Do I cut kids from my program?
I teach 3 orchestras and 2 bands in a middle school. There are 2 choirs taught by another teacher. My classroom comfortably fits 30-40 but my class numbers are 7th/8th band: 69. 6th band: 57. 8th orchestra: 55. 7th orchestra: 35, 6th orchestra: 37.
The main issue I'm running into is space and storage in the classroom but also instruments to supply all of them. I'd estimate that 90% of my students use a school district instrument. There are no extra practice rooms to use as storage. The music office is filled with cello racks. I talked to my principal about adding another section for band, because I see it being an issue when my 8th graders move out and my current 6th graders want to be in band next year with no space in the class. Do I audition into the band next year even though they've only had 1 year of playing? I also find it difficult to teach the 57 6th graders all at once this year and I feel like my quality of instruction has drastically lowered.
What solutions/thoughts might you be able to think of regarding space, class size, and teaching efficacy with large numbers? Thanks!
