Helping students belong.
1) Non musical skills celebrated
2) Creating indispensability
Students that experience success in school are less likely to have academic or behavioral problems than their peers whose experience is marked with many challenges. There are many ways that students “experience success.” A student that receives good marks in Math, an exceptional young mechanic, a fine debater or a gifted young musician each has achieved a degree of success and acceptance that will increase their probability of future success in the larger educational institution…and eventually in life.
How do we create these success experiences in our choirs for all members? While most musical organizations will be populated by a limited number of exceptionally gifted or experienced young musicians, the teacher can improve the humanizing quality of a music community by celebrating the non-musical successes of all the ensemble’s participants. Taking ten seconds to congratulate Hunter on his role in an upcoming drama production or recognizing Amanda’s doubles victory at the district tournament are tangible ways to honor the exceptionality of individuals in our programs. By recognizing and celebrating these successes, students will be more invested in the music program because they recognize that they are valued beyond what they contribute to the music ensemble. In our adult ensembles, inquire about the health of a spouse, the activities of a child, a recent promotion or recreational activity.
The choral conductor has the opportunity to have a powerful and lasting impact on even the seemingly unremarkable singer by helping everyone find a way to contribute beyond their role as a singer. By creating or finding a role or function that makes a member indispensable to the organization, we create in that singer a powerful sense of “place" and “belonging.” The young person who identifies themselves as the band manager will likely be more invested than a 4th chair third trumpet player. The alto that stands in the third row, second from the left will be less invested then Charolette, the membership chair on the board of directors. We communicate that a member is trusted and valued when we assign them responsibilities that are not doubled by another. Knowing that they are trusted and valued creates a strong sense of ownership and receptiveness to the acquisition of non-musical attributes like character, values, leadership, loyalty and the list goes on...
Too often we think of musical skills when we think of the ways that our singers can contribute to the music program. We must think out of the box. There is a desperate need for librarians, web designers, a superintendent of uniforms/robes, attendance takers and office aids. We need people to remind us of birthdays, celebrate member accomplishments and send around cards for sick and grieving members as well as the traditional leadership roles of drum major, section leaders, accompanists etc.. Creating opportunities for adolescents and young adults to stand out that are positive and character building is one of the blessings of working with people young and old, in choir and in life.
