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Recruiting Ideas For Beginning Band - The Beginning Band Rehearsal |
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Class Management
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Written by Patti Bekkerus
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Page 3 of 3
Beginning Band Rehearsal
 With the first few group rehearsals, I continue doing a lot of pitch matching as a group,
including the 4x4ʼs and a measure that includes an eighth note rhythm. We also do a lot of
“rhythm raps”. The lesson book I currently use has a “rhythm rap” when introducing a new
rhythm. I turn other exercises into “rhythm raps” as well. I also isolate 1-2 measures to
rhythm rap if itʼs a rhythm they are having trouble with. I also demand that they count aloud.
Knowing how to count it will pay dividends in the long run. Resist the temptation to just
“show them how it goes” (one of my all time favorite questions). I also do a lot of “clapping
echoes” with them. I clap and count 1-2 measures and they echo my clapping and counting.
Incorporating rhythm exercises into your beginners is so important and they wonʼt get
“bored” with them if you change it up with different strategies.
Once school starts, my students have band everyday and a small group lesson once per
week. Obviously their time to focus on their instrument is less but their participation in an
ensemble has grown. I use their book during class as warm ups. I focus on one page per
week to give time for instruction, practice and “performance” on each exercise. I often use
Friday as their “playing test” during that portion of class. I put a variety of music in front of
them and a LOT of music in front of them. The more they read, the better players they
become. I also like to push the difficulty level with them. Donʼt be afraid of giving them
something new in their band music that they havenʼt yet covered in their book. They are
excited about learning something new and more advanced and they have the security of
the full band to try it with them. Pushing the difficulty level also helps keep your gifted
students engaged and working hard. You can always write an easier part for someone if
they are just not up to the part on a more difficult piece.
It is important to balance that rehearsal with your warm ups, playing music and working on
things that need to be rehearsed. They like to play their music without stopping and itʼs hard
when you work with just one section of the band. I like to include the entire band whenever I
can. For instance, if you are working on a rhythm in one section, write it on the board and
have the whole band learn the rhythm. Another idea is to ask the other sections to be the
“judge” if a section plays something correctly. I use a “thumbs up or down” system for
them to “vote”. Then I challenge the students to listen to that particular part while playing
their own. Not only does that work on your balance, it also gives them ownership in what
the band is doing. One of the last things I do in a rehearsal is to read a piece down without
stopping. Thatʼs their favorite thing to do so send them out the door doing what they love.
Conclusion
I truly believe that the key to a successful program (district wide) are your beginners. They
are your future and giving them a good start ensures their success at the high school level
and beyond. The better they know how to play their instrument, the more fun it is for them
as well and the more likely they are to continue. Continue looking for new “tricks of the trade”
when it comes to dealing with beginners. If Iʼve given you some new ones or reminded
you of yours, wonderful--keep it going! Teaching beginners is hard work but the rewards are
great. Keep it fresh for yourself and your enthusiasm will shine through to your students.
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