by
12. May 2009 08:09
Tags: Critique, Judging, Education, Band Professional Development, Judges panel, Band tools, Band Office Tools, Music Education, Adjudicators
With marching band season coming to an end, it's time for reflection. Did you reach the goals you set? Did your students reach their potential? Did you use all of your tools to get there? If the answer is maybe, almost, or not quite to any of the questions, consider the following. Critique is another tool to help students reach their potential.
Critique is an opportunity for staff and adjudicators to ask questions and share information related to the production. Adjudicators and staff need to work as a team to insure the best possible experience for the students. Critique should not be perceived as an "us against them" situation. We all work for the improvement of the students. To get the most out of your critique, there are four basic steps to follow.
1. Prepare - Listen to the tapes provided by the judges. Be sure to take notes on what is said and refer to those notes during your discussion. List both positive and negative comments. Listen for repeating problems or issues from all the judges. Develop two or three questions based on the input.
2. Inform - Start your critique by stating your goal. The tone of critique will vary based on your needs. Are your goals to be competitive, skill driven, learning experience for students?
3. Discussion - After you state your goals, ask the questions you developed. Write down the answers that are provided. Focus on your show and how to reach the goals you set. Avoid scores and placement. Don't waist your time discussing other teams, focus on your students.
4. Decisions - Take the information you gathered and look for repeating patterns. Determine what you can do based on your students abilities, time constraints, and goals. Put together a priority list and stick to it. Look for patterns from week to week and combined lists. Remember to only do what directly fits your goals.
Critique is a great tool when used properly by both staff and adjudicators. The whole point is to help students learn and have a great experience.
Good Luck to all. Work hard. Have fun.
Respectfully, Marci Carlberg MCGC Circuit Judge