[HANASHIR:7960] Re: Help with 7th Graders...

[Ketzev2 <Ketzev2...>]

Hey there all--

Since there isn't any "one right way" to approach this, it is important to me 
that I look into myself first when working into the challenge of this age 
group. I hearken back to "Mr. Holland's Opus" and how he finally found 
success by drawing parallels to what it was that excited his kids. One thing 
that is for sure is that these kids have (or think they have) a clear idea of 
what they DON'T like. The trick is understanding what they DO like and 
reaching that end. 

IMHO that comes down to two things. Song that they perceive as "cool" and 
that have a GREAT beat or a "hook" in old rock and roll terms. This is 
paramount to this age group. Being "cool" is essential to these kids, because 
if the music isn't, then they aren't!

Rock beat songs have been the Backbone of NFTY songsessions now for 25 years. 
 Or Zarua, Not by Might, Heiveinu, just to mention a few. There are newer 
ones too. 

Find them, learn them (very, very well) and then teach them. If you sell it 
right, it will go along way.

One last point. 7th graders are fascinated by great musicianship. If you play 
your instrument really well, this too can be an ally in the classroom.

Good luck--

Steve Dropkin
Birmingham, AL