large school with several large bands, we would have jazz bands, chamber ensembles, brass bands, percussion en- sembles: all those things that contrib- ute to being a well-rounded musician. It is just not possible to have a percus- sion ensemble when you only have four percussionists. It is not possible for your neighboring schools either. You are not in this boat alone, so pool your resources.
Last school year, with the help of two local band directors in nearly the same situation as myself, I was able to start a large percussion ensem- ble using students from my district and the neighboring district. We joined together enough percussion students, equipment, and repertoire to create a unique educational opportunity that otherwise could only happen in larger schools. The success and benefits both programs experienced were immeasur- able. The percussionists from both schools were given the extra attention that they craved and an outlet for the extra energy that they possessed. We rehearsed weekly from November through May, participated in District and State Solo and Ensemble, and per- formed at both schools’ Pre-Festival and Spring Concerts. The students’ technique and ability were pushed to the limits and ended with an over- whelming outcome. They received first division ratings at district and
state festival and each concert left the audiences thoroughly impressed. It was fantastically successful and all the students are now far better musicians. This school year, we are adding anoth- er school and starting a jazz band. The same kind of programs could be done at the middle school level as well. No small school has the wealth of supplies to offer large school musical experi- ences, but together, you are stronger. The final event in which we participate to ensure musical growth is Solo and Ensemble Festival. Five years ago, three students participated in this festival. Last year, six students out of thirty-five did not participate. The month leading up to the festival, I have the privilege of spending time with individuals and small groups of students. We discuss sophisticated musical concepts. They learn what it truly means to play in an ensemble. You get to know individual students on a deeper musical level and you know their strengths and weaknesses. Even the students who receive a less than desirable rating are far better and more independent than when they started. That improvement is brought back to the ensemble as a whole. For example, there is a marked improve- ment in the band’s tone by the middle of February every year.
There is no question that students from larger schools with
seemingly unlimited resources have an advantage over small, country schools in depressed communities. However, just because one teaches at a small, country school does not mean one has to accept those limitations. You, too, have unlimited resources—you just need to be more creative. I am very fortunate to have a strong support system in my colleagues. Because of their willingness to share their talents, my bands and I are better. Seek out these professionals near you. Also, seek out opportunities for your stu- dents to play in settings other than your main ensemble. This will go a long way in helping them develop the musical independence that we value in all students, but is necessary in small bands.
These are just a few examples
that work for our program. Think about how these might apply to your program or come up with other ideas. If all of you work together and help each other, you create a circle of great- ness that benefits everyone. Some- times it does take a village to raise a band.
Christine Dodge has a bachelor’s de- gree in Music Education from Oakland University and is currently working on her Masters of Music in Conducting at OU. This is her sixth year of teaching and her fifth year as Director of Bands for Capac
Community Schools.
personal attention performance opportunities proven job placement
www.wmich.edu/music 19
MMEA wishes to thank JWPepper & Son, Inc., for their generous sponsorship of numerous MMEA events, including: • Fall Elementary Music Workshop • Collegiate Conference • Elementary Choral Festivals • Spring Board Meeting Luncheon
Please visit their website,
www.jwpepper.com
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