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Post by altosax4life on May 19, 2009 21:28:10 GMT -5
Has anyone here ever been a mentor? I get to mentor two incoming freshmen. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips and or advice on the subject of teaching someone else. I hear it's difficult.
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fruple
Band Nerd
Go Participation!
Posts: 167
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Post by fruple on May 19, 2009 21:55:47 GMT -5
Mentoring is required? Here, we do something we call "adopting a rookie", which is just an optional thing you just do, so I guess that's close enough (or if not, just disregard this next portion of this post). Also, I've been subject to more of being the adoptee rather than the adopter as I adopted someone adopter adopted (If that makes sense). The first thing I would say is get to know them. Just have the three of you get together, maybe even with all of your section (if their in your section) and just talk. Mess around a bit on your horns, but play games to help them relax, chat, eat. If you want them to respond to you, make yourself open to them, and gain their trust. Have like a movie party or a theme party to just look ridiculous and laugh together. Next, the teaching. Don't get frustrated if they don't get it right away. Try to have different teaching ways available to them (check this thread for ideas), and be prepared to take it slow. Maybe have a sectional to work on say, 8 measures, work those, take time off to chill, and if they get it, maybe give them icecream after or something. Rewards are fantastic. For marching style, just practice. Have one person go up, you and the other kid critique them. They may be really nervous the first time, but let it go. Have the other person go, then go yourself. It may help to have another vet to help point out things to them and help them speak up when they see something wrong. Also, if there's a point their having trouble with, do a really exaggerated one to show them then do what their doing. Have them do it, and if they mess up, go and fix it for them, but keep your hands holding them in the correct position for a few steps so they can feel it when they move. Or, if all else fails, just bring a digital camera to sectionals, record them doing it wrong, show them how to do it right. Remember, reward them when something goes right, and just help them out if something goes wrong. Being patient with them is a must, because some concepts are really hard to grasp. The whole marching not duck footed took me all my first season, but I got it because whenever I did it, my section leader would quack, letting me know I was doing it, but no one else knew that I was doing something wrong. Yelling at people in front of others really demotivates them, and if you make them do physical fitness, try not to do it in front of the band. It can get embarrassing for some of the weaker kids. So, be patient, be kind, don't be afraid of them. Try to get to know them right away, because they'll really like having a familiar face in the midst of all these new people. Invite them over whenever you're talking to people, introduce them, make them feel welcome. Above all, mold them into a better version of yourself.
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Post by trumellotonium on May 20, 2009 18:55:01 GMT -5
A word of caution with having other vets helping them: if they make one mistake and everyone tells them about it, they just got a million criticisms. If possible, have people tell you or their section leader if they make a mistake and then they can just hear it from one or two people in stead of everyone. Other than that, I agree with the above.
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Post by altosax4life on May 22, 2009 8:10:32 GMT -5
Mentoring isn't requiered it's optional. but I love making people feel like they belong. Thanks for the great ideas guys. It's really going to help. I get to meet them today. Im also bringing them candy so we get off on the left foot... wow that was a bad joke. Anyway thank you again
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