"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...

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...

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...

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...

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, ...

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...

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!

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? ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In the land of high school band halls, one question echoes through the ages: Which grip shall rule them all? In this episode, we pit matched against traditional, and Burton against Stevens in a battle for the ages, seeking the one true grip to ...

Have you ever experienced keyboard confusion in your beginner classroom? We have, and that’s why we started from the ground up for the mallet mode in Player’s Guide for the Beginning Percussionist. Tune in and hear how the bo...

Double stops, dynamics, and diddles, oh my! Tune in to hear the team discuss the distinctives of drumming in Player's Guide for the Beginning Percussionist. Learn why the drum portion of the book is laid out the way it is, and how it c...

"Player's Guide for the Beginning Percussionist" - Why did we write it? What makes it distinct? Who is it for? How can it help your students? Doug, Patricia, and Zach answer these questions and more. Tune in to the first of three episo...

This episode breaks down the top two priorities in any percussion program—timing first, sound second—and why they matter more than anything else (even technique 👀). Doug, Patricia, and Zach share real classroom strategies, stories, and p...

We’re back for the second half of our deep dive into drumline auditions. In this episode, we get into more details and discuss setting students up for success once the line is set. Doug, Patricia, and Zach also share some do’s and don’ts they’v...

In this first half of a two-part episode, we dig into the nitty gritty of drumline auditions. Doug Bush, Patricia Islas, and Zach Scheer break down what makes a great audition process, how to balance fairness, seniority, musical achiev...

In this kickoff episode, Doug Bush, Patricia Islas, and Zach Scheer dive into why building a strong culture is the foundation of any successful percussion program. We talk about what “culture” really means, how to start shaping it from day one,...

Welcome to the Team Islas Podcast! Doug, Patricia, and Zach share the motivation behind the show, introduce themselves, and share a preview of upcoming episodes. Suggestions, comments, or questions? Reach out at teamislas@gmail.com....