In my future music classroom it will be very important for me to maintain high standards of classroom management skills, but more importantly to create a sense of community within my classroom. This is especially is a key factor within any ensemble. To have an excellent choir, the conductor (or teacher) must have the singers trust and commitment just like a teacher must have within the classroom. My field rides a fine line between art and teaching, and it will be critical to maintain that balance in my classroom.
As we discussed in class, music is most usually the "fun class" that every student looks forward to, but just because it is a fun class does not mean that it is time to slack off. When my students enter the room they will know it is time to work hard and work together to create music within our ensemble. My classroom will be set up most likely with risers and chairs shaped like a horseshoe. This will ensure that I can address all sections of my ensemble and allow the singers to hear each other's voices throughout the room, making it easier to blend voices and create unity.
When studying music, or an other subject, there are difficult sections that students will struggle with. In my classroom students will be assigned to "sectionals." Each section being Bass, Tenor, Alto, and Soprano. I will have section leaders that I know are capable, and then on given days I will have them break into their sections to work on their music. This will create a sense of community and it will allow me to walk around the room and have time to work with each group. Also, this gives students a time to step up and take responsibility for their section and their music.
Case Study:
Within my classroom I am having problems getting my seniors to focus on studying our music for graduation that we will be performing. They do not seem to care at all and continue talking, being disruptive, and are even becoming rowdy with one another. The first thing I chose to do is seat the group in a circle and ask them what is going on. The students know I genuinely care about them and we have a sense of trust in the room. This is one of my most advanced ensembles so I know something is wrong when they do not want to study their music and work hard. It is important for me to evaluate how I am addressing the issues at hand and how my teaching could be affecting them.
In our class circle I find that the students are having trouble learning the music and find it extremely difficult. They are easily losing interest and do not like the piece that I have chosen for them to perform for their graduation. I have also found out that there are issues within my mens section and some new seating arrangements will be necessary.
To fix the issue with the music, I have decided to pull three songs from my choral library that I think are appropriate for graduation and that the singers will enjoy. During our next class I will pass out the music and let them listen to it. Next we will have a vote, letting them decide which piece they would like to sing. This gives them an opportunity to pick their music themselves, which ultimately will give them ownership of the music and a sense of accomplishment because they picked it.
The other issue I am having is with talking, phones, and seating arrangements. When students enter the room, I am now having them leave their backpacks at the front of the room, with their phones zipped inside. The only material they should have at their chairs are their choir folder and their pencil. I am also issuing a new seating arrangement within the choir. Instead of seating them bass, tenor, alto, soprano, I am going to mix them up into several quartets. This way they are sitting with new people and they also have new groups to work with when we break off to do sectionals. Another thing I am planning on doing is having the ensemble make a giant circle around the room with all voices mixed-no same part standing next to each other. This helps the singers to listen to each voice part around the room creating a unified sound within the ensemble. It will also help to create trust and unity within our classroom community.
Jessie,
ReplyDeleteYour first idea about simply addressing the situation of your class's bad behavior is great. Your students are mature and to confront them with genuine concern sends such a good message to the class about your care for them to succeed. Secondly, what a good idea to let them vote! Of course this would give them a sense of ownership which in turn motivates the class because they are enjoying it. Lastly, I remember in high school having to stand in a mixed-up circle to sing and I loved it. Yes it was challenging because the support of the rest of my part had gone away, but it let me hear how the whole song sounded and I had not been able to before.