Yes! Students MUST Practice!

Today we had a very ENLIGHTENING moment:  The importance of regular practice!

Students will be graded at least once a week on their individual playing of their parts for performances.  These regular playing tests (called “Down the Row”) are usually ONLY 2 measures, or 8 beats of music.  These tests will be assigned the class before the test is given so the students will have at least 2 nights to practice.  If the student “chunks” the part, which means to play it many times in a row until they “can’t get it wrong”, it should only take a few minutes.  For example, we “chunked” the 7th grade woodwind test today 10 times and it only took 1 minute and 9 secs!  Of course, students may need to do this more in order to play the part correctly, but the idea is that with focused practice it should not take them long.

Students are responsible and should be accountable to each other to carve out some time in their week to spend on practice!  

Some tips:

• #1 - Take the instrument home!  Remember, no instrument should remain in the band room on the shelf overnight.  “Shelf” grades are given to see who is taking their instrument home!
• Ask Ms. Codina, or a classmate, if you would like some help after school
• Leave the instrument out and put together at home (esp. over weekends) in a safe place such as a dresser or instrument stand and play it for a few minutes when you pass by it
• Practice during commercial breaks
• Practice in between studying for different subjects
• Set a timer and practice intensely for that amount of time.  I suggest start with 15 minutes a day.
• Invite a friend over and play your parts together
• Brass players keep you mouthpiece in your pocket!  Buzz at the bus stop, in the car, or any time you are just standing around!  
• Bookmark “musictheory.net” on your phone and/or computer and instead of playing a game or checking social media when you have a quick second, practice your note naming!  There are also apps you can download to practice this.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns in developing a regular practice routine!

And one final thought…

“Some where out there someone else is practicing, and when you two meet, THEY will win.”  -  That quote has always motivated me to practice!