Skip to main content

Student-Led Rehearsals: Solutions & Initial Decision Making

After identifying possible problems earlier this week, we moved on to discussing possible solutions and processes for how to collectively make decisions...



We had lots of great discussion on who/how rehearsals should work, information they would like from me (a schedule for the week of how much time they can have on each piece was almost agreed upon by everyone), as well as brainstorming ways to make sure everyone's voice is heard-- even if they do not care to speak up in class. (I especially loved the idea of using technology so everyone in the group, no matter where they are from, can type out/give each other feedback to read through and use for future rehearsals!)


 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We also finished out the week by introducing the short list of pieces from which each group will choose and reading through each selection:

Wind Ensemble: Queen City March or Men of Ohio March (We perform a special concert for 5th graders in our district in December, and we need a march to perform for that program. This group will perform their march both for the 5th grade concert and our Winter Concert the following week.)

Symphony Band: Our Heritage March or Albanian Dance

Concert Band: ACB March or Beyond the Highlands

After reading through each piece, I stepped back to give students time and space to voice their thoughts.  I was absolutely floored and elated to hear the thoughtful responses students had! I heard students speak up who haven't raised their hand all school year long. I saw students who typically not get along with each other find common ground. I observed students advocate for one another's voice. And I witnessed students who were forming opinions beyond their own parts, considering each piece as a whole. 

Confession: The one thing I wish I had heard more discussion about was musical challenges. Many students referenced technical challenges (notes, rhythms, articulations, etc.), but there was little to no consideration for musical challenges (phrasing, balancing, transitions, etc.). It was painfully obvious through their dialog that I must emphasize those things in my own teaching. In this way, I also received some great feedback on my own teaching/emphasis from hearing my students debate-- and realized that if I want them to think more musically, I need to help direct their ear to the very things I was hoping they would discuss more.


And with that, the ground work has been laid... stay tuned for when our first steps become big leaps!


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Innovator's Mindset in the Band Room: Student-Led Rehearsals

It all started when this happened... George Couros came to Rochester Community Schools yesterday, inspiring hundreds of teachers in his wake. If you are not familiar with George Couros (@gcouros), he is the author of the widely recognized, highly regarded educational manifesto entitled "The Innovator's Mindset" as well regularly writing on his blog, The Principle of Change . There are many aspects of the "Innovator's Mindset" that I find appealing. We agree on many, many points: the power of positive connections, cultivating passion, and the need for teachers to give students space and voice to take charge of their learning. This tweet though, sums it up for me: When you have a compelling reason, you can learn ANYTHING. #RCSInnovate — Kristine Balinski (@MathTeacherMrsB) November 5, 2018 If students have a compelling reason to connect, they will put in the work. Teachers are the resource, students direct their own learning. As educators, espec...
1 comment
Read more

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 leadin...
Post a Comment
Read more

Spinning Wheels

I might be dating myself a bit here, but when I was in high school, one of our halftime shows was the music of Blood, Sweat, and Tears. I don't remember all the details, but I do remember one of the featured songs was "Spinning Wheel". Ride a painted pony, Let the spinnin' wheel spin... In high school, I learned the lyrics referenced being stuck on a carousel; going around and around without ever actually moving forward. However, now a days, all I can think of is the spinning wheel on my computer... waiting for a program to boot up... waiting for an Apple Music file to load... waiting for the video to stop buffering... waiting. All too often lately, I have noticed my wheels spinning. If I'm not careful, I spend all my free time spinning between e-mail and social media apps on my phone...Waiting for something new to pop up. Waiting for an e-mail that demands my attention. Technology is no longer the tool-- it is the governing force. Instead of connecting with...
Post a Comment
Read more