THE NEW JERSEY MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION a federated state association of NATIONAL ASSOCIATION for MUSIC EDUCATION News From Our Board of Directors
Band Performance Nick Mossa
nmossa16@gmail.com
Greetings all! We are nearly at the end of the road for our 2020/2021 school year and I’m sure it is a road many of us will not wish to travel again! Many programs around the State have endured radical trans-
formations in the spirit of maintaining, and at times spontaneously creating, a valuable musical experience for our band students. We are not out of the woods just yet, but there is a significant optimism that exists on the horizon for us and our programs. With the summer months waiting just around the corner, here are a few ideas to ponder: Many of our band students of all ages have suffered set-backs on their instruments. Students may not be as far in the lesson
books as they are “supposed to be”, performance standards may have dipped, practice hours may have lessened, or any number of detriments may be present that have affected your students and program. My professional advice is to let it go. Next year, all band students deserve our unconditional support and our very best practices to help revive their fascination in music, motiva- tion, creativity, and provide the social environment that is such a crucial aspect of the value that band provides. I do not mean to suggest we abandon our musical standards and ambitions entirely, but I believe we should start by meeting students where they are to inspire their participation and excitement once again and musical excellence should be secondary. You may disagree, but I would caution you then to consider that we have no way of knowing everything about all of our students’ experiences in the last calendar year and band may need to be, now more than ever, something more than just a place by which excellence is achieved for your students next year. Food for thought! Additionally if your experience teaching band in the past school year has been anything like mine, you may find that you
have been without meaningful musical experiences for far too long. I’m talking about the types of moments or memories that el- evate you, remind you why you were inspired to teach band, bring you fulfillment and joy, and most importantly those moments balance out all of the stuff that comes with the not-so-glamorous parts of the job (I am sure you do not need me to elaborate on that!). I believe we have those moments to look forward to again in the next school year but it is important that we recognize the need to recharge and refresh ourselves this summer so that we may be ready to create those moments for our students and our programs again. If you are one who typically frets about concert dates, packs the summer months with professional development opportunities, or spends all summer planning and practicing with the marching band, perhaps now is as good a time as any to prioritize some healthy relaxation. We will best serve our students if we are mentally and physically refreshed to take on the chal- lenges that await us all next year. They are counting on us! Finally, NJMEA is thrilled to be providing All-State Ensemble opportunities for our students in the 2021/2022 school year.
Please keep an eye on your TEMPO Express emails and the NJMEA website for the latest updates and happenings as conditions evolve. The 2021/2022 All-State Band Repertoire List should be included in this issue. Please observe that the 2021/2022 All- State Band Repertoire List is different from the 2021 All State Orchestra Wind & Percussion Audition Repertoire which is set to be completed this month. Should you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me via email. I wish you and your programs all the best as we near the end of this incredible school year and look ahead to the start of next year. Be well!
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TEMPO
16
MAY 2021
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