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Student-Led Rehearsals: Student Feedback

So...what did students think of our Student-Led Rehearsals?


Wind Ensemble (1st hour; Audition-Only Group)

Generally speaking, Student-Led Rehearsals well-received in this ensemble. Many students expressed appreciation at building teamwork, and felt the topics they rehearsed "stuck" more quickly when they were able to direct their own learning. They also expressed a heightened accountability to self and one another, deeper engagement, and enjoyed giving/receiving constructive feedback to one another in respectful ways. Frustrations included lack of organization/unclear goals, time management concerns, starting/establishing procedures, and wanting more rehearsal time.

Question: Where did you hear our efforts pay off?

Question: Was there a difference between Student-Led and Director-Led Rehearsals? If so, what?

Question: Was there anything challenging about Student-Led Rehearsals?

Question: What are some of the ways we can improve rehearsals, no matter who is leading?

Symphony Band (2nd hour; Grades 10-12)

Student-Led Rehearsals in this group posed a number of challenges. Although many students appreciated the opportunity to take more of a lead role in their learning, there were a number of instances when norms were not followed, and conflicting visions/personalities got in the way of establishing objectives for productive rehearsals. Feedback was very diverse; some enjoyed the experience, while others did not. Having respect, trusting one another to do their work, and lack of direction were all contributing factors to frustration.

Question: What was the difference between Student-Led and Director-Led Rehearsals?


                   
Question: What were some of the challenges/benefits with Student-Led Rehearsals?
Question: What can be done to improve Student-Led Rehearsals? Director-Led Rehearsals?



Concert Band (3rd hour; Grade 9)

The Concert Band actually participated in a similar experience earlier in their musical careers, when in 8th grade, they selected a student-conductor to direct a piece on a concert. Although everyone agreed on their objectives many times, the decision-making process and greater freedom of running a rehearsal proved to be challenging at times for this group as well, similarly to Symphony Band. In spite of these challenges though, many students acknowledged that their Student-Led piece was the best of their three pieces performed for their portion of our Winter program. 

Question: What were some of the benefits/challenges of Student-Led Rehearsals?




Question: What were the differences between Student-Led and Director-Led Rehearsals?
 


Question: What would you do to change Student-Led Rehearsals? Director-Led Rehearsals?





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