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So y'all's kids don't practice outside of school either?

Posted by WTP on 4/8/2025, 8:01 am

What is even the point of what we're doing? Show up to be entertainers every day? We're expected to give up our own families, our friends, everything, move to God knows where for a job.... for kids to never take their horns home? Why are we even here? Tired of zero work ethic kids. If I leave, they won't find a replacement for me, and maybe that's for the best.

Re: So y'all's kids don't practice outside of school either?

Posted by 1A HBD on 4/10/2025, 10:15 am, in reply to "So y'all's kids don't practice outside of school either?"

I was once told by a wiser, older band director that if it cannot be done in class it is not getting done. We do not have to play the hardest thing available. Do what your kids can do and do it well.

Play something easier. If the students want something more challenging they will step up. If the students don't then they will not. Just play whatever they decide to play to the best of their ability.

How long have you been at your school? Are you expecting to much from them? Are the students involved in a lot of other activities?

Re: So y'all's kids don't practice outside of school either?

Posted by bob saget on 4/10/2025, 8:13 am, in reply to "So y'all's kids don't practice outside of school either?"

you said the answer. its time to bail.

Re: So y'all's kids don't practice outside of school either?

Posted by Kelsey on 4/10/2025, 8:04 am, in reply to "So y'all's kids don't practice outside of school either?"

I honestly think a lot of this is societal expectations that have developed very quickly since Covid. It no longer seems like an expectation that students (or anyone for that matter) should work hard. A few things that have worked for my program...

I try to give my students resources to help them practice more efficiently and effectively so they actually feel like practicing helps them. It doesn't work for every kid, but I do think it has helped the ones that want to improve.

Another thing that has helped my kiddos is reminding them that "5 minutes of practice is better than no minutes." Some kids don't realize that it doesn't have to be an hour long practice session to matter.

This really helped my baby band, but we had a long discussion about why they chose to stay in band - and I included the fact that many people stay in band for the social opportunities (and that's ok), but I also told them that if they have any interest in improving then they have to put forward the effort. We also took the time to make goals (what do they want to get better at in the next month, in the next two months, etc.) and created a practice schedule that they felt was realistic for them. I told them it wasn't about the amount of time on their practice schedule, but rather how much of the time they could actually hold themselves to.

Again, doesn't necessarily work for every kid, but I think we just have to teach them how to want to be better these days, sometimes.

You may have tried all of these things already - but I hope something help spawns an idea that will help your group! Don't give up!

Re: So y'all's kids don't practice outside of school either?

Posted by just me on 4/10/2025, 7:50 am, in reply to "So y'all's kids don't practice outside of school either?"

Some do, most don't.

If you don't see the point in what you are doing, neither will your students.

While some classes may be highly motivated, most jobs require adapting your methods to the district's culture, at least initially.

Efficient rehearsals and suitable music selection should allow for success even if students don't practice at home. Otherwise, consider if your approach prioritizes your desires over the actual needs of your students.

Re: So y'all's kids don't practice outside of school either?

Posted by Yup! on 4/10/2025, 12:42 pm, in reply to "Re: So y'all's kids don't practice outside of school either?"

Everything here is accurate!

I was an All-Stater in high school and sat in the same room with kids who used the same reed all semester. Some are just in it to be a part of a team and take the trips.

That doesn't mean you throw away a "standard," you just have to recognize what the "standard" can be in your particular situation. Not every band will be the Honor Band.

Re: So y'all's kids don't practice outside of school either?

Posted by OP on 4/10/2025, 9:44 pm, in reply to "Re: So y'all's kids don't practice outside of school either?"

Kids who use the same reed all semester… this made me laugh. Too true.

Re: So y'all's kids don't practice outside of school either?

Posted by Hard nose on 4/9/2025, 5:30 pm, in reply to "So y'all's kids don't practice outside of school either?"

Playing tests. Offer time in the band hall outside of class for those who can't play at home. Fail the kids who don't turn them in. You'll lose a few, but the ones that stay will be awesome.

Re: So y'all's kids don't practice outside of school either?

Posted by Respectfully on 4/9/2025, 3:10 pm, in reply to "So y'all's kids don't practice outside of school either?"

What are you doing that they need to practice for?

For nearly all of us, UIL is over. Do/did they need to practice UIL music at home?

Do you still assign scales or tryout etudes in the spring semester?

Do they participate in solo & ensemble?

Do they audition for band placement?

If you want them to practice, what should they be working on? Practicing to practice isn't something that makes sense to kids today. Give them a goal.

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