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