 2008-2023, Lipman was head Band Director at Claudia Taylor “Lady Bird” Johnson High School in San Antonio. Currently, he is studying for a Ph.D. in Education Leadership, Planning and Policy at the University of Texas at Austin.. In partnership with PBSL-USA, the Docentus Group, Educational Travel Adventures and TMF,. Lipman’s company, Bandworx, specializes in instructional coaching for band directors and music teachers. He was recognized as a 2021 Yamaha “40 Under 40” music educator for his innovative efforts to grow his music program.

It’s OK to be Bored

Recognize that the ordinary, routine and predictable days of the school year will lead to the finest moments in your teaching career.

Teaching is Planting Seeds

Patience is required to see the benefits of your teaching efforts.

10 Ways to Make Your Students’ Day

Kids are excited to see teachers who are excited to see them, so bring your A-game every day.

Engage Parents as Partners

Work with and utilize parents to help your program succeed. Bring them into the fold, give them ownership and allow relationships to thrive.

Help Students Learn from Failure

Teach students to learn from their mistakes and turn failure into opportunities for growth.

Delayed Gratification: When Students Get Tired, Teach Them to Rest, Not Quit

Look at the big picture and help your students get through tough times because they will learn that delayed gratification isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.

Football and Band: A Match Made in Heaven?

Build teamwork and collaboration within your music program and throughout your campus community by working with athletic coaches and spirit team directors.

Daily Diet of Fundamentals

In preparing for a contest, spend more time on fundamentals at first so students can strengthen skills to achieve a high level of performance.

Student Leadership

Teach Student Leaders to Teach

Empower your student leaders to be instructors and peer tutors, and they will take more ownership of your program.

Build a Culture of Excellence

Music educators must create an environment where students move from thinking they could be great to knowing they could.

Bridge the Gap Between “Knowing” and “Doing”

Try these practice strategies to help students move from listening to information and implementing it.

Make Band a “Home” for Everyone

To make band a place for everyone, you must create an experience that offers multiple and flexible ways to participate.

Case Study: A 10-Year Growth Plan for Enrollment, Facilities, Instruments and Staffing

Claudia Taylor “Lady Bird” Johnson High in San Antonio opened in 2008 and added an additional band hall in 2018 thanks to its district’s focus on planning.