Secondly, I'm going to start recording kids playing music. They all have to play scales/rudiments for me and have to try to find a time to come see me. However, if they can record it during band then these very busy kids can fit it in without adding too much more to their schedule.
Also, the third quarter will mark the first time they will be required to play passages for me, which they can also record. This adds a lot to my prep, but I think it will be worth it.
As a way to improve communication, all students will be required to post a comment online. It can be something they learned, something they are having trouble learning, or something they think we should be learning. A lot of college courses require this sort of activity, so it's a good preparation for college as well.