Distance Learning using Tradition of Excellence and Standard of Excellence!

Mar 17, 2020

Dear Colleagues,

Distance Learning

Many of you are faced with the need to create plans for online band instruction as we all come together in response to theCoronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). I want to remind you that if you are using either the TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE COMPREHENSIVE BAND METHOD or STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE ENHANCED COMPREHENSIVE BAND METHOD Second Edition, you already have everything you need to facilitate distance learning!

Eight easy steps:

Have students activate the free INTERACTIVE Practice Studio on their desktop computer, tablet, or phone using the instructions in their student book.
Assign lessons using your normal means of communicating with students online. Include specific teaching instructions that apply to your students.
Have students practice the assigned exercises with the accompaniment recordings using the slowdown and looping features to facilitate learning and accuracy. Also have students review the included videos that apply to lessons you assign.
Ask students to record their practice performances using the in-app Recording Studio, then have them email those recordings to you using the in-app email tool. Recording may consist of counting, counting and clapping, singing, and/or playing the exercise.
Use Test Lines and Medal Lines to grade student progress. Students using TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE may also complete the test reflection forms for additional learning.
Have students respond to questions that you create relating to the cultural and historical information in each book and in the IPS Yellow Star Extras.
Ask students to complete the written exercises in the methods using the in-app Annotation Tools, then screenshot and electronically submit their work to you. You may also wish to have students write in the counting on each line in the book and submit that for your evaluation.
Have students continue to prepare for future performances and festivals by practicing with the recordings of the included solos and band arrangements—both at tempo and below for maximum benefits. Assign specific passages for students to record for your evaluation.