MENC Forums

tanlil · 2009-11-04 17:04:40

I have been teaching high school band for several years on a block scheduled. 90 minute classes and I see the kids every other day. Up until this year, band was first class of the morning. This year it is the last class of the day after lunch. The kids don't have the stamina, concentration or motivation to stay focused for almost 90 minutes at this time of day. I need ideas for how to break up the rehearsal. We still need to use the time efficiently and get as much rehearsal in as possible since I only see them every other day. But trying to rehearse straight through is definitely not working. Any ideas for activities to get them moving, get them out of their chairs, but still keep them engaged and ready to get back to focused rehearsal time?

Mr. H · 2009-11-05 10:05:24

Block scheduling was created, and advocated for, the practice of teaching a concept in multiple styles and activities. THink the multiple intelligences...if you are teaching a concept you should teach it aurally, kinetically, musically, etc. so that all learning styles get a chance to absorb it. (plus the repetition for those that do already get it)

I taught in a district where the high school was on block scheduling. The Math, History and English teachers taught for about 40 minutes to an hour then gave them the rest of the time, at least another hour, to work on "homework" (The science teachers loved it because it gave them time to do more elaborate lab experiments, they used the time well). The administration brought in a speaker who called them on the carpet for it. The union filed a grievance over it, but frankly I think the administration was right.

90 minutes is too much rehearsal for even me sometimes!

Suggestions:

1/2 hour of written theory work, or some aural training--intervals, rhythm dictation.

A pie in the sky idea--get kids to switch instruments with each other for a month or two, get a handful of Book 1's, and have a half hour or so of "beginning band" on second instruments! You'll have to practically buy stock in steresol. I've seen it done for one or two class periods before, it would be interesting to see what happens over an extended time.

Rhythm reinforcement is always good--units on body percussion, or you could get as fancy as buying a load of djembe's and having a drum circle. Might even kill the "everyone wants to play percussion" bug, because everyone DOES play percussion.

rlcoates · 2009-11-10 13:41:32

I agree with Mr. H. Divide the period into smaller activities. Theory is a good alternative. Use non-performing time to teach improvisation, do ear training or singing activities. During marching session, do have the period as marching band activities, and the second half as concert music. Rest time needs to be built into the schedule. Your students are probably lasting 30-40 minutes in an activity before tiring out. If possible, have the block schedule changed to modified in which you spend 45 minutes, but more on a daily basis. We use a modified block, our core classes have block time, and electives meet everyday all year long, but for half as much time.

musicscc · 2009-11-10 15:51:48

The theory is a great idea or even start a Junior Composers Society. Also try instituting a chamber music program (if you have the space). Continue to make your rehearsals fast-paced and use active listening as much as possible to maximize your rehearsal time without exhausting their chops!!! Great Comments from other educators. Thanks.

John Christian
November Band Mentor
Director of Music and Fine Arts Chair
Rabat American School
Rabat, Morocco

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#1 2009-11-04 17:04:40

ideas for block schedule

#2 2009-11-05 10:05:24

Re: ideas for block schedule

#3 2009-11-10 13:41:32

Re: ideas for block schedule

#4 2009-11-10 15:51:48

Re: ideas for block schedule

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