Blog 5: Elements of a Successful Program

Dear Future Me,

I hope you are having an excellent day. You have a wonderful smile. Hey, the color of your shirt matches your eyes! What is all this leading into? Well, I don't know. BUT! Here are your Top Ten Elements of a Successful Music Program (TTESMP). Actually, you are supposed to list "ten things that you will fight for in order to protect the sanctity of your ensemble". Ahem.

1. TIME with students
2. Instruments and equipment
3. A good rehearsal room with room for instruments
4. School/community desire for a program
5. Policies and Procedures supported by parents, teachers, and administrators. (I think it's most important for administrators to be on board with Policies and Procedures. So talk to them so they know what they are!)
6. Advanced planning (I will plan ahead so everyone knows what is expected of them as far as performances and other such things.)
7. Parent Booster Organization (fundraising for trips, advocacy, etc.)
8. Support from guardians for practicing
9. Attendance at ALL concerts
10. Quality Repertoire

I put Quality Repertoire at the end because I figure, I can always arrange something and or borrow something from other schools. This list is very important to me though as I feel that I will have a great program if I remember that this list ensures quality education for my students.

Warm regards,

Shannalee

Observations with Sallee Nelson (CJMS)

Dear Shannalee,

You have attended Chief Joseph Middle School's 7th grade band class three times at this point. Key points you've taken from the first class with Ms. Nelson teaching are as follows:

1. You need a hand free microphone. I've been worried about your voice being strained in this setting, future Shannalee, and I think that this is a solution to that. (11:11 make a wish!)
2. Ms. Nelson had a good way of breaking down sections of music so they are easier to understand. She took rhythms step by step so the students didn't get frustrated by them. 
3. She moved the rehearsal along so there were no dull moments, no long pauses. She knew what she wanted to get done.

The second time you attended, you taught the clarinet section a sectional. Jeph Morris learned their names and then you taught them a rhythm. After that you worked through tough spots in their music. Here are some things you learned:

1. Junior high girls are chatty. Give them incentive to stay quiiiiiiieeeet. (Use Jeph's temporary tattoo mustaches to quiet them. "If you're quiet, you get mustache tattoos!" DON'T GIVE THEM TO THEM IF THEY'RE NOT QUIET.)
2. You really do know how to count rhythms, sometimes when you're in front of students you freeze up when you get distracted by their chattiness. Breath and go through your bag of tricks:
• "Clark please come to the board and write out how to count the rhythm below."
• "Gwen, will you and Addie clap the rhythm?" "Max was that correct?"
3. When they talk, remind them of the prize at the end. Remind them to be respectful.

The third hour you were there, you observed Mr. Morris teach while you memorized names. Read on:

1. Repeat their names often in conversation. They appreciate you trying to learn their names.
2. Maybe try moving them around so they're not so chatty...

Love,

Shannalee

Blog 4: Recruiting Beginners!

Dear Shannalee,

So you're beginning a band eh? Well, have I got the blog for you! This entry will be all about how to recruit new band members effectively. So without further ado...let us begin.

First of all, you should write some goals that you'd like them to accomplish in their first year of band. Here are some that I would like to see get done (and you probably will too...):

1. They should be able to put together their instruments in a way that does not bring harm to them.
2. They should listen when I am on the podium. (Therefore I will need to give them times when they can talk.)
3. They should hand in practice notes from parents.
4. Treat fellow classmates with respect and work as a team to produce a wonderful sound.

INSTRUMENTAL PETTING ZOO:The next thing you'll want to do is get kids (and their parents) excited about finding an instrument and being a part of a real live band! With disinfectant spray in hand and mouthpiece in another, set up an Instrumental Petting Zoo for them. Once they have gone through all the instruments, ask what their top 2 choices would be for an instrument and write this next to their name. As they leave the Zoo, hand them a brightly colored slip telling their parents about the parent meeting. Add in how they can contact you if they can't make this meeting.

THE PARENT MEETING: Be sure to have punch and cookies to butter them up a little. Have a colorful and inspiring Power Point Presentation (Storms in Africa by Enya would be a good choice here) for them to watch as you tell them how excited you about this new and important experience in their childs' life. The Presentation should include:

1. Info about each instrument.
2. Recommendations as far as where to buy it.
3. When to have their decision by.

I am confident that if you are well organized and prepare well, you will help them to understand the importance of this program and have a very nicely balanced band (hopefully not too many saxophonists...). Remember that you can use some tactics to guide them to another instrument if there are too many of one kind. "You have a good ear! You would be an excellent French Horn player!"

Love,

Shannalee