The Little Bands Program is designed to give students a deep understanding of the songs they are learning, and to then provide an opportunity for each student to use and apply that knowledge as a working member of a band. Here's how we do it:
- First the band learns the song by listening to a CD or reading music and singing. Then everyone grabs a guitar and learns the guitar part and the bass part. After that , the whole band moves to the keyboards and learns the piano part. Next everyone takes drum sticks and learns the drum part. Finally, we split up, and everyone takes turns on the different instruments playing as a band.
- Half way through the semester, the band stops learning new songs and starts rehearsing them. The band decides on a set list, each band member chooses the instrument they will perform on each song, and we start getting ready for the show. Preparing for a performance teaches mastery. Music is, after all, a performance art.
- Every time the band meets, we make sure that there is an opportunity to "jam" together. It is important to take the time to learn new things, but we understand that the reason we are there is to experience the euphoric feeling of playing music together.
- Little Bands students learn to record themselves on computer recording software, playing each different part of the song, so each student will have a CD of him or herself playing every part of the song.
- Our curriculum is tiered, so the parts are always easy enough so everyone can participate, but there are always more challenging parts to play if you're ready.
- We really really care about each individual child.
