Classroom Management for the Modern Middle School Band Director

Jul 1, 2024

Classroom Management for the Modern Middle School Band Director

Introduction

  • Speaker: Dr. Robert Grogan, Cobb County Schools, Barber Middle School, Acworth, Georgia
  • Event: Georgia music convention (GMEA) and upcoming event in Utah

Key Concepts

  • Teacher Demeanor: Be firm and consistent on the podium; approachable and relatable off the podium.
  • Relationship Building: Build trust through knowing students and sharing personal interests.
  • Classroom Management: Dogmatic consistency and predictability create a safe learning environment.

Classroom Environment

  • Middle School Band: Typically 400 kids out of 850 total students.
  • Awards: National winners for the William Foster project award for excellence in marginalized communities.
  • Teacher's Background: Originally from Georgia, taught in Utah, 10 years at Barber Middle.

Best Practices for Behavior Management

  • Initial Impressions: Greet students at the door, learn names, share interests, and display a sense of humor.
  • Teacher Efficacy: Belief in one's control over classroom outcomes is crucial.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Focus on and praise correct behaviors; utilize a 3:1 positive to negative feedback ratio.
  • Consistency and Autonomy: Enforce standards without public embarrassment; allow students to save face.
  • Consequences Structure: Gradual escalation (emails home, detention, ISS, office referral).

Podium Time Procedures

  • Structured Rehearsals: Use clear sequences for posture, breath control, and instrument handling.
  • Engagement: Use engaging, fast-paced rehearsals while ensuring students follow procedures.
  • Intervention: Address misbehavior through neighbor praise and direct eye contact rather than public scolding.

Student Engagement

  • Compliance vs. Engagement: Compliance is not enough; strive for true engagement.
  • Mistakes as Learning Opportunities: Celebrate mistakes to foster a growth mindset and safer learning environment.
  • Podium Presence and Charisma: Develop a teacher persona that is engaging and enthusiastic.

Motivating Students

  • Self-Determination Theory: Psychological needs of competency, autonomy, and relatedness.
  • Extrinsic to Intrinsic Motivation: Use extrinsic rewards and gradually move towards intrinsic motivation.
  • Practical Applications: Use gamification, praise, and structured goals to build habits.

Teaching Strategies

  • Progress at Students' Pace: Don't stress about being behind. Teach where the students are and build from there.
  • Curriculum Flexibility: Control over curriculum allows band directors to meet students' needs effectively.

Recommended Band Pieces for Middle School

  • By Carl King: Heritage of the March series (Swearingen).
  • By Bob Sheldon: Ballads like 'American Hand-Tune,' 'Dorian Dreamscape.'
  • By Brian Balmages: 'Rippling Watercolors.'
  • By Clare Grundman: 'Kentucky 1800.'
  • Royal Oak by Gene Milford
  • innersvariations by John Kackovis

Conclusion

  • Acknowledgements: Learning from others' research and experience.

We sincerely appreciate your valuable time and insights shared in this episode. Your dedication to your students and your band program is commendable.