Band is in full motion now. Rehearsals and lessons have begun. The mornings are full of music. The "Levels" are also starting out with a bang. Some of you might be asking, "What are Levels?" I developed the "Music Level System" a few years ago. When I began teaching in the public school I noticed that I was unable to fully challenge all the students in lessons. Some students always wanted more. I wanted to develop them as complete musicians and the school day was unable to give me the time to do so. Thus, I began to develop the levels over the next 2 years.
Basically, I started with the fact that a great musician has three areas of development, Cognitive (Knowing about music, theory, history), Affective (Expressing ideas about music, thoughts and composition), and Psychomotor (playing music). I then spread the goals over 18 levels (Level 1 is 4th grade and Level 18 is 12th grade). The students get a packet from me and a checklist of materials and skills they need to do for that level. When they are done, they take the test and get the next packet.
I base the seatings in band on the student's level and also have "top 10" lists as well as "top 8 of all time" on the band room walls. The concert program also recognizes the student's work as they move up levels.
How wonderful it is to see the students move up each level. The pride of accomplishment! They also write wonderful essays that inspire me every time. I even save some of them to read later in my "bad day" file when the day gets rough and I start to wonder, "why am I doing this?"
Why? Ask one of the students why music is important to them...That always answers my question, loud and clear!
Have a great week-end