# data[].attributes.body
My plan is to research the idea of playing assessments in band class and how they support student focus and motivation. I would like to compile strategies and implementations for different ways to assess students on their playing abilities.

# data[].attributes.body
My school has iPad carts that classes are able to utilize. All academic classes have a cart located in their classroom. I would like to sign out a cart and have students utilize SmartMusic through the iPads. My iPad
can be used in a practice room when doing individual playing assessments possibly for those that have an issue with playing in front of others. Having options of how to test may give students the confidence they need to play well.

# data[].attributes.body
This article focuses on the idea of setting a solid foundation in your band room before any true learning can happen. Director Gary Hammer, interviewed by Eliahu Sussman, recognizes the importance of inspiring students right out of the music gates.  He utilizes SmartMusic as an assessment tool, and finds the results to be rewarding for his students and himself.

# data[].attributes.headline
Article: Recruiting and Retention: Meeting the Community's Needs

# data[].attributes.subject
Article: Recruiting and Retention: Meeting the Community's Needs

# data[].attributes.body
Author Eliahu Sussman describes different ways and tactics for keeping students interested and involved in band. He gives examples of how successful programs keep students coming back to band year after year. Sussman also elaborates on the issue of the "visual standard" that band has been forced to meet recently, and how a program can overcome these obstacles.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Recruiting and Retention- Eliahu Sussman

# data[].attributes.headline
Article: Sharing the Podium: Enhancing You Students' Ensemble Experience

# data[].attributes.subject
Article: Sharing the Podium: Enhancing You Students' Ensemble Experience

# data[].attributes.body
This article lays out the idea of benefitting students through different experiences in their rehearsals. Many of these experiences involve "sharing the podium", or allowing current band directors, retired band directors, and university directors to come in and conduct in place of the director.  The hope through this process is to give students a different voice or method of instruction in rehearsal to possibly engage and motivate them in a new way.

# data[].attributes.body
Most middle school band programs will put most of the grading emphasis on participation alone. This cannot possibly demonstrate student understanding. The best behaved and prepared student could be the weakest player in the room.

From the book, Classroom Management in the Music Room: "Pin-Drop Quiet" Classes and Rehearsals, author David Newell (2012) states that, "We are emphatically not proposing that students deserve an A in our classes if they successfully stay inside the Rule Box for the duration of the grading period" (p. 193).

From the book, Teaching Music through Performance in Band: Volume 1, Second Edition, author Larry Blocher (2010) notes that, "appropriate, authentic assessment can be the very tool that keeps the students moving forward, that keeps you, the director, fresh (p. 46).

Grades cannot come solely from behavioral success.  They must come from student ability to demonstrate knowledge.

# data[].attributes.body
The book, The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander (2000) describe the meaning behind grades, and what actually lies behind the letter.  They describe an A as, "not an expectation to live by, but a possibility to live into" (p.26).
Relating grades to playing assessments could not only tear down a weak player, but could also discourage them from continuing in band. The object of my focus is to have assessment options for students to comfortably

# data[].attributes.headline
Article: Technology Tools to Help Orchestra Students Develop Critical Thinking Skills

# data[].attributes.subject
Article: Technology Tools to Help Orchestra Students Develop Critical Thinking Skills

# data[].attributes.body
Author, Giovanna Cruz (2015) explains the importance of student self-assessment and listening in the instrumental playing process. Even though this article is geared toward orchestra (strings), most of the information is relevant to the band world as well.
She touches on some big concepts when she asks, "Do they (students) think about their learning and their performance? Do they know how to fix their mistakes and can they verbally identify the issues?" (p. 27).

# data[].attributes.headline
Question:  What hoops will I need to jump through in order to get the SmartMusic program in my band room?  

# data[].attributes.subject
Question:  What hoops will I need to jump through in order to get the SmartMusic program in my band room?  

# data[].attributes.headline
Article: Technology Enhances Teaching and Learning in the Music Classroom

# data[].attributes.subject
Article: Technology Enhances Teaching and Learning in the Music Classroom

# data[].attributes.body
Along with the articles featuring SmartMusic, this article offers several technology avenues that band directors can take.  It highlights the concept of utilizing technology to regularly assess students.
Schneider (2016) suggests that even the smallest forms of technology can assist students in the learning process from using a computer to SmartMusic.

# data[].attributes.headline
Question:  How can I successfully implement a new assessment tool part-way through the year?  What steps will I have to take?

# data[].attributes.subject
Question:  How can I successfully implement a new assessment tool part-way through the year?  What steps will I have to take?

# data[].attributes.body
Dr. George Hess (2017) gives some insight as to how the SmartMusic program has changed and evolved.  He describes how band directors can utilize it to its full potential, and how it can make a difference in student achievement.
Hess mentions that teachers  can assign specific pieces or sections of music and students can individually practice and record their performance based on their own timeline.

# data[].attributes.body
Meghan Cabral (2017) describes how to bring your band class into the 21st Century through the use of technology.  She explains how she was able to utilize podcasts, at home practice methods, and individual playing assessments to maximize class rehearsal time.
She mentions that flipping the classroom, "allowed teachers more time with students during class to help struggling students as well as give more challenging work to the students who excelled" (p. 30).

# data[].attributes.headline
Article: Fabulous Middle School Band Rehearsal Techniques

# data[].attributes.subject
Article: Fabulous Middle School Band Rehearsal Techniques

# data[].attributes.body
This article gives a glimpse into the idea of utilizing the SmartMusic program to track student progress in their playing. Crandell and Dunn (2017) give their opinions on the success of utilizing this program and what it can do for student motivation and confidence.

# data[].attributes.body
This attachment includes the links to all of the articles.