Let me start by saying, I'm not calling anyone out. I'm making my point, because as of now, due to uncontrollable circumstance I can no longer play the trombone, indefinitely. However, when I DID play, I was very VERY good. Even in middle school and high school. The bands I was apart of in those formative years were very good...IN ALL GENRES of music they played. It was the directors, it was the students(us), it was involved parents(for a good number of us) and, it was those who came back from their colleges and took time out to come teach and teach correctly. You don't have to yell or expect high schoolers to simply just respect who you are and what hours you put on the field. I've seen some really REALLY negative things said on videos that merely turn kids away or cause them to WANT to "disobey" even harder. Want better musicians, give your time but don't approach the child/kid/teenager with the mindset of "know your place". That's not how you teach gifted children(and many of our children in marching bands actually ARE) to appreciate their gift and enhance it from just a talent into the begginning of a livelihood and a life appreciation. I'll name some of the mini teachers and their respective programs who had a hand in making us that good as well...and most of it came from positive encouragemnt, not simply CRITICISM and negativity. Adjust, adapt and teach. If you complain about a program, offer your time.Shot outs:Frostynacho(he came to the Rdge after me but he did what I did immediately after his era and contributed fundamentals and even arranging) Sonic Booom of the SouthKeagan Breaker- PVUWilliam Thomas- JSU/PVU/TxSouUnivMe-AlcornStUniv/TxSouUnivDamion Roberson- SU-Baton RougeStephen Richard- SU-Baton Rouge(published and professional jazz reed specialist)Rennie Hughes- PVU(bass trombone and tuba/sousaphone)These people came back and helped and ENCOURAGED. THAT was why respect was given and THAT was why it stuck with younger generations. They were products of the late Mr. Thornton. However, positive teaching/coaching is what does it. Be careful what you say and what you show these younger ones. THEY are the ones who need to receive the drive to pass down the same musical awesomeness of Satchmo, Miles, Johnson, Cleveland, Mingus, Joplin and William Grant Still. I will again be giving my time soon this next semester. Give it positively.And how could I forgetRonald Thornton II- Howard/TxSou Univ
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Very well said. but my thing is this. These kids today that think they know everything (not all of them) dont listen to anything the teacher has to say. I still help my alma mater, Stratford High School, now and the drumline is ALWAYS talkin back like I dont know what I'm talkin about. They even talk back to the director, Johnny Croft, a graduate of Tennessee State. I dont know if they want the help, but they act as if they dont need it. We try to encourage and help them, but yellin seems like the only way to get though to em. Its because they dont have discipline. How do you teach discipline without hazing?
You keep with the positive. You have that speech I had with my geography students during my second year of full time teaching: "I'm not here to diss you all or to be dissed. I'm here to give you the tools do this better and longer. If anyone has a problem with me giving my time and expertise free of charge, let's hash it out now. I care and I'm not going anywhere." And...show them tape of what you do and what your competitors do. If THAT fails, request a helpful parent to be there at EVERY rehearsal where you're present.
Have always given back to bands especially my alma mater, everyone that personally knows me, knows how i am when it concerns bands and i don't allow my school pride to get in the way like many on this site do. Many can't separate the school pride from personal and they allow the school pride consume them but i can help anyone if they need it and want the help. I've went to many cities helping out other programs and encouraging kids to learn their craft to get that extra money for education. I'm already scheduled to do two high school band camps this summer out of town, so i give back a lot. I feel it's my duty just like i feel the college bands have a duty to be role models for the high schools and middle schools. Though students are different in these days and times i still push on for the ones that listen and will continue to do so, didn't major in music just to say i majored in something, got to take the good and the bad. I know many college students that will down middle/high students in their face but that's not things should be done. I don't want those types coming to my room around my kids. One must separate college students from high/middle school students and everyone is not equipped to come back and help, some people are just mentally messed up.
ExActly...and, is this eric Odom's big brother? If so, WHAT'S UP COUSIN!? LOL PVU86 said:
Speak, Brother! Realize that and keep moving FORWARD & teaching the way you need to. Great point!
RJ1919 said:
One must separate college students from high/middle school students and everyone is not equipped to come back and help, some people are just mentally messed up.
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Well Said
ExActly...and, is this eric Odom's big brother? If so, WHAT'S UP COUSIN!? LOL
PVU86 said: