Standard #5: The teacher of PK-12 music has skills in selecting, analyzing, interpreting, presenting,

and evaluating music and music performance within the context of music education.

Selecting, analyzing, interpreting, presenting, and evaluating music, is a key component of a

good music educator. If you cannot select good music for your students you are either holding them
back or causing frustration in choosing repertoire that is too hard. As a teacher I must also be able to
analyze and interpret the performance that my students are giving in order to know what to address the
next rehearsal. And finally I must present my evaluations in an effective manor so that my students
understand what needs to be done.

In my time at K-State I have had many opportunities to analyze, interpret, present, and evaluate
music. This was done through leading sectionals in marching band and being a University Band
conductor. In order to be an effective university band conductor, I would listen to previous rehearsals
and analyze things that went well and poorly in order to present a new lesson. In order to lead effective
lessons I had to have an understanding of what has gone well for the ensemble as well what skills the
ensemble can use to improve. These skills are also important to use during a lesson, when things are
learned quicker than you think or if the ensemble isn’t responding to your original lesson. Basically the
music teacher needs to be adaptable for his/ her students.

Through these experiences I see just how important student involvement is. In my classroom,
my students will be asked directed questions such as, “How did that sound?” “Why do you think that?”
“What can we do better next time?” These questions will allow my students to analyze, interpret, and
evaluate the music that they just performed. On top of that they will present their ideas and reflections
to the class to continue improving as an ensemble. It is important for students to be just involved in the
rehearsal and music making process as it is for the teacher.

I believe that this is one of the most inclusive standards, meaning you can really involve your
students in the music making process. It is important to keep them involved and to keep yourself as a
teacher accountable in order to allow the ensemble to improve on a daily basis through asking questions
and encouraging student involvement.