As students approach their mid-term exams and juggle schoolwork, extracurricular commitments, jobs, and family obligations, it becomes more important than ever to master the art of balancing competing priorities. Time management not only ensures success in the short term but also lays the foundation for success in college, careers, and life beyond high school.
For SCHS Band members, the ability to manage time effectively is crucial. Between attending rehearsals, preparing for performances, and completing academic assignments, it can seem overwhelming. However, the SCHS Band program offers built-in support systems to help students navigate these challenges and develop strong organizational skills that will benefit them in the long run.
One of the ways the SCHS Band program supports students is by encouraging them to take advantage of extra time built into the school day for practice and assignment completion. Many of our students utilize this time to keep up with their individual practice responsibilities, including submitting assignments for their Comprehensive Musicianship Program (CMP) and preparing for upcoming Mid-State band auditions. This dedicated time ensures that students can stay on track while balancing their academic and personal commitments.
At SCHS, students are given multiple opportunities throughout the day to use the band room for practice or other band-related tasks. Each morning, from 7:45 AM to 8:20 AM (35 minutes), the band room is open for students who want to get in some extra practice before classes begin. This open access is especially beneficial for students who may have after-school jobs or other commitments, allowing them to stay on top of their music without sacrificing other responsibilities.
Additionally, the school-wide ICU time from 9:57 AM to 10:22 AM (25 minutes) is another block of time that students can use to visit the band room for individual practice or sectional rehearsals. Whether they’re working on audition music or completing band assignments, this time is crucial for students looking to manage their workload efficiently.
For those students who prefer after-school practice, the band room is open from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM (1 hour and 30 minutes) on days when there is no After School Rehearsal (ASR). Even on ASR days, students can still use the time between 3:30 PM and 4:15 PM (45 minutes) to practice or submit playing test videos. Altogether, there’s roughly 1 hour each day built into the school schedule where band members can practice in school, plus an additional 45 minutes on ASR days and 1 hour and 30 minutes on non-ASR days.
The flexibility and structure of these opportunities are designed to teach students the value of managing their time wisely. By giving students a framework within which they can practice and complete band-related tasks, the SCHS Band program supports their overall development, ensuring that they not only meet their musical goals but also learn to prioritize and manage their time effectively.
As mid-terms approach and students juggle their many commitments, it’s important for parents to know that the SCHS Band program is here to support them. Time management is a critical life skill, and through participation in the band program, students are learning to navigate the demands of school, personal life, and extracurricular activities with greater confidence. By taking advantage of the available resources and support, SCHS Band members will leave high school well-prepared for the challenges they’ll face in the future.
We encourage all students to make the most of the time available to them and continue developing the skills that will serve them throughout their lives!