Promotion

Many years have passed, and I continue to teach music classes. I must admit, I am surprised that students are still interested in exploring music by studying concert band instruments such as the clarinet or trombone. Way back at the beginning of my teaching career, I did think to myself on many occasions, and often questioned myself whether or not I would be teaching music in 2005, or in 2010. I simply was not convinced that students would be interested in learning music in this older way. With all the technology entering the education system, the midi, the digital audio, the faster machines, and exciting ways to layer high quality sounds, instantly, and the costs were coming down quickly too.  One could easily afford to design a high quality studio in their home and communicate / sharing ideas efficiently over the net. So, how is this possible?
Reflecting on my career, I notice that promotion has been a big part of my success. I also am annoyed at this as well. I remember being so nervous at specific times during the school year, especially during course selection process.  Will there be enough interest to keep me teaching music for another year - I wondered? I would think about how fortunate it would be to be teaching Math or English - these subjects always need teschers! Then, of course I realized that students selecting music really wanted to be there, so at least I would enjoy working with these students for the most part. Promotion is important for music teschers to keep a job.  There is no guarantee. A music teacher must continue to offer special experiences to students, arrange excursions, and get involved with new ways to delivering music courses that are interesting and challenging. A music tescher has to keep good communication with parents, get involved in the community and generate support from the school administration.  A music teacher must continue to stay current with new ideas, keep up to date with music skills and understanding. A successful music teacher runs many bands: concert band, jazz band, R & B group, small ensembles, etc. in daily music classes, a music teacher must talk about the importance of music, offer lessons that attract interest and are connected to technology. A music teacher must continue to promote, promote and promote. The music department must be active in the school, perform at assemblies, and at pep rallies, and a sporting events, in the hallways, etc. There is music council and recordings, P.A. Announcements, and of course fund raising!
I am grateful that I still get to do what I enjoy doing, so much everyday.  I look forward to preparing for concerts and music festivals. It's fun and interesting. But, again, I must admit, I am surprised. I wonder, will learning and studying music still be appealing in 2030?

Survey and questionaires & OMEA

We all get asked to complete surveys and questionnaires. Sometimes, depending on my circumstances, I do complete them. Rarely does anything come by way of return. Last month, I attended the annual OMEA conference, held in Toronto.  I enjoy attending and I do learn a lot. Alexander Savastian of quarteto gelato performed and so I was inspired to attend more than usual. About a week after the conference, I am invited to complete a survey about the conference, so I did.  Some surveys take a fair amount of time.  This particular survey was average in length.
Two weeks later, I get notice that my name was selected and that I am a winner of a free conference ticket for next year! The conference next year is in Niagara falls, so my expense will be hotel only.  I suppose it is wise to complete questionnaires and surveys - you never know what can come of it.

The holidays offers time for practice and reflection

I am grateful for some time to practice and reflect, the holidays inspire me to explore my skill development and help me to plan ahead. It's a nice time of the year, particularly this year, the weather has been so nice! Recently, at school I have had some time to shoot hoops in the gym, compose some music using garage band, and this too, has been a true delight. The added time at school has been wonderful for me and this holiday season, I look forward to doing some additional
Fact icing and listening to music. Before our last day, Friday December 18th, I did announce to my students to consider taking their musical instruments home to practice. I encouraged them to think about this seriously because they would want to maintain the development of their abilities they have invested time since September working. It will be an easier return for them in January. Musicians are similar to athletes, you need to keep the mind, body, spirit, current and fresh. Happy Holodays, may you have a blessed Christmas, full of family, joy, peace and food!
Oh yes, and of course, music!

I'm intrigued

I'm intrigued by young teachers new to the profession. They bring a new energy and fresh ideas. They seem to be comfortable with trying new ideas, even if they appear to be a bit risky. I say this having just recently saying farewell to a new teacher filling in for one of my colleagues at school. He contributed and offered some interesting suggestions for activities. Last year there was another teacher filling in for another colleague in the department.  He too, helped me to understand new technology and to embrace these exciting possibilities. This is nothing new. Young teachers are current and excited about education. They have new skills and are quick to apply these new ideas in an efficient manner. In addition, young teachers connect with students much faster than I can, as i am teaching in my 31st year. These young teschers speak the language and understand the students and their nuances in speech and body language. They know all the new phrases and how to use them. This year I am working with a York University student, a student teacher. He too is getting along so well with the students and the students look forward to his visits which occur once a week. Again, he uses the technology efficiently and is up to date with the forward ideas to be tapped into for today's teaching. He is studying the new methods and is aware about how to relate to students living today. I am intrigued and curious because I get exposed to new ways of teaching and relating to students, and get inspired about exploring new technology.

So far, so good

As mentioned in previous postings, I am a regular classroom music teacher this year, having resigned from the arts headship, effective September 1st, 2015. I am very much enjoying my year so far. I find that my teaching is smoother, and tension-free. I have more time to prepare my lessons, and my patience level is calmer. I can concentrate on teaching and enjoy the activities with a more relaxed feeling. I offer more freedom to the students, offering them more time to work on projects. We are spending some time in the keyboard lab, composing music with the computer and keyboard. I feel less pressure on me to arrange meetings, attend meetings, respond to and address concerns from other arts areas.  For example, problems with scheduling, problems with the dance floor, problems with storage, sign-off on purchase orders, reviewing examinations, installing a printer, purchasing other items required, and the list goes on and on.
I have only experienced 4 on-calls, which is amazing, an average of 1 per month so far. I cannot complain at all about extra duties. Next semester, I think I will have cafeteria supervision, but hopefully that will not be too overwhelming. So, I am pleased so far, so good!

Also, I have had some time to attend yoga after school, and run a bit in the gym shooting basketball hoops, and I think that soon I may even complete sessions in the weight room!