Distance Learning
Resources
The following are resources developed to aid my 7th and 8th grade students in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Participation in distance learning after the initial shutdown and virtual reopening of schools was varied at best leaving gaps in the learning of my students as we approached the new school year. The challenges that arose were threefold:
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How do I bridge the gaps in learning left by the Spring semester shutdown?
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How do I approach a blended learning environment with students learning in a face-to-face learning model and an asynchronous distance learning model?
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How can I ensure consistency in learning should a face-to-face student need to quarantine or there be another shutdown?
Unison Melodies for Band
After researching for sources that addressed the problems and finding very little in viable results, I decided to create a resource myself. This book has become the major source of curriculum for my students for the school year and has allowed me to successfully educate my students in both face-to-face and distance learning models.
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This book is a collection of short melodies and exercises starting with simple rhythms and limited range in pitch. The range and rhythm complexity develop slowly over time reinforcing habits like proper subdivision, 4-bar phrasing, consistent articulation, and beautiful tone. The musical lines are original music, standard exercises, and patriotic & folk music from countries around the world including the UK, Germany, Israel, Italy, India, Japan, China, Korea, Vietnam, the Americas, Africa, and Russia.
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The lines are unison for all instruments with optional books for Oboe, Tenor Saxophone, and French Horn that are transposed for easier success. Percussionists are only provided a book for mallet instruments as there are resources that better suit the specific needs of a snare drummer.
Daily Drill
As a musician, executing a strong daily drill is absolutely fundamental to the student's development. However, distance learning settings can prohibit the opportunity for students to develop strong listening skills as there are usually no other musicians for a student to listen to as they progress. I solved this problem by creating a daily drill with ubiquitous exercises like deep breathing drills, long tones, and flexibility drills along with an accompanying audio track via YouTube with original music designed to pique the student's interested.
Scales
Scales are the absolute bedrock of western music and learning them is a major milestone in the journey of a musician. Students in an asynchronous learning can find learning scales to be a daunting task as there are many variables at hand for every note of every scale so I created a video resource for my students to learn their scales in such a way that learners of all varieties can be successful. Below is a sample of the videos created.
Beginner Resources
Another obstacle faced during this Covid-19 pandemic was educating beginner musicians in an asynchronous setting and ensuring an engaging lesson that allowed auditory, visual, kinesthetic, and reading/writing learners to thrive. I created a series of videos explaining the language of music to students who may or may not have had a rich elementary school music experience. Examples can be found below.
About
Jeffrey Tipps is the Assistant Band Director at McDonald Junior High in Katy ISD where he has served the students and families of the community for nine years. In those nine years his students have seen success at UIL Concert & Sight Reading Contest and the Katy Jazz Festival. His duties include teaching all first year band woodwind students, all non-varsity bands, and the McDonald Junior High Jazz Ensemble. He previously taught in Del Valle ISD located in Austin, TX. His former students are now pursing degrees in music from prestigious schools including University of Houston, Stephen F. Austin University, Sam Houston State University, University of North Texas, and the Berklee School of Music.
Mr. Tipps received his education at Abilene Christian University where his teachers were Dr. Eric Wilson, Dr. Sally Reid, Dr. Steven Ward, Mr. Greg Bush, and Mr. Derek Brown. He is also an award-winning composer and professional arranger for marching bands, concert bands, choral ensembles, and orchestras with clients nationwide. His clients consistently receive Division I ratings at UIL Region Marching Contest, receive high ratings at UIL Area Marching Contest, and compete at UIL State Marching Band Contest. His professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association where he serves as the TMEA Region 23 Secretary, Texas Bandmasters Association, TI:ME, Texas Jazz Educators Association, National Bandmasters Association, National Flute Association, International Double Reed Society, International Clarinet Association, and the North American Saxophone Alliance.