I was in chorus,and my teacher yelled at us for not knowing the songs when he didn't give us time to practice in class or bring music home!

well that doesnt really have anything to do with the music program just a bad teacher. I have a problem with the music program in the elementary schools. Kids are pulled out of class to participate in orchestra and i assume therefore towards band too. This makes the teachers discourage their students from participating. This time is important to kids future in music, and i think our school system needs to take it more seriously. And thank you cello fan for bring up this important issue! :D

Band at my school is strict! :x I sometimes have to give up my SGA meetings to go to rehearsal, and I'm an officer! I wish that I could miss some rehearsals, but that makes my band teacher not recognize me as much as a hard-working student. It goes along with clubs, but I wish my teacher could be a little more flexible.

when I missed a chorus rehersal it came off my grade!

My over all growth in the school's music program was :shock: retarded :shock: (literally) because of other peoples learning abilities. Music classes should be more like other classes, for example, the teacher doesn't wait for the students to pick up on something; they have more things to be taught. If some arent picking up on the music, then it should be the students job to stay after, "study" harder, get private instruction, etc.... as if they cared.I think there should be at least two ability leveled classes. That way everyone has a better chance of learning at their own rate.

I agree with Reggie the schools should have different level classes. It's not fair when the class is put on hold while the teacher works with individual students who are not putting enough effort into their music. In my chorus class we have to stop like every 5 minutes because students are off key, or they aren't singing the right verse, or they just aren't paying attention. My chorus teacher started a program called Honors Chorus where if you feel that you are an advanced chorus student then you can try out and join this extra program. Reggie- I think you should talk to a music advisor at your school to see what they can do. Good Luck! :)

I just dont think our society supports music enough for this to happen. Also, music, unfortunately for the people who do work hard and succeed, has to be graded like an art class, for effort not ability. If a student proves themself to be trying, they should get a good grade. However, it is very difficult to prove that you have been working in a music class, so slackers never get punished. I wish there were levels, but I really dont think it would ever happen.

Again, I'd have to say that my school is an exception. Almost everyon ewho participates in our music program (which we jokingly refer to as the Cult) enjoys it very much. Our teachers, Mr. Kilby and Ms. Hudak, are both very down-to-earth and talented. The program is regimented and set up in a way that everyone gets something out of the experience. We divide the classes into a Band I class and two Band II-IV classes. Chorus, Orchestra, and Percussion go the same way. Neither Kilby nor Ms. Hudak stop the class in the middle of the period to work with one person. The entire band plays together or breaks into sectionalsso that less experienced players or people who need help are made to work to a certain level. This isn't to say that individual help isn't available. Both teachers are more than happy to stay after with any students who want to touch up in certain places or even learn a new instrument.

As far as not being able to do other activities if you're in a musical ensemble, we don't have that problem either. In fact, most Cult members are involved in or the heads of many activities, from Class office to NHS to sports. Our musicians and singers effectively run the school and the music programs sort of provide a forum where everyone involved in disparate groups around the building can come together and strengthen the "Mustang Family." If you let your directors or advisors for either the music program or other activities know that you have another meeting or practice to go to, they're willing to let you out or to let you split time between the two. There have been times when i divided afternoons between three activities. (Drama rehearsal, jazz band, and SGA) you might only get credit taken away or get penalized if you don't let them know in advance.

and SLACKERS PAY IN MEADE MUSIC...our directors feel no way about giving detention or referrals, and if you're in Marching Band you may do laps for half a rehearsal, then have to deal with your Section Leader. if you don't try, we strongly urge you to leave. We don't want you there if you don't want to be there...

I remember Kilby. My freshman year we ran and ran. late to practice ran. mouth offed ran. But i did have fun in band and the second semester they split it up into different levels. I think that was really good.

I remember taking art in middle school and chorus as well because it was required. I believe they should have taught us things that all people should know such as how to read music and a little bit about the popular genres of music over the past few centuries. Thus I feel the music program in my middle school failed in teaching what I needed to know to have adequate knowledge in the real world. Furthermore, I believe there should be some way to pass out of art classes for high school. I have no interest in art and I knew enough about art to decide that. Same should go for a math class or a history class.