An evaluation provides Ms. Davoll with the opportunity to see how each individual student is retaining the information presented in class. It gives essential information needed to determine what needs more review and when it is time to move on to the next skill set. These evaluations have both a playing and written component and will happen while we are preparing each concert.
A full band reseat will take place as a result of each evaluation. That means the scores are totaled and compared with other students within their section. The student with the top score will become the Section Leader. The other students will sit in order based on that evaluation. By doing one of these evaluations after for each concert, every student has the opportunity to try to change where they sit within their section. New seats will be announced following the concert.
I always worry about the students during evaluations because many students place their self-worth on where they sit in band. Although I was exactly like that when I was their age, I really want to teach my students to take this as a learning experience instead of a measure of them as a person.
Please help me make this a positive experience by reminding your child of the following things:
1. ALL members of the WMS band are equally important!
2. ALL parts of the music are important! Melody without harmony is just boring!
3. These evaluations will decide seating for the next concert. If students are not pleased with their chair placement, another opportunity will be given to challenge following that concert.
4. If a student prepares and performs to the best of their ability, and they end up sitting in the seat they hoped for, they should feel good about their accomplishment while remembering that others may have also prepared and performed at their best.
If a student prepares and performs to the best of their ability, and they do not end up sitting in the seat they hoped for, they should STILL feel good about their accomplishment while remembering that others may have also prepared and performed at their best.
If a student does NOT prepare and perform to the best of their ability, and they end up sitting in the seat they hoped for, they should remember humility. Making their lack of preparation known to other students will definitely end with hurt feelings. It is also important to remember that “Hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard.”
If a student does NOT prepare and perform to the best of their ability, and they do not end up sitting in the seat they hoped for, they should remember that hard work does pay off and another evaluation is coming soon!
