Six-Second Test

Six-Second Test by Jim Swiggart

The six-second test is a teaching method to hear each student daily; using a pattern that allows them to play a measure or pattern with a metronome for 4 counts, followed by 4 counts of silence where the director assigns a grade, gives a comment leading to the next student in the seating order until the entire section has played and been evaluated. (Grades are A+, A, A-, etc allowing subtle differentiation, comments are succinct (example: work on tone, hand position, articulation weak, etc.). Play four counts, grade four counts, play four counts, and so on. After last player has played go through the section asking them to raise their hands if they got an A+ (assign new seating from highest chair to lowest) continue then with A, then A- etc. until all have a new seat. Then the student writes his or her seat/grade/date of test on a piece of paper in their folder and takes their new seat at the next rehearsal. When all testing is complete, remind them to take new seats at the next rehearsal. At the end of class, announce that the next seating/grade assignment will be lines 31,32,33. Be ready for any measures in those lines.

Test example:
Daily warm-up is finished. Announce the measure or pattern for testing. Example: second measure, line 5. Start a metronome at correct speed for the example. Start with the flutes, count off for first player, they play, give score/comment on the four counts of silence, and next player begins immediately without missing a beat until section is completed. Once complete, assign seats for flutes. Proceed to the next section. If a player makes a mistake or gets lost, the next player must come in on the correct beat or they get penalized as well. Learn to be at the right place at the right time! Nothing like counting and knowing when to play!

After the test is completed, compliment some of the improvements in skills heard today and note areas that need to be addressed. Sample grade and remark: (A-, improve tone quality) which means the student could have made an A+ with better tone), they obviously played correct notes, patted foot, had good hand position, posture, etc. and the teacher is pointing out the major area for improvement.

A class of 30 students can easily be heard every day in four minutes of class time and the result is they are constantly assessed, graded, motivated, held accountable for assignments, learn techniques by hearing others, etc. and teacher knows what to work on next by hearing them individually! When they are not playing, they must be engaged by fingering the pattern, foot pat and air play the pattern while another student is being tested. They learn to improve silently and stay focused on skill building. The result = strong musicians!

A personal example:
I was teaching a class of 86 beginning students of woodwinds, brass, and percussion and team teaching with a first-year band teacher. We used the six-second test every day after embouchure drills and warm-ups. Enthusiasm was very high (they loved competition), they gained knowledge of all playing skills, learned appreciation for other students skills, stayed motivated daily, took their instruments home every day to be ready for next test, played for their family, gained confidence by playing in front of others and the list goes on! The end result was not one student dropped band, confidence was extremely high and they were a model group as they went through our program with great habits.

P.S. At higher grade levels, shake up the players who have the same part to encourage higher levels of playing and also do a technique drill to shake the section up from top to bottom. Use your imagination. Great for tough places on contest/concert music. MOTIVATION! Personal growth happens when you are evaluated and encouraged daily. Growth is slow when the student is always just a part of a group doing the same patterns without receiving personal attention.

This teaching tool has made a terrific difference in each school I taught in. I hope it helps you! Please email me at swig@cox.net if you have any questions. Thanks!

Jim Swiggart Jim Swiggart was inducted into the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame in 2006. He taught from 1961-2006 at Watonga and Blackwell, Oklahoma, Hutchinson, Kansas, Moore, Okla., Putnam City, Oklahoma and Berryville, Arkansas. After retirement in 199l, he continued his role of General Director of Opera in the Ozarks at Inspiration Point Fine Arts Colony, begun in 1989. This nationally recognized Opera Festival which prepares young artist for opera careers is where he began his music study, singing leading roles and playing in the opera orchestra from 1955-58. In 2001, he came out of retirement to build the Berryville band program from 14 students to over 70 students that culminated in a 2003 performance in the Cotton bowl contest. Berryville won superior ratings in Concert, Jazz, Field Show, Parade and was the outstanding band in Jazz and Field show. He and wife Janice live in Holiday Island, Arkansas and are the proud parents of 4 children and 7 grandchildren.