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