Newly Converted Band GeekI had many different feelings about my student teaching placement. Having not been in a band class myself, I was more than a little nervous about middle school band. I wasn't sure what to expect at first, but it was more wonderful than I could have imagined.
Coming into teaching band honestly I had this idea of my classes being filled with the stereotypical "band geek." But I was shocked who filled my classroom the first day. There were band geeks, but also athletes, popular kids, drama kids, rich kids, poor kids, black kids, white kids, and every other type of kid. If the students didn't have band together, most of them would never even interact with each other. Band brought together all sorts of students to create music. Each of the students played their part and contributed. It was a very special thing to see. Leaving middle school band was very bittersweet. The clarinet squeaks were much harder to leave than I had imagined! In my short time with the band, I watched musicians emerge from the squeaks and sticky pads. And most of all, I am now part of the band-family. |
Woodwind EnsembleThe Woodwind Ensemble met after school once a week for rehearsals and included a total of forty eighth, seventh, and a few selected sixth graders.
Celtic Bell CarolI taught the eighth grade a the Celtic Bell Carol from start to finish. I picked out the piece, distributed the parts, conducted rehearsals, and conducted the concert. It was incredible to see the entire process of teaching music.
|
District Band AuditionsI sat in during the all-district band auditions for high school. I learned about the judging process, and listened to snare, timpani, and mallet auditions.
Warm-UpsI taught a variety of warm-ups to sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students. Warm-up exercises included stretching, breathing, scales, buzzing, rhythms, and chorales.
|
After School Guitar LessonsSince there wasn't a guitar program at the schools, I decided to start my own after school. I had anywhere from 2-8 students every week after school. I am looking to continue this program after I finish student teaching and start it up in other middle schools as well.
Jingle BellsI taught the sixth grade part of Jingle Bells and helped teaching them how to march for the Christmas parade they were performing in. It was a lot of basics since they were still relatively new to the instruments, but I learned a lot!
|