band
It gives me an outlet to express my emo- tions that otherwise would have stayed in. It has helped me cope with certain situations because I knew I will always have my music.”
I could go on, but we know the power of making music. From the freshman per- cussionist to the senior trumpeter, every response that was written expressed an emotional attachment to the program. I cherish the thought that intrinsic motiva- tion drives the program, but as an educa- tor, I have to wonder if they are learning the necessary information driving the curriculum. As a sophomore trombone player stated, “Band teaches me something new every day. I enjoy learning how to read music.” Or this quote from a fresh- man saxophonist, “Band helps you with many other subjects such as mathemat- ics. Mathematics is involved greatly in the process of figuring out the different rhythm patterns.” And this one from a se- nior trumpeter, “I love how we learn how musical selections coincide with history. I also enjoy learning the composer’s intent for a piece and make it come alive.”
Many students referred to the conceptual parallelisms between band and science. But students also wrote of the most im- portant life lessons to learn while being involved in a music program. “Band has taught me to be a more respectful person and has taught me to love all kinds of music.” And, as a senior trumpet player said, “The students in our band are some of my best friends, and still others are people I would not otherwise know if I were not in the program. All of them, however, are undoubtedly some of the nicest and most respectful students in our school. It’s people like that, that makes me feel a part of something more than just a class, but rather a huge extended fam- ily.” This is from a senior flute player… “Band helps teach me to be organized, on time and respectful. It has also taught me how to accept and positively learn from constructive criticism and also how to be patient and help others.”
Well, this was probably one of the most eye-opening writing assignments that I have ever given out. We teach so much more than what is in our content area. We understand that, but it’s nice to hear it from our students. I’m going to hang on to these responses for those moments when I doubt my effectiveness as an educator.
I’ll close and wish you a successful spring season with one last quote from a fresh- man trumpet player. “I’m glad that I’m in band because it has given me the chance to enjoy great experiences and view ev- eryday life a little differently.”
Pat Pollock teaches instrumental music at Chequamegon High School in Park Falls. Email:
ppollock@csdk12.net
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P.O. Box 230 • Egg Harbor, WI • 54209
• 2 - 1 student - faculty ratio with world- class music educators & performers
• 2-week resident sessions for advanced musicians ages 13-19
Two sessions: July 23-Aug. 4 Aug. 6-Aug. 18
• 6 to 10 public performances • Financial aid available • Auditions required
Wisconsin School Musician
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