WHY BAND EXAMS??????

So...

Why Have

Band Exams

Anyway?????

I have several reasons for wanting to have band exams. My goals are:

TO HEAR EACH STUDENT INDIVIDUALLY

• I want to listen to one person rather than 70-some.
• I like to hear the student showoff for me.
• It is important to periodically give personal, immediate feedback on student's strengths and weaknesses.

TO PUT ON SOME "PRACTICE PRESSURE"

• Students often think, "It's graded and alone; I've got to practice!"
• Often exams get kids going who otherwise don't practice much. They then sometimes decide the music is more fun when they can play it well -- practicing pays off!
• This process can create new practice habits.
• Or, at least it creates two times per year that everyone practices!

TO COMMUNICATE WITH PARENTS ABOUT A SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE

• I want parents to see an assessment for a specific performance with all its strengths and weaknesses. The parents will be able to compare my assessment of the student's performance with the student's assessment of the performance.
• I ask for feedback from parents as well as giving feedback to parents
• I want the parents to have a sense of where his / her child stands on the overall continuum of musical progress
• I want to remind parents of grading criteria in band so that they can better understand the program and better help their child succeed.

TO MAKE THE KIDS NERVOUS! (yes, this really is one of my goals for exams!!)

• Everyone's body reacts differently to nerves. I want each student to specifically focus on, "How does my body react?"
• Then, we can talk about what techniques can the student can use to overcome the nerves.
• And of course, every time you do something like this, it is practice in overcoming the effects of nerves!