In that slow period between the end of one school year and the start of another, you may begin to think about long-term plans for your students, be it proposing an equipment upgrade for your classroom, starting a new after-school activity, or getting students out of the classroom to participate in field trips or music festivals.
Each can turn into a serious investment of time and energy—but at this time of the year, thinking about winter or spring field trips can be a simple way to plan for an experience that could deepen your students’ appreciation of your in-classroom curriculum.
The New York City Wide Honors High School Music Festival is just one of thousands taking place across the country every year.
A field trip to a musical performance can be a great way to expose your students to the music of different cultures, or share with them a style that they can only experience so much of in the classroom. Keep an eye out for events at nearby venues, or if you live in a more rural area, musical events in the nearest city. Workshops, clinics, and music and art festivals can be other great options to get your students interested in music from a new perspective.
If you’re planning on getting your students out to a performance, you can use a few techniques to keep them focused. For one, try playing the performer’s music in class in the time leading up to the show, even if it’s one or two songs at the end of class. Sharing interesting facts about the performer’s biography, influence, and accomplishments can give them something to think about when they’re listening to the music. Then, create a worksheet with questions about their thoughts to give to them before the show, and follow it up with one for them to fill out in the classroom the next day—did their expectations meet reality? What did they take away from the experience?
Field trip fun aside, now is also the time that your more conscientious students might be thinking ahead of their participation in music performance showcases and festivals. Students will want to be thinking not only of how they can sharpen their technique to do their best, but also what skill level they feel ready to tackle, and, what piece will best showcase their ability.
Whether they’re interested in participating in a winter or spring showcase, the beginning of the school year is the perfect time for students to start preparing for getting out of their comfort zones. As always, you can remind them that practice now will help fight the nerves later—and guide them to find the right piece of music that will suit their skill level. And, for the students that may have never considered the idea of participating—but could really benefit from it—thinking about it now will hopefully give them the time they need to muster up the courage.
And if a field trip or music festival is not in your immediate future, we’re here to help keep the classroom just as exciting as any adventure that takes students beyond school grounds. See you this fall!
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