Practice Makes Perfect!
How Ms. Gengo's Practice Marathon helps Young Musicians Succeed
by Riley Viyannalage
Embedded Files
Ms. Betsy Gengo
Every year after February break, something special begins in the fourth-grade band rooms at Dodge and Heim Elementary Schools. It's not a concert or a special guest, but the Practice Marathon, a five-week challenge created and led by longtime music teacher Ms. Betsy Gengo, who has taught band for 25 years.
Ms. Gengo, a talented bassoonist and proud member of the American Legion Band of Tonawanda, started the Practice Marathon as a way to keep students motivated during the long stretch of school between February and spring break. What began as a simple idea has turned into a loved tradition, one that not only improves musical skill and basic technique, but also helps to teach fourth graders important life skills.
Ms. Gengo with Dodge Elementary Band
Ms. Gengo conducting Heim Elementary band at its spring concert
What is the Practice Marathon?
Students are challenged to practice their instrument for 20 minutes a day, five days a week, for five weeks which is a total of 500 minutes. Those who complete the challenge earn a certificate of achievement. But for many students, the rewards go far beyond a piece of paper.
During the five weeks, students focus on a mix of warm ups, their lesson book, band music, and a weekly challenge. The challenges take place during band class and often involve playing a specific scale or a tricky part of a band piece. Winners of each challenge earn a small prize, such as a mini-eraser, and most importantly, a boost of confidence.
Ms. Gengo with her student
Motivation and Fun!
Students who go above and beyond are celebrated. The top 25 practice times for Dodge and Heim are invited to a special after-school ice cream party, and the top three from each school win a copy of The Pyramid of Success, a book about responsibility and accomplishment.
Mrs. Gengo says the challenge works especially well with competitive kids. “But it’s not really a competition against each other,” she explains. “It’s a competition against yourself. The students who practice consistently are the ones who succeed.”
Consistency is the key, not talent. And that’s a lesson that sticks with kids long after the music stops.
Building Habits That Last
Fourth grade is often when students first begin learning an instrument. That early stage can be tough. Learning notes, rhythms, fingerings, and everything in between is not easy, especially at that age. The Practice Marathon helps build a strong backbone, not just in music, but in life.
Each day, Mrs. Gengo writes a goal on the board in the band room to help students focus. She encourages them to do the same at home: set small goals for each practice session so they’re not just playing for minutes, but playing with purpose.
She also encourages families to host mini recitals at home, so students have something to work toward and can feel proud of their progress. “Practicing an instrument is different from sports,” she says. “There’s no coach on the field, it’s up to the kids to push themselves.”
Happy Students, Happy Band
When asked about the Practice Marathon, the kids had a lot to say. Lilyanna, who goes to Heim and plays both violin and flute, didn’t think it was hard to keep up with the challenge. Max, also from Heim and a flute player, felt the same way. Oliver, who plays the euphonium, said he made a plan to hit 200 minutes each week, and some days he’d play longer just to make sure he stayed on track. Brooklyn, a trumpet player from Dodge, admitted it was a little tough at first, but she got through it by practicing as soon as she got home each day.
Ms. Gengo with her students winning Practice Marathon
Each student had their own approach to goals. Lilyanna and Max aimed for 25 to 30 minutes a day, while Brooklyn’s goal was simply to get better each week. What kept them going? The prizes definitely helped, but they also really wanted to see their playing improve. Practicing for longer than usual was the hardest part, they all agreed. But by the end, they noticed a difference. Max, Brooklyn, and Oliver felt they could play longer without getting tired or frustrated. Lilyanna said she got a lot better at her scales and sight reading.
All four of them participated in NYSSMA and said the marathon helped them get ready, especially with preparing their pieces and building confidence. They also really liked the weekly challenges. Brooklyn said those helped her improve bit by bit over time. When asked if they’d do the Practice Marathon again, every single one said yes without hesitation. Lilyanna even smiled and said it made her want to win more prizes and keep practicing more.
Sparking Joy Through Music
The joy is obvious in the classroom. Mrs. Gengo loves seeing the excitement on her students’ faces when they finally play a section correctly. “I love watching their faces light up when they get a tricky part of their music,” she says.
Her motto? “Don’t practice until you get it right. Practice until you can’t get it wrong.”
And it works. Students develop not only better musical skills, but better focus, patience, and confidence. Even those who struggle in the beginning often improve by the end, simply because they’ve learned determination and perseverance.
Not every teacher runs a Practice Marathon, but for Mrs. Gengo and her students, it’s more than worth the effort. It helps transform something that can feel like a chore into something fun, exciting, and meaningful. And best of all, it helps young musicians believe in themselves.
The Music Boosters are happy to financially support the Practice Marathon and are exploring ways to expand support for elementary-school level programs in the future.
Page updated
Report abuse