WE WERE ON A BREAK!!!

Famous words from a famous sitcom from the early 90s.  And the topic of my blog post this week.

Sometimes, we work really hard at this thing we call teaching.  And sometimes, we need to REST.  I was fortunate enough to attend the CBDNA convention, spend some great quality time with my family, and even get some work done around the house (I still have so much to do....)

In my Philosophy of Music Education class, while pursuing my Master of Music Education, my professor, Dr. Randy Pembrook, taught us one of the greatest words in the world to use as a teacher - NO.

Why is this such a great word?  Because sometimes, we need to say no.  We need to say no to bringing home the extra work that could be done later.  We need to say no to meetings that happen just for the sake of meetings (especially when working with kids is more important).  We need to say no to students that don't meet deadlines that then create more work for us.  And how else will they learn?

I love my job.  But sometimes, we need to take a break. It's okay.

So, I took a break.  And it was good.

And now, we are back in school and driving to finish strong.  I love this "season" in our year.  So much to do, so many opportunities for kids, and then we get ready for the next "season".   It's an exciting time - adding a new and amazing staff member, getting ready to watch kids graduate, our last concert, and so many other things.

Break's over.  Let's get to work!

What is your "why"?

I know you've heard this before.  I actually "stole" it from one of my mentors, Dr. Parisi.  He challenged us a few weeks ago to create a statement about our "why".  Here's mine:

Teaching music to students is a responsibility I don't take lightly.  I owe my students the very best that I can give every day, and showing compassion, vulnerability, honesty and excitement about my profession.

Some days are better than others.  But with my statement about my "why",  I have a place to remind myself "why" I began this journey in the first place.

I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attend the CBDNA convention in Kansas City this week.  Last night, I was at a concert that affirmed my why - for so many reasons.

Just like a company has its mission statement - their "why", we owe it to ourselves and our students to know where we are headed, what our focus will be, and the method that we use to accomplish our goals for them and ourselves.

So, what is YOUR why?

Tell me a story...

One of the great things about our profession is that much of the music we perform is programmatic - music based upon something real or fictional - that tells a story.

I love introducing students to this kind of music, because it engages their imagination, and it's amazing what they can do when they make music come to life through their eyes and their playing.

Sometimes there is no story behind a piece of music.  But we still find a way - imagination is the key.

It's kind of like reading a book and getting lost in the story.  It's so great!  Music provides another opportunity to do the same!

What a wonderful thing I get to do with our students every day.  Teaching kids - especially in music - has been such a blessing to me.

Enough about what I do - go find some program music and tell me a story!!

It's Been Awhile...

It looks as if I would never blog again.  I "didn't have time".  I "wasn't able to do it."  I "was busy."

PSH.

I didn't make time.  I was able to do it and didn't.  I wasn't too busy to binge watch "Stranger Things" (which you should also do - it is AWESOME).

Blogging may not be a priority for me, but I'm going to try to do it at least once a week.

Here goes:

We are in the middle of our state band festival preparation.  It's stressful.  It's daunting.  It's fun.  Yep, I said it - it's fun.  You know why?  This is the time of the year that we work the hardest, pay attention to the most details, and see our students rise to a level that they never believed they could achieve.

Sure, I wake up at 3am some days thinking about whether or not our trombone section is going to get it today, or if the trumpet section will finally play with some confidence on the correct beat, while all of this activity is happening around them.  But you know what?  It's worth every moment, every 3am wake up, every loud word, every tear (usually from me), and every laugh.

Because when they DO get it - it is the best thing in the world!

THAT'S why I do what I do.  Gotta run - need to listen to my rehearsal recording and prep for tomorrow!