We were to divide up and lead a sectional. First day we had cellos and basses, second day we had Violins and Violas.
"Name Game" I had each student introduce themselves and their favorite color, hard part was two of the 5 showed up late (in the middle of the sectional) so they quickly introduced themselves and continued. We used the same strategy for when adam did names on the second day.
"Teach a Rhythm" I aimed for my rhythm to be easy enough for them to learn quickly but still had a couple of tricks in it. The primary focus of my rhythm was the alteration between triplets and duplets. I also threw in one bar of syncopation. We broke it down and learned it by measure, and I used students who felt comfortable to clap the rhythm solo for others to hear. I avoided having them say (do, das, tri-pel-let, etc) because of the alteration between triplets and duplets this would trip students up more, and I wanted them to feel it more then just be able to say it.
"Sectional" We lead sectionals, but I felt that we should have had a quick meeting assigned to us where we can talk to the teacher on though spots and what exactly they want. In addition I was not a supporter of having a partner for this because they would interject (which what he said sometimes did not apply to the instrument). With that the ability to use each other yes was beneficial but when we are in the real world teaching we wont have that second person there. For me sting sectionals I wasn't too afraid of because I had learned violin, Viola, Cello, And Bass while in high school. But adam doesn't play those instruments, and me knowing fingering bowing and tips for switching between bowing and pizz. made it easy for me (which is one time that partners for sectionals are handy).
I observed parts of this sectional and you did a great job!
ReplyDeletePlease understand that when you graduate from MSU with a degree in music education you will be certified to teach band, choir, and orchestra. The reason you were paired with a non-orchestra person was not to slow you down or frustrate you, but to allow your to share your expertise with another student. I would hope he will do the same when it comes to you doing band. Just remember that only 20% of schools nationally have strings programs and there are a great many teachers competing for those positions. You may find yourself teaching band someday and will need to draw upon the experience of your friends and colleagues.
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