Quote from the Book, The Superior Educator
A Calm and Assertive Approach to Classroom Management and Large Group Motivation, Copyright © November 20^th, 2008, Stephen T. McClard

Another consideration is how your desks are placed.  In my classroom, this is done by placing the students logically to maximize sound quality.  Instrument grouping and placement is a huge deal with a band.  How they sound to the audience and to the director depends on good placement. 

I have three oboes in beginning band this year.  Have you ever heard an oboe—a beginning oboe with a soft reed?  How can I describe the sound?  It’s just like screaming monkeys in heat.  Until an oboe player learns proper technique, everyone suffers.

As with any instrument, placement of the oboes is a big consideration.  Some days I want to put the oboes out in the hall with duct tape over their mouths, but normally I place them behind the rest of the band until they gain control of their sound.  I take great care in making sure their placement produces optimal results for the enjoyment of the audience and the pain it causes my ears.

Placement is important, but not nearly as important as the steps that are taken next.  My normal procedure with a new oboe player is to find a double reed instructor to give them specialized assistance.  As time passes, typical oboists learn to shave their reeds and gain control of their airflow.  Before long with the proper guidance, they slowly develop vibrato and a characteristic tone quality.  This does not come overnight, and the steps taken by me along the way are critical to movement forward for the oboist.

Imagine what you might do to make the classroom a better place and then act.  Think about how changes could benefit the students in a positive way, and then make it happen.  Use your best skills, and draw on the skills of others to get things organized. 

You might build a book-reading loft, organize your chairs in a certain way, buy some cabinets, or pick a different color for the walls.  The point is this:  Do anything you can to make your room a happier, safer, and more productive place for kids to learn.  Have an idea and be the first in your hall to be amazing.  Watch all the other teachers copy your ideas.