To really tell the story behind every piece of music, students must know the “why” as well as the “how.” A common example is when students play what the music says because it says to do so. When we ask them, “Why are you playing loudly there?” they’ll likely respond, “Because it’s marked forte.”
It takes an all-inclusive and eclectic approach to recruit and retain students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. I believe that it starts with building authentic relationships and establishing trust.
I highly recommend engaging and empowering your student leaders to be instructors for music, marching or even as peer tutors for other academic subjects. When your student leaders begin to take more ownership of your program, the overall culture and morale will improve.
Strike, an extracurricular percussion ensemble at Caledonia (Michigan) Community Schools, has been in operation for 23 years.
And there it was … the email that said we were limited to online-only rehearsals for summer band camp. With COVID-19 numbers rising locally and our governor restricting mass gatherings, putting hundreds of band members in a room together would not be possible.
Music educators are no strangers to evaluation. Often, these evaluations happen when a culminating activity — like a festival, concert or recital — presents a finished product for consideration.
Chamber ensembles allow students to practice and perform with like-minded musicians while providing camaraderie.
Updated 5/10/2022 at 9:20 a.m. PDT
We want to do our part to help music educators as you explore options and search for resources to facilitate online teaching.
As a veteran teacher, I'm often asked about my concept of classroom management by prospective and new teachers.
Rather than relying on external motivation, successful teachers inspire students to fuel their own flame to attain a higher level of mastery.
In Case Study: Private School Outreach, we learned about the Mater Dei Music Academy.
As an educator, I have never understood why young percussionists are not taught more about musicality. My wife is a flute teacher, and she teaches musicality to kids in sixth grade.
In music, tone is distinct and identifiable, and when played correctly and in harmony within an ensemble, it sets the overall mood and quality of a performance. However, mastering tone does not come easily.
In Case Study: Music Program Teamwork in Tennessee, we learned how the band, orchestra and choir directors at Ravenwood High School often plan and collaborate during the only time they are free — their common lunch period.
It's the night of the beginning band concert, and the curtain will go up soon. You're back stage shepherding all of your students, who are bubbling with nervous excitement, to their chairs.
The best recruiters for music programs are our current students. When retaining music students from middle and elementary schools, your current students serve as the best public relations for your program.
Try to fit these eight recommendations into every rehearsal. If you keep things moving, it's amazing how much you can accomplish during a 45-minute class.
On the first day of school, students may come to band class and sit timidly, not making eye contact. If the teacher facilitates a drum circle, then by the end of class, everyone will be smiling and bubbling with excitement.
