Got a Non-Music Sub? Try some of these ideas....

Fear and panic are usually my first response when I cannot get a music sub.  We've all had this issue at some point.  The dilemma of a non-music sub is complicated by the fact that bands can be HUGE in comparison to other classes, and trying to keep them engaged in the assignment can be a difficult task to say the least.  This really applies to a sub who may not know each student's name, and often does not have the background of earned respect that comes with building teacher/student relationships over time.

Here are some sites and ideas that may be helpful to you when you still want to use curriculum-friendly learning experiences:

1.  Jeopardy Labs
This site is great for when you need to make a quick game of jeopardy.  The best part about it is that it is all free!  Check out some of the examples I have used for subs in the past:

Band

http://jeopardylabs.com/play/band-jeopardy10

Musical Terms

http://jeopardylabs.com/play/musical-terms

More Musical Terms

jeopardylabs.com/play/more-musical-terms

2.  Music Basketball Game (done right in the band room!)

Include a pre-written list of questions and answers for the sub, as well as instructions on how to play.  click here for the instructions!

3. Music DVD's (with question sheets)

Make an accompanying questions sheet to keep students on task throughout the viewing.  These work very well when you will be gone for 2 days, so the students can watch the whole thing.  This means you need to watch the movie yourself and make questions.  Here is a list of some of my favorite DVD's that still apply to the curriculum:

"Amadeus" (PG version, not director's cut!)

"Blast!"
"Calle 54"
"Chops" questions available here

"From the 50 Yard Line"
"Keeping Score: MTT on Music" questions here

"Marsalis on Music" (any/all of them)
"Mr. Holland's Opus"
"School of Rock"

"Stomp"