“More Cowbell.”

The catchphrase originated with a classic “Saturday Night Live” skit featuring Will Ferrell and Christopher Walken. A wonderful and exaggerated spoof of “Blue Oyster Cult’s “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” the unforgettable skit centers around a rock producer’s demand for more intensity in the percussive stylings of a single cowbell player. Will Ferrell’s unfettered and unhinged dancing as he beats the cowbell is the stuff that comedy legends are made of. “More Cowbell” has filtered in and out of our modern-day lexicon as a call to amplify energy to any given situation. I believe it is more than just a witty watercooler catchphrase.

If you think about the cowbell and its usage in Music, it does serve as a rally cry of sorts. It’s like the message in the beat of the cowbell is saying to the listener: “Okay, we are ready to take it up a notch. Let’s follow the beat of the cowbell.” Certain cowbell songs resonate to the great effect like “Low Rider” by War, “Born on the Bayou” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, “Got to Give It Up” by Marvin Gaye and “A Hard Day’s Night” by The Beatles. The cowbell means dynamic business in the symphony of its beat. It is more than time-keeper to rhythm. It is an inspiring echo to make it happen in the context of a song. Simply put, the cowbell means it is time to move that groove on the dance floor.

What if we took the infectious intention of the cowbell to the Schoolhouse? I am a firm believer in sustaining the vital organs of a school’s culture. As educators, we need that rhythm to stir us to the beat of supporting our students and each other. What are those things that provide a source of uplift to engage in dynamic actions? How can we bring “More Cowbell” to the lexicon of our daily Schoolhouse lexicon?

Let’s take the cowbell and add it to the relentless rhythms of the Schoolhouse With the gifts and talents embedded in the artistry of educators worldwide, we have many #EduCowbells to call upon for inspiration. The synergy of the #EduCowbell dances in those collaborative conversations we have that flip the script of the status quo. Perhaps, the #EduCowbell is in excitement generated in a new exploration in the classroom from an activity like #BreakoutEdu, Mystery Skype or Flipped Classroom.  The beat of the #EduCowbell may be found in a visit to an #EdCamp. It may be beating during a moment found in the simple kindness of a compliment with a student or colleague.

We all have a beat that is integral to the rhythmic momentum of the Schoolhouse. An #EduCowbell can take on many forms and permutations. The #EduCowbell is that element that simply excites you and invites others to amplify their game.

Share the gift of your beat and bring more #EduCowbell to our world-changing enterprise in the Schoolhouse. Hit that #EduCowbell with relentless, unabashed joyful passion. When we bring the beat of our passion to the Schoolhouse in a sincere way, it is truly contagious.

How will you bring more #EduCowbell? Your Schoolhouse Band awaits the addition of your sublime beat to inspire greatness.