Group Observation Essay

In this group there were no disruptive members. I filled the role of an observer, I offered feedback at the end of the session. The counselor filled the role of standard setter. There was an encourager, a harmonizer, an expediter, and a follower.

Lead guitar player and Band Leader in both the Fall Term 2014 and Fall Term 2015 sessions.

I am a dedicated and conscientious student in class, and a key member in many extra-curricular activities. As a keen musician, playing violin, trombone and piano, I contribute to a number of musical ensembles in school and played an integral part in the organisation of our school’s summer concert. I am also a member of several local youth orchestras and bands, with whom I have toured abroad many times, most recently to Italy, France and Belgium.

This is Faith Cox and welcome to my section leader essay. As you may know, I am now a junior in the Lewisburg band program and maintain the position of second chair in the French horn section. Last year I applied as a sophomore, and I can confidently say I have not only gathered more experience over the past year, but I have also become even more passionate about band. That passion has led me to once again apply for section leader. However, this time I am much more matured as a musician, and I am eager to see my section succeed as they have in the past and help them in any way they may need.

As a member of Weaver High School Band, I serve as first chair flute and as section leader of flutes. I am responsible to see that flutists

About three weeks into marching season, a spot opened up. Of course, I had to audition for the spot with the other alternates, but I was successful in winning a marching spot at that time and have never lost it. I also worked hard on becoming a better musician. I drastically increased my practice time and was fortunate enough to be able to hire a private tutor to improve my musical abilities. Now in my senior year I am in the top band and I am on the varsity marching squad. I have even obtained a leadership role in the band as a rank leader. As a rank leader I am a mentor and coach for several other students in the marching band. I really feel like I am providing these student the same thing that Zack Santos provided for me. It makes me feel good that I am assisting other kids in achieving their

In the first grade, I picked up a clarinet. It was my sister’s, collecting dust while waiting for me to play it. From the moment I produced my first sound, an ear-piercing squeal that frightened my dog, the path of my life took a turn for the better. I began teaching myself for the following three years, along with learning from my sister how to properly play the beautiful instrument. The music pushed me out of my comfort zone: concerts that forced me onstage, tests that made me play difficult songs, and teachers that pushed me to be an exceptional player. From the shy elementary school student I used to be to the outgoing band member I take joy in being today, music has shaped my everyday life.

A high school music teacher and band director, Dwight Asberry provides valuable instruction in both specific instrument training and general music appreciation and history. He also excels as a composer and arranger. Over the course of his career in music education, Dwight Asberry has directed a number of college, high school, middle school, and youth organization performance ensembles including symphonic and concert band, jazz band, pep band, marching band, drum line, wind ensemble, string orchestra, and choir.

Freshman Band- Freshman is included in my curriculum because this allows the directors focus on the development of 9th grade students understanding of music and fundamentals. Skill ranges will vary but those that are “rising stars” will be placed in musical leadership positions that they may not obtain if they were in the upper level ensembles.

I was a part of the elite Symphonic Orchestra and I applied for District Honor Band. I even joined the Jazz Band where I learned how to play the

Due to my failure to make All State, I recognized that I did not need the recognition, the big performance and the medal that is given out. What truly mattered was the improvement that I achieved as a musician. In those short summer months, I had polished my scales and sharpened my sight reading skills. I was ready for my next audition which propelled me to the second highest band in my high school band program, the Symphonic Band. Competition for this band is usually very high and I was quite proud to have achieved such an

Earl Haig Elective Senior Concert Band - I’ve been First Clarinet at my school’s concert band for four years. I am responsible for attending weekly rehearsals and competing in the Kiwanis Music Festival, often winning Platinum and Gold Awards.

As I walk into the football field in this cool Saturday night, I am greeted by the beat of the drums and various instruments being blasted from each talented musicians. But instead of meeting with the band in the football field on a school night, we met at Kapolei High School for the 6th Annual Kapolei Marching Band Festival on Saturday, November 14, 2015. Our nerves were in excitement, but this year will be different. After our performance, I was convinced that we had performed to the best of our ability. As award time came around, we would find out if we performed the best in our division.

Sophomore year of marching came. This year was a surprise for everyone. With our show being named ‘Masterminder.’ The band members marching were under control by the color guard soloist; the puppeteer. This show was pretty exciting, too. The judges also thought that. We made it past regionals AND semi-state. What? Yeah, we all thought the same thing. We had made it. We had FINALLY made it after so many years of just trying to get past regionals for once. It was a bitter-sweet feeling waiting for placement awards at Lucas Oil Stadium. The instructors went around to each band student one by one. The congratulated us on an amazing season. I started tearing up, but that isn’t surprising. As we marched our way out of Lucas Oil Stadium that night, I knew that this was only the beginning of a new generation for the Marching Marksmen.

Groups talk about goals in different ways, using different words. Some groups have major and minor goals or meta- and micro-goals; others divide goals into mission, purpose or goal, and objectives, while other groups talk about aims and expectations. A group is strengthened to the extent it has clear goals and all members know what their roles are in helping to achieve them (Dimock and Kass, 2008, p.62-63). My placement is currently in the Mental Health field and as mental health workers we have groups that are organized to promote to mental health of all and to support the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness.