Professional Development Plann
Part 1
Standard #1 – Singing alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music. Previous to my time at Penn State, I had never had to sing. I am very uncomfortable singing in front of others. Through my various semesters in Sight Singing classes, I will develop more skill as a singer and confidence with my voice, being able to hear and sing different melodies. Also, I am taking Voice 115 next semester where I will learn more vocal methodology. In addition to learning these skills in school, I will attempt to be less bashful about singing in social situations so that I develop more confidence with my voice in front of people of all ages. I will use my knowledge by having children sing pitches to me as my band directors have in the past. I find it a great tool in a band environment.
Standard #4 – Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines. I do not feel like a strong composer or arranger as I have never had experience in this field. I also think it would be hard to incorporate this standard into a band setting. Through theory classes, I have begun to learn about part writing rules. As I continue through my theory classes, I feel that I will gain enough information and knowledge to take it upon myself to try to write several songs on my own. I will work on them until I feel they meet the requirements that I have spent years of theory learning, and incorporate musical knowledge from other areas as well. Perhaps as a band director I can have a project where the students write short songs to meet this standard.
Standard #7 – Evaluating music and music performances. Often I find myself a very hard critic on myself and not as hard on others. As a future music educator, I need to critique everything and everyone equally and with an open yet alert mind. A great way to remedy this would be for me to continue to take advantage of all of the concert events Penn State has to offer as well as their masterclasses—two of which I have recently attended—and other musical opportunities. Next semester my schedule will permit me to attend Music Common Hour which will be a perfect way to work on this standard.
Standard #9 – Understanding music in relation to history and culture. I believe this is one of my weakest areas within all of the standards. I was never much of a history buff, nor do I know a lot about different cultures during different periods. While I do have a musical history class beginning next semester, which in itself will be a great source of new knowledge, I feel that I should begin working on my lack of historical knowledge now. I can take it upon myself to research each composer of the pieces I play as well as the country during that age and use this knowledge to better interpret the music, thus playing within the context of the piece. If I can learn to do this, then hopefully I will be able to successfully teach this as well.
Part 2
Comfort in front of crowds. I tend to be slightly uncomfortable in front of crowds, which is not a good characteristic in a soon-to-be teacher. I began implementing a plan to remedy this by interning in a middle school band program last year, where I helped to run sectionals and the occasional band rehearsal. Already, I began feeling more comfortable in front of the students. To continue this growth, I hope to complete my 80 hour requirements at least in part by being in front of children so that I become increasingly comfortable as the center of attention. I will also take a speech class which will hopefully give me pointers as to how to be a good speaker when in front of a crowd, as well as get me in comfortable in front of my peers—and in my opinion, what group could be more intimidating than one’s own peers? This will help immensely and help prepare me for a lifelong role as a music educator.
Expanding my knowledge of other instruments. Because of my love of music, I have picked up several instruments other than flute over the years. These include the piccolo, oboe, piano, bass guitar in my high school jazz band, and our marching band’s drumline. However, outside of these few select instruments, I haven’t the slightest idea how to play, teach or fix any of these instruments which would be a serious shortcoming in a band director. Luckily, the music program will send me through methods classes for every instrument. I will take it upon myself to go above and beyond the normal requirements and become proficient on as many instruments as possible. I will also take advantage of offering at Penn State such as the recent repair workshop.
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