Imagine going into your geometry class and telling the teacher that you only wanted to study circles but not squares. Or you told your biology teacher that you wanted to study plants but not animals. Or you told the driver's ed teacher that (since you are a staunch conservative) you only make right hand turns! How many of you would expect that teacher to give consideration to your request? Unfortunately, many of you in band feel that we should design the band curriculum around your individual wants and desires. In the words of Mr. Humbert, everyone wants to go to Heaven, but no one wants to die!
Band, believe it or not, is considered an academic subject. Because of this, there are certain guidelines or standards (9 in all) that the band staff must follow. Standards such as these are used to judge the value of each class offered at Jay County High School. If the band staff does not cover these standards, they are directed to do so or the program will be cut. (here are standards for the guard dance class also) Believe it or not, these standards mention nothing about pep band or marching band - they are based solely on music education goals - goals which ultimately should make us better players, musicians, (there is a difference) and, in the long run, better students!
A small reminder for those of you who were around last year. Do you remember Mr. Smeltzer, Ms. Guise and myself standing in front of you on the first day of concert band and stating "this is the first day of getting ready for State Fair" (or words to that affect) Do you remember who won the music caption both morning and evening at last year's State Fair? In was not a coincidence!
So, like it or not, concert band is a mandated program which ultimately will lead to success in marching contests (if that is your goal) or if nothing else, will make you a better musician, student, and a more well-rounded person!
Incidentally, those 9 standards include:
So what do you think? Talk to me, I'm......
Daddy V
Band, believe it or not, is considered an academic subject. Because of this, there are certain guidelines or standards (9 in all) that the band staff must follow. Standards such as these are used to judge the value of each class offered at Jay County High School. If the band staff does not cover these standards, they are directed to do so or the program will be cut. (here are standards for the guard dance class also) Believe it or not, these standards mention nothing about pep band or marching band - they are based solely on music education goals - goals which ultimately should make us better players, musicians, (there is a difference) and, in the long run, better students!
A small reminder for those of you who were around last year. Do you remember Mr. Smeltzer, Ms. Guise and myself standing in front of you on the first day of concert band and stating "this is the first day of getting ready for State Fair" (or words to that affect) Do you remember who won the music caption both morning and evening at last year's State Fair? In was not a coincidence!
So, like it or not, concert band is a mandated program which ultimately will lead to success in marching contests (if that is your goal) or if nothing else, will make you a better musician, student, and a more well-rounded person!
Incidentally, those 9 standards include:
- Singing alone and with others - Yup! Even in band!
- Playing an instrument alone and with others - We got this one down!
- Reading, notating, and interpreting music. Somewhat covered.
- Improvising melodies and accompaniments.
- Composing and arranging music within specific guidelines
- Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
- Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
- Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
- Evaluating music and music performances.
So what do you think? Talk to me, I'm......
Daddy V
