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