Bandmasters Review - September 2019

Texas Bandmasters Association Bandmasters Review • September 2019 16 High School Beginner Band High school directors should be open to create a beginner band. Yes, it did eliminate conference time from my schedule, but the result was increased student participation and retention. Students were greeted as part of the family from the day they decided to join and were allowed to participate in all activities. By this means, we recruited students who desired to be in band but were unable because of lack of access or availability in their schedule. Social Media Create a unique handle for your band. Allow stakeholders to tag your band to share positive content via social media. This platform will allow you to reach students who may not listen to announcements or see flyers posted in the school. Social media is an extension of your classroom and a useful resource to allow community members, parents, and other colleagues to see the great work your programs are doing. Understanding our Student’s Community and Socio-Economic Status Be Vulnerable One of my first recommendations to any new teacher is to get familiar with the community you are serving. Drive around and find local places to eat. Although I was a product of the neighborhoods several of my students resided in, I was still surprised to hear some of the adversities my students were facing. After inquiring why some of my students were not practicing at home, they shared they didn’t feel safe walking home with their instrument. Instead of punishing them for their lack of practice, I created time in my schedule to arrive a bit earlier, offer lunch practice sessions, and stay a bit later after school. This “deposit” allowed me to reach even more students. Empathize with their Economic Situation When we serve low-income students, we may create narratives about our students’ financial situations that don’t really exist. Instead, let us create solutions for our students and families such as: • Create flexible rehearsal schedules • Implement payment plans • Find sponsors to defray costs • Designate fundraisers to assist with student fees Listen to each student’s situation and be open to adjusting your expectations on a case by case basis. Do not blame students for something they cannot control. Develop a Cultural Understanding I remember helping one of my colleagues understand the importance of a quinceañera within Latino families. I offered my insight into the cultural event he planned to attend. His attendance resulted in a huge emotional deposit and received several invitations to other quinceañeras thereafter. Allow yourself the opportunity to be present for your students’ special events. If attending off-campus events is not an option, be open to supporting non-music academic events. Survey your students about their individual and family musical preferences. The data collected will allow you to make informed decisions about the music and performances you will program throughout the year. A useful site that allows you to find repertoire that connects your students’ home music with their school music is www. composerdiversity.com . If your program has the capacity to implement culturally relevant ensembles, do so. These familiar musical experiences could lead students to be more receptive to traditional ensembles: Mariachi, Brass Bands, Latin Percussion Ensembles, Jazz Bands, Banda Sinaloense, and Conjunto/Tejano. I am present to the fact that each of our programs are unique and should be viewed on an individual basis. I challenge each of you to try one of the strategies above. Be vulnerable and keep the forging of relationships as a driving force in your teaching. Best of luck to you as we continue to make deposits through the vehicle of music! Eric Jimenez has revitalized several band programs throughout Houston ISD. His programs at Sharpstown MS, Hamilton MS, Waltrip HS, Davis HS, and Heights HS increased both student participation and instrument inventory as well as earned Division I and “Best in Class” ratings at UIL and numerous other festivals. The Heights HS Band advanced to UIL Area Marching Contest for the first time in school history. Jimenez is the recipient of Hamilton MS’s Teacher of the Year award, LULAC Educator of the Year, and a Grammy Educational Award for his work at Davis HS. He is a 2009 graduate of Prairie View A&M University and earned his Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Lamar University in 2014. Jimenez is currently a Doctoral Music Education student at the University of Houston Moores School of Music. Recruiting, Retaining, and Motivating Your Title 1 Students