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© 2026 Team Islas Podcast
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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.
21 Episodes
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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 review each type of timing and discuss the KEY to success for each one. This episode gets us through Rules 6, 7, 8, and 9 of Doug's list of rules from "Master Hands." Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com Books: https://te...
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 heroes, and the exhibit hall experience you simply can’t get from scrolling on your phone. We talk student takeaways, teacher recharge, magical moments, and why the live, shared energy of PASIC hits different than any clip ever will. Special shoutout to Joshua Simonds, ...
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 proactive instead of reactive, and simple relationship builders that change everything: shake hands, say hi, listen, and tell the truth. We also share real stories, practical ways to recruit help and give parents ownership, and the small detail that can make or break...
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, and getting in the right headspace before a big performance. Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com Books: https://teamislas.com/shop/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas https://www.youtube.com/@zachs...
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 about choosing exercises that match the skills and tempos in the show, why getting your front ensemble on sticks and pads can tighten timing fast, and how to simplify your focus (especially in a rebuild situation) so your group improves quicker with less stress. Plus: Do you have to play keyboard ...
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! Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com Books: https://teamislas.com/shop/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer Socials: Doug https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31 https://www.instagram.com/team...
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? Should you go ahead and change that part you don't like? All this and more discussed by the team in episode 13! Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com Books: https://teamislas.com/shop/ YouTube: https://www.youtube....
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 and setup of your drumline camp as a force multiplier to help your students achieve. Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com Books: https://teamislas.com/shop/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas https://www.youtu...
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 and individual students navigate transitions successfully starting in their beginner year. Rule #4: Hug Your Monster (AKA Practice Your Weaknesses, Not Your Strengths). The team explains how to implement this for the battery, front ensemble, and for indivi...
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 in the front, party in the back" set up, and get ready to set your front ensemble up for success. Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com Books: https://teamislas.com/shop/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas ...
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. Doug, Patricia, and Zach draw on their experiences and share practical tips about how to successfully implement and run a private lesson program. Whether you've got an army of teachers or are starting from scratch, this episode will help you attain, and maintain ...
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 unite your section. Will chaos continue, or will clarity be finally forged in the fires of rehearsal? Summon your students and join us on this epic quest to unlock the power of the One precious, perfect grip. Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? ...
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 book navigates students through complex concepts in ways that help them build confidence and enjoy playing keyboards from day one. Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com Books: https://teamislas.com/shop/ YouTube: https://www....
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 can help you take your students to the next level. Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com Books: https://teamislas.com/shop/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer Socials: Doug ...
"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 episodes about the newest, most affordable beginner percussion book on the market. Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com Books: https://teamislas.com/shop/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas https://www.youtube.co...
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 practical rehearsal ideas to help your students play in time and make better sounds. From mental reps and metronome work to teaching sound through modeling and listening, this one’s packed with takeaways you can use today. Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? ...
Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com Books: https://teamislas.com/shop/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer Socials: Doug https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31 https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/ Patricia https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/ Zach https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/ https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/
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’ve picked up over the years. If you’re planning auditions—or just want to make them smoother—this is a must-listen! Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com Books: https://teamislas.com/shop/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com...
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 achievement, and lessons learned (sometimes the hard way) along the way. Whether you’re gearing up for next season or rethinking your whole process, this episode is full of practical takeaways and real talk. Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas...
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, and why it matters more than gear or technique. Whether you’re starting a brand-new program or looking to level up your existing one, this episode offers practical steps you can take today. Send us Fan Mail Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@g...
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