I teach Middle School Bands, and have found that next year my schedule has an open period in it. The principal is determined that I must have every class period filled, like regular teachers. So he is looking at putting me somewhere outside of music...say working with in-school suspension kids on their homework or something. But if I can come up with options for a class to teach for a 9-week rotation as an elective, I won't have to do the other. Any ideas?? I have thought about beginning guitar, and beginning piano. Those both come with financial issues, though. What are possible classes that I might be able to suggest, to keep me in music, even if it isn't directly band related? We already have a general music teacher, by the way.
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Middle School alternate class offerings
Started by macband, Apr 28 2008 03:10 PM
5 replies to this topic
#2
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Posted 30 April 2008 - 09:56 AM
You might want to try a beginning percussion methods class. A 9 week class based on snare drumming could be alot of fun for non-musicians, and is not too expensive. Just have them provide the sticks. You could talk to the computer lab people, and snag any un-used mouse pads for the kids to play on tables. Also, many method books have accompaniment CDs so the kids can practice at home and have a "band in a box" when in class with you.
Just some thoughts...
Chris Foster
Warren Local Bands
www.warrenlocalbands.org
Just some thoughts...
Chris Foster
Warren Local Bands
www.warrenlocalbands.org
Christopher R. Foster
Director of Bands, Warren Local Schools
Professor of Trumpet, Marietta College
www.warrenlocalbands.org
Director of Bands, Warren Local Schools
Professor of Trumpet, Marietta College
www.warrenlocalbands.org
#5
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Posted 27 August 2008 - 06:06 PM
If you don't mind teaching a non-performance class, a History of American Popular Music has been a great course for me. I code under music-appreciation, but I start with Jazz and work my way up to modern Pop music. I work in traditional music pedagogy with it. The students love it and will fill your extra period.
#6
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Posted 30 September 2008 - 02:17 PM
[quote name='macband' date='Apr 28 2008, 01:10 PM' post='2893']
I teach Middle School Bands, and have found that next year my schedule has an open period in it. The principal is determined that I must have every class period filled, like regular teachers. So he is looking at putting me somewhere outside of music...say working with in-school suspension kids on their homework or something. But if I can come up with options for a class to teach for a 9-week rotation as an elective, I won't have to do the other. Any ideas?? I have thought about beginning guitar, and beginning piano. Those both come with financial issues, though. What are possible classes that I might be able to suggest, to keep me in music, even if it isn't directly band related? We already have a general music teacher, by the way.
[/quote]
Hello, Jeff.
Presumably, the students who would sign up for your course would be an entirely different population than those who are already part of the band program. Generally, the rockers and the piano/keyboard players are underserved in our schools, and they get all their musical training and experience outside the school setting. Is there a possibility of setting up a course that could include them in furthering their musical goals? Maybe a Theory/Musicianship class that would help them become more musically literate and also providing them with opportunities to form groups from the other class participants would be appropriate.
Also, would the principal be open to the notion of purchasing a couple of music technology workstations for the classrooms? If so, they could learn a lot about notation software, MIDI sequencing and editing, recording, mixing, etc. Regardless of the students' musical directions, those skills would be immensely helpful to them.
Just some thoughts.
Carl Hammond
Ph. (619) 303-9293
Cell: (619) 274-0498
www.musicalcompositions.net
See it, hear it, download it, rehearse it.
Downloadable ensemble sheet music
I teach Middle School Bands, and have found that next year my schedule has an open period in it. The principal is determined that I must have every class period filled, like regular teachers. So he is looking at putting me somewhere outside of music...say working with in-school suspension kids on their homework or something. But if I can come up with options for a class to teach for a 9-week rotation as an elective, I won't have to do the other. Any ideas?? I have thought about beginning guitar, and beginning piano. Those both come with financial issues, though. What are possible classes that I might be able to suggest, to keep me in music, even if it isn't directly band related? We already have a general music teacher, by the way.
[/quote]
Hello, Jeff.
Presumably, the students who would sign up for your course would be an entirely different population than those who are already part of the band program. Generally, the rockers and the piano/keyboard players are underserved in our schools, and they get all their musical training and experience outside the school setting. Is there a possibility of setting up a course that could include them in furthering their musical goals? Maybe a Theory/Musicianship class that would help them become more musically literate and also providing them with opportunities to form groups from the other class participants would be appropriate.
Also, would the principal be open to the notion of purchasing a couple of music technology workstations for the classrooms? If so, they could learn a lot about notation software, MIDI sequencing and editing, recording, mixing, etc. Regardless of the students' musical directions, those skills would be immensely helpful to them.
Just some thoughts.
Carl Hammond
Ph. (619) 303-9293
Cell: (619) 274-0498
www.musicalcompositions.net
See it, hear it, download it, rehearse it.
Downloadable ensemble sheet music
