Can we change?

I love this video.  In my master's class, we are discussing how to make change and we viewed this video on YouTube.  Is it possible to make change happen?  How should we go about doing it so that it works and everyone involved understands why?

New School Year Items to Remember

The beginning of every school year is hectic.  It is unfortunately that way and sometimes things get missed because of the hussle and bussle of our children's lives.  Hopefully, this blog will help you with the items that we announce every day we see your students in class, and serve as a way for you to understand what is we do in band...it's not just about playing an instrument.

Items Due or Past Due

• Handbook Acknowledgement Form (was due Friday, Sept. 9)
• Percussion Fees are due ($60)
• Mr. Z's Fund Raising forms due Tuesday/Wednesday, Sept. 20-21
• Get the Choral & Rhythm Etudes book by Quincy Hilliard from Music Cafe - Students MUST have this book in class on Wednesday, Sept. 21

Items to do soon

• Enroll in the 8th grade band class in Smart Music
• If needed, renew your Smart Music subscription
• Students have had lessons so far, they started Sept. 12, do you have a schedule?  Log into Charms Office to download a copy - in the 8th grade band handouts folder.

We are busy rehearsing for our December concert and having a blast learning the new music.  At this point, I think the band favorite is Awake the Iron, but please remind your band student to practice all of the pieces so they all get better.

End of Year

So, spring break is done, it's May, and even though it doesn't look like spring outside, we are nearing the end of the school year. I can't believe how quickly this year has gone and I'll be sad when I see this group of students move on to high school. I have the upmost respect for these students and still want them to succeed and push themselves to finishing on a high note, literally. :)

Since we are coming up to the end of the year, it is important to stay focused with the eye on next year. The best way to start strong next year in high school is to end strong in middle school. We have a very important upcoming scales test approaching our students. We have discussed several ways to help learn these scales using the Circle of 5ths chart that was given to them in early April. This task is challenging but one that can be successful by thinking and repetitive practice. Encouragement and a positive attitude will always help your child succeed, but sometimes they also need a good push to get them started or to keep them going. We have been working on scales since September. But now they have to use that information to create and perform all 12 major scales. During the year, we probably worked on about 4 or 5 scales, which are in addition to the ones they may have learned last year in 7th grade band. This puts them about half way there.

The test will be given in the students last lesson of the year. I am very confident that if students work consistently and thoughtfully, they will be successful.

Solo & Ensemble is upon us

Wow, I thought it was just recently that students were getting their solo & ensemble music for the first time. Although that music was given out in January, it's now mid-March and it is time to perform it. :)

Some advise for students, we are always striving for the best possible performance and you should always do your best. That includes practicing your best leading up to the festival. Do not set time limits on your practicing. Instead, work for goals and how much work you can get done based on whether you have accomplished your goal. It is sad to see a student practice his/her heart out but then be done because the timer goes off 15 minutes into your practice session. That performance will not be as good as it could have been. Work until you solve problem areas of your music, work towards your goal of a great performance, and you will see and feel the benefits of performing in music.

I encourage all parents to be as supportive this week as possible. Give positive comments to help your child along. This is a stressful time and your children need your support.

"Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul
for the education of its virtue."
-Plato

National Anthem - Super Bowl Messup

So I've been reading a lot about how people feel about Christina Aguilera messing up the National Anthem at the Super Bowl. Personally, I feel that the National Anthem should be song with your own style as long as it is tasteful, respectful and fits within the time limit of the actual original song.

What I believe is unfair is when her patriotism is brought into question simply for the error in performance. I'm sure this was not intentional nor does she warrant this type of criticism from people who may have never performed a note in their lifetime. Performing in public is hard enough. Performing at the Super Bowl, in front of a record number crowd, must be one of the most difficult things to do, even for a 5 time Grammy Winner.

I hope that students take this into consideration when they are preparing for their solo & ensemble performances. I think we can all agree that practicing will make us better. Do we believe that Ms. Aquilera didn't practice? I believe she did. Now it is up to you to practice as hard as you can, focus on your task and prepare for the most amazing performance you can possibly give. No matter what happens the day of the performance, if you dedicate yourself to working hard and perfecting your music, no matter what happens, I believe that you will be successful.

Hang in there and stay focused on your goals!

Get a GMail Account

If you do not have an e-mail account, here is a quick video to get a GMail account. You can choose any of the free services like Live Mail (MSN), Yahoo, etc, however GMail has many services that are linked on our site and blog, so it might be more useful to have a GMail account, rather than one of the others. If you want, you can always create a GMail account and have your other e-mail imported into GMail for you to view.

The last statement about using Wordpress is an option, however if you are reading this blog, it might be better to use Blogger.com instead, as it links to your GMail account already. Besides, both Blogger.com and GMail are both owned by Google. :)

Ustream on Snow Storm

Check out some of the video I've been broadcasting using a fun Web 2.0 tool called Ustream.




Live Broadcasting by Ustream

This is what Smart Music can do, with a Lesson :)

Below is a video of a student who came in for a lesson.  He also had a Smart Music assignment due, so we worked on both.  This video will demonstrate the importance of having lessons in conjunction with Smart Music.  Without lessons teaching students how to improve on their instrument, Smart Music is not as effective.

Wow!

Take a look at this 3 year old.  I spoke to the students the other day about how directors spend thousands of dollars working and perfecting their conducting style.  Music teachers take courses in college on conducting.  After college, a premier conductor can be hired to conduct symphonies like the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra or any number of others.  Those conductors spend much of their time conducting and leading some of the highest quality of instrumentalists from around the area, country and world.

This 3 year old has the technique that only some conductors only dream about, and he's 3!  Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0REJ-lCGiKU

Progress - Moving forward, not backward

We have begun our adventure that is solo & ensemble.  At this point, students must remain focused on their objective and hopefully that objective is to work hard and progress on their individual instruments so that a successful performance is achieved.  This includes remaining focused during class time.  I have many students in each hour and I try to cycle through the students so I see each one at least once every two weeks.  This is a challenge for me but can be done.

While I am working with those other students, those who remain in practice rooms or band room must continue to practice their music and not practice their gossip.  :)  Yes, I do know that conversations may occur in band during class time.  However, you have minimize these conversations.  Every time you carry on a conversation with someone, that is at least 5 minutes of lost practice time.  Think about that you may do this several times in a class period, for sake of argument let's say 3 times.  That's 15 minutes per class.  Multiplied by 2.5 times per week until solo & ensemble qualifications (Feb. 28 - 6 weeks away from now), and you get 90 minutes of lost practice time just inside of class.  If that happens outside of class, the time spent talking instead of playing becomes even more difficult to track.  Bottom line, stay focused and work hard in class.  Work with me (Mr. Werner) whenever possible and as many times as possible.

Extra, Extra, Read all about Extra CREDIT?!?

Sometimes there are extra credit opportunities and I try to announce them in class, but that does not always get to parents.  So using our new Blog, I'll put things up as much as I can.

The next extra credit opportunity is Thursday, Jan. 13 at Mukwonago HS.  The MHS Bands will be performing at 7pm in the theater.  This is a great way to see what the high school bands are doing and see if your child may be interested in joining the bands next year in high school.  Students can earn 10 extra credit points by attending the concert and bringing me the concert program with their name on it and a parent signature indicating they attended.  Students can earn an extra 15 points by writing a 1 page evaluation of the performance.  Extra credit is due by Friday, Jan. 21.

Opportunities

Students have many opportunities during the year to participate in other musical events, get a taste of what's to come at the high school if they are not sure about continuing in band, or getting a few extra lessons in.

Students yesterday and/or last week were given information regarding information on the MHS Varsity Band.  This band is directed by Mr. Koscinski and performs for the boys and girls basketball games at Mukwonago HS.  Mr. Koscinski has invited the 8th grade band members to sit in with the band this January.  I am also offering extra credit for participating in any Varsity Band performance before the end of the GP, or by Jan. 24.  Extra credit will be given per game and each game is worth 10 extra credit points.  If your child needs a few extra points this GP, please encourage the participation in Varsity Band this month.

The other information was regarding private lessons.  There was a flyer given to students "from a local private lesson instructor" about openings in her private lesson studio.  If you may be interested in your child receiving private lessons, please contact Lisa.

To Solo or Ensemble?

We are moving into our new part of the school year.  This is an exciting time because it allows the students to really work in small groups and/or independently.  Solo & Ensemble is sponsored by WSMA (Wisconsin School Music Association) which helps organize many festivals and events for music students in Wisconsin.  This opportunity is given to students so that they can work individually on their own instrument, or they may choose to work in a small group.

By working in small groups or independently, students excel faster because they realize that it is solely up to themselves as to how well the performance will be.  No more excuses of this person doesn't practice so that's why we're not good.  Or I can't play the music by myself, I can only play with the others.  That is a simple of saying it's easier to play with others because they are covering up my mistakes.  :)

Students were asked the question as to whether they wanted to participate as a requirement of class, or simply receive extra credit.  The results were interesting.  25 students voted for S & E to be required, while 20 students voted for extra credit.  The decision was made to make it required, but give the students extra credit for their performance.

Grading will be as follows and based on their performances on Feb. 28 and Mar. 25-26.

1 - 50 points
2 - 75 points
3 - 100 points
4 - 200 points

Upcoming Dates

Wow, it seems like only yesterday we had started school, now we're looking at the middle leading into the end of the school year. It is amazing how fast the school year goes, especially while having fun!

Here are some upcoming dates to keep in mind:
Jan 21 - End of Grading Period
Feb. 28 - Solo & Ensemble Qualifications at PVMS
Mar. 25-26 - Regional Solo & Ensemble Festival
Apr. 22-May 1 - Spring Break
May 9 - Jazz Band Concert
May 24 - 8th Grade Band Concert
June 10 - Last day of School