he would not bother trying to say it in music."
~ Gustav Mahler
"If a composer could say what he had to say in words
he would not bother trying to say it in music." ~ Gustav Mahler The 2nd marking period test is when we all perform our chromatic scales. The 6th grade perform one octave The 7th grade performs two octaves The 8th grade performs the "Junior Regions" full scale. I have found that watching and witnessing the students learn something that they did not know before can be frustrating and exciting. This might be an understatement on both accounts. First, they watch, listen and learn the knowledge about the scale. The correct fingerings, the range and speed. Then they all go home to practice... When they return the frustration sets in. "This is hard!" "Why do I have to do it this way?" "What happens if I do not take the test?" "What! I have to take it again?" All the questions are answered with "you can do it, just practice slowly." The following week(s) is when my frustration is tested by a select group of students. I start asking myself, "Maybe this is not worth it?" "Am I expecting too much?" However, this week marked a HUGE shift. I am proud to say that the students that were having a difficult time have passed the test! Not only did they perform the scale, they had a huge smile on their face and were full of pride - the feelings of success. Wow! How wonderful it is to be part of this experience. I get to watch the students struggle, struggle, struggle (maybe a little more struggle) and then succeed. And they know it, I know it, and their friends know it. This is the Secret to Life and the Power of the Arts in school! |
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