Klarinet Archive - Posting 000320.txt from 1998/03

From: Gary_VanCott@-----.com
Subj: Re: Challenges for Chairs
Date: Fri, 6 Mar 1998 14:43:03 -0500

gary l smith wrote (in part):
One option, with attendant pros and cons, is a "pass-off" system. A
graded method book, such as the Rubank, is used at weekly sessions with a
band director. If you care about what chair you sit in, you come in
regularly and play. The session ends when you reach a line you can't play
well or in about 10-15 minutes, whichever comes first. Whoever is
farthest along in the book is 1st chair, next is 2nd, etc. A chart is
publicly maintained, so you know if you're in danger of being passed.
Chair assignments change immediately upon one student passing another,
unless it would affect solo assignments for an upcoming concert or other
extenuating circumstances.

**************
How can any but the smallest program have time for this? Lots of (high
school) band programs have more than 100 kids and some have more than 300.
(Maybe if you use those 3 hours a day of marching band practice!)

Gary Van Cott
Las Vegas, NV