Empowering student leaders in a high school band classroom

Abstract

What are the best ways to give students leadership opportunities in a high school band classroom? The goal of this report was to explore this question as well as establish leadership roles and responsibilities in my high school band. I feel that this is very important for many reasons. Not only does it give students purpose, but it also helps with buy-in, personal investment, and works towards the overall development of the student. Within this report, I designed a project that involved creating a band leadership team of Band Officers and continuing to define the role of section leaders in my band. In addition to research, I also surveyed my students. My biggest takeaway is that giving students opportunities to step up and lead is a crucial part to a healthy high school band program. Overall, the Music Master’s Program has caused me to examine what I am doing as a teacher and has inspired me to continue making every area of my teaching even better. Curriculum Development and Learning Assessment helped give me a better framework for developing curriculum in my classrooms. Through the knowledge gained in this course, I have been able to better think about what I want my students to know and how to help them achieve this. This has also greatly helped me be more organized in my curriculum planning as well as in assessing my students. History of Wind Bands really inspired me as a conductor to share more history with my students. It has helped me as a teacher to be aware of different styles and historical events that have made our profession what it is today. Advanced Instrumental Rehearsal Techniques allowed me to examine how I lesson plan and efficiently structure my classes. Ultimately, this program has helped refresh my love for teaching music and has challenged me to improve in many areas of my teaching.