// March 22nd, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
I am not writing this as a congratulations from me to the band; I have done that in person. I am writing this so that you may congratulate the band students. The band earned an Excellent (Level 2 on a 5 level scale with Level 1 being the best) rating at our regional assessment on Saturday. Of the 32 students who went, 30 had never been before. The 2 who had been went to other schools last year. The last time the band attended this event was 2003 at which they received a “Good” (Level 3) rating.
Of the 32 who were part of the band assessment, three are 7th grade beginners having only played their instrument since January, nine are second year band students in the 8th grade, and seven are freshmen. Only two are seniors, five were juniors and six were sophomores. They were all playing and being assessed on a SENIOR high level. To put it in perspective, imagine your 7th and 8th graders taking 10th grade End of Course exams and getting 90%.
The band meets in FOUR different class periods. As a result they have rehearsed for this performance in combined form only FOUR times; three of those requiring them to stay after school. As for the fourth time, Dearest Junior High teachers, and Mrs. Keller and Mr. Bell, I love you for not complaining when I needed to get the kids out of your class 5th period on Friday for one last group rehearsal! Nearly every other band at the regional assessment meets as one class period. To put that in perspective, imagine the football, basketball, or volleyball team practicing as a team once a week for four weeks.
Finally, we could not have done this unless the KIDS chose to do well. The kids chose.
I am proud to be their teacher.
