Graeme McFarlane PS III student

Mentors: Tyler Leavitt and Karly Lewis October 3, 2012

Professional Inquiry Project

Goal
Mission: What will you accomplish? (Goal statement)

Action Plan
In order for me to become a more knowledgeable and well-rounded band director being able to connect with the students by playing the instruments in a middle school band setting, I will complete the Standard of Excellence Book I for trombone and French horn by December 10th. I will also develop my knowledge and practical experience of percussive instruments by focusing on cymbals, triangle, tambourine, bass drum, and chimes in the Lethbridge Community Gold Band for our December 8th performance and bring my experience into the band classroom setting. The completion of Standard of Excellence Timeline: Book 1 in both instruments and a successful (By when?) performance in the Gold Band. Also an December 10, 2012) online beginners instrument resource manual common problems and tips in video form will be compiled for these two main instruments. In order for me to be able to teach the students more effectively by increasing my knowledge in these specific instruments, I can then pinpoint problems and apply practical solutions from my own experience. I can also connect with the students better, knowing the boundaries and capabilities of the instrument and beginning player. The same applies to the percussive instruments in Gold Band, a deeper knowledge of the instrument as a whole and techniques to help students succeed. The completion of these goals will develop me as a lifelong learner and will build the foundation of my knowledge and experience I can pass on to future students. Assets Liabilities 1. I have access to a trombone and 1. I am inclined to not set a French horn consistent practice time 2. I have an experienced support group 2. I am focused on planning around me who can help. and teaching and not my 3. I have sat in with the Grade 6 Band professional development students who are also learning their 3. I have to complete 2 instruments. books with 2+ instruments I 4. I have looked on Youtube for tips of am not familiar with in 3 how to play and do specific techniques months 5. I have a beginning band book 4. I like to figure things out 6. My Teacher Mentor and Faculty on my own without asking Mentor have experience in playing and for help teaching all of the instruments

Vision: What does it look like when youve accomplished your goal? I.e. How will you know you have achieved your goal? What are the indicators of success or progress? (Assessment) Rationale: Why is it important?

Pre-assessment: What assets and/or liabilities currently exist? How can you take advantage of your assets and minimize your liabilities? Who or what can help?

Graeme McFarlane PS III student

Mentors: Tyler Leavitt and Karly Lewis October 3, 2012

Action plan: How will you accomplish your goal? What will you do? By when?

Actions/steps to be taken (What will you do?): 1. Play with as many Grade 6 Band classes as I can 2. Set a specific time to practice for 15 minutes a day on each instrument(75 minutes per week) 3. Look at information online and my band book for tips and techniques 4. Ask for help if I am stuck 5. Keep a practice logbook and comment on what I learned that week. 6. Look at youtube videos that help 7. Look over Percussion parts and practice at home

Timeline: (By when?) 1. December 10, 2012 2. October 5, 2012 3. December 10, 2012 4. December 10, 2012 5. October 3December 10, 2012 6. December 10, 2012 7. December 7, 2012

Reflection: