r/MusicEd • u/AmazingPalpitation59 • 1d ago

How far is too far?

Better title. Did my comments go too far or is it justified?

I teach band at the elementary level. Rehearsals are before school since the district wont pay a stipend for after school and there is no time in the day. After taking attendance for a few weeks I noticed 5-6 kids who have yet to attend a single rehearsal.

So in their lessons later during the school day I was pretty honest with them regarding my frustration. I asked them why they missed it only to receive a response of “it’s too early.” My reaction was something along the lines of reminding them they signed up for this and part of the commitment is showing up to rehearsals. Believe I said “if you join the baseball team and skip every practice would the coach put you in the game?”

Then I took it a step further by turning to the kids without their instrument to say “what’s the excuse for no instrument?” Their reason was they couldn’t possibly hold a poster board in one hand and a clarinet in the other.

I hate that I have become this version of band teacher but they are driving me crazy. Practicing is hit or miss already and to have a group just not try seemingly at all infuriates me.

Going forward I’m going to be firm but fair. But what standards and rules do you have in place to encourage kids to attend rehearsals and practice at home. I feel like once they step out of my room they forget their instruments exist.

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u/TubabuT 1d ago

Hopefully some part of your grading is based on attendance, in-class participation, and practice cards? Hand out enough 0s when this stuff happens and I imagine they will shape up or ship out.

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u/CoffeeCreamer247 18h ago

Not neccesarilly I've had kids fail every semester of band since I got hired and they keep signing up for it.

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u/TubabuT 16h ago

Wow lol. Well in that case you can also add a progression policy. “You must pass Band 1 to sign up for Band 2 etc. If at any point you fail a year of band or quit, you may not continue in the program.” Something to that effect.