Notes from the Cougar Band Room

I'm not sure what other people think about on their daily commutes to school, but this is what consumed my thoughts on my Friday morning drive: Not exactly Mike Myer's Coffee Talk... I started thinking about how some students have incredibly enigmatic personalities and are natural leaders... they don't have any issues reaching across different social groups or being themselves in front of a group. Title or no title, they are the "Lone Nuts"; easily connecting with others, not afraid to be themselves. They might not even realize others are connecting with them, but because they are friendly, approachable, happy-go-lucky, other people tend to see them as leaders. Maybe they are your drum majors. Maybe they are your section leaders. Sometimes they might be your "class clowns", providing entertainment for others during rehearsal. Maybe they don't have a titled role, but others will naturally gravitate toward them because their personalities ar...

I love that the band room is a safe gathering place for a lot of kids after school. Often, students will leave their 6th hour class only to head down to the E-Wing and into the band room. Whether it's to pick up a book they left in their locker, meet up with a ride home, hang out with some friends, or maybe even get in a little practice on large instruments, I appreciate that of all the places they could go, they come here. Yesterday was a typical day after school, with a lot of marching band members choosing to spend time in the band room before our afternoon pre-game rehearsal.  I was sitting in my office when I heard the friendly, inclusive invitation. "Anyone want to work on Munster's with us?" "Yeah!" "Sure." "Ok, now let's work on dynamics!" "This time, start at the sign and take the coda."  ...And it kept growing until we had to get outside for rehearsal. As one of my favorite authors, Brene Bro...

I took a big leap today. I stepped off the podium, turned the marching band over to my drum majors, and told them I wanted them to run our music rehearsal this morning. I assured them I would step in if necessary, but my goal was to step back and give them the space to grow from this experience. I affirmed that I trusted each of them and their ears, and expressed that wanted our new piece of music to be theirs. A project just for them. And they DELIVERED. As educators, we seek to help students develop an understanding of the world around them through providing experiences, resources, and knowledge. When students are self-motivated, believe themselves capable of success, and are able to do so apart from the guidance of a coach or teacher, then we know as educators we are on the right track. Viewing that goal through the lens of a band director seems to naturally translate well and simply enough: I want my students to not only create great music, but believe themselves capable of be...