Reflection #6

  • Today I lead the warm-up again. I felt confident going in, but I did not perform any better than I did last week. As mentioned before, I realized that conducting is similar to playing an instrument. The gestures I make, impact the sound that comes out of the ensemble. Practice is another component that is similar with conducting and playing an instrument. I did not conduct well because I did not practice my conducting. I also did not plan what I was going to do. I simply went with the flow. Unfortunately, luck was not on my side.

Reflection #7

  • Today, the band teacher allowed me to work with the guitar player. She was playing the tuba part. The tuba part is written in bass clef which was problematic because guitar players read with treble clef. I looked through her folder and all her concert band music were in bass clef. She also had other music from outside of class which was in treble clef. I observed her play the tuba part, and she was not able to play a couple notes. She spent trying to decipher bass clef instead of actually playing. I gave her a treble the sheet, but I completely forgot it was in a transposed key. I felt really bad about that, then I looked at the flute part but it was played too high that it would be too confusing for her to play. I then had her go back to the tuba part. At the end of this class, I felt like I had failed miserably. This was a huge learning experience for me.

 

Reflection #8

Today there is not observations because it is Remembrance Day. In a couple weeks I will be presenting my free inquiry project for my field experience course. I have decided that I will do it on student centered learning in music education. The reason why I am doing this is because I realize that the majority music classes are centered around creating an end product. I believe music classes should tailor around students more which will allow students to be more motivated and it is better for the learning experience of the students.

 

Reflection #9

  • In preparation for my showcase next week, I had conversations with students regarding’s their view and experience with music classes.

Questions:

  • What music do you enjoy?
  • Are you in a music class? If so, are you motivated to work on music class work outside of school?
  • How does the ideal music class look like for you?
  • Would you then be motivated to engaged in music class work outside of class-time?

Female grade 10 student

  • Most genres
  • Yes she is (plays baritone). Not motivated to play because doesn’t like instrument
  • More focus to her in the class
  • Yes motivated

Male grade 10 student

  • Enjoys no particular genre
  • Not in a music class
  • Small Orchestra
  • Yes motivated

Male Grade 11 student

  • Likes a broad array of music mainly experimental hip-hop and metal and rock
  • In music class (concert band and pit band) plays the electric bass
  • Not motivated to play music class material but motivated to play instrument outside of class
  • Rock Band > yes motivated

 

Reflection #10

  • Today I presented my free inquiry project to the band teacher. I did my project on student centered learning in music education. I showed him my pop unit plan which incorporates a lot of student-centered learning elements. I was happy to hear that he believes this unit plan is overall a really good thing. His biggest critiques are, how will I deal with spacing issues. Also, when will I give instruction to students especially when they do not know anything about music.