It's been busy at school

Some time has passed since my last entry.  It has been busy at school with new people becoming members of the department.  Just this past week we presented two evenings of Christmas concerts, and examination preparation and getting other departmental stuff ready and moving forward contributed to the busy time.  Also, it is that time of year when things get so exciting, family and more.

A few recent events have sparked me to rethink many things related to my teaching.  Initially, I was very disappointed, especially following the parent evening.  But, about a week or so later, after some reflection and thinking, I made some new discoveries and now believe that those negative events are making me feel grateful, because I have made some changes.  I believe the change is good and I feel
Positive about my future.  I have some goals in mind and am acting on my plan.  I realize that I am not being very specific, but for now, let's just say that I want to reduce my workload at school.

I feel that the two Christmas concert evenings were very successful.  Due in part to prior preparation and the students seemed to buy into the arrangements. The dress rehearsals were good and the refreshments, tickets sales and cleanup ran smoother than ever.  Amazing!
It is true that success is directly related to prior preparation.  I prepared and issued many emails to the team of music teachers, keeping them in the know, and, I prepared a useful handout for students and music teachers, to guide our preparations, dress rehearsals and concert delivery.
Until the next time. . .

OMEA conference, London, Ontario, Nov. 6-8, 2014

As I one this entry I am currently attending the OMEA music conference in London, Ontario.  I actually will complete a presentation tomorrow, as a clinician.
So far, I am enjoying the conference.  The sessions I have attended stimulate reflection and thought, and I enjoy learning about you ideas.  The ideas are brought to my attention and I enjoy thinking further about each topic.
It's inspiring to hear great concerts and be reminded about how important music is in the lives of young students and how special our role is in the whole thing.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to attend and look forward to my contributing something tomorrow with my presentation.
Bye.

Intensely passionate

Hello again, it has been some time passed since my last entry.  If I would describe my identity, that is my relationship with teaching and even with myself, I would say that I would describe it as:  Intensely Passionate!
When I work at almost anything, my facial expression and my eyes, my body language shows a person who is serious and cares deeply.  I suppose that's the way I see myself and I guess it is the way I want everyone else to see me.
Sometimes, this intensity can wear on others, and even make me tired.  I M tired at the end of the working day because I am concentrating and desire to accomplish much.  I try to avoid wasting time. But, I do sense sometimes that people would rather see me smile and relax.  Go for a more balanced approach, if you understand what I mean.
Still, I believe that the high level of focus has served me well.
Bye.

It's my turn to be evaluated this year

So the process for teacher evaluation has started.  I had a meeting with the school principal yesterday and my evaluation date is next Monday.  I am pleased that the process is working quickly and appreciate getting everything done efficiently.  My post meeting is scheduled for next thursday.  I am pleased that I am ready for Monday because I completed a lot of the preparations and paperwork yesterday afternoon.  So, I acted quickly on this particular project.
I do not mind the evaluation process and am not concerned about it or stressed about it.  Perhaps it's because I an entering my 30th year in teaching career.
The school principal has made the process comfortable and our pre meeting discussion was very successful and timely.
Looking forward to it,
Bye for now.

Good start to school year

I am satisfied with my start to this new school year because I am trying-out new ideas.  I also enjoy reinforcing these concepts and feel that it is getting real good results.  I believe the creative focus is the way to go.  Also, I am encouraging more sight reading, more listening, more attention to developing good practice routine and reinforcing good habits.

My return to a new school year

Well, I'm back into the rhythm of a new school year!  Last week, I completed the first week and it was successful.  I am very fortunate because I teach / work in a wonderful community and the school offers interest and challenge to my life.  I enjoy attending this fine school and look forward to another exceptional year.
This year we have a new principal and I look forward to working with him.  I'm equally excited about some upcoming projects, such as presenting Peter and wolf collaborating with the dance department. Also, I am exploring some other partnership opportunities that will certainly inspire me.
Another source of inspiration for me is R. Murray Schafer book of exercises and activities, where i intend to try-out some of his ideas in the classroom.  His exercises make one think and invite creative solutions.

A bit nervous

It's late August, I am getting nervous about the new year of teaching.  I think it's my turn to be evaluated this year, and we have new administrators.  As always, I worry about engaging my students.  Plus, I have some preparation to complete so that the startup is smooth.
I hope I have a successful year.

Planning for the upcoming year

I do some thinking throughout the summer about how I want to begin the new year.  There are some duties that I must complete before the first day, important handouts about the courses of study, and other forms and documents that need to be revised and updated from last year.  But, the creative stuff is what really interests me.  I like R. Murray Schafer ideas, some of the exercises he mentioned in his book, so my plan is to begin with conversations and thinking exercises.  It's a nice way to establish the semester and break the ice.  So, my plan is to begin this evening with the documents which need to be revised and later photocopied for distribution.
Some of my colleagues at school organize materials for the opening weeks of school at the end of the previous year!  Can you imagine? I suppose that is beneficial and I admire the consistent attention to organization.  I have never been that organized.  I like the spontaneous approach of living in the moment and taking things a bit more relaxed or shall we say a bit more risky?  Still, a bit of readiness is required in order to be successful and avoid leaving everything to chance.

Public library

I really enjoy visiting the public library.  I did today.  I search magazines that capture my attention and read articles.  I view postings which describe community events.  I sign-out books and blu ray videos and so much more.
During the regular school year I try to visit the public library on a bi-weekly basis.  In fact, the library location closest to my school is particularly good, it offers so many more resources and I like the design lay-out of the space.
I read books on religion, philosophy, science, arts, these are the topics I enjoy investigating.  I think it is important to keep up to date and the public library is great, and it is free, which is the best part.
Sometimes, I try to visit book stores and when I find something I want to investigate, rather than purchasing the item, I will try to get it on loan from the library.
Today was my first visit to the library during this summer break.  I hope to visit many more times next month!  I highly recommend it because it is a nice break to the normal routine and I enjoy supporting my passion for learning.  The public library is wonderful exercising for your brain!
Bye.

Access accordionist blog page - R. Murray Schafer

Hello, I just wrote about R. Murray Schafer and rather than copy and paste is here, I ask that you view it by accessing the accordionist blog page.
R. Murray Schafer influences me as an educator and as a music performing artist.
Thanks!

Summer practicing

I am excited about arranging music activities to improve my own skills in music.  The summer break offers time to relax and enjoy different activities, but I also want to continue my development as a performing artist and educator.  I do encourage more reading and tend to read a out music-making and also other themes such as mindfulness, a good exercises for the body such as yoga.  My main focus is to review some old collected resources and articles that offer ideas to improve my ear, my sight reading ability, technique and more.
Today is Canada day and my wife and I are doing some house cleaning and I discovered some resources that I am interested in exploring over the next several weeks.  I find these articles and writings to be inspiring and useful.  I need to keep my skills "up - to - speed" for several reasons as I continue to grow as a practicing musician / artist.

Keeping myself in the game

One of the benefits to teaching and directly related to my artistic work as an accordionist is that my teaching day is surrounded by music-making.  This is important because it helps me to practice my skills, listening, conducting, reading, technique, etc.
While I challenge my students, it actually keeps me in the game as well.  Some of my students are very good teachers for me; in fact, some students are so talented and so inspiring that they stimulate my learning and change my perspective on a daily basis.  I am certainly fortunate and do treasure the opportunities to experience music everyday.

Community church

I have been involved with a community church for 14 years now!  I accompany a choir every Sunday, at mass.  This involvement with a community church has been amazing.  I highly recommend a musician participate actively.  I am truly fortunate because this connection has helped me to appreciate my faith and has offered me many opportunities musically.  I have noticed that many professionals get involved with community churches.  For example lawyers, accountants, and more. For a musician, it can be very positive with weddings and more.  I also get involved with fund raisers projects, invited to perform and serve in some way.  You get to meet many influential people in the community and the networking is fantastic.
This project was supposed to last for about 9 months when I was asked to fill in way back in the year 2000.  Now, 14 years later, I continue to participate.  At first I was directing and accompanying two choirs, every Sunday, with two rehearsals once-a-week.  It was very busy for me.  This lasted about two years.  There are some busy times in the liturgical calendar which require me to play two to three times a week, for example at Christmas time.  Currently, I attend one rehearsal a week and play on Sundays, one mass, the Italian mass at 9:00 a.m.
There is some beautiful music and I get to play a very nice electronic organ.  I believe that I have improved musically, even using my feet on the foot pedals.  This connection has helped me at school as well.  I have a good feel for liturgical music and a better understanding of music for mass.  Also, I have met many priests and it's important for a educator to be involved with a community church, you tend to bring this and other gifts into your teaching and the students respect your involvement as you encourage them to develop their faith and prayer.

Creativity in music

It's taken me a long time to finally realize how important creativity is to teaching music.  I teach at the high school level and for the longest time, my focus was on learning pieces of music for concerts and festivals.  This seemed to satisfy me, the school community and students.  While this method or style of delivery is important and it works well, I am not convinced it is the best approach to experiencing and learning music.

I try to include creativity episodes in every music class.  I invite students to think and to stretch their imagination.  I think it is fun and enjoyable, even though it can be frustrating and challenging.  Some students are willing to try new things and explore different ways to making music.  Other students appear to be uncomfortable and resist the work.

I think it's important for the teacher to be comfortable with creative projects, so that he / she can assist the students with the journey, providing the useful tips and guidance.  I have been enjoying my own work at developing my skills with improvisation and this has inspired me to share this joy a d enthusiasm with my students.  I can demonstrate ideas and show connections.  A few years ago, I was not ready for this and simply relied on what worked for me for years.  I believe my teaching ability improved when I began to take risks and felt that I was successful.  I am happy with this method and style because it keeps me learning and developing and also creates an interesting education for my students.

How?

Well, I tend to stretch simple exercises, invite students to improvise and experiment, I encourage active listening, and I expect students to compose music as well using paper and pencil.

I look forward to continued success with creativity in music!

Ontario music educators association (OMEA)

I remember attending the first conference way back in 1983.  I was a student at U of T and professor David Elliot invited many of us to attend as volunteers, to assist with all sorts of duties as Toronto was the host city.  I remember it being an amazing learning experience because while we were very busy helping to make all the various sessions run smoothly, we also were given the opportunity to attend these sessions presented.
Last November I attended the annual conference and it was held in Niagara Falls.  I really enjoyed the conference.  The sessions presented were very useful and it was nice to gather with old friends Nd even former students who are now full time teachers.  I do not usually attend the conference when it is held in Toronto.  I would much rather get away.  When the conference was held in Hunstville, wow, what a great destination.  The resort was spectacular.  The first few times I attended, I was able to get a ride with Laurie Rossi, and Pat Mannion would also attend.  Last time it was held in Hunstville, I drove and did not mind at all.  I actually presented in Hunstville and even performed at a noon hour spot in the resort.
Next year I am scheduled to present, a d the conference is to be in London.  I traveled there about three years ago with David DiGirolamo.  I think he wants to car pool again next year.  I am thinking a out my theme and actually add ideas to collected bank of ideas when I think of something that is related and interesting.
The OMEA is valuable to a music teacher.  I always come away from it with numerous ideas that I incorporate into my teaching immediately.  It really does have an influence on my ability to teach and arrange interesting music activities.  The resources I gather and the conversations i have while networking help me to save time, money and avoid stressful situations.  I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to improve as a music educator.
It is costly to attend and with the hotel and food, sometimes I decide otherwise.  But, when I do attend, I never regret that I did.  The lessons I learn and the connections I am able to make, it's worth every dollar I invest.
I think it is very important to support an organization and to be a part of an organization that promotes arts education, specifically music education.  I believe in music education and I enjoy meeting other people who share the same passion.
OMEA also gathers industry supporters such as Harknett music, and saint john's music, and long and mcquade, and Steve's music, and there are great deals on printed music, music accessories, instruments, books And other resources.  Many university programs send representatives, and others like Roland canada will attend to show off the latest educational products.  It's great to have all the top companies share the available space under one roof at a time that you can get a sample of what they can offer you to assist in your teaching.  There is no way I can visit all these places during the school year.
OMEA conference is worthwhile and school principals like the fact that you are developing your professional skills.  You get exposed to current trends in education and are a me to tap into useful information about the future.  So, join OMEA and get on the list, you will also receive the quarterly publication which offers some great articles and more for your membership dollars.
Thanks OMEA, thanks for all that you do, because the conference is only one feature, OMEA is also a strong voice at the government level where policy decisions are made.  It's important to have a group of dedicated music educators watching out for you and our students!  Oh yes, many students attend the conference as well, to perform and to share in the enthusiasm of making music!

Travel

I am almost certain that one cannot argue against the Importance of including travel and its added impact to a program.  There is so much added value.  It is challenging to arrange an excursion, but there is so much satisfaction as well.  There is a difference between an excursion for music and say any other discipline.  Most music trips include performances and this means music instruments, and possibly other needed equipment and items.  Of course with equipment comes the need for additional larger transportation at the destination.  In addition, you need storage space and security for instruments and equipment.  Every time you are scheduled to move from your accommodation, it takes more time and the return trip is time consuming as well.

I have completed some wonderful excursions to many beautiful locations.  I have learned so much and I know that the students experienced good times as well.  We have traveled to attend music festivals and have traveled to arrange our performances at different locations.  The sights are spectacular and we have attended great concerts and visited interesting sites.  We walk, we listen, we see, we feel.  

I have worked with a variety of different tour companies, some who specialize with music groups.  I have met so many wonderful people and have had the pleasure of working with many great colleagues as well.  Some trips included flights, train, bus, walking, and small boat tours. Students have been exposed to different foods, have had to learn to be responsible for themselves and for others, have learned to share and to be cooperative and patient and flexible.  We have all learned about managing time, managing money and to be observant and safe.

Music trips take time to prepare, the added rehearsals and collection of important documents and some students have special requirements for diet and more.  However, these trips help to build your music program and the students return with a treasure of memories and absolutely some added skill.  Of course, teachers get to travel for free and this is our reward for arranging the arranging all the paperwork, the meetings, the rehearsals, the room checks late at night and so much more.  But, it's worth it - we love what we do for a living!  And I am so grateful for the opportunities to travel!

Do you share current news and information?

I think it is very important to share interesting news and information with your students.  I believe it motivates students and quite possibly encourages some to research even further into the topics or themes you suggest and describe.  For example, a few weeks ago, in all my music classes, I talked about Canadian Music Week, which is taking place this month here in Toronto.  Its an annual festival and while it is expensive to attend the sessions, I still think it is important that students know about this event and talk about it a bit.  Over the next several days I will talk about an event happening in April, specifically the international day for Jazz!  There is a wonderful site: www.jazzday.com, which includes many useful links to other information.  This is the point of all this:  perhaps by searching one event you navigate to other useful connections and events that can add so much value to your study and may encourage one to connect to something very special indeed.

It's important to stay current and to motivate students with exciting activities happening in the community close to home and beyond.

Are you an inspiring teacher?

My teaching day moves rather quicky - time simply "flies-by"!  I enjoy the day immensely and I have so much I want to share with my students.  I strive to make the activities and gatherings interesting and significant!  I "burn" for what I do because I am inspired by participating with great music and wonderful students in a spectacular school.  What does it mean to be an inspiring teacher? 

I remember with a real sense of good feelings those teachers that I had as a student attending elementary, junior high and secondary schools when I was a young learner.  Those memories are very special and these individuals certainly added value to my life in meaningful ways.  Maybe some were good listeners;  maybe some were amazing role models;  maybe some were gifted in ways that connected with me.  I suppose that is the key ingredient: to show that you care and that you can connect with a person who is inspired by your approach to learning;  that you display a powerful message / approach "in the moment"; your charm and sense of humour;  your willingness to listen and guide or pull back when necessary;  the ability to know when to speak and when to remain silent.  Do you show your students that you enjoy working with them?  And in every moment?  Do you show your students that you have a passion for what you do?  Are you professional and do you treat everyone with fairness and dignity?  Do you communicate well?  Do you know your stuff and are well prepared to deliver activities and lessons that challenge everyone to think?  Are you creative and imaginative?  Do you tell great stories?  Are you up-to-date with what is current?  Does your passion for learning inspire?

March break: a good time to plan ideas

March break offers some time to reflect and plan.  Last year I traveled with a school group and supervised.  While it was a spectacular experience, you are on duty to supervise students and most of your thinking lies with the needs of the trip.  This year I managed to complete a number of tasks at home for the family, get some rest and do some planning and preparation for my return to school next week.

I marked a few submissions and also strategized a bit about the remaining months of the school year. There really is so much to do!  It's important to prioritize and avoid the anxiety of overwhelming yourself about the little stuff.

The added challenge for me is that I am a department head of arts and so part of the thinking is realizing that while I am busy teaching and guiding a variety of activities, I am involved with many decisions in planning for next year:  budget, timetable, department meetings, problem-solving, and more.

So, it is vital to design a suitable plan for all these wonderful duties and challenges.  To create a to-do list with a calendar and to make sure that I avoid taking on more than I can handle.   I do keep a good journal or summary of activities on a daily basis which certainly helps to shed light on the road ahead.  The key for me is to be fair and consistent.  That is why it is important to get enough rest which helps the mind to be clear and helps the person to be patient.  March break time does offer brief periods or moments to break away from the normal routine and offers some space to reflect and plan.

In addition, I want to achieve some of the other objectives and goals such as:  practicing!

Let me introduce myself - a practicing artist

Welcome to my blog designed to share experiences and information about me:  John Lettieri as a Music Educator, presently teaching music at Saint Elizabeth Catholic High School, Thornhill, Ontario, Canada.  This blog is separate from the other blog I have created:  Accordionist.  Yet, my teaching and my performing are so related and intertwined.  I truly believe that a music educator should continue to perform as an artist because you are constantly bringing these experiences into the classroom.  My teaching is heavily influenced by my passion for performing.  In addition, I have discovered that the students I work with tend to respect what you have to offer and say because they know that you are a practicing artist. 

Wouldn't be extra special to know that if you are studying a particular stream of Science, that you were working with an instructor who not only dedicates time to teaching, but is also someone who is a researcher in the area of Science?  Wouldn't be extra inspiring if you were in the athletic program at school and your instructor is a former Olympic Athlete?

I encourage my students in grade twelve to select a post secondary school by researching who the teachers are at that particular school.  If I knew that +R. Murray Schafer was teaching at a particular University, I would want to attend that school because I would want to study with this highly regarded composer and teacher.  There is so much more added value in this decision. 

When you talk about the importance of practicing with your music students, you can share insights that are helpful to the student because you yourself treasure the importance of practicing on a daily basis.  You live it and therefore your sharing and directing takes on a whole different meaning for the student(s).

That's enough for now, and this first entry will serve nicely as an introduction.