I am a high school music teacher. Our program is currently very small, and only offers one class of band. I have had inquiries from our special education teacher (who has a self contained classroom) if there are ways we could get her students involved in playing instruments or joining band. Unfortunately, being a performance based ensemble it has not seemed like a viable option.
I am interested in hearing any ideas anyone has on what I could do to offer something for these students.
special ed and music
Do you have an extra period? If you do or could find one, you could go into her class and start an ensemble group of some kind. Even kazoos if nothing else or a glee club or singing group.
It depends on the students and their abilities, doesn’t it? If they have severe disablities, it would be difficult, but if their problems are merely academic, well, some kids might have musical abilities that haven’t had a chance to shine.
The problem is that anything you plan is going to involve more work for you so you can’t get in over your head; no matter whether you mean well, there are 24 hours in a day. Don’t feel guilty for saying no when reality intervenes.
Can you go in during your “free” period, show the instruments, have students try them out, and see if any seem to have an interest and the ability to follow directions so they could come to regular band class?
My daughter learned to play trombone, well enough to be accepted into the state university marching band, by working in the hall with her friends and then joining the high school marching band, never had time for a formal class. IF (and this is a huge if) you have the time and interest, you could set up an after-school marching band as a club, and allow anyone interested to join. Less emphasis on reading music, more on rhythm and marching — excellent practice for all your students, and a good way to reach dyslexic kids. You wouldn’t be winning competitions for a few years if ever, but everyone involved can have a good time and learn a lot.