Name of Lesson: How to Practice

Grade Level: 7 Subject: Band Prepared by: Rachaelle Grimsrud Overview and Purpose: Students will learn how to practice on their own by implementing the "How to Practice" guide into their weekly practice. Educational Standards 6-8.Mu.3.1.2 Read and notate music symbols (time and key signatures, note values, standard notation symbols for pitch, duration, dynamics, articulation, expression). 6-8.Mu.3.1.3 Use standard musical notation to sing/play grade appropriate material. 6-8.Mu.3.1.4 Formulate a method of consistent musical practice. 6-8.Mu.3.2.3 Sing/play expressively with appropriate dynamics and phrasing, considering the intent of the musics creator. Objectives: Specify skills/information that will be learned

Students will learn how to practice on an individual basis using their "How to Practice" guide. Students will use practice suggestions on their "How to Practice" chart to guide their practice. Students will use their iPads to record 15-20 minutes of an individual practice session.

Materials Needed: Chair Stand Music Binder How to Practice Guide Instrument iPad Video App Dropbox App Other Resources: (websites, videos, books, etc.) Fingering Chart (method book or app) Metronome/Tuner (stand alone or app) Information: Give and/or demonstration necessary information

1. If an iPad is not available to each student, this assignment can be completed using the video function on their
personal mobile device. If students do not have a mobile device with video capability, they may use a computer with video capability. If a student does not have access to this at home, they may use one of the band room computers to complete this assignment.

2. If a student would like to use a metronome/tuner app, fingering app, or the Garage Band app on their iPad and are
unable to record video while using those apps, they may record the video using their personal mobile device or computer.

Verification: Steps to check for student understanding 1. 2. 3. Monitor the progress of each section and the ability of individual students to follow the practice chart. Follow student practice sessions as they work their way through the "How to Practice" Chart. Determine if the student met their practice goal. If a student does not understand the chart, they may play for the teacher during break or lunch.

Activity: Describe activity that will reinforce the lesson Introduction:

(5-10 Minutes)

Introduce "How to Practice" Guide to class. Walk them through the flow chart, step by step. Answer any questions they may have. The teacher will chose 4-8 measures to work on as a class using the chart, making sure to explain each step as you move through the chart. The teacher will record the introduction using the video application on their iPad. After class, the video will be uploaded to the class website, so the students may refer to it if necessary. Small Group Activity
(10-15 Minutes)

Divide students into sectionals. Each section needs to identify a 4-8 measures that need work. As a group, they will follow their "How to Practice" charts. As they are working in sections, the teacher will float from group to group observing their understanding of the chart and their ability to follow the chart. Review
(10 Minutes)

When students reassemble in a large group, have each section leader explain to the class what they worked on and why. After each explanation, each section will play the 4-8 measures they worked on in their sectional. Home Activity: Students will use the video camera app on their iPad to record 15-20 minutes of their required weekly practice sessions. As they practice, they will identify their practice goal and begin working their way through the "How to Practice" Chart. When they have completed their video recording, they will save it to the public folder in their Dropbox account. Once the video file is saved to the students Dropbox account, they need to email the video link to their teacher. Notes This lesson plan is designed to be used at the start of each school year to teach students how to efficiently practice. By using this lesson plan at the start of the year, the teacher is setting up the student to be successful and identifying any deficiencies right away.

WHAT TO PRACTICE:
1) Determine the music & the measures that need improvement. 2) Is it the...Rhythm, Notes, Articulations, Dynamics or Phrasing?

PHRASING
1) Is it a 2, 4, or 8 measure phrase? 2) Are there breath marks? 3) Write in breath mark(s) 4) Take in BIG air 5) Play Phrases in 1 breath Practice SLOWLY (Play 10x Perfectly)

(pick ONE to work on) 1) Pick 1-4 measure(s) to practice 2) Pick ONE of the following to practice: Rhythm, Notes, Articulations, Dynamics, or Phrasing. 3) Practice SLOWLY, then gradually speed up.

HOW TO PRACTICE

DYNAMICS
1) Look up dynamics/symbols in your method book. 2) Really listen to yourself play 3) Do YOU sound like the dynamic is supposed to sound? Practice SLOWLY (Play 10x Perfectly)

RHYTHM
1) Write in rhythms 2) Clap & Count, 3) Sizzle 4) Play on 1 note/pitch 5) Play as written Practice SLOWLY (Play 10x Perfectly)

ARTICULATIONS
1) Look up articulation symbols in your method book. 2) Are you tonguing correctly? 3) Really listen to yourself play 4) Do YOU sound like the articulation is supposed to sound? Practice SLOWLY (Play 10x Perfectly)

NOTES
1) Look up fingering(s) 2) Look up/Write in note name(s) 3) Check/highlight key signature 4) Say note names and finger along 5) "Air" along Practice SLOWLY (Play 10x Perfectly)