What's Your Why?
Why:
Every kid deserves a chance to grow as a musician and feel proud of what they accomplish — no matter what neighborhood they live in.
How:
By adding iPads, mic clips, and the TonalEnergy app into our daily routine, students can hear their progress, get instant feedback, and take more ownership of their learning. This extra support helps them play with more confidence and raise our UIL performance as a group.
What:
Students learn how to track their growth, improve their performances, and walk into concerts and contests feeling proud of what they’ve achieved — skills that stick with them far beyond band class.
Tonal Energy App
Reflection:
Fine arts programs are often overlooked when it comes to district budgets, even though they serve a large percentage of students. Change is hard, and with limited funds, it can be difficult to make fine arts a priority.
In the Heart of Change video, John Kotter explains that lasting change starts with emotions (Kotter, 2011). Our “why” focuses on helping every student feel proud of their accomplishments, and that emotional connection is what will inspire action from stakeholders.
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One way to highlight our need is by focusing on what administrators already see and value. When the band performs at Friday night football games, it’s clear how much work goes into creating and performing a halftime show. By connecting that visible effort to the need for better technology, we can help stakeholders understand why these resources matter. Then, when students perform at the UIL Concert and Sightreading evaluation in March, we’ll have tangible evidence of how this technology supports student growth and success.
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As Kotter emphasizes in his urgency video, showing both the emotional “why” and the visible results helps lower complacency and moves people toward action. When administrators and community members see how this technology can help students feel proud, supported, and successful, we can create the urgency needed to make this change a reality.
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Reference:
Kotter, J. (2011, March 23). John Kotter – The heart of change [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NKti9MyAAw