Jose Ruiz Dr.Schmidt MUE2040 7 December 2013 Observation hours Hialeah Senior High School Mr.

Omar Perez 10/9/13, 7:20- 8:54 am Concert Band-Wind Ensemble: Mr. Perez first uses doctor beat to produce a F2 note for the lead Tuba to tune to by ear. After the Tuba player is tuned the rest of the instruments tune to the tuba, I see that this is a way to develop ear training instead of relying on a tuner. After the band is tuned, he tells the group to take out 42 Chorales from Bach. After playing through one piece he tells the group what he is expecting from them and to keep their eyes on him because he may not do the same thing. He goes through the piece again but this time differently to make sure the group are being active with their eyes and if they still perform it musically. He then announces three pieces he wants to take for a concert in December. The group takes out the first piece. He then tells the group about the piece and its history of each movement. He then points out each hard part for each section so they can go over it for a few seconds. Mr. Perez goes to a stereo and connects his phone to the receiver which he plays a professional recording of the piece. While they follow along. They begin sight reading the piece after they finish the first movement he makes a joke about the faces of his young members while playing that piece. This repeats all the way to the end of the piece. He tells the group that they have a lot of work to do which the group responds with Yes Sir. The group shows a lot of respect when he talks and when he asks a question. He starts telling the group what they need to do musically for certain parts of the piece, he then lets them know what he wants to do at certain parts so they can mark in. He repeats this process for two more songs. The environment is very prideful all trophies are hanging on the walls along with pictures of the groups of the past years. The kids are playful and crack jokes with the Director but when it is time to play music they understand the role they must play.

Great friendly environment Great way to teach the piece for the first time very informative.

Hialeah Senior High School Mr. Omar Perez 10/10/13, 12:44 2:20 pm Concert Jazz Band Mr. Perez stays in office while the Jazz band manager(student) tunes each section starting with the lead saxophone. Theres no rush to tune everyone has to be spot on according to the jazz band manager. Mr. Perez steps out after they are done and tells them to take out a piece which seems to be their standard warm up piece. After playing it he reminds them on the style and which sections were good and which they can be better. Director always follows up with a good compliment after saying a negative comment. He teases when they play like pansies to get them to crescendo better. He steps down when a soloist is playing giving them full freedom While soloing he gives gestures to other to communicate with the soloist without screaming over the group He is very big on intonation and makes sure funky chords are being played correctly. He takes the time to make sure each note is in tune for the chord, he has patience and does not get mad until it is correct Once they play the warm up one more time to his liking they take out a piece fly me to the moon He uses the guest as audience and judges to rate them so they can feel the pressure of FBA and play to its standard They go through the piece once we judge them, it was great for their first time playing it. He then plays a recording for them and tells them to look at the parts. After this he then tells them how he wants specific sections to be like He doesnt make it similar to the recording he adds his own little taste and lets the student have freedom with it. They end with him explaining his expectations and what he wants to hear next time. They all respond Yes Sir. Environment is similar to the Wind Ensemble and the pride is still there.

Only difference is the kids are more relaxed and easy going in Jazz while in the Wind ensemble they are more serious.

Felix Varela High School Dr. Sam Lussier 11/26/13, 8:30 - 11:00 am Concert Band Intermediate group and Wind Ensemble: Dr. Lussier first tunes the band, does not rush the process then he waits till everyone is in tune I believe it is there concert day so he tells the group the order of the repertoire and then they do straight run through of the pieces. Director doesnt talk much he makes sure the students are watching him and gives more gestures when there is any problem or any fluctuation in time or if they arent playing at a volume desired. After playing each piece the Director would give them great analogies of sections to give them a better image of what they need to do. The discipline in musicality is great. He doesnt teach individuals. Each section is responsible and understands the concept of unity and playing as a section. The Director has a lot of power over the group in a respectful sense. They do not disrupt his teachings in any sort of way even when he is not working with them. The Director goes over a section over and over for students until they get it right. Dr. Lussier worked with the Wind Ensemble woodwinds before working with the whole group, seems the woodwind parts were much more complex as usual. Then they play the full concert repertoire. The director never allows there mistake slip he points them out immediately but never stays negative he always give compliments as well. Hes not strict all the time he makes fun of them in a friendly way when they dont do something correct and lets them know they can do a certain section much better. Gives students time to relax The overall environment is calm but controlled; the presence of their musicality is definitely there. Respectful group and very knowledgeable Director. Great learning environment

Hialeah Senior High School Mr. Gonzales

12/5/13, 9:02 12:44 pm Advanced group High Low Singing Choir It seems they are having an indoor field trip rehearsing for a performance outside of school after. Mr. Gonzales allows them to stretch on their own He then joins in by giving them instructions on stretching their neck by lifting their chin and going in a slow circular motion Then he tells them to go into open second which is a form of your feet being shoulders width apart. He then tells them to exhale and reach down to touch their tows and to hang very loosely He tells them to inhale going up slowly stacking each vertebrae as they go up. This leaves them in a nice posture standing straight. He tells them to roll their shoulders back and let them arms hang and then tells them to put one foot slightly in front of the other Mr. Gonzales then plays a chord on the piano and each member does a long tone sequence to warm up. After he says lets do our Warm up, the choir begins to sing their Alma mater Satisfied with what he heard they start playing their performance pieces which involves moving. The performance is slightly like a play but it isnt a play at all. Mr. Gonzalez has a great group they sound great and they barely make mistakes. The group is much disciplined and show a high level of respect to the choir director who seems to have been in the school since the dawn of time. He tells them what they can do better, he doesnt have to scream or be serious He is much laid back its like the students dont take advantage of the free atmosphere. They go over different sections to spot check but the group is extremely talented. He tells them to relax and as they sit he goes over what they can do better and if a certain voice needs to be heard. He then tells the soloist to stand and they start going over there solos He works with them for a good 35 minutes. He gives great analogies and tips to improve and he is the type of teacher that will give you an example himself. He shows them how he wants things by singing it himself but he allows his students to add their own talent into it. He does one more final run through then explains to them what was good and what was bad and how to improve. He always explains how proud he is of the group and to perform and entertain the crowd and have fun doing it. Great environment feels like a trusted warm feeling as well as easy going and relax. Felt like a professional field. Great Director has a lot of passion and teaches great.