This is your weekly MUSIC DEPARTMENT update!
Hello Folks!
From Saturday:
Something I would like for all of us to think about this weekend is how band is a team activity filled with a variety of people at different levels. It becomes easy to think “well, if I just do my part, then that’s all that needs to be done and we’ll be successful”…. But it’s not that easy.
Let’s take an imaginary section of 6 players. The first chair is an extremely strong player. The second and third are moderately strong players. The fourth and fifth players are somewhat weak, and the sixth player is extremely weak and maybe even doesn’t try to be good.
If the first, second, and third chairs all practice a piece, then that piece will only sound as good as the third chair’s preparation (Our ears are drawn to mistakes). So it makes sense for the first chair to prioritize the third chair in this situation. This player is moderately strong after all, so getting them to perform at a high enough level to preserve the integrity of the performance isn’t a challenge.
But then, the remainder of the section is also practicing the same piece. If chair four, five, and six work as a group, the music will only sound as good as the sixth chair’s preparation…. Which, in this situation, would have the most problems. But who is helping them? It’s chair four. The potential of the performance isn’t as high. Maybe it’s somewhat solid, but it’s not where it needs to be.
Now, if we put together the two groups and make the section whole again, we have an issue. The first group’s performance is negatively impacted by the second group’s performance. A key point to be made here is that EVERYONE is expected to perform so no one is being told to tacet at this time.
Here’s what must be understood:
At the end of the day, the audience must receive a high quality performance. That cannot be debated.
The first, second, and third chair would be correct in that they have ‘done their job’ but if they ignore the output of their entire section, suddenly their work doesn’t matter so much. The rating will still suffer. The fourth, fifth, and sixth chair have an obligation to grow to meet the standard of the first, second, and third but neither group collaborated. If half the section can play the piece well and the other half cannot, the output of the group is 50%. THAT’S AN F!!!
It is more likely the case that no one, including the second and third chair will ever reach the level of the first, but the average output of the section must be a high level performance.
In other words, what each individual contributes to their section is important, but I think we hyperfocus on the wrong thing. When the section comes together, the average sound/ output of the section is what will be evaluated by your audience, so it would make sense for everyone to feel obligated to listen and collaborate with one another to improve the entire section’s combined sound.
A Superior at District MPA requires every section to get at least an 80%- 85%. A Superior at State MPA requires every section to get a 95%- 100%.
Here’s the point:
You say you want the high ratings, but YOU GUYS are in direct control of the notes, rhythms, articulations, dynamics, pitch/ intonation, tone, etc…. If you are a stronger player, you have to stop being selfish and start collaborating with weaker players (because if you care about your rating, then you are responsible for them). If you are a weaker player, then you need to stop being selfish and start collaborating with stronger players (because if you care about your rating, then you would only benefit from learning to be stronger).
A band is only as strong as its weakest player. I’m doing my part, but everyone in band should be both a learner AND a teacher. It will take all of us to make sure our weakest player is a strong player.
We have another band fundraiser coming up December 18, 19, 20, 22, & 23. This will be at Walmart and student driven. Please review the below sign-up sheet and pick a date and spot(s). You will be wrapping presents for customers as well as performing rather instrumental, baton or flag routines, if adequate space is available.
Students as well as a few parents are encouraged to help out as much as possible as well as earn volunteer hours.
Countdowns
Weekly Walkthrough
Monday, there are no after school activities.
Tuesday, there are no after school activities.
Wednesday, there are no after school activities.
Thursday, we have our Annual Music Department Christmas Party from 3pom to 5pm, featuring our White Elephant tradition. To participate, please bring a gift valued at no more than $20.00.
Friday, there are no after school activities. Today is a half day! Merry Christmas!
Leadership Meeting Info
This Week's Leadership Meeting is cancelled.
December at- a- glance
Events:
Music Department Christmas Party– December 21st- 3pm- 5pm
Rehearsals
Performances:
Things to Note 🎵:
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After School Activities this Week:
Monday
No Activities Scheduled
Tuesday
No Activities Scheduled
Wednesday
No Activities Scheduled
Thursday
Annual Music Department Christmas Party- 3pm to 5pm
Friday
No Activities Scheduled
Birthday Announcements!
By the way, I base birthday announcements on what I can see on the Band App, so if you would like to be recognized for your birthday on the weekly announcements, please make sure your Birthday is set to PUBLIC on the Band App.
According to Band App, there are two birthdays this week!
Happy Birthday Claire Potts (12/19) and Wyatt Kittrell (12/23)!
Let's have a great week everyone!
And GOOOOOO WILDCATS!