I came to the realization yesterday of what I finally wanted to do for my project. It came to me after I posted my last blog. I was re-reading some of my earlier posts and I had mentioned in November about how the kids are having trouble elarning notes. I thought Of course!! Self assessment can come after the functionality of learning the notes. This has been a major problem for me this year and I am not sure why. The kids are having a lot of trouble with comprehending how we name notes and then applying that to their instrument. I am starting my project today and I have, I think, a clear understanding of what I need to include and incorporate.
On a different note, it is that time of year. Testing time. This is what really hurts fine arts programs. Principals start cutting the time we get with the students so that they can sit in the rooms and learn even more about math, reading, etc. Some of these schools are just running these kids ragged. I see some of the backpacks going home loaded down with books and I wonder if that is really the way to go. It seems that we are spending a lot of time and money on new programs for math, reading, etc. Whatever happened to just learning the basics the old fashioned way and going from there? Do we really need expensive learning programs for studnets to learn? Fundamentally band has been taugh the same basic way for decades. Sure, with the invention and use of technology it has gotten more advanced, but the fundamentals are still the same. You still teach a clarinet player correct embouchure, a trumpet player where to correctly put the pinky finger, etc. I am just getting so frustrated with all of the new inventions, gizmos, and gadgets that don't seem to be making a difference. I think if teachers were just given the opportunity to teach, without the pressure of all of this extra stuff, that everyone might just see an improvement. Thats just my two cents!