Philosophy of Music Education
“The study of music demands precision, discipline, and attention to detail, with sets of rules and regulations that govern its place in time and space. Yet, all of this becomes flexible by music’s creative nature. Music reflects the emotional awareness of a people’s culture in a moment of time, thus freeing itself from constraint. This process only becomes possible when one can link the cognitive and affective sides of the human brain. Music seemingly achieves this with ease as music performance and perception accesses the analytical and organizational aspects of the left brain with the imaginative, creative aspects of the right brain. Music accommodates all learning styles, be they aural, kinesthetic, or visual. Every subject is relatable to music and vice versa. Because of this, music education, at its best, can be a means to promote learning without boundaries or boxes that separate different types of knowledge. At its best, schooling can be about how to make a life, which is quite different from how to make a living.”
-Michael Hebert, Composer
Band is an ensemble that connects a visual representation of any given piece to the aural presentation through instrumental sound. We achieve this art by way of these key fundamentals:
Tone Quality: proper breathing, support, posture, embouchure, achievement of the ideal sound
Balance and Blend: Students will learn to play in part to the entire ensemble. The art of hearing the “band sound” as opposed to individuals
Intonation: Listening skills are developed, reinforced, and refined
Articulation: Students will learn the different styles of note articulation using proper technique
Technical Fluency: Challenging, yet accessible, music will be presented to the students in order to foster a successful technical range.
Accuracy and Precision: Students will be able to portray the music in the manner in which it was composed. This includes all elements of the ensemble performance.
Musicality: Creating a living representation of the music by way of dynamics, phrasing, and expression.
Aside from the musical elements, band is a melting pot of important “real-life” qualities that are necessary to learn at a young age. These qualities will prepare students for the real world and are concepts that we encounter every day as adults. Physical Coordination, Physical Conditioning, Good Work Ethic, Punctuality, Team Work, Discipline, and Pride are the traits that will be carried over into the everyday life of your child as a result of this band experience. With the combination of the musical and characteristic life traits, it is my hope that students will foster a strong passion for music and education, while upholding a positive attitude that reflects this community, the West Lincoln High School, and this band program.