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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.
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Recent Episodes
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…
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 rhythm and sticking". It's time for a mindset shift that will benefit you…
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,…
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 something that is better…
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…
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,…
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),…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Ep 8 - One Grip To Rule Them All
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…
Ep. 7 - Player's Guide Deep Dive: Keyboard Mode
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…
Ep. 6 - Player's Guide Deep Dive: Drum Mode
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…
Ep. 5 - Player's Guide for The Beginning Percussionist
"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.…
Ep. 4 - TIMING is #1, SOUND is #2
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…
Frequently Asked Questions
Team Islas Podcast has published 25 episodes since June 2025, covering topics in Education, How To.
Team Islas Podcast is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 34m.
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