|
|
Why Do Band?
Sometimes the fear of the unknown creeps into our thinking as parents and kids. What activity is best? Will my child be hurt or harmed in any way? Can I be assured that my child (children) will benefit from an extracurricular activity?These are significant questions. And the fact that you as a parent may be asking them indicates the strength of your love and commitment to your almost-high-schooler. We all ask (or wonder) the same question when our oldest (or only) girl or boy start considering what it'll be like in that big building on the hill. We trust a lot, we're also not a little fearful about committing our children to a course of action that may not be in their best interests.
At Ridley, we are blessed with a great music program. The strength begins in the 4th and 5th grades when the kids are introduced to music on a more formal level and encouraged to select an instrument to make their own. Up through the grades they progress, shaping their minds to the discipline that music demands of them, while hopefully not peeling too much paper off the walls as they discover all the wrong notes first. Gradually, quicker with some, not so quickly for others, the wrong notes fall away and they begin to build true self-confidence in their own abilities.
Then comes high school - and an invitation to continue their instrument (or guard talents) with the Ridley Raider Marching Band. It's tough, it's not cheap, and you run the risk of being labeled a 'band parent'.
Frankly, if you're concerned deeply about labels, 'band parent' isn't a bad thing after all. Ridley's RAMP consists of active parents doing heavy lifting, sewing, building and cheering. They get to do interesting things in the fall like chaperone the kids, push kettle drums onto football fields, and buy and eat a lot of pizza. Some of them even have to suffer through a week at band camp, or excursions to Atlantic City. All of them somehow survive the first (usually freshman) year of watching their kids march out there where everybody can see them, hoping they don't fall down (most of the time they don't). Whew, it's tough.
Not sold yet?
Below is an article the band director, Chris Adam, wrote for Music Educators Journal.
Competition...Chris Adam
"We're number one!" chants a band as another band hangs their heads in disappointment. "That's the third time this season that their band has beaten us," says a freshman. "We have to work harder," states the section leader. "What happened out there tonight?" yells a band parent.
This is a very familiar scene for many competitive music directors. The competitive season in the educational year is the high point of the students' year. It is an opportunity for students to compare their product with the music programs of other schools. Many students, directors, staff instructors, and parents devote countless hours in preparation for a successful season. Some programs compete for the thrill of performance, while others live and die by the placement score.
Should students be expected to compete? As a band director in Folsom, Pennsylvania, I run a competitive marching band program that has had a reputation of relative success. The students are very hard workers, and the parents and administration are supportive. I believe that students should be provided with the opportunity to compete, but that competition should not be forced upon them. I also feel that competition possesses many positive and negative aspects.
In addition to the enormous amount of time consumed in learning limited repertoire, many of the students place a great deal of emphasis on one performance. Students and instructors load all of their eggs into one basket only to have them dropped by a specific placement. This can be very detrimental to a student who has worked extremely hard and realizes that his or her best efforts have achieved only last place. Many students take these evaluations personally. Not many students have the ability to generate their own motivation and self-esteem when adjudicators have rated them in a below average category. This type of judging can actually turn many students away from wanting to learn more about music, which is a contradiction in our educational philosophy.
On the other hand, there are some positive factors that I would like to share. The competitive spirit in my program is a healthy spirit that is fostered by a director and instructors who are dedicated to encouraging and educating students to achieve their highest level of success. Many older students take the time to teach the younger students the music. It is a very "all for one and one for all" attitude that is projected throughout the band. These students aim to perform the best show they can. I would be a hypocrite if I did not admit that these students do not compare their scores with other bands' scores. Competition is a basic instinct in life; no one would get anywhere in life if he or she did not compete with others. Music festivals can provide a healthy atmosphere for competition. Besides the fact that the students become more unified, they also have the opportunity to view other performances and to receive instructional comments by adjudicators.
Each judging organization has its own set of standards, rules, and criteria. Some systems are more accurate than others in evaluating a band's performance. I do believe that there are some good organizations and some adequate organizations, but I also firmly believe that a foolproof system for accurately evaluating so subjective a subject will never exist. Many adjudicators have different personalities and different tastes. One judge once told me, "Hey, I like vanilla, and you like chocolate."
As educators, we must emphasize the educational product we are fostering. Festivals should provide an environment where the students can gain knowledge from observation and "constructive" adjudicator comments. The students will always compare numbers to see who is better, but you and I can agree that our own students will always rank number one in our own hearts.
How do the kids feel about band? We asked.
Return to Table of Contents
My life without band, mostly marching band, would be quite empty. I would have a lot more time, but then again I wouldn't have had as much fun. I met a lot of my friends in band, and as a freshman, I met a lot of upperclassmen which helped me feel more comfortable coming into the high school. It's a lot of fun and I can't imagine not being in it.
Meghan T.
The best part about Marching Band is that you meet tons of friends. And you have plenty of time to hang out with them between competitions and football games and whatnot.
Ryan M
Marching band got me to meet new people coming up as a freshman. It is really the smartest thing I did staying with it, and it improved how I played. I have the best memories from marching band.
Cameron M
Without marching band, I probably would have spent every Saturday sitting around my house. During band season, I was outside and exercising and using my mind and body instead of just sitting on the couch. Band has also contributed to my many new friendships. I befriended numerous amounts of people in band, and band even brought me closer to some of my current friends.
Adrienne T
Without marching band in the fall, I wouldn't have known anybody when I started 9th grade. I probably would have given up music completely, which would have eliminated all possibilities of me becoming friends with upperclassmen, and underclassmen as well. Marching band also gave me a start at time management, with schedules to follow. I don't really know where I would be without marching band.
Helen H
I feel the marching band has helped me as a musician. Before marching band I did not have a good sense of rhythm or tempo. When you get out on the field and start moving to the music it really helps you to learn rhythm to tempo configurations. Marching band also has helped me with discipline and knowing when to shut up and listen. It has also been a lot of fun when you go out there and take first place!
Justin Z
Marching Band offers to teach kids many good qualities such as discipline, dedication and cooperation. It has affected me in these ways, although some have affected me more than others. Band also provides you with a great group of people and friends.
Dan G
As a sophomore, I have realized that marching band has had many positive effects on my life. I made many good friendships and had a lot of good memories. These people helped me get used to the high school when I was a freshman. I also have understood more in the musical field and I have, in my eyes, improved since 9th I have learned a lot and I would never give it up for anything.
Laura G
Without marching band I believe I wouldn't be as responsible as I am now. I know that the experience will help me later in life. I have made many friends, and also have a lot of good memories. Being in marching band is a lot of hard work but it is also fun and it all is worth it when you win competitions and do other things for your community.
Ashley S
I used to be a shy person. I might still be shy sometimes, but being in band has made me a better people-person. At competitions and football games I try to meet different people and make acquaintances. I am more outgoing and willing to be around people, people who I used to shy away from.
Patty L
The past three marching band seasons have been the funnest times I've ever had. There's nothing more fun than winning trophies and championships, and walking on the same field the NY Giants play on. Learning is another part too, though. I've learned discipline and my skills as a musician have improved greatly. Mr. Adam and marching band have been inspiring, fun, and interesting. I can't even think about doing anything else during the fall. Anyone who's looking for a fun and rewarding thing to do in the fall, then marching band is the thing to do.
Matt R
You get to meet people from other schools and the thrill of competition is great.
Rick F
For me, marching band was fun. It was something that kept everyone busy, but was fun. It let people experience a different kind of music. We had a chance to learn our music and our show, and show what we learned in competition. I'm not sure how it made me better, but it gave me something to do for 6 months.
Diane C
By being in marching band, a lot has been added to my life. During practices, I have had the opportunity to stay in better shape, better my playing abilities, learn the importance of teamwork and responsibility, and make more friends. At competitions I get to see other bands play. Also, I have strengthened my friendships with other band members at band camp.
It helped me become more social and being socially active will help in the future. Also, there are lots of good memories.
Brian A
Band is a lot of work. However, the payoff comes when you are rewarded at competitions. Marching band has helped my discipline. I can concentrate for long periods of time.
Samantha M
Marching band has affected me by being more social around people I didn't know before. By being in marching band, I was able to improve my musical skills as well as marching skills.
Jen P
If I didn't have marching band, I would not have the friends I do.
Brian W
Marching band helps me make more friends and be with the ones I was close with before.
Brian F
The fall season is worth doing. I would have never practiced during the summer, so my lips would not have been in shape for the concert band season. Marching band gives you the opportunity to make new friends and get to know old friends better.
Becky S
If you took marching band out, then I would not be in shape for the concert, jazz and pit band seasons.
Matthew B
The fall music is really worth doing because it is a good way to improve yourself in music skills. It also gets you in shape for other things during school. I met a lot of friends in the band and a lot of kids who are friends with other band kids. If you're not considering doing it, you should reconsider, it's really worth it.
Matt K
Marching band has been a fun part of my high school career. Through band I have found many new friends, cheerleaders, Lacrosse players, and drama kids. It helps widen your horizons.
John C
Marching band has allowed me to learn many more important people skills. Without those skills I wouldn't be able to accomplish just about anything. I have learned self-control, leadership, memorization skills, and confidence - all from just being in marching band.
Greg R
Marching band has affected me in a good way. I have become a better musician. I learn a lot more about how music is played and different ways of playing it. I have learned more discipline and more respect for people. I now can play music more accurately and better. I have benefited a lot from marching band and I hope to gain more in the future.
Geoff K
Band helped me to keep out of trouble and gave me the discipline to do better in school.
Eddie P
Marching band taught me discipline and it changed my attitude towards others. It also improved my music reading abilities.
Tim B
Band plays a large role in shaping a kid going through high school. Being in a disciplined family like our band is fun, hard, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The friendships formed through the band are the tightest formed I've ever known. It's worth it; the defeat, the glory, all of it. It will be one of the things you remember to tell your kids.
Andrew W
Marching Band is a great program to be involved with. It has helped me greatly; teaching me discipline, teamwork and performance skills. Band is also a good way to learn and also have a lot of fun.
Chris F
Marching band has been a great addition to my life. Marching band has taught me a lot of things about music and life in general. Marching band has also given me a lot of discipline that has many applications in everyday life.
Anthony S