The Six positive steps, to fix a problematic band, is this article is like going to a market to pick out produce. Some of the fruits were eatable while the rest needed to remain in the bin.
http://www.soyouwanttoteach.com/positive-steps-to-fix-a-problematic-band/
I love the idea of pointing out things positively. I just deplore the thought of teaching students to tap their feet. I can understand tapping the toe so it is not visual to the audience, but to teach something so unprofessional and distracting. Yes, each student needs to keep their own sense of time, and moving feet in a marching situation is crucial for being in step, let's just practice good performance habits.
Robyn, I loved the website, just added it to my PLN this afternoon! I agree with you though, I've never had a band director that encouraged me to tap my foot in concert band. I've had one stare at feet when people did and told us to tap our toe. I wonder if maybe the band director just has a band with bad rhythm; however, teaching a band something that you're going to have to correct later doesn't seem like a very productive idea. Though, the rest of the article did seem very helpful.
ReplyDeleteLarge muscle movement is an important part of how people develop a sense of rhythm. But foot tapping does not generally fall in this category. Patting, walking the beat, and other forms of movement, however, are important. Remember, we are teaching kids about and through music. A 7th grade ensemble does not need to be a clone of the Cleveland Orchestra. The orchestra is about professional performance and entertainment. The band is about education.
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