How does one begin to teach slow pretty music to young students? I can remember playing slow and pretty in middle school band. I don't remember having to be taught to love it. I just feel like my bands now just want fast, loud, and "cool" (but in their modern slang version) sounding stuff.

Right now I'm using a drone on some of my warm-up exercises. I play the note I'm trying to get them to tune and have them match (in addition to "play - pull/push" next kid). I feel like music that reflects the need to listen across the band is the key in helping them hear intonation within the band. I just don't know how to get from basic warm-up experiments to the music.

I just feel like I don't know how to start to get a group to that point. This seems like a critical next step in my development as a band director. I hope this makes sense... What has worked for you? What do you currently do? I am all ears, ready to learn. Any tips and ideas would be appreciated.