Classroom Management in

the Music Room

By David Newell

Presented By: Allie B., Brian F., Brody L. and Emma P.

Intro to Newells approach

Standing in front of a middle school band of sixty-five is like standing in front of sixty-five
hormone-production factories with each one having a potential noise-making machine in its
possession (page 2)
Most research has been done on regular classroom settings, but little has been done for music
classes (one of the biggest class sizes)
Newell decided to write outline of his approach, ended up just writing a book
Rules and Expectations
Rules and Consequences: Rules

Rules should be established at the beginning of the year and shouldnt

change
Introduce ONE rule per day (and practice that rule)
Highly recommended rules:
No talking when the teacher is working
All music making stops instantly when the teacher gives the signal
Students should be able to explain each rule
Can even administer tests on the rules
Rules can be added or removed
Rules and Consequences: Consequences

Shouldnt be talked about until the third day of class

Breaking one rule should carry the same weight as breaking any other rule
Detentions
Served after school in the band room
Pick a date with the student that isnt the same day
Discipline by the pen
Write names in grade book (not on board or called out in class)
Students wonder was it me? Did I do something wrong?
Be Firm, Fair, and Consistent
 I give all my students
Two Paws Up!

Grading

Grading is important to keep your band serious vs. being an Easy A

Although grades can affect student retention at times, it changes the attitude of the class
Never grade by ability
Assess via written exams that help students learn important info
Key signatures, time signatures, important vocab, etc.
Performance Exam
Give students rubric ahead of time
Concert Behavior

You must teach the audience proper etiquette as they often do not know
Students should be models on stage for the audience
Concert etiquette listed on the inside of the program cover
Teaching the student body to behave in school performances
Must teach them as well since they do not know
Have a core-subjects teachers (social studies) teach the entire student body
Student field trip performances
Teach concert etiquette in class
Run a practice concert with recordings of everything and leave students behind
Teachers Role in Behavior
Management
Techniques for the Teacher

Communication
There is a very fine line between talking too much and talking too little
Talking too much can cause behavior and loss of focus
Use more than your words to communicate
Conducting, eyes, gestures, etc.
Eye Contact
Eye contact can make your students feel more accountable
Also a very good way to assess how your band is doing at any moment
Using The Look
Gives students immediate feedback without embarrassing them
What are you doing? or a Really? sort of look
Time
Format of a Lesson

Similar to a concert
Opener - Get all students involved
Skill Building
Start of Real Music
Chorales/Method Books
Problem Solving
Play through sections with no stopping
Make notes of what to come back to next rehearsal
Close with a sonorous chord or a quiet note
How to Rehearse a Section

Engage the group - Trumpets do you see the accidental in measure 33?
Make sure they know what to do - Do you remember what we do when we
see that accidental?
Have them play it - Show me, lets play measure 33
Correct if played wrong, repeat if correct - Correct, lets do it again
Play with entire band - Everybody play at measure 33, trumpets Im
listening to you
Move on, but start there - Alright everyone, lets all start at measure 33
Ambience
Layout of the Classroom

Center aisle down the center of the band to get to the percussion
Disappears near concert time
Standing within the band
Easy enough to get them to stop playing
Proximity between you and the players
Art posters in the classroom
Relate to other arts as much as possible
Can relate to visual learners
 Our thoughts on
Rules/Routines/Procedures
 Our thoughts on
Incentives/Consequences
Our thoughts on Motivation
~THE END~