Have a new student who’s coming from what appears to be a “more successful” band program - lots of All Staters, BOA involvement, history of sweepstakes, etc. New student also seems to be a very advanced player compared to my other students (basing this off of the achievements they’ve told me they’ve had)
My program is not that…yet. We’re growing and improving but we’re in a completely different situation than this student’s previous school.
Also new student told me that their previous director promised them things, like a leadership positions, solos, first parts, etc. for the upcoming year before they had moved here.
New student was pretty disappointed when I said (nicely and professionally) that they couldn’t be on the leadership team as we have already solidified our section leaders/drum majors for the upcoming year.
I’m a little concerned this student will miserable with us and I’m not sure how to keep them content. I also have a feeling that there’s some drama brewing between new student and the rest of their section (I think the other students feel threatened)
Anyone have experience with this?
New student will be a senior next year, if that changes anything
Re: New Student
Posted by contact previous on 4/27/2024, 5:36 am, in reply to "New Student"
I always contact the previous director. Regardless of what the director says, the kid would still have to earn their oats somehow. Leadership positions require the other kids to get to know them well, things like solos are a different thing (if they are clearly a stronger player, have an audition for solos).
I wouldn't give anything to any student because they were told so at a previous school
Re: New Student
Posted by Mr. Dude on 4/15/2024, 1:02 pm, in reply to "New Student"
My advice:
1. Call the former director, just ask about the kid and how they were. Don’t ask about the things promised, specifically, but ask where they would have been leadership wise in their program if they had stayed.
2. If they look to be a benefit to your program, look for a way to include them. When I was in a similar situation (senior move in), I invited the kid to leadership camp with the leadership team. I did not give them a position, just told the drum majors (not the rest of the team) that I wanted to get the kid acquainted to our program. By the end of the leadership camp, the student had earned everyone’s respect and the drum majors asked to give them a position (visual captain, which is what we call kids who help teach marching fundamentals and check forms). Kid was a rock star.
As far as the other students feeling threatened, talk to the section leader and see if they can make some headway there.
Re: New Student
Posted by curious on 4/10/2024, 2:28 pm, in reply to "New Student"
Just wondering how you intend to determine their seating in the section or is that not a thing in your group other than section leader?
Re: New Student
Posted by Also on 4/8/2024, 9:30 am, in reply to "New Student"
In addition to what has been stated, it might be worth reaching out to their former band director and maybe validate some of the things they were "promised"?
I have had students move in their junior or senior year and be an excellent addition to the program, as long as they have a good attitude!
Re: New Student
Posted by +1 on 4/9/2024, 12:12 pm, in reply to "Re: New Student"
Not sure I'd trust a kid on this one. I've been around several very successful programs, and we've NEVER promised any students these types of things. Contact the previous director.
That said, I do think it's an opportunity to allow this student to find his/her path toward success in your program. Best of luck.
Re: New Student
Posted by Options on 4/8/2024, 7:52 am, in reply to "New Student"
Give them some class 1 solos or etudes to work on outside of class. Maybe after school you and them could play a duet now and then.
If you're working with one group during class, send them out with another group and ask them to help that section with the rhythm or tuning. It's not a leadership role but gives them duties as one they may like.
When a student gets to a point where I can't help as much I usually push them to do private lessons. A professional at their instrument would surely have ideas what to do.
Re: New Student
Posted by SouthEast Central on 4/7/2024, 7:55 pm, in reply to "New Student"
I had a girl move in to my very-small-school program in its first year existing from a moderately successful bigger school ~10 miles south of us.
She said she wanted to be a part of the program, wanted to work hard, and help us excel. Said much the same things as your kid did, according to you.
When I didn't immediately make her what was basically my assistant director, her attitude turned south in a hurry. Junior year, she still wound up trying out for Region (made fifth chair, one short of Area) and doing a solo (went to TSSEC with it) but her Senior year she was more of a problem, attitude-wise, than her talent was worth. By her Senior year it was all I could do to keep her on task and participating - and attending class at all at times. Part of it was the fact that we were playing grade 1.5-2 music whereas she was used to playing 3 and 4 - so what we were doing was literal child's play to her - but she didn't want to do anything extra anymore, either.
You are in no way beholden to promises you didn't make. He/she may have been a "leader" in their former program - you have zero evidence of that. You have to deal with what and who is in front of you, and the kid hasn't proven anything to you yet - to say nothing of the kids that have been in your program together in some cases since sixth grade.
Let new kid impress their "peers" - if they think they're worth a darn, let them get elected Band President or Senior Rep next year. And if their attitude sucks? You were going to be just fine without them, let them quit. No one kid is more important than the entire band, even if they're a world-beating talent.
Re: New Student
Posted by 2A BD on 4/7/2024, 6:24 pm, in reply to "New Student"
I had a similar situation, student moved in later in the spring and was an outstanding player. I think in that unique situation you might consider creating opportunities for "promotion" to leadership as the spring/summer progresses. They could be a great contributor/leader for your program, and giving them something to strive for will let you gauge their leadership ability rather than outright saying its not a possibility.
It's especially tough on students who move their senior year. I would try to be sensitive to that and give them a fair opportunity to thrive in your program if they prove/establish themselves as a positive influence for this coming year.
Unique cases require unique solutions- don't be afraid to bend your own system (having an extra leader) if it means reaching a student who might need an outlet to shine. They could potentially be a great example within your program!
(All said with a grain of salt not knowing your program/the student.)
Re: New Student
Posted by CentexBD on 4/7/2024, 10:25 am, in reply to "New Student"
What a wonderful opportunity to teach life skills to your students!
Create a path for the student to achieve success and fit into your program. It doesn't matter that they came from a successful school, they are now your student, in your band. It sounds like this students wants to be apart of your program and contribute. What paths have you established for students to contribute to the overall program? There will always be drama when people are involved in any organization, especially young people.