What I learned from band....

I am here at Owen High School helping out at the Warhorse Classic marching band contest.  Been a while since I have been in my old "neighborhood" after being an administrator for 10 years, but it is eye-opening.

At band contests, you compete against a set standard, which is the judges sheet.  It is a "state" aligned sheet....standardized in a sense, and the judges all have to have completed some level of professional development in order to be a judge.....

Here is the difference....each band selects their own music and drill.  They all have different numbers, strengths and weaknesses....but the kids try, the parents support and the crowd appreciates the work that goes into the show....

Does the final score of the night determine the level of satisfaction or learning that has occured?  Sure. there is quite the difference in bands of 200 versus 25....in a way, apples and oranges....but learning has taken place...

here is my point....successful bands show their strengths and hide their weaknesses...just like successful sports teams.  In a way, they have a better aligned curriculum and maybe have a stronger tie to what is tested...we all need to maybe focus on what we now have and not get sucked into the latest and greatest educational fad and "quick-fix"!