9/4/2018
Topic:
Students with Disabilities
Douglas Moser
|
As a percussion teacher, I have had to accommodate many students who wanted to be in band, but could not physically perform a wind instrument. I had the pleasure of teaching one of these students for all four years of her time in high school. She had a severe Orthopedic Disability, but never let it stop her once. Though she moved around school in a wheelchair, she had the ability to stand for several minutes at a time. She auditioned and made a vibraphone spot in our competitive marching band. She had a very out-going personality, and found it very easy to make friends, despite her very serious condition. She was very adamant about not letting her disability interrupt her learning. I made some accommodations - such as writing her a 2-mallet part because she was not able to hold four mallets, and allowing her to rest during rehearsal as needed. Her parents were extremely supportive, and made it a point to be at every single trip so that could assist her however needed. She truly was an inspiration to the whole band, and is now excelling in college!
edited by Douglas Moser on 9/4/2018 |
5/14/2019
Topic:
Tools and Strategies
Douglas Moser
|
In order to facilitate a disabled student who wanted to participate in marching band, I utilized electronic drum pads that triggered various percussion sounds. The student could hold a pair of sticks, but could not raise their arms very high, and sat in a wheelchair. I placed the electronic drum pads at a height the student could reach, and he was now able to fully participate in our marching show in the front ensemble! |
5/14/2019
Topic:
Assessment of Learning
Douglas Moser
|
In my percussion classes, I've had students with physical disabilities that prevented them from playing certain performance assignments at the required tempo. These include scale tests on mallets, and rudiment test on snare drum. I've worked with these students to find alternative goal tempos that would allow them to experience progress, despite not being able to achieve the faster tempos. I've also adapted piano assignments to be played one hand at time for physically disabled students. |