Home practice is something that every Sunset band student is expected to do some of. Practicing is what we do for our homework and is an important part of our grade each quarter. To keep track of that practice we use a weekly practice sheet that should be signed by a parent each week. Parents have had a lot of questions and concerns about practicing over the years so this information is really for parents in order to answer some of those questions. For some of you, you have wonderfully motivated children who will practice on their own and for you, consider yourself fortunate and just keep signing those sheets and getting As. For others of you, you will need to help motivate your child one way or another. If this is you, please remember that I think you will find it more enjoyable to use rewards instead of punishments if you can. But if all else fails, remember that you are the parent and just like you wouldn't allow them not to turn in their math homework or writing project, don't let them get into the habit of not doing their band homework.
1. It is the student's responsibility to fill out the practice sheet, get it signed each week, and turn it in on time. I will post in class which week we are on and when they should be turned in. I will give them at least a week's notice before they are due. We will be turning them in twice each quarter, once before midquarter and once at the end of the quarter. When they are due they will have three days to turn them in. Therefore there should be no way that I would need to accept a late practice card unless they are sick or absent those three days.
2. The parent's job is only to make sure your child is practicing and to sign the sheet each week. Please do not sign at the end of the quarter unless you really can verify that time they have put on their sheet. In order to help them manage their time, help them come up with a practice area and regular time to practice. That way it will tend to get done rather than get put off.
3. Practicing is like reading a book. If the only music they have to practice is their band music, they will get bored with that as soon as they learn it, just like if they only had one book to read or one movie to watch. Try to have multiple books for them to be practicing out of. I have books that students in 7th and 8th grade can check out, work on, and return a couple weeks later. You also can find various books for them at the local music stores. The more they have to practice on, the more interesting it will be for them. Remember that practicing should never be a battle. If it turns into that, please contact me so that we can meet together and try and solve the problem before your child becomes unmotivated.
4. I am sensitive to busy schedules and I value my student's and your time. I never want practicing to just be busy work or a stressor for students. My suggestion is to always try to practice more than what you need to so that when busy times come up, it will be ok. Remember that I average your weeks together so one bad week can be brought up with a couple of good weeks. If you as a parent feel like your child is overextended and cannot meet practice expectations, please contact me and we can work out a compromise. Or if they are sick for an extended period, let me know and I'll let you know what to do on the practice sheet. Also know that I do not expect students to practice seven days a week, or even get an A on their practice sheet. However, I do expect every student to practice some at home and turn in a practice sheet for the time that they practice. I would be totally happy if students would practice 3-4 times a week for 30-45 minutes each time.
5. Finally, and probably most important, have fun. Think of ways to reward your child for their hard work. You should be proud of them for doing all they do. Let them see that you support them. Take them out for a treat if they meet their practice goals, buy them a CD or itunes gift card so that that they can experience all kinds of music. Take them to concerts and shows. Even sit and listen to them practice. Have them practice with other band friends. Have them give a concert for neighbors or relatives. If you can find fun ways to support them with their practicing, they will learn that practicing can be fun and rewarding.
Remember that I am always here to help. I truly believe that every student in band can find success but it takes me helping them learn, them working hard and doing the work that I ask them to do, and you supporting and encouraging them. If any of these three areas are missing, then the best learning will not be happening. Do not ever hesitate getting in touch with me if there are any questions or concerns about practicing or the progress of your child. I respond back to email the best, [email protected].
1. It is the student's responsibility to fill out the practice sheet, get it signed each week, and turn it in on time. I will post in class which week we are on and when they should be turned in. I will give them at least a week's notice before they are due. We will be turning them in twice each quarter, once before midquarter and once at the end of the quarter. When they are due they will have three days to turn them in. Therefore there should be no way that I would need to accept a late practice card unless they are sick or absent those three days.
2. The parent's job is only to make sure your child is practicing and to sign the sheet each week. Please do not sign at the end of the quarter unless you really can verify that time they have put on their sheet. In order to help them manage their time, help them come up with a practice area and regular time to practice. That way it will tend to get done rather than get put off.
3. Practicing is like reading a book. If the only music they have to practice is their band music, they will get bored with that as soon as they learn it, just like if they only had one book to read or one movie to watch. Try to have multiple books for them to be practicing out of. I have books that students in 7th and 8th grade can check out, work on, and return a couple weeks later. You also can find various books for them at the local music stores. The more they have to practice on, the more interesting it will be for them. Remember that practicing should never be a battle. If it turns into that, please contact me so that we can meet together and try and solve the problem before your child becomes unmotivated.
4. I am sensitive to busy schedules and I value my student's and your time. I never want practicing to just be busy work or a stressor for students. My suggestion is to always try to practice more than what you need to so that when busy times come up, it will be ok. Remember that I average your weeks together so one bad week can be brought up with a couple of good weeks. If you as a parent feel like your child is overextended and cannot meet practice expectations, please contact me and we can work out a compromise. Or if they are sick for an extended period, let me know and I'll let you know what to do on the practice sheet. Also know that I do not expect students to practice seven days a week, or even get an A on their practice sheet. However, I do expect every student to practice some at home and turn in a practice sheet for the time that they practice. I would be totally happy if students would practice 3-4 times a week for 30-45 minutes each time.
5. Finally, and probably most important, have fun. Think of ways to reward your child for their hard work. You should be proud of them for doing all they do. Let them see that you support them. Take them out for a treat if they meet their practice goals, buy them a CD or itunes gift card so that that they can experience all kinds of music. Take them to concerts and shows. Even sit and listen to them practice. Have them practice with other band friends. Have them give a concert for neighbors or relatives. If you can find fun ways to support them with their practicing, they will learn that practicing can be fun and rewarding.
Remember that I am always here to help. I truly believe that every student in band can find success but it takes me helping them learn, them working hard and doing the work that I ask them to do, and you supporting and encouraging them. If any of these three areas are missing, then the best learning will not be happening. Do not ever hesitate getting in touch with me if there are any questions or concerns about practicing or the progress of your child. I respond back to email the best, [email protected].