Page 25 - 2018-BMR-December

I like, I wish, I wonder. . .

Introspection and Evaluation of the Marching Season

Jeremy Spicer

“Begin with the end in mind” is “I like, I wish, I wonder…”. This is • Did we feature the strengths of the
an educational maxim that has been one of the best activities I have found ensemble while providing appropriate
used for years in helping teachers for baseline introspection and can be tools to develop our weaknesses?
develop lesson plans to improve the used in a variety of circumstances. • Did we feature the correct soloists
performance of their students. As the and chamber ensembles?
2018 marching season comes to an I LIKE: • Did the musical score offer variety
end, we have a perfect opportunity to • What are the foundational in generating effect?
principals of my program that
put this adage to use. As the season • Did the musical score provide a
I do not wish to see changed?
culminates, the question should vehicle to explore a range of emotion?
• What are the aspects of the
be asked, “Is this where I want my marching show that worked • Did the musical score provide
students to be a year from today?” brilliantly that I do not want thoughtful development, connection
It should go without saying, that to see changed? and evolution for any events planned
some distance is necessary and I WISH: throughout the production?
What are the things I wished
essential. We should all take a week
would have gone differently?
or two to rest our minds and recover. n Drill
I WONDER:
This much-deserved mental “pause” I wonder what would happen • Did the drill fit the ability level of
will offer clarity and perspective when if we did _______________? the ensemble?
making decisions for the future. One • Did the drill enhance or detract
of my greatest mentors, Steve Wessels, Although not a comprehensive from the intent provided by the
Director of Bands at Cedar Park HS, evaluation of the season, this will musical score?
would often post, “Decisions based on provide a foundation for more • Was the drill staged so that the
emotion (elation, sadness, anger, or exhaustive reflection and analysis. appropriate music instruments are in
anything in between) are often not the Once this initial activity is focus when needed?
best choices.” completed, we must then dig in to the • Was the drill coordinated between
After a mental breather from the specifics of the season to determine all sections to offer a unified concept
craziness that is marching season, where growth should occur. Listed presented over time?
but while everything is still fresh, below are possible questions to stir the • Was there an opportunity for
I would encourage all of us to find introspection and evaluation process: variety in how the visual program
time for introspection and evaluation developed (structured drill effects and
of all aspects of the season so that a Show Design Evaluation organic development)?
thoughtful plan can be put in place to n Musical Score
ensure success in the future. I suggest • Did the musical score fit the n Production Timeline
that we take into consideration both ability level of the ensemble? • If a design team was utilized,
the show content as well as the entire • Did the musical score offer a was the process collaborative and
instructional process, from summer conduit to elevate the technical and transparent?
band to the culmination of our last expressive performance abilities of the • Were timelines adhered to from
rehearsal. students? both the staff and designer perspective?
Prior to a detailed analysis of the • Did the musical score expose • Were edits, adjustments and
season, I would suggest a simple the students to the very best music changes welcomed?
thought-provoking exercise titled repertoire possible?

Bandmasters Review • December 2018 23 Texas Bandmasters Association