Music of Andrew F. Poor

  Our Reality by Andrew F. Poor, DME originally published by the National Band Association, Georgia Chapter, September 2020 One of my favorite mottoes is, “It is not your excuse, it is your reality.” It is a constant reminder that we must always be solution-driven rather than problem-focused--this has never been truer than now. As we return to school, we face various challenges; some of us might be ill-prepared to handle. I know I am. Honestly, there were times over the last five months. I was overwhelmed and feeling defeated by our situation. Based on conversations with friends and colleagues, it became apparent I was not alone.  "It is not your excuse, but it is your reality!"   This summer, while reading a leadership book,  Extreme Ownership  (Willink & Babin, 2017), written by two former Navy SEALs, a few ideas struck me. No, I am not planning on turning my students into Navy SEALS, but some of the best ideas/reminders can come from the most unlikel...

"Battle for another day!" Thoughts on the Middle School Music Rehearsal When I was an undergrad, I was first introduced to Bruner's Spiral Learning Theory . At the time, the concept was presented as an abstract ideal with little to no direct application. The idea of learning concepts and continually revisiting those concepts and layering new learning onto the previous concepts which eventually led to mastery seemed to be common sense. Yet, when faced with the cold reality of developing my own curriculum and teaching in a room filled with young energetic minds the theory was quickly forgotten. I was chasing the next concert or administering playing tests. The educational equivalent of walking barefoot in a dark room filled with lego pieces and sharp furniture. A lot of painful mistakes. I wanted it perfect now and I expected my students to get it "Right now!" and this was my way of setting high standards. The reality was this approach led to terrible i...

This is a summarized version of a clinic that myself and Dr. Steven Tyndall gave at the 2009 Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois.  Click this link if you are interested in the full handout from the clinic,  http://nebula.wsimg.com/14ee473521229f7b2d28c4c0bd7f485c?AccessKeyId=8A07B23F9D49DAA23B98&disposition=0&alloworigin=1 Building Block 1-On your mark! Get set...   Go slowly and be thorough in the beginning. It is important to s pend some time on basic reading/notation. You can g ive students written material to review while you are working with different sections. Be extra careful when setting the  embouchure-make graduating to the instrument an accomplishment. You must cover proper instrument maintenance from the beginning. I insist that that they be able to show me how to: properly assemble, swab, oil valves, care for a slide etc... Be insistent on proper hand positions and posture. Have you ever tried to fix bad right-hand positions...