The Application And Practice Of Multiple Intelligence Theory In The Band

“The theory of multiple intelligences” is one proposed in the 1980 s by Harvard developmental psychologist Howard Gardner about potential developments of human intelligence. Once published, the theory attracted a widespread concern and became a theory of global influence. The theory of multiple intelligences suggests that, in addition to the traditional notion of linguistic and mathematical logical intelligence, there are multiple levels of intelligences such as “musical intelligence”, “bodily kinesthetic intelligence”, “natural observation intelligence”, “spatial intelligence”, “intrapersonal intelligence”, and intelligence factors like “interpersonal intelligence”. Gardner’s “the theory of multiple intelligences” had broken the conventional, narrow concept of intelligence and provided a broad platform to reinterpret the concept of intelligence. Therefore, the theory is widely applied in different aspects of teaching practice.Music education is one of the essential means to promote quality education. A wind band, with its unique “diverse musical instruments, many actors, different style, extensive audience” and the characteristics of artistic charm, has become one important instrument of quality education. “Musical intelligence” is one of intelligences developed early in growth, and it plays an important role in the development of other intelligences. Meanwhile, a wind music performer’s music literacy, rhythmic movement coordination, self-cognitive abilities, and interpersonal communication ability is considered as key factors which influence the overall quality of a wind band. Based on these theories, we believe that a wind band is a suitable subject to apply the “theory of multiple intelligences”.This research innovatively introduced the “theory of multiple intelligences” to the construction of our school wind band. Based on the characteristics of the band, the eight elements of intelligence are divided into five modules for the targeted training. The aim is to make the band into one with a high cultural and scientific qualities and one with the capability to perfectly perform high level professional band music works. In the teaching, rehearsal and performance of the band, we adopted various forms of training modes such as: theoretical study, using multimedia audio-visual materials, drawing, communication, competition, social practice, etc. The performers’ multiple intelligences are developed optimally with the emphasis on the development of music intelligence. Practice has proved that the performers’ multiple intelligences have been developed; the overall quality and performance level of the band have been improved effectively under the guidance of the theory as well. As a result, the band music performers who have enhanced their sensibility and expressive qualities of music become the messenger to spread truth, goodness and beauty.