Warm-Ups are FUNdamental

"Mrs. Stan, can I write a warm-up on the board today?"

I can't believe my ears. Of all the questions I am asked, that is not one I would've predicted to hear on a regular basis. But we're a month into our school year and I get asked this question almost daily now. (Seriously.) Even the quiet student in the middle of the section has come up to me, told me they had an idea for a warm up, and asked if they could write it up on the board. (My heart about exploded when they came up to ask!) I'm floored in the best way possible.

We always start with the same question: What do you think we need to get better at? Whether it's for our concerts, for our ensemble, for you personally... What is important? After a few coaching sessions to reinforce the process for creating a circuit warm-up, more and more students have started asking to create their own.

Taking ownership of fundamentals. Aural and physical awareness growing. Some groups have even begun to branch out from the circuit warm-ups and start considering ensemble skills for warm-ups; balance, blend, etc. Even rehearsal technique for some is more focused as they become more aware of themselves and their sounds. It's so exciting to see and here!

Here's to progress on the path to student self-efficacy!

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