Team Islas Podcast
The Team Islas Podcast is for anyone looking to better themselves in percussion education. Each episode features thoughtful, in depth advice and insight on a single topic from experienced educators Doug Bush, Patricia Islas, and Zach Scheer.
Episodes
33 episodes
Ep. 30 - When Should Beginners Start Keyboards?
Should beginner percussionists start learning keyboards on day one, after Thanksgiving, or even after Christmas?In this episode, Doug Bush, Patricia Islas, and Zach Scheer explore one of the most common questions in beginning percussion ...
Ep. 29 - We DISAGREE About All State
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? ...
Ep. 28 - LISTENER QUESTION: What To Fix First When EVERYTHING Is Wrong?
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 lis...
Ep. 27 - TIMPANI?!?! What, and What NOT To Teach.
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 prio...
Ep. 26 - Rules 12 & 13: DETAILS & BREATHING - Keys To Success For You & Your Students
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 l...
Ep. 25 - The ART Of The Private Lesson
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 w...
CELEBRATE! 1 year of the Team Islas Podcast (Giveaway Inside)
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...
Ep. 24 - Staff Change? Successfully Navigate Hiring For Yourself & Your Students
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...
Ep. 23 - Should I Even Do A Percussion Ens. Concert?!?!
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 kn...
Ep. 22 - There Is NO Such Thing As An Open Roll.
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 ...
Ep. 21 - Listener Question! "How to develop a strong percussion culture when the band isn't great?"
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 s...
Ep. 20 - Tell, Don't Ask. How To Raise The Bar In Your Rehearsals.
"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 somethi...
Ep. 19 - 3 Types of Timing EVERY Student Must Know
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 re...
Ep. 18 - Honest PASIC Recap For Teachers & Students
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 heroe...
Ep. 17 - Band Parents: Best Friends or Worst Enemies?
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 proac...
Ep. 16 - Rule #5: Think Of The Correct Thing At The Correct Time
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, ...
Ep. 15 - Battery & Pit Exercises: So Many Options, So Little Time!
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 ab...
Ep. 14 - 6 Steps To Better Beginners TODAY!
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!
Ep. 13 - Drumline Camp Deep Dive!
The drumline is set and the camp is scheduled - now what?!?! Let's get in the weeds and work out every detail of your drumline camp. Set up, pacing, exercises, procedures, goals, leadership, and MORE! Is this week to work out your electronics? ...
Ep. 12 - How to Schedule Your Drumline Camp for Success
Your drumline camp schedule has a HUGE impact on your success throughout the fall! Time of year, time of day (this one might surprise you), staff considerations, location, and more! The Team shares insight on how to use the schedule an...
Ep. 11 - Rule #3: Transitions Are The Most Difficult Thing In Music. Rule #4: Hug Your Monster
You've made timing number #1, and sound #2. Now what? Take your students to the next level by focusing on the most difficult thing is music - Transitions. Learn how to use mental runs and dedicated rehearsal time to help your ensembles a...
Ep. 10 - Drum Set in the Pit? Vibes on the Side? Front Ensemble Setups, Instrumentation & More!
What's the right instrumentation, setup, and strategy for YOUR front ensemble? The team covers the pros and cons of front ensemble instrumentation and setup. Tune in to hear some hot takes on drumset in the pit, learn more about the "business i...
Ep. 9 - Supercharge Your Program With Private Lessons
Want to free up your time and focus on the things only you can do, all while having your students continue to improve? Tune in to hear the Team discuss how to hire, retain, evaluate, and (if necessary), fire, private lesson teachers. D...