10/19

Caldwell, Bruce. "Do We Need Chairs?" The Instrumentalist (1985): 96-97. Web.

This article discusses the utilization of the "chair" system in school music ensembles. Caldwell reveals the downfalls of that system and presents a new solution to be used by current music teachers called the rotation system. This system gives all students the opportunity to play every part. In the traditional method, the "better" players will always play first part while the less skilled players will always play second or third part. This makes it difficult for those playing second and third part to improve at the same rate as those playing first part.

I really like this method! It is my belief that we should do anything we can to educate all students equally and give everybody the same opportunities. This method also allows for peer teaching, because the more skilled players have the responsibility to help guide the less skilled players. The students don't have to rely on the teacher to learn if they can learn from each other.

1. Are there any notable programs that utilize the rotation system or something similar?
2. What other methods can be used to break away from the chair system?
3. Could this method cause issues with the more skilled players (playing easier parts) or less skilled players (playing parts that are "too hard" for them)?



Gordon, Debra G. "Classroom Management (Problems and Solutions)." The Music Educators Journal (2001): 17-20. Web.

Gordon's article presents the reader with methods that can be used to strengthen their classroom management skills, or rather, eliminate the need for classroom management. She states that preparedness is a great way to avoid lulls and removes the need for teacher intervention. One way to stay on top of things is to score study before rehearsals. Going into a rehearsal planning to improvise what you'll rehearse will not lead to effective time management and the students will take advantage of that. If an instance occurs in which a student acts inappropriately, the teacher must be consistent from case to case about how the situation is dealt with.

Classroom management is somewhat of a scary thing to me. When I think about my future as a teacher I do not often consider the possibility that my students will not be perfect humans. This is a problem. This article helps bring me into reality by providing real situations and solutions to classroom management issues. I appreciate the generalizations that Gordon makes in this article. Each instance of classroom management will be different, so generalizations are more helpful than specific scenarios.

1. How much of the stress of teaching comes from classroom management?
2. Preparation can't always defend against classroom management issues if students aren't paying attention at all. How can we initially engage students and keep them interested?
3. Does classroom management become easier as students get used to a teacher?



Manfredo, Joseph. "Effective Time Management in Ensemble Rehearsals." Music Educators Journal (2006): 42-46. Web.

This article provides insight into the process of creating effective and dynamic ensemble rehearsals. Simply playing warm-ups then repertoire for the entire class is not an effective way for students to learn concepts or understand music, they will just be better at playing specific pieces. Manfredo outlines alternate techniques for rehearsing an ensemble effectively, including the Rule of Three, proper preparation, verbal correction, and more.

I came from an ensemble that spent an overwhelming amount of rehearsal time on repertoire. That ensemble is evidence that students need a greater understanding of concepts rather than literature. Manfredo's argument resonates strongly with me for that reason. I strongly believe that concepts found in literature should be regularly isolated and rehearsed in ways that don't necessarily relate directly to the piece that it is from.

1. How can this method of rehearsing be used in a class period that only lasts 45 minutes?
2. This method would keep most students more engaged than normal, but what about the students who just want to play the music? How can we engage them equally?
3. What ratio of class time should be spent directly rehearsing the concert program? Does it change as the concert time approaches?



"Is This Working?" Audio blog post. This American Life., 17 Oct. 2014. Web.

This podcast talks about classroom management, discipline, and ethnic tendencies regarding those topics. It begins with a few teachers discussing how they would approach a specific situation in which a student refuses to take off his hat in class. A large portion of the podcast talks about Lyons Community School in New York. This school offers alternative methods of dealing with classroom management. This school "Lyonizes" students to become well behaved and conscious students.

This podcast is very informative and encouraging! It is uplifting to hear stories like those from Lyons Community School. It gives me courage and hope that no student is too far gone to be able to exist successfully in a school setting. The stories that are told in the podcast are so inspiring to me.

1. How common are stories like this in America? Other countries?
2. Do things like this happen often in Colorado?
3. Where can I find more resources like this podcast on similar topics?