Bandmasters Review - December 2019

Texas Bandmasters Association Bandmasters Review • December 2019 19 rise to the ability to persuade, argue, demand, appease, relent, and interact more deeply. We learn about social boundaries based upon what we observe and how those behaviors are accepted or rejected. Adaptive imitation is also the foundation of culture. When someone finds himself in a new environment, like when a student moves from junior high band to high school band, he will adopt the behaviors that help him fit in most quickly. He will come to value what earns approval. This is yet another reason why it’s critical that student leaders in music always model enthusiasm, commitment, hard work, excellence, resilience, and respect. These traits cannot be circumvented in the pursuit of excellence. When these traits are widespread and part of the culture, newcomers adopt themas a way of securing their place in the group. By contrast, if they see apathy, complacency, inconsistency, negativity, etc., that’s where they will find their social foothold. This is why Level 3 thinking (rarely missing instructions) is essential because errors become socially acceptable or unacceptable based upon the prevailing attitude. In rehearsal: Level 6 thinkers learn by imitating others, behaving in accordance with what they see, hear, and eperience every day. LEVEL 7: INNOVATION AND VISION “Create different ways of thinking” Level 7 thinkers are creative. In many ways, they become their own teachers. They are inventive and often discover new ways of approaching whatever they’re doing, sparking their enthusiasm and fueling their resilience. They gain insight previously unrevealed and can consider things from different perspectives. When they work with others, they invent strategies that are unique, spontaneous, and visionary. Similar to Level 6 thinking, Level 7 isn’t necessarily dependent on moving sequentially through the other levels. There may be flashes of innovation and vision when one experiences “breakthroughs,” and that’s when new possibilities present themselves. Over time those Level 7 flashes become more frequent until they are absorbed into the overall pattern of thinking. Simply put, Level 7 thinkers aren’t limited by what they’ve learned. They are the innovators, the game changers, the influencers. In rehearsal: Level 7 thinkers thrive on creativity and change, and they are alert for ways to approach things differently. Among our tasks as teachers is to challenge ourselves and our students to operate consistently at the highest level. When we find students slipping into old patterns of thought and behavior, we can use the LEVELS OF THINKING as a way to “dial it up” to a higher level, to the level they will come to expect of themselves through consistent application. When they CONSCIOUSLY choose to adopt the actions of a higher-level thinker, the start to BECOME a higher-level thinker. By understanding each of the seven levels, both we and our students will improve our own circumstances and be better equipped to empathize with others and help them rise to new levels of thinking and to greater success. Levels of Thinking Special thanks to Ben Underbrink, Garrett Lindholm, and Jacob Muzquiz for their contributions. Frank Troyka is the retired Director of Bands and Coordinator of Fine Arts at Berkner HS in Richardson. He began his college career at Western Michigan University under the baton of Eddie Green and completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Arlington where he studied conducting with Ray Lichtenwalter and clarinet with Carol Jessup. In 1984, he student taught under Brian Gibbs at Forest Meadow Jr HS (Richardson) and under Malcolm Helm at Lake Highlands HS, where he began his professional career. In 2009 he received his Master of Music degree from Sam Houston State University under Matthew McInturf. A teacher for over 30 years, Frank came to Berkner in May 2006 following seven years as Director of Bands at Cypress Falls HS in Houston. Frank is an active clinician, presenting workshops and professional development sessions across Texas, throughout the United States, and at international destinations. Currently, he is a Senior Educational Clinician with Conn-Selmer, Inc.; the Director of Education for System Blue, the educational arm of the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps; and for The Midwest Clinic, he is the coordinator of the Generation Next track and co-founder of the Day One track. Among numerous honors, Frank was named the 2019 TBA Bandmaster of the Year.