E.K.P.B. Learning Strategy


Our organisation is now one with teaching at its heart which defines our rebuilding and way forward. Any organisation engaged in effective learning requires a strategy to maximise learner outcomes. Members now have the opportunity to grow and develop as independent, self directed learners.

At the heart of our learning strategy are our four fundamental components which are;
Engage - Kudos - Practice -Bold.

Together they spell;
E.K.P.B.

Engage;
Official term to become interested or involved in an activity, or to attract someone’s interest to participate.The band’s tutors will tailor lessons to fully engage every learner and inspire them to completely participate. Learners should come to tuition and be fully prepared to immerse themselves in what is being taught.

Kudos;
The Cambridge dictionary insert for Kudos states the following: “Acknowledgement and praise for an achievement or accomplishment, demonstrating recognition and appreciation for hard work and success”. We aim to give both public and personal praise when outcomes are earned when our learners make an attempt at and also get things correct. By celebrating our successes we build harmony and unity to encourage future learning.

Practise;
Oxford dictionary meaning is to do or play something accurately, regularly or repeatedly in order to become skilled at that task. Everyone will be expected to carry out practice on an individual regular basis. Practice is done at home and this practice is paramount to attaining the required standard to be invited to the competing corp. In addition, regular attendance at band practice nights is expected from all competition level band members.

Bold;
Simply be courageous, confident, fearless, and be ready to take calculated risks. We will strive to equip our learners to be bold, brave and courageous performers. This will help them break the cycle of nerves, weak technique, anxiety followed by poor performance. This boldness will allow them to play with renewed freedom.

E.K.P.B.

E.K.P.B. Learning Covenant


What is a learning covenant and reasons behind it:
A Learning Covenant is a binding promise of far reaching importance in the relationship between individuals and groups. In a learning covenant, adult tutors and learners must respect one another as persons and acknowledge the skills and knowledge that each has to offer.
As our band strives to reproduce better quality music each time we play, music that we all can take pride in. We believe it is important for us to construct and communicate a learning covenant that all will follow which gives a voice to our musical visions and goals. To this end, we have developed a list of 8 promises we will make to our members and a corresponding set of promises we want them to make to us in return. We believe that, if we all stick with our promised behaviour, then we will create an environment which is enjoyable and focused as we strive for the music we each have within.

——————————

Tutors' Commitments
During tuition/band practices, We promise to:
1. START AND STOP PRACTICE SESSIONS PUNCTUALLY. We will not disrespect anyone’s time.
2. AFFIRM, CELEBRATE, AND ENCOURAGE ALL BAND MEMBERS. We will encourage and celebrate members musical achievements and constantly push them to strive for perfection.
3. BE ENTHUSIASTIC. We will encourage and nurture always for a positive learning outcome.
4. LISTEN ATTENTIVELY AND POSITIVELY TO BAND MEMBERS. We will avoid anticipating what members will say when we call on them during band practice.
5. BE OPEN-MINDED. We will avoid conveying an attitude of “We know best.” We will assume there is merit in other ways to see an issue.
6. BE THOROUGHLY PREPARED AND ON TASK. We will not “wing it” and engage in self-serving stories or irrelevant practices.
7. BE FAIR IN WHAT WE ASK BAND MEMBERS TO DO. We will not burden band members with tuition tasks that add minimal value or carry unreasonable standards.
8. PROVIDE USEFUL AND TIMELY FEEDBACK. We will provide feedback which is current and on point to the task members are undertaking.

———————————

Band Members' commitments
During tuition/band practices, You promise to:
1. BE PREPARED AND PUNCTUAL for each band practice session, individual practice has to be done in your own time. Be ready to start when the practice session starts, showing respect for all.
2. BE REASONABLE. With making requests for time off from band practice. As a compettion band there is an expectation that members will demonstrate their learning when called upon to compete.
3. BE COURAGEOUS AND HAVE FAITH Always try your best, work hard and push for understanding. Participate fully when called on at practice and in compettion. Trust in the methods of the band tuition, it’s designed to get you to play your best music. Believe that learning will result from your commitment to the approach.
4. OWN YOUR SHARE OF THE LEARNING JOURNEY. Do your learning and hard work in your own time. Exercise initiative and responsibility for your side of the learning process.
5. BE ON TASK. Always ask purposeful questions and offer suitable examples.
6. LISTEN ATTENTIVELY AND REGULARLY REFLECT. Build on the comments and contributions of band mates. Reflect on class insights and compettion feedback to clarify and cement any lessons which might be learned.
7. PROVIDE THE BAND WITH CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK. This should be conscientious and professional, let us know what we did well and also what we could do more effectively to support your musical learning journey that allows you to be the best you can be.
8. BE SUPPORTIVE AND ENCOURAGE. Strive at all times to be the best example of yourself and help others in the band to do the same.