McNeese State University Department of Performing Arts Fall Faculty Retreat Integrating Service Learning into the Beginning Woodwind Class Jan Scott, Assistant Professor Mickey Smith, Band Director/Community Partner

What is Service Learning? A method of instruction that integrates community service with classroom learning in an effort to enrich learning experiences, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.

Who can be a Community Partner Service Learning partners can include: Elementary schools Secondary schools Institutions of Higher Education Community service programs Government agencies Non-profit organizations Faith based organizations Tribal nations

Our Community Partner- Maplewood Middle School. The school is located in Sulphur – Approximately 10 minutes from the McNeese Campus The school’s administrative staff has been very willing to try this new type of learning in their classroom. This is the first service learning class ever tried in the beginning band classroom in Southwest Louisiana.

Beginning Band Class Fall 2011 Mr. Mickey Smith, Band Director

Woodwind Class at MSU Monday and Wednesday 8:00-8:50 Changed this semester to correspond with Community Partner’s Class Schedule: 7:50am Maplewood Beginning Class – 7:45am or 10:30am

Attendance Class attendance First 3 to 4 weeks preparation for onsite lab. (Aug. 17- Sept. 14). Beginning Sept. 19 class will only meet on Mondays at MSU and the other class on site at Maplewood. Lab attendance—start week of Sept. 14-Nov. 29 Must dress professionally Must attend 10 labs, with no more than one per week Lab substitutes for future class time

Intention of Service Learning To benefit the provider and the recipient of the service equally. The Maplewood Student receives one-on-one mentoring and the MSU student gains knowledge through a real lab experience.

Service and Learning Objectives Real lab experience Small group experience Gain proficiency in beginning methods Collaboration Service objectives Assistance for Director Small group sessions Mentors to MMS students One-on-one tutorials

One on One Tutorials

Participating in Band Rehearsal

Small group sessions

MSU Student with MMS Section

Course Objectives The student will: Develop competence in woodwind playing, in practical public school problems, and in learning literature relevant to the beginning classroom. Demonstrate the basic mechanics of playing all Woodwind instruments and demonstrate diagnostic skills to identify and correct common problems. Evaluate the quality and utility of various methods of teaching woodwind instruments and provide written evaluations of their efforts.

Outcomes: Through class participation, the student will demonstrate/develop: Professionalism by being punctual as well as participating in class Proper care of the instruments Fundamental technique required of each instrument Preparation of beginning woodwind literature Leadership and conducting skills through scheduled and supervised sessions with the beginning woodwind class  Through weekly assessments the student will demonstrate: The ability to form a correct embouchure The ability to assembly the instruments correctly

Tools for Assessment Scheduled performance and written exams Journal kept by student-reflections of onsite visits Knowledge of the beginning woodwind literature with the use of Smart Music to learn solo repertoire. Knowledge demonstrated with the one-to-one tutorials Knowledge demonstrated with the small group sessions

Maplewood Student Survey --Fall 2010 Did you find the MSU Students helpful?: 100% responded YES Would you like to see them return to your classroom? 100% responded YES What did you like best about having Ms. Scott and the MSU students in your classroom? Student’s comments: “They helped us play better –teaching me new notes— they gave us tips – having time to speak with them—they worked with us a lot—I like to hear her play—I liked when we split up into small groups cause it was very helpful—They showed me stuff I really never knew—They helped us with our Christmas music—I thought it was cool—I don’t know how I would have learned some of my notes without them—”

Maplewood Student Survey Spring 2011 What did you enjoy most about having the MSU students in your band class?  Student response: they helped me with my notes—75% Getting to play with college students: 10% They play different instruments each time they came: 5% I was able to help them with fingerings: 10%  Did you practice more when you knew the MSU student’s would be there?  80% responded yes –they did not want to play bad with college students present 20% responded no – said they practice hard every day Were you able to help the MSU students with fingerings or embouchure?  75% of the students said only with fingerings not embouchure 25% said they did not help with either Do you feel you have made progress by having the MSU students in the class? 100% of the student’s responded YES  Are you planning on staying in band next year? 100% responded YES  

Maplewood Student Comments

MSU College Student Exit Survey—2010-2011 What was the most memorable experience during your year of service learning? “Playing in class on instruments they had never seen or heard.” (Oboe and Bassoon) “Working one on one or in sectionals with students. Laughing with the students.” “Observing Mr. Smith on a daily basis. When the Maplewood students were given the opportunity to teach us new notes.” What would you like to see improved?  “Playing more with the students in class.” “The same service learning technique transferred to all method courses.” “More opportunity to attend the beginning class.”(not just once a week) “I think it is the best it can be.” “I’d like to see more contrast between learning to play and learning to teach.”  Did you find this experience valuable as a music educator? 100% Yes “Yes, Very helpful. It helped me develop woodwind teaching skills.” “Yes, I feel so prepared to teach woodwind instruments.” “Yes, I enjoyed being in the classroom with the students and learning alongside the students.” “Yes, experience in the classroom is always useful.” Additional comments: “I’d have liked more opportunity to sit and watch instead of focusing on playing.”

MSU Student Comment

MSU Service Learners 2010-2011

Contact Information Jan Scott, 337-475-5025 jscott@mcneese.edu Mickey Smith, 337-8021093 hubersmithjr@yahoo.com