Connect students directly to the concept in a personal way. Capture students' attention by initiating a group problem-solving activity before delivery of instruction. Begin with a situation that is familiar to students and builds on what they already know. Construct a learning experience that allows diverse and personal student responses. Facilitate the work of cooperative teams of students.
Tape record first attempt, and listen to another band's tape.
Objective: That the students will develop a deeper awareness of the need for more practice at home on their instruments.
Activity: On the first day of band, the teacher will place a tape recorder in front of the class with the speakers facing the students. Hand them copies of a medium/hard piece of music with which they are unfamiliar: an energetic piece. The band will do a quick warm-up. The teacher will then have the band play the unfamiliar piece from beginning to end, while s/he tapes the attempt. The students will then listen to themselves on tape. Next they will hear the tape of another middle school band playing the same piece well.
