When in doubt, move forward – if you’re wrong, who cares, but you’ll probably be right most of the time.

– Michael Brandon

So, we took our Grade 10 Band up to Camp Arnes, MB for Band Camp this past week and it was just a delight.  The kids were respectful toward each other, us, and the camp staff, and worked their faces off.  They put in 110% and got to bond with one another and make a few new friends too.

“Banding” is the verb we have sometimes… “Some good banding going on here.”

As I don’t teach Grade 10 Band, it’s really great to watch my counterpart (Michael Brandon) in the room for several rehearsals.   He is a fabulous combination of inspiring, demanding, structured, patient and wise – a key collection of traits for an effective and uplifting teacher.

He is full of one-liners that say so much by saying so little and I’ve stolen this week’s “Music Ed Monday” from something he says. 

When teaching shape, it really starts with listening to where the music wants to go and simply being aware of its dynamic tendencies.  But, what if the student isn’t sure of where they want the music to go?

When in doubt, move forward – if you’re wrong, who cares, but you’ll probably be right most of the time.

And wouldn’t you know, it’s effective.  It’s amazing how many musical issues that awareness can fix.  Also, isn’t that so true for life?

Some of the best PD that I’ve ever done is just by watching other teachers teach.   Wouldn’t that be a great PD? Find a teacher that you respect and watch them teach for a full day.  And us lucky team teachers, we get to do that everyday. 

It’s certainly not just the students who learn 🙂

Until next time,
Kenley