ERIC Number: EJ898792
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Sep
Pages: 7
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0027-4321
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Teamwork in the Music Room
Criss, Ellen
Music Educators Journal, v97 n1 p30-36 Sep 2010
Physical education teachers and coaches of athletic teams are well aware of the values of strong team spirit, and they depend on cohesion among team members to successfully achieve their goals. "High-performing teams... do not necessarily have the best individual talent and ability available, which means that other variables--such as motivation, respect, responsibility and communication--are of paramount importance" (Jones, 2002). These aspects are equally important in the performing arts. Musical ensembles, such as concert bands, depend on the development of cohesion to achieve synergy in the form of an excellent sound and enjoyable performance. No other curricular discipline in the school is as focused on group effort as in the music classroom, or in the gymnasium. Without the elements of a cohesive team, a young concert band or orchestra will not perform as well. A school conductor who accentuates only the technical components of the music on the page is ignoring one of the important aspects of his or her ensemble: the philosophy of teamwork. A music director who wants to facilitate team building can promote philosophies and activities to strengthen the ensemble in each of the areas of team building: goals, commitment, communication, leadership and role identification, social support, and team identity. A summary of suggestions for classroom use is presented. (Contains 24 notes.)
Descriptors: Communication (Thought Transfer), Music, Teamwork, Team Training, Musicians, Leadership, Music Education, Music Activities, Role Perception, Social Support Groups
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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