Every year a new class of music teachers enters the schoolroom full of ideas – some fresh, some tried-and-true, but all untested in their new situation.
First year band director and MENC forum contributor Kiel Braun from Melita, Manitoba recently shared his "Road to Success" and how he also incorporated that as a bulletin board idea. His "Road to Success" is for band students in grades 6-12.
His list, suggested specifically in this order, includes:
- Posture
- Air
- Sound
- Rhythm
- Notes
- Articulation
- Accidentals
- Balance
- Dynamics
- Intonation
- Section Sound
- Style
- Musical Shape
Some forum participants prefer to keep their lists smaller and simpler, noting that 13 steps would be overwhelming for the younger (middle school) students. One even suggested designing several shorter “roads” to success and adding another road as the students progressed.
Kiel says he understands that the “road” may be daunting to younger students, but now he can visually show his students how they are progressing from one stage to the next as they firm up the foundational levels.
What format do you follow in the classroom? What suggestions might you pass along to a new band director? MENC’s band forum is a great place to share ideas and tips.
--Becky Spray, November 19, 2008 ©MENC: The National Association for Music Education