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new teacher--new schedule
Started by Guest_Lynne_*, Aug 22 2006 04:13 PM
6 replies to this topic
#1 Guest_Lynne_*
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Posted 22 August 2006 - 04:13 PM
I'm a new teacher, in a new building, and a new schedule. I will be teaching instrumental band and string lessons and also having rehearsals for a couple of groups. I am not familar with teaching in a block schedule. I have heard negative things too. The principal has said I will have to have all of my rehearsals after school, even though the program is co-curricular. This means I will be competing for the students who are also in sports, acdemic tutoring programs, and clubs. Any helpful hints to make this year successful?
#3
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Newbie
Posted 11 February 2007 - 07:57 PM
I would be looking for an new job ASAP. It is obvious that this district does not value music education.
Luke Zyla
Parkersburg South High School Patriot Band
2nd horn, West Virginia Symphony Orchestra
conductor, The Parkersburg Choral Society
Parkersburg South High School Patriot Band
2nd horn, West Virginia Symphony Orchestra
conductor, The Parkersburg Choral Society
#4
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Bandmaster
- Location:Presque Isle, ME
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Posted 14 February 2007 - 04:01 PM
I would lay it out with your administration. They either want and will support the music program or they don't want it. They can't have it both ways. I would tell them that band must be during the day due to all the outside issues and it must have their full support or you will start looking for a new job in a district that cares as was mentioned above. Lay it on the line, you might be surprised!!
Adam W. Metzler
Central Aroostook High School & Fort Street Elementary School Instrumental Music Teacher
Central Aroostook High School & Fort Street Elementary School Instrumental Music Teacher
#5
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Posted 03 September 2007 - 10:08 PM
I teach at an art school and it wouldn't be an art school without the block schedule (I see my concert band and wind ensemble 90 minutes a day). Having said that, I work in a very supportive environment, something that is rare in today's schools. There is plenty of reports out there to show your administration that music training makes kids read better, make better choices and test better in all subjects. Our school is a middle and high school and both are among the top scoring on the state standardized tests.
#6
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Posted 15 September 2007 - 02:06 PM
Lynne,
If you are at a point where you are not willing to 'lay it on the line' with your administrators and just want to try and make things work so you can survive for a while, think about this. I teach in a block schedule as well, and although my concert band rehearsal does happen during the school day (although it is split with chorus), my jazz band needs to be scheduled after school. To get an actual full rehearsal without competing with the other after-school activities, I occasionally label my jazz band as a lesson group, allowing them to meet as a pull-out for 1/2 block (blocks are 78 minutes long). It may be possible for you to do something similar to this, at least for a sectional if not a full band rehearsal. Good luck!
If you are at a point where you are not willing to 'lay it on the line' with your administrators and just want to try and make things work so you can survive for a while, think about this. I teach in a block schedule as well, and although my concert band rehearsal does happen during the school day (although it is split with chorus), my jazz band needs to be scheduled after school. To get an actual full rehearsal without competing with the other after-school activities, I occasionally label my jazz band as a lesson group, allowing them to meet as a pull-out for 1/2 block (blocks are 78 minutes long). It may be possible for you to do something similar to this, at least for a sectional if not a full band rehearsal. Good luck!
#7
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Bandmaster
Posted 27 September 2007 - 11:10 AM
First of all, if you are willing to put in the time, rehearsals outside of the school day can definately work. As for the statement of contacting the union and don't do it--i choose to do it and have a solid program. Being a catholic teacher, i don't have a union (i prefer it this way, but we won't get into that soap box) but I wouldn't complain if i did.
I am in block schedule, high school level. We have the class every other day for 80 minutes. I have concert band during the day, but all my other "real" ensembles are after school. This includes pep band, jazz ensemble, and marching band.
I do get a small stipend for doing this, nothing great by any means. Because these after school groups (marching band, jazz ensmble, pep band) are what I LOVE most about my job, i have no problem doing it. It is for the kids as well.
I am not sure how any marching band could be competative without after school rehearsals. My concert band is not competative, but if it were, I would definately have after school rehearsals to make sure they are getting everything they need to succeed.
ONe alternative I've seen work really well in some middle and high school programs is to have rehearsal BEFORE school, especially when they get credit for it (you said it was co-curricular, so to me that means they get some sort of class credit for it). By doing this, you only get the kids who REALLY want to be there, meaning a better group to work with. It also avoids conflict with sporting and club activities.
I am in block schedule, high school level. We have the class every other day for 80 minutes. I have concert band during the day, but all my other "real" ensembles are after school. This includes pep band, jazz ensemble, and marching band.
I do get a small stipend for doing this, nothing great by any means. Because these after school groups (marching band, jazz ensmble, pep band) are what I LOVE most about my job, i have no problem doing it. It is for the kids as well.
I am not sure how any marching band could be competative without after school rehearsals. My concert band is not competative, but if it were, I would definately have after school rehearsals to make sure they are getting everything they need to succeed.
ONe alternative I've seen work really well in some middle and high school programs is to have rehearsal BEFORE school, especially when they get credit for it (you said it was co-curricular, so to me that means they get some sort of class credit for it). By doing this, you only get the kids who REALLY want to be there, meaning a better group to work with. It also avoids conflict with sporting and club activities.
