Roberto Clemente Community Academy is in the midst of reviving the band program with the Class of 2020. In the first weeks of school, we examined the various woodwind and brass instruments to understand their defining characteristics and how a sound is produced. Students explored genres that have traditionally incorporated these instruments in their compositions. This allowed for students to engage in dialogue about different musical genres and how instruments are used to communicate ideas and ultimately tell a story.
“I didn’t know how to play a flute at all, and now I can learn how to play a song within a few days!” exclaimed freshman Hana Ellis. In choosing their instrument to study, students initially were frustrated because they were not able to produce a sound. With encouragement and support from their teacher and peers, students practiced every day and were amazed at what they accomplished. “I think playing the clarinet has increased the capacity of my memory,” explained Madeline Washington. “I have to memorize all those notes and which fingers they coordinate with.”
By practicing IB Learner Profile characteristics and Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, having meaningful class discussions about consistent and deliberate efforts in achieving any goal in life, students achieved their initial goals regarding their music class. Our Class of 2020 freshmen can already play their first song, can you name it?