In order to provide students with small group instruction the school administration has approved organizing a Rotating Lesson Schedule. We encourage everyone to pursue “private” instruction for even more personalized attention to progress. A list of Private Lesson Instructors can be found here on the Drury Band Website at:
http://dhsband.napsk12.org/index/142422
ROTATING LESSON SCHEDULE
Since it is humanly impossible for someone to know how 50 band members are progressing in a daily 50-minute band rehearsal, the school administration has again approved an instrumental lesson schedule. This is no different from what we have been doing; however, an explanation for freshmen parents might be helpful. To help each student progress musically, a three-week rotating schedule is used to hear student musicians in small group settings. Since the schedule rotates, no one should miss a particular class more than once every three to four weeks. In addition to the rotation, each student was encouraged to name a class that they couldn’t (or shouldn’t) miss, usually due to grades or workload. Assignments are made for the next lesson and a grade is given weekly based on lesson preparation. I can’t emphasize enough how important lesson attendance and preparation is, not only to the students’ grade, but also to his or her progress, and the progress of the entire band. Please INSIST that your son/daughter set down a good practice schedule. Grades for the are based primarily on lesson preparation, attendance quizzes and projects. Students need to motivate themselves by NOT being content with “OK” or being mediocre – or status quo! MANY of our present opportunities are based on PAST excellence – will that tradition continue??? It’s up to the PRESENT band to see that future bands have the same exciting musical opportunities that they had!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT WITH THIS MATTER!
HOMEWORK in Band = FOCUSED PRACTICING!!
Rehearsal is NOT where you learn your part!
I view my job as teaching you “how” and what to practice.
PRACTICING
Lesson preparation is the most important part of the grade for each marking period. Between Concert Music, Scales and “Blue Book” there’s ALWAYS something the student should be practicing!! Your encouragement and assistance when it comes to PRACTICING will also be appreciated! We are once AGAIN tackling some very difficult music in band this year and we will be much more successful if the students follow up my instruction with some “REGULAR” practice time! Thanks!
STUDENTS ASK YOURSELF: “If everyone in the band were just like me, what kind of band would it be?” CONGRATULATIONS ON THIS YEAR’S SUCCESS….
LET’S BUILD ON IT!
Wynton Marsalis’
Practice Tips
1. Seek Private Instruction
2. Make a Schedule 3. Set Goals
4. Concentrate
5. Relax: Practice Slowly
6. Practice Hard Parts Longer
7. Play with Expression
8. Learn from your Mistakes
9. Don’t Show Off
10. Think for Yourself
11. Be Optimistic
12. Look for Connections
