The Picture Books That Make Concert Etiquette Stick Before You Ever Reach the Auditorium
Classroom teachers get all the fun back-to-school books about first-day jitters, so why shouldn't music teachers have their own? In this episode, I’m sitting down with my wonderful friend, music teacher, composer, and children’s book author Bethany Main! We’re diving into how you can use children’s books for the music classroom to make your back-to-school routines magical and front-load concert etiquette expectations before your big performances.
Bethany shares the story behind her hit book, Our First Day of Music, and gives us an exclusive sneak peek at her brand-new book, Pippa Goes to the Orchestra! Plus, we chat about cross-curricular literacy connections, teacher resource manuals, and her new choir resource, Choir Up. Grab your cup of coffee and let's talk picture books!
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- The Inspiration Behind the Books: Why music teachers deserve dedicated picture books to celebrate the first day of school.
- Front-Loading Concert Etiquette: How using a social story like Pippa Goes to the Orchestra helps students learn audience behavior before they sit in an auditorium.
- Cross-Curricular Literacy Extensions: Simple ways to partner with classroom teachers using KWL charts, discussion prompts, and point-of-view writing.
- Musical Cues in Storytelling: How adding singable rhymes and "cues" to picture books makes interactive reading effortless.
- Quick Choir Director Tips: A look at Bethany's new resource, Choir Up, designed to help middle and elementary choir directors tackle classroom management.
Important Links Mentioned in the Episode:
- Get Bethany's Books: Grab Our First Day of Music & Pippa Goes to the Orchestra at Endeavor Music Publishing.
- Find Choir Up: Available through Alfred Music and JW Pepper.
- Connect with Bethany: Email her at bethany@youthchoruskc.org or follow her on Instagram @mrsmainsmusicians.
- Join the Academy Community: The Happy Music Teacher Academy
🛋️ Want more Monday-ready strategies? You don't have to keep struggling through a chaotic schedule. Check out my free music teacher resources by clicking this link.
