The Yellow Board

The Yellow Board
[ The Yellow Board ]

New electives

Posted by Amber on 3/23/2023, 10:37 am

Hi guys! I teach at a 1A super rural school that added a HS a few years ago. I was asked about "other musical electives" other than band. (not choir or orchestra)
Would love to hear offerings at your HS!!

Thanks in advance

Re: New electives

Posted by Why not Choir on 3/24/2023, 11:15 am, in reply to "New electives"

Why is choir not an option? It's a fairly affordable program to add. Most likely you're already certified to teach it. I'm not super familiar with the dynamics of a 1A school so let me know what I'm not considering. Thanks and good luck!

Re: New electives

Posted by Here's Why on 4/5/2023, 8:14 am, in reply to "Re: New electives"

The vast majority of kids that would be interested in choir are also doing/interested in band. You would be drawing from your band population to fill the choir. The draw for choir would be that, even in a 1A school, the time demands for choir are considerably less than for band. Also remember a 1A school, at the largest, has 105 students 9-12. No matter what the administration may say about "more options get more kids involved in things", the reality is that the same 30 kids will be involved in everything, and the same uninvolved kids will still not get involved.

Re: New electives

Posted by Doc Too on 3/24/2023, 10:36 am, in reply to "New electives"

Especially in a small school, limiting the choices is critical to maintaining a strong program. Every added elective will appeal to some student(s), which means one less member of the band.

Impress on the admin you teach every student about music, but also about success in life. With those skills, they can take any music direction they choose at graduation or in their spare time now.

Re: New electives

Posted by Obi Ron Kenobi on 3/23/2023, 6:58 pm, in reply to "New electives"

Avoid "Music Appreciation" at all costs.

It takes resources (most notably your time) away from the band program, thus damaging the band program.

My experience at small rural districts (most of my career) junior highs, kids have choices; art, band or music appreciation. Several kids will think "I don't like to draw. I like music but playing an instrument is too hard." Then you have a music appreciation class with LOTS of kids who would have been great band kids.
At the High school level you're a babysitter for kids who have nowhere else to be.

Suggest a class where kids can start an instrument late.

Re: New electives

Posted by Stoopid Trumpet Player on 3/23/2023, 11:57 am, in reply to "New electives"

I agree with the other post, be careful. Being a small 1A, the only other thing I personally would be will to accept would be an applied music class for individual study.

Re: New electives

Posted by Amber on 3/23/2023, 12:58 pm, in reply to "Re: New electives"

There are about 8 students per grade and wanting something in addition to band. I am a 3/4 teacher and will most likely be added for a class whether I have something fun to offer, or proxy an online class. Hoping for something fun and music/arts related

Re: New electives

Posted by Careful on 3/23/2023, 11:29 am, in reply to "New electives"

Sounds like they're looking for a dumping ground for kids to earn a fine arts credit.

The courses are all in the state PEIMS. There's music appreciation, music theory, independent music study, jazz band, concert band, orchestra, and chorus. Until the state creates another, that's pretty much it.

Re: New electives

Posted by Amber on 3/23/2023, 12:56 pm, in reply to "Re: New electives"

It would be in addition to band. Right now students are taking online electives. I am a 3/4 teacher so I am looking for an extra class or two I might enjoy teaching, instead of being a proxy for something non-arts related.

I will check out the PEIMS. I was under the impression some school have beginning keyboarding, History of Jazz or History of Rock and Roll (there are about 8 kids per grade)

« Back to index

[ The Yellow Board ]