Submitted by Dianne Park, San Diego, California
Idea posted October 28, 2009
I sent the letter below to ALL teachers and administrators (Principal and V.P.). I did not chastise anyone in particular, just sent this note after a program with poor audience behavior. I actually got e-mails saying, "Thank You for the rubric. I will use it to discuss audience behavior." I remind the kids before each performance about the rubric and also resend it just to teachers before each program.
After that particular assembly, the kids were MUCH IMPROVED! I commented on that fact publicly and told them they all received a 3 on our audience behavior scale. Teachers were pleased!
I still have some teachers who sit on their hands, but most teachers appreciated this letter because I included the standards and a rubric. Assembly behavior is much better now!
- Dianne
Here's the note I sent...
Teachers, (please share with subs, as well!)
Sometimes our students have problems being polite listeners in assemblies. Did you know that one of our music standards in EVERY grade is to learn to be an appropriate audience member? I have listed some of the grade level music standards below and a rubric you can use with your students before and after an assembly. Students need to be aware of their behavior as it affects not only the listeners around them, but also those giving the performance. Someday it may be their turn to perform and they will certainly want to be respected when they do.
Please use the rubric below with your students. Ask your students the question: Did the audience do their part to make the performance successful? I hope our audiences receive an "assembly behavior grade" of 3 at every performance! This will help the performers and their teachers who have worked so hard, to feel appreciated and respected by their peers.
Audience Behavior Rubric
3 – The students always focus on the performance (speakers, singers, etc). They exhibit exceptional behavior, providing a good model for others. They participate in an appropriate manner by listening attentively and need no teacher reminders to sit quietly. Keep hands and feet to selves, do not chat with neighbors, show appreciation with appropriate applause.
2 – Students need occasional teacher reminders to listen attentively and/or to be quiet. Students turn around to talk to other students, may get out of their seats, or not follow all the rules for good audience behavior.
1 – Students need frequent reminders to sit still, be quiet and/or listen attentively. Students talk to neighbors, make comments, and make it difficult for other students to listen . Student may need to be moved to a different seat, or removed from the setting.
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Grade 2 California State Music Standard
4.1 Aesthetic valuing
Respond to a live performance with appropriate audience behavior.
a. In order to accomplish this standard it might be helpful to design a rubric with your students (above is a suggestion) for appropriate audience etiquette and practice respectful behaviors before going to an assembly (e.g., listening without talking, showing appreciation with proper applause, keeping hands to self, etc.).
Grade 3 California State Music Standard
4.1 Aesthetic valuing
Select and use specific criteria in making judgments about the quality of a musical performance.
(see above for ways to accomplish this)
Grade 4 California State Music Standard
4.1 Aesthetic valuing
Use specific criteria when judging the relative quality of musical performances.
Develop a rubric identifying the criteria to assess personal and professional musical performances (e.g., performers are expected to be focused, well rehearsed, quiet on or off stage, prepared, and sing in tune with proper tone and correct expression).
Evaluate and discuss personal and professional musical performances using a rubric and describe what was liked about the performance.