Welcome to the other side of snowpocalypse 2026! We got roughly 12-14 inches here in Cincinnati (some areas even more) and are getting ready for snow day number 2 tomorrow. Since temperatures will be below freezing (and the feels like in the negative) the rest of week, we may end up with a few more snow days. While it is important to go play in the snow, build a snowman, drink hot chocolate, doomscroll, and everything this we do now-a-days, it is also important to practice

It's January, you have show music passed out and the first show is only weeks away. Maybe you did a short Holiday Camp, or you took that break off completely. Maybe you had some snow days in December like we did here in Cincinnati. Either way you are feeling the pressure of that first show. Are you behind? It probably feels like it. Should you be freaking out? It probably feels like it. So what should we do if we are in this situation?

Alright...I think I might enjoy reading now. But only things I want to read. I read 4 chapters of a book today (almost 50 pages) because I was intraced in what the book was going over. I think the most I have read in 1 sitting before today was 14-15 pages.

Another book already! This is like 4 this year, which is definitely a new record for me. Today's book is really short, like 54 pages, which was a great way for me to get back into reading after a small break to focus on finishing up the winter season.

This post is about the third book I have read this year - "Think Like a Warrior" by Darrin Donnelly.

Today's book is "Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things" by Adam Grant.

So where do you start Ryan? I am glad you asked. I start with two simple tools. Yes, the drum pad and drum sticks...

I think we as educators are really good about telling students to practice, but not always as great at giving them tools to help...

We all face hurdles when we are working to elevate ourselves.

Wishing you all a happy, and productive, 2024.

I think that because it is time we can really get back to fundamentals and training for a minute.

What do you want out of what you are doing? Is mediocrity enough? If not, what is great? What is acceptable? What is/are YOUR goal(s)?

It has been a year since I posted about what I was reading. Mainly because I got distracted and stopped. So what got me reading again?

In some previous posts of mine, and on episodes of Volta (one of the podcast's I have done), I have talked about changing course when needed

Book Review #2...with a catchier name.

First of all, congrats to everyone that was able to participate in an indoor season this past winter! My high school just finished our...