I don't normally post during the middle of the day, but I thought that this warranted a mention. Many times, band programs are judged by the quality that the HIGH SCHOOL band presents or the musicianship and excitement brought on by 9th through 12 graders. While I understand the reasoning, I think that there is something to be said for the younger "bandos" as well.

This year, sixth grade band meets during first hour. Indeed, it is a great time as many of the students haven't had the squirrel-ishness set in yet. Today, I was reminded of why I enjoy teaching the younger as well as older band students. There is something very pure about the enjoyment that 6th graders get out of everythig we do in band. Everything is new, everything is exciting. Today, we learned to play the first page in our books (a whole three notes). Nothing outstandingly exciting to anybody but a 6th grade band member. To see a student play an instrument for the first time is a true joy. They are learning in ways that they have previously never thought of. They are utilizing parts of their brain that may have been dormant for a while. They are using equipment that is completely foreign and awkward to most of them, but it's SO EXCITING! The even bigger smile comes when they realize how to play it correctly, but lets take baby steps for now. Yes, the sound might initially be dreadful and make you run for the hills (or at least another room), but it is the sound of development and musical enjoyment, which, when you think about it, is really the goal of band in high school as well. Though I may have not slept well last night, or maybe I got up too early, or maybe my coffee was too weak, or maybe I had a rough drive in to school today, my experience in first hour has recharged me for the day. Frequently, I will hear teachers or parents say, "I don't know how you deal with those sounds everyday for an hour". Look past the tone quality and squeaks and blats and toots. It's the sound of excellence right at it's inception. The next great thing is only a page turn away. I liken it to a baby crying, in a way. On the surface, the sound of baby crying is sometimes hard to hear. But when it's your child and the cry is completely natural, it's the most beautiful sound imaginable because you know that the cry will soon turn into laughter. So it is with music. We turn those blats and squeaks into the most beautiful sound possible.....and it all starts first hour (almost poetic in a way).

Way to go 6th graders! You are on your way. I look forward to seeing what you bring to the table in the coming months.