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Abstract
The beginning band class is the foundation of many students musical performing life. Therefore, the quality of instruction at this level is of crucial importance. Research strongly suggests that superior instruction begins with effective planning. The adjustment of style and preferences to fit the needs of the various students in a particular learning environment is crucial to success. Research suggests that making this adjustment is one of the traits that distinguish veteran from novice teachers, and one which novices can learn through experience and observation of veterans.The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in the instructional planning and teaching strategies used by novice (0-5 years of teaching experience), experienced (6-14 years), and veteran teachers (more than 15 years) of beginning band. The following questions guided the study: 1) What commonalities and differences can be observed in the planning strategies of novice, experienced, and veteran teachers? 2) What commonalities and differences exist among the three groups in positive/negative teaching behaviors? 3) What musical and technical topics are addressed most and least often by each group? 4) What are the differences and commonalities among the groups in the frequency and duration of full-band, sectional, and individual instruction/performance? The 26 participants who completed the study were divided into three groups based on experience level: 10 novice, 9 experienced, and 7 veteran teachers. Data were collected in three forms: interviews with participants about lesson planning and teaching practices, sample lesson plans from each participant, and videotapes of each participant teaching beginning band classes. It was found that, compared to novice and experienced teachers, the veteran directors: 1) planned for more summative assessment strategies; 2) planned more pre-assessment strategies and provided more accommodations and modifications; 3) discussed more topics; 4) exhibited more positive modeling behavior; and 5) placed more emphasis on problems related to posture, holding the instrument, and embouchure.INDEX WORDS: Beginning Band, SCRIBE, Lesson Planning, Observational Research