Module 6 - Conformity

Conformity is something that can be put to good use in developing a successful middle school band program.  Middle school children considered adolescents and are easily influenced by what is around them.  It is a time when students are very much aware of what other people think and how they act.  Conformity can have negative effects on students, but it can also provide an environment for students to be successful.

A sense of pride and belonging is something that is of utmost importance in an organized ensemble.  Creating this sense of belonging is something that the director and an elected student leadership team can develop.  My creating an elected student leadership team, the students claim a sense of ownership to the ensemble and have a vested interest in it.  The leadership team can meet with the director on a weekly basis to discuss activities such as spirit days or t-shirt designs to promote a sense of belonging to the ensemble.  They can also create guidelines for the band room to help all students have a sense of ownership to the program.

Performing for the student population and community can also create a sense of conformity.  Students are performing together and sharing their sense of accomplishment with their peers and with potential supporters of the school and program.  If students feel appreciated, they have a sense of purpose and can appeal to a larger crowd.  This can help recruit students into the program and build upon the foundation that has been set.  In addition, field trips to hear other ensembles can be very beneficial.

Students can easily travel to the local high school and perform in a rehearsal or football game.  This gives the students an opportunity to see where they will be in a few short years.  The music that is chosen for this type of rehearsal or performance is pivotal in appealing to the students.  Involving students in the process of choosing music would also be beneficial.  While playing pop songs would not be completely appropriate all the time, it can be done from time to time as a fun addition to serious literature or put in a recruiting concert for younger students.  Bringing students to a local concert to observe is also a great way for students to be exposed to the ensembles at the next level and see what is available to them.

Activities outside of the band room are also an important aspect of conformity.  Music boosters can assist in this type of activity, but things such as fun field trips to amusement parks, roller skating rinks, or even movie/junk food parties at school can add to the sense of belonging in a band program.  If the students are learning a sense of loyalty, hard work, and belonging then these skills will more than likely transfer into their performance and other areas of life.  These life lessons will help to produce productive members of society as well as supporters of the arts.