How to Create Community in Your Band Program

So, we've just completed the first two weeks of school and I'm now sensing the vibe of each class. But you know what? I can control the vibe of the class! Do you know that you can control the vibe of your class? It's a little like being a puppet master. If you sense some negativity, look inward. Are you feeding that negativity? Kill the negativity right now with being super positive. Create some fun and engaging lessons and activities. Do you feel like you might be wasting valuable rehearsal time if you have some social activities instead? It might seem like that, but by taking up some time now to set a positive classroom climate right now in the beginning, it will give you so much time back later in the year. Your rehearsals will be more positive and productive. 

So how do you do that? How do you build that community? I've written about this before, but it is so important! One thing you can do is build in some time for your students to get to know at minimum all the members of their section. Allow them to talk to each other, learn each other's name and help each other. Make sure to make this an organized activity with specific parameters. Make sure to explain what you want the students to do (Tell each other your name, grade and what you want to be able to do better on your instrument this year. You will have five minutes to accomplish this. When my timer goes off, I will ask some of you to name all the members of your section.). Communicate with your students why you are asking them to do this (As a band, we need to know and trust each other. We need to be a tight-knit team working toward the same goals. We all have different strengths and weaknesses and can help each other grow and get better.). 

I also think it is important to share who you are. When you share with others, you build relationships which builds community. Don't get too personal, but share about your life. Put pictures and other things in your office. Talk with students about your favorite show, video game, what you did over the weekend, etc. outside of class. I teach middle school and that's an awkward age. For students to see that I was awkward too (and maybe still am), it allows them to see they are not alone - that it is okay to be awkward. That's what I really love about band - we are all a little weird and nerdy. Lol.

It is also good to have social activities for the kids. That's another thing we all remember about band - the social stuff. It is more difficult for me to remember what song I played what year in high school, but I remember the trips and fun social stuff we did in band. I've got a bunch of band socials on the calendar this year - and they are FREE (games and cards inside the band hall or ball outside in the courtyard). We also host two school-wide dances as fundraisers which are fun too. I also make sure every band attends an end of the year contest/trip. Those do cost money, but are so worth it. Trips and fun social events are a way for everyone to bond outside of the stresses of performing. When we do rehearse after having bonded outside of class, we are all a little more vulnerable and willing to do what's necessary to create a great product. 

What else? SMILE! It is amazing what a smile can add to someone's day and to your lesson. When you smile (even if it is fake), it will put you in a better mood. When you smile, it's contagious. You'll start getting smiles back which will brighten your mood too. People are more productive when they are happy. I know it's hard to be happy all the time. But if you feel down, smile and see if your mood improves. Start spreading happiness. People want to be around people who are happy. Kids will enjoy your class if you are happy and enjoying what you do. 

Create smaller communities in the band. I assign section managers and encourage them to build smaller families in their section. Section managers are to help the other members of their section (with performance things, with remembering to attend sectionals and take their instruments home, with homework and just other general things). They are also to be role models for their section. I make sure to choose the students who I believe are right for the job. I also tell them my expectations and let them know if they feel they cannot handle the responsibility to let me know so I can find someone else for the task. 

Ask certain students to handle certain jobs (picking up name cards, picking up papers, making sure stands are put away, making sure the rows of chairs are even, etc.). Kids like to help. By giving kids tasks to help you, they feel part of something. They feel needed. 

Before I sign off, I do want to point out that it is important to be you. Don't try to be something you're not. Kids can sense when you're fake and insincere. The biggest take-away is to make an effort and let the kids know you care - that you want them to be successful and have fun. 

Do you have any tips for building community in your band program? Please share them in the comments. I love that the band community is all about sharing. Hope you enjoyed this article and I hope you have a great year!!