Posted by Gabriel Villasurda on January 28, 2008 at 16:50:13:
In Reply to: Motivation posted by Carol on January 28, 2008 at 08:45:06:
: Any suggestions on how to motivate 8th graders to audition for all-state orchestra and get excited (and serious)about contest?
For starters:
1. Take your students to a concert by the All-State groups. It could be that your kids think that All-State is for some other class of beings from Mars, when in reality those are kids just like ones in your town.
2. Get hold of the CD or video of an All-State performance and play it on the video in your classroom before or after school as the students are dropping off or picking up their instruments. I bet you will "draw flies."
3. Get your students prepared technically to be on a par with what it takes to be in All-State. If they need 3-octave scales, then get all your students to this level. If there is sightreading, then find out the kinds of things expected and do similar exercises with your group. Your kids have to know that All-State is within their reach, not just for genius prodigies who take lessons in the big city.
4. You need to find someone who was in it last year, even if you have to get a testimonial from a student in another town. Your kids have to find out that the whole scene is rewarding, engaging, compelling, and FUN. Don't forget to include the social aspects--living in a hotel, meeting new kids, playing for a new conductor, etc.
5. Get permission to shoot some video scenes of the All-State in rehearsal, in social activities, in concert, etc. Give the viewers some idea of the whole experience. Perhaps your state or district sponsoring organization would spend a few bucks to produce a 10 minute video to pass around to school directors like you.
Gabriel Villasurda
www.stringskills.com