Question for elementary Band teachers

Question

Band teachers,

What do you expect from your substitute band teachers? What do you usually have them do while you are away or unable to teach the class?

Answer 1

Any substitute I've ever had cannot teach music and it not comfortable with band.  I get one of the students to lead the band through some songs, I have worksheets ready to go, and I've gone as far as having the teacher put in a movie like "Mr. Holland's Opus."

Answer 2

have them do worksheets with the notes, like time signatures and notes in general. Have them work in groups to pat the beets. Then give the sub a list of notes and have them call out the name and the students play it!

Answer 3

they can't do anything unless they are a band director themselves.  maybe you can have a student leader (8th grader) direct some songs that they already know for the band to practice.  you need to make sure your students can handle this and that they respect the student in charge.

you just need to expect them to make sure all the students stay safe while you are away.