4/10/2018
Topic:
Students with Disabilities
Ryan Gantt
|
Three years ago I had my first student who was visually impaired in my concert band. This student wasn't completely blind but was severely effected with almost complete blindness in one eye and the other nearly 60% blindness. At first the student said he would take the music home and memorize his parts, but I quickly found that this student had difficulties with the more challenging high school rhythms. I found that I was able to connect with the student faster when I could copy his part larger on paper and we worked one on one after class. The progress was slow and tested my patience as a teacher, but I knew that this student was learning and truly mastering their understanding of musical notations. We would practice measure by measure until they had the entire song memorized. I'm proud to say that my student was able to perform their part perfectly for our concerts. I am truly thankful for the experience to have worked with this student and would be excited to welcome any student into my band with a disability. |
4/12/2018
Topic:
Tools and Strategies
Ryan Gantt
|
In my band classroom I like to utilize peer partners. I like to pair my upperclassmen with underclassmen. This not only allows students the opportunity to share their knowledge but it also allows them the ability to grow in their deeper depth of knowledge. You never really master a subject or concept until you are required to teach it to someone or a group of students. The second is the use of technology in the classroom. I like to have students record themselves playing a passage and then they must submit it for grading. This techniques allows students to review their recording, their selves playing, and review their mistakes or successes. I also like to give them a list of questions to think about while they record. This really holds everyone accountable. |
4/12/2018
Topic:
Assessment of Learning
Ryan Gantt
|
Most recently I have a student in my music theory course that needs a little more time than most students. This students works best with a mass lesson and then we'll work one on one at a much slower pace. This student is allowed extra time on test and that seems to work well for them. Along side this student I have a homebound student. This student plays and records themselves on weekly etude exercises. One a month they will come in after school to have a private lesson and they will attend all concerts. Listening to recordings and listening to themselves playing has been a effective tool in keeping this student engaged from afar. |