 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2002-07-24 03:36
I might as well share my story.
As of now we are in the stage where we teach freshmen how to march and how to play "show music". I have found out this year as a section leader just how hard it can be teaching someone who has not had good teaching beforehand. For example, this passage displays a conversation b/w me and a freshman (In clarinet terms; I was helping low brass at the time); my thoughts are written in () for you to imagine:
"David, what's that note?"
(Two ledger lines above the staff? Doesn't she know this?)
"That's a C"
"Umm... how do you play it?"
(How long have you had that instrument? Three years or three days?)
"Thumb and register key."
"The register key is this, right?"
(AAAAAH! Shoot me now before I go insane!)
"No, that's the side Bb key. Just push down both thumb keys."
SQUEEEAK! "Was that it?"
(That was a note?)
"No, but close. Try again"
A Feeble note comes out after some squeaks. "That was it, right?"
"Yes."
(This girl needs some help I can't provide.)
Now, my question (Yes, there's a question). Should I try to work with this person individually, talk to the other section leader, talk to the band director, or all three, or what? I really don't want to teach someone the wrong thing.
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Author: Cindy
Date: 2002-07-24 05:02
I think from experience that as long as you keep the above ideas exactly where they are, you can almost be more helpful to the girl than others can. You may want to talk to the other section leader about it, but be sure not to go up to her together like army instructors, "Okay, now you shall learn!" Freshies tend to be scared off by that. But, approach her as a friend and fellow student clarinetist truely willing to help her out, and she will benefit greatly. Be sure to always base her skill off what you have already seen she knows, not what she should know already. As long as your state of mind is that you are helping her get better and not that she has to get this good in this amount of time, this can be as much of a learning experience for you as her.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-07-24 05:51
(Right on, Cindy).
Yes, David, you are in the right place at the right time to help this student - as she is, where she is. Don't look back. From the looks of your post, there isn't much chance of your teaching her anything wrong and you don't need anyone else's help, she needs patient Individual direction. Are you so *accomplished* you can't provide that? She's right where you were, once upon a time. Remember?
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-07-24 06:37
Box of Vandoren reeds: 16 dollars
New R-13 clarinet: 1700 dollars
Realizing that 99% of the world would rather listen to a saxophone: Priceless
...GBK (with apologies to Mastercard)
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Author: William
Date: 2002-07-24 15:15
Now I remember why I retired from public school teaching.....(but I do miss it more than I want to admit)
Do what you can--any help will be appreciated (just don't expect "too much" in return)
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Author: Erica
Date: 2002-07-25 01:57
I've been a High School section leader for the past two years, and am going into my third year of doing it (as well as being drum major), and I've gone through many of the same situations. Last summer I got this brilliant idea to help the youngins learn their high notes (and how to play triplets, and how to read & play more complex rhythms, and a bunch of other things that seem pretty basic): sectionals! Not the kind your director assigns, or allots time for in rehearsals, but one's completely outside of your band. Set up a time and place that works best for the majority, and request that they attend. If they "don't want to" talk to your director and she/he may be able to help you out (my director pretty much made it a rule that if a section leader calls sectionals, you'd better be there -- just make sure the amount you have, and how long they run is reasonable). Depending on weather I hold them at a local park, or at my house. Sectionals really do help, and it actually makes the members of your section respect you more because you're showing them that you care enough to help them out by giving them your own time-- and in my case trusting them to be in my home!!! <|:o) You can make it just freshman sectionals, or full sectionals. My band & section is small so it's always full sectionals with me. Feel free to contact me via email if you have any questions or have some good ideas about... well doing section leader stuff. <|:o)
Oh yeah, one big thing to remember is that band is FUN, if you feel frustrated, tired, and you want to chuck you section-mates clarinets into a wall, your probably being faaaar to strict and unrealistic. The best thing is to keep things under controll but lighten the situation - don't be a dictator - the occasional joke makes it fun.
Erica
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-07-25 02:06
I would have headed of to the nearest club and ordered a double.
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Author: Heidi
Date: 2002-07-25 03:45
First off...GBK, that was fabulous!:)
I have often been in this same situation, but was often too frustrated and impatient to deal with it when I was in highschool. Now that I'm in college and teaching band camp I get to do it all the time. I still get frustrated, but I'm learning how to deal with it. I have 27 clarinets to work with, 10 of which may be willing and able to play. It's hard to find ways of making it fun if they are getting frustrated with you too. Do your best to keep seniority out of it (that often happens in highschool bands for some reason..everyone gets a big head once they're upperclassmen), and do your best to help her and the other freshmen. If you see others having the same problem, take them aside and show them the right way..this will only improve your section and help your band in the long run. Who knows, she may remember your kindness and time and do the same thing for someone else down the road. Teaching is just something that music people do..have fun with it!
Good luck!
Heidi
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2002-07-25 13:27
Thanks for the advice! It really helped.
I've thrown seniority in the winds now because it doesn't help. One technique I tried was trying out their instrument to see if there could be any problems THERE that we could take care of. One girl started playing better as soon as she got a different mouthpeice. (The mouthpeice she was using then was in such bad shape that I couldn't even get a note out!)
Also, I've been making sure I've been having fun. Even so, things get tough. I've been to my band director several times and asked him if we are getting any more private instructors during band camp this year. He's sent for the same person who gave me private lessons to help them during supervised sectionals. That should be a big help, considering I really liked my teacher.
Another thing I've done: I've sat next to some of the freshmen and played their parts during rehearsal. Our drum major also plays, so he helps when he can. It helps the freshmen to hear how it sounds first.
Erica, your sectional ideas sound excellent, but most of the section has a full schedule, with jobs and all. (Freshmen with jobs?? What a concept!) I think I just might send you an email if I have any more problems.
Diz, sorry, but I can't drink yet! Plus, I can't march a striaght line when I'm drunk.
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