Yesterday I was talked to one of my classes about how important it is for them to look at the teacher when they are talking. It is the easiest way for me to know if they are paying attention. I thought a little self-deprecation might help and so I said something like: "I know I'm not pretty to look at, I'm harry, fat, and ugly; but you have to look at me anyway." The students laughed and one chimed in helpfully and said "you're not fat!". I guess from now on I'll just call myself harry and ugly. At least I know he was paying attention.
Tuesday I received word that three of our students have been selected from among 800 nominated students to participate in the Ohio State University Middle School Honor Band held next month. We also had two students selected as alternates. This is a great honor and I know that they will have a great experience; one they may remember for the rest of their lives.
All of our students have received solos to work on and many are preparing for the local Solo and Ensemble competition. The High School event will be next Saturday the 31st in Warren and the Jr. High event will be hosted at our own high school in March. These events are a truly great opportunity for our students. Seeing a child take a solo for the first time, standing in front of a judge and playing a piece of music showcasing their talents is incredibly rewarding as a music teacher and is absolutely life altering for a child. To have that self confidence to perform solo in front of others is a hugely important skill to have in life.
This time of year is a busy one in the band world. It may not seem that way because there aren't many performances but in addition to the OSU honor band and Solo and Ensemble we have also started open gyms for next year's color guard (we have nearly 20 girls trying out), have begun work on a pep band (hopefully playing at next weekends basketball game), are beginning scheduling for next year, the boosters are planning a pasta dinner on March 14, and I will be away at my professional development conference in a couple weeks. There really is a lot going on.
Sometimes my job can be frustrating. Occasionally very frustrating. But let me tell you, feeling students' excitement over playing music and their passion for what they love makes it all worth it. There is a group of 6th graders who come in early almost every day and practice together in the band room. Hearing them play and make music together is one of the highlights of my day. And at least I can rest assured that I'm not fat...just harry and ugly.
Tuesday I received word that three of our students have been selected from among 800 nominated students to participate in the Ohio State University Middle School Honor Band held next month. We also had two students selected as alternates. This is a great honor and I know that they will have a great experience; one they may remember for the rest of their lives.
All of our students have received solos to work on and many are preparing for the local Solo and Ensemble competition. The High School event will be next Saturday the 31st in Warren and the Jr. High event will be hosted at our own high school in March. These events are a truly great opportunity for our students. Seeing a child take a solo for the first time, standing in front of a judge and playing a piece of music showcasing their talents is incredibly rewarding as a music teacher and is absolutely life altering for a child. To have that self confidence to perform solo in front of others is a hugely important skill to have in life.
This time of year is a busy one in the band world. It may not seem that way because there aren't many performances but in addition to the OSU honor band and Solo and Ensemble we have also started open gyms for next year's color guard (we have nearly 20 girls trying out), have begun work on a pep band (hopefully playing at next weekends basketball game), are beginning scheduling for next year, the boosters are planning a pasta dinner on March 14, and I will be away at my professional development conference in a couple weeks. There really is a lot going on.
Sometimes my job can be frustrating. Occasionally very frustrating. But let me tell you, feeling students' excitement over playing music and their passion for what they love makes it all worth it. There is a group of 6th graders who come in early almost every day and practice together in the band room. Hearing them play and make music together is one of the highlights of my day. And at least I can rest assured that I'm not fat...just harry and ugly.