As I reflect about my teaching in 2017, I think I have improved in many areas: my timing, or pacing is better; the topics and themes I focus on are better, deeper level of thinking; I am challenging my students in many musical ways and highlighting some interesting connections to other life interests.
I enjoy the creative segments of the lessons I arrange, where students are challenged to explore, experiment and go past their comfort zone. This semester in particular, working with the Esprit Orchestra outreach program was a great challenge for some of my students to explore sound and the many possibilities they could arrange, as guided by the Canadian composer: Chris Thornborrow and myself! I am always trying to encourage my students to develop range in technique, explore patterns at different tempi, different articulations, different volumes. Of course, I am grateful for the opportunities to connect our daily work to God and other real life situations. For example, the gift of music that we have been given, to learn, share and celebrate together in the classroom is very special. We are fortunate to have a program that supports our ideas and accepts these contributions in meaningful ways. We respect one another and respect the space by helping one another to clean-up, treat our equipment in a caring way and cooperate and work together. Indeed, 2017 was another good year in my teaching. I enjoy trying new ideas and am grateful to have all the wonderful resources, for example, the keyboard lab, the many arrangements of music, and more. I look forward to 2018.
Another area that I think I have extended to greater depth is the "bring theory to life" approach. Play the theory examples, such as chords or cadences, not just on the piano, but on your instrument! Hear the theory, write the theory, see the theory and you are adding to your learning benefit because you are learning through your senses: sight, touch, ear.
Sunday, 31 December 2017
Saturday, 30 December 2017
Opportunity
I think that this is so important that I plan to copy this written segment and paste it to the other categories of my Blog.
I have been stressing this word: opportunity in my teaching as well, this past semester in particular. In my view, opportunity presents itself at all times, in every moment. I think we tend to make choices at every moment about what direction we want to take and how we want to spend our current time. I tend to work well with dedicating my time towards achieving various projects. When opportunity arises and directs my attention towards something of value that will allow me achieve my goals, I make a choice to take advantage of that opportunity. For example, in my teaching, I share with my students that the moment they enter the classroom space, they are given an opportunity to use the available time to improve their musical skills and understanding. Many students, however, choose to socialize with their friends and thus give up the opportunity to learn and develop something in music. The students know what they have to do - to arrange their space, assemble instruments, get materials ready, begin their warm-up, work their plan! However, many, if not all, need to be reminded by me that they should take advantage of the opportunity and begin their routine. They choose to wait for me as I am busy doing my thing, getting ready for class, doing my duties as I wait for my students to get ready for the various activities I have arranged for them to experience.
Opportunities do not only occur in my teaching. Opportunities occur in my life, in my career as an accordionist. Florinda has often shared her concern with me when I would discuss with her the many projects I would like to involve myself with; I would often say to her: "This is a great opportunity for me". Florinda would question why I need such challenges or projects, to create more work for myself and take away family time. I have always maintained that each opportunity helps to grow other opportunities and leads to additional opportunities in manly new ways, in areas that we may not have even thought about.
I remember entering my daughter in the Kiwanis Music festival to sing solos. Sometimes, I would accompany her and other times I would hire an accompanist. Florinda would be so upset with my pushing for our daughter to sing in these competitions. At any rate, because Sarah participated in the Kiwanis Music festival, she was discovered by an audience person attending the festival seeking a young singer. Sarah was then invited to sing on a Christmas TV program and paid for it! This is what I mean by "opportunity". You need to create opportunities for yourself, generate projects and create some initiative. Then, who knows what other opportunities will present themselves. Then, of course, you need to see these other opportunities through and not simply disregard them because they seem unimportant, or perhaps unusual, or perhaps too time-consuming. I agree that one must exercise caution in making the right decision, because sometimes, an occasional opportunity is too good to be true - right?
I truly believe that as I reflect about my life, I have enjoyed some amazing experiences because I took the risk and made the best of every opportunity presented before me. Every moment is full of opportunities to build your life with amazing experiences. Often times, I suppose we tend to get lazy and would rather let the opportunity slip away, believing that another similar opportunity will present itself again. I do not subscribe to this way of thinking. I believe one must be prepared to follow through with where the opportunity will take them as opposed to waiting for the most opportune moment to take the next step. You see, not every opportunity will provide a repeat for when you think you are ready. Be ready at all times!
I have been stressing this word: opportunity in my teaching as well, this past semester in particular. In my view, opportunity presents itself at all times, in every moment. I think we tend to make choices at every moment about what direction we want to take and how we want to spend our current time. I tend to work well with dedicating my time towards achieving various projects. When opportunity arises and directs my attention towards something of value that will allow me achieve my goals, I make a choice to take advantage of that opportunity. For example, in my teaching, I share with my students that the moment they enter the classroom space, they are given an opportunity to use the available time to improve their musical skills and understanding. Many students, however, choose to socialize with their friends and thus give up the opportunity to learn and develop something in music. The students know what they have to do - to arrange their space, assemble instruments, get materials ready, begin their warm-up, work their plan! However, many, if not all, need to be reminded by me that they should take advantage of the opportunity and begin their routine. They choose to wait for me as I am busy doing my thing, getting ready for class, doing my duties as I wait for my students to get ready for the various activities I have arranged for them to experience.
Opportunities do not only occur in my teaching. Opportunities occur in my life, in my career as an accordionist. Florinda has often shared her concern with me when I would discuss with her the many projects I would like to involve myself with; I would often say to her: "This is a great opportunity for me". Florinda would question why I need such challenges or projects, to create more work for myself and take away family time. I have always maintained that each opportunity helps to grow other opportunities and leads to additional opportunities in manly new ways, in areas that we may not have even thought about.
I remember entering my daughter in the Kiwanis Music festival to sing solos. Sometimes, I would accompany her and other times I would hire an accompanist. Florinda would be so upset with my pushing for our daughter to sing in these competitions. At any rate, because Sarah participated in the Kiwanis Music festival, she was discovered by an audience person attending the festival seeking a young singer. Sarah was then invited to sing on a Christmas TV program and paid for it! This is what I mean by "opportunity". You need to create opportunities for yourself, generate projects and create some initiative. Then, who knows what other opportunities will present themselves. Then, of course, you need to see these other opportunities through and not simply disregard them because they seem unimportant, or perhaps unusual, or perhaps too time-consuming. I agree that one must exercise caution in making the right decision, because sometimes, an occasional opportunity is too good to be true - right?
I truly believe that as I reflect about my life, I have enjoyed some amazing experiences because I took the risk and made the best of every opportunity presented before me. Every moment is full of opportunities to build your life with amazing experiences. Often times, I suppose we tend to get lazy and would rather let the opportunity slip away, believing that another similar opportunity will present itself again. I do not subscribe to this way of thinking. I believe one must be prepared to follow through with where the opportunity will take them as opposed to waiting for the most opportune moment to take the next step. You see, not every opportunity will provide a repeat for when you think you are ready. Be ready at all times!
Wednesday, 27 December 2017
I plan to do a bit of work over the holiday break
Mainly, my focus is to enter marks over the break, and begin CPT preparations, which involves finding and gathering sightreading music, organizing the selection of other CPT's. For example, which repertoire? Which technical studies? And I have to arrange the questions for History CPT.
So, I plan to do a bit of work over the holiday break so that when I return to school, the pressure is a bit easier to handle and I do not have to rush to prepare for CPT and end of the semester mark reporting. I have some ideas for the new semester. I lose the vocal class, which I enjoyed the experience greatly, and gain a split RAP class, which I do have the method book I want to explore for the semester. I have some other ideas for repertoire and look forward to preparing the students for OBA and hopefully the Music Alive festival. This past semester was very busy with the Christmas Show and the Esprit Orchestra project. I do not think next semester will be as busy.
Bye for now . . .
So, I plan to do a bit of work over the holiday break so that when I return to school, the pressure is a bit easier to handle and I do not have to rush to prepare for CPT and end of the semester mark reporting. I have some ideas for the new semester. I lose the vocal class, which I enjoyed the experience greatly, and gain a split RAP class, which I do have the method book I want to explore for the semester. I have some other ideas for repertoire and look forward to preparing the students for OBA and hopefully the Music Alive festival. This past semester was very busy with the Christmas Show and the Esprit Orchestra project. I do not think next semester will be as busy.
Bye for now . . .
Sunday, 17 December 2017
I have been so fortunate
As educators, we all notice what everybody else is getting away with - right? Let's be honest, most educators complain about the same few things: the administration does not support enough; why are we allowing these students to get away with their disrespectful behavior; too many unfair expectations placed upon me, I have enough work to do; etc.
I look upon many of my colleagues, past and current, and notice that many appear to be sad and not fully enjoying what they are doing as responsible teachers. Take for example, PA days. I cannot fully understand why so many of my colleagues dislike PA days.
I have been so fortunate to be a music educator. The power of music to bring people together, to shape sound and to be creative daily is a remarkable opportunity! I am rarely bored! I used to think it was the same for all my colleagues - it's not. I think that athletic coaches enjoy school as much as I do. I think coaches appreciate the opportunity - give of their time willingly, but coaching lasts about 2-3 months, at most. For me, music begins at the beginning of the year and ends on June 30th.
Take my most recent semester: September to November (Esprit Project); November to December (The Christmas show: Bah Humbug), where I was rehearsing on two saturdays! Just last week, completed our Christmas Music Concerts. To say I have been busy is an understatement; but, while it's been challenging, it's also been very rewarding. The students appreciate my efforts as well - you just can tell. I think I have been very fortunate indeed that I am a music educator, now in my 33rd year of teaching. I think I would have been bored if I was a math teacher, or a science teacher or English teacher. How do I know? I think it's because I hear so many of my colleagues complain about this and that, year after year, after year. I think it's that special power of music, the spirit of music-making that makes teaching so special that one continues to want to experience more and more, without complaining.
I look upon many of my colleagues, past and current, and notice that many appear to be sad and not fully enjoying what they are doing as responsible teachers. Take for example, PA days. I cannot fully understand why so many of my colleagues dislike PA days.
I have been so fortunate to be a music educator. The power of music to bring people together, to shape sound and to be creative daily is a remarkable opportunity! I am rarely bored! I used to think it was the same for all my colleagues - it's not. I think that athletic coaches enjoy school as much as I do. I think coaches appreciate the opportunity - give of their time willingly, but coaching lasts about 2-3 months, at most. For me, music begins at the beginning of the year and ends on June 30th.
Take my most recent semester: September to November (Esprit Project); November to December (The Christmas show: Bah Humbug), where I was rehearsing on two saturdays! Just last week, completed our Christmas Music Concerts. To say I have been busy is an understatement; but, while it's been challenging, it's also been very rewarding. The students appreciate my efforts as well - you just can tell. I think I have been very fortunate indeed that I am a music educator, now in my 33rd year of teaching. I think I would have been bored if I was a math teacher, or a science teacher or English teacher. How do I know? I think it's because I hear so many of my colleagues complain about this and that, year after year, after year. I think it's that special power of music, the spirit of music-making that makes teaching so special that one continues to want to experience more and more, without complaining.
Saturday, 2 December 2017
The passing of Mr. G. Wayne Hill
I can't remember exactly when I first met Wayne Hill (passed away November 19th, 2017), - Funeral mass held Friday November 24th at Our Lady of Grace Church, Aurora - but I think it was at St. Teresa of Lixseau CHS, at a music meeting arranged then by Laurie Rossi, music consultant with YCDSB. All music teachers were meeting to discuss a new project titled: Super Saturday. Wayne Hill was invited to speak to us and actually help us to organize this event. I was told at this meeting that he was a retired past music educator with many years of service and experience. He was well known and very capable.
I'm going to guess that it was about 15 years ago as I'm in my 15th year teaching at St. Elizabeth CHS. So, followed Wayne's lead and organized this first year of Super Saturday and it did go well. Pat Mannion was one of the music teachers at St. Teresa, so he hosted the event which ran for the next several years. We got t-shirts, did other sporting events, invited a guest conductor, all with beginner grade 9 band students. We were even talking about expanding this project to invite jazz and choirs. But, Wayne only helped us get started the first year at Laurie Rossi's invitation. To be honest, we could have done it without his help because we did have enough experience available. We even got Harknett involved with providing music sheets and folders, and I think we got Cosmo Music involved with other details if memory serves me. We would gather the big band in the cafeteria, of over 130 students representing from all high schools (some high schools did not send students, I guess they did not want to participate). Break-out sessions would occur in sectional rehearsals. Then, we would deliver a concert at the end of the day to parents. Quite a neat project.
Did Wayne facilitate all these ideas? Yes, we worked with his suggestions and of course added our own touches. But, he did give us confidence and encouragement, and direction to save time.
I did not realize then that I would go on with my work at St. Elizabeth and Wayne Hill would find a way to connect. Wayne did his research and realized that our school music program needed some boosting. So, he suggested a new elementary school program that he would organize, teach and deliver to interested students. We worked together a lot initially. We would visit elementary schools associated with St. Elizabeth. He did all the preparation work, but I would help because I knew that our school would benefit from his guidance. This STAR program did get established and our school did benefit with an increase every year of several students auditioning for our RAP music program. Wayne would then extend his help by offering start-up programs, and extra help to audition, and would deliver concerts in our theatre, and we would provide percussion instruments, and I would help with permits, and more. Eventually, he would use graduates of this STAR program to help him deliver concerts and coach the younger students. It was an amazing achievement for him and our school, working in partnership. He brought music into the communities and everyone enjoyed participating. Everyone knew Mr. Hill in our community of schools.
Wayne and I would meet several times during the year at Tim Hortons to discuss ideas and obstacles that we needed to resolve. There are always obstacles - right? Wayne was smart and he found ways to overcome challenges. He was a big man with a BIG heart. He was genuine, the real deal and it showed that he cared about kids.
I remember his desire to explore Catholicism and he asked me to sponsor him. What an honour, and of course I did. I'm going to miss him. I knew that he was not feeling well and reached out to him in late August of this year, but he never replied. I did not realize he was that ill. I saw him last May / June at St. Elizabeth, I believe. He had lost a lot of weight, but he said he felt better. He did spend a lot of time in hospital, but I didn't know until he shared that with me.
We would text and email, and phone one another often. Usually, for the STAR program or for Music Alive. I tried to help him as much as possible every time he reached out to me because I knew that I was really helping myself too, by helping him. Wayne reached out to everyone and embraced him. He treated everyone with dignity and respect. The music community lost a true GIANT.
I'm going to guess that it was about 15 years ago as I'm in my 15th year teaching at St. Elizabeth CHS. So, followed Wayne's lead and organized this first year of Super Saturday and it did go well. Pat Mannion was one of the music teachers at St. Teresa, so he hosted the event which ran for the next several years. We got t-shirts, did other sporting events, invited a guest conductor, all with beginner grade 9 band students. We were even talking about expanding this project to invite jazz and choirs. But, Wayne only helped us get started the first year at Laurie Rossi's invitation. To be honest, we could have done it without his help because we did have enough experience available. We even got Harknett involved with providing music sheets and folders, and I think we got Cosmo Music involved with other details if memory serves me. We would gather the big band in the cafeteria, of over 130 students representing from all high schools (some high schools did not send students, I guess they did not want to participate). Break-out sessions would occur in sectional rehearsals. Then, we would deliver a concert at the end of the day to parents. Quite a neat project.
Did Wayne facilitate all these ideas? Yes, we worked with his suggestions and of course added our own touches. But, he did give us confidence and encouragement, and direction to save time.
I did not realize then that I would go on with my work at St. Elizabeth and Wayne Hill would find a way to connect. Wayne did his research and realized that our school music program needed some boosting. So, he suggested a new elementary school program that he would organize, teach and deliver to interested students. We worked together a lot initially. We would visit elementary schools associated with St. Elizabeth. He did all the preparation work, but I would help because I knew that our school would benefit from his guidance. This STAR program did get established and our school did benefit with an increase every year of several students auditioning for our RAP music program. Wayne would then extend his help by offering start-up programs, and extra help to audition, and would deliver concerts in our theatre, and we would provide percussion instruments, and I would help with permits, and more. Eventually, he would use graduates of this STAR program to help him deliver concerts and coach the younger students. It was an amazing achievement for him and our school, working in partnership. He brought music into the communities and everyone enjoyed participating. Everyone knew Mr. Hill in our community of schools.
Wayne and I would meet several times during the year at Tim Hortons to discuss ideas and obstacles that we needed to resolve. There are always obstacles - right? Wayne was smart and he found ways to overcome challenges. He was a big man with a BIG heart. He was genuine, the real deal and it showed that he cared about kids.
I remember his desire to explore Catholicism and he asked me to sponsor him. What an honour, and of course I did. I'm going to miss him. I knew that he was not feeling well and reached out to him in late August of this year, but he never replied. I did not realize he was that ill. I saw him last May / June at St. Elizabeth, I believe. He had lost a lot of weight, but he said he felt better. He did spend a lot of time in hospital, but I didn't know until he shared that with me.
We would text and email, and phone one another often. Usually, for the STAR program or for Music Alive. I tried to help him as much as possible every time he reached out to me because I knew that I was really helping myself too, by helping him. Wayne reached out to everyone and embraced him. He treated everyone with dignity and respect. The music community lost a true GIANT.
Sunday, 26 November 2017
OMEA conference in huntsville
My session presentation as a clinician at the conference went well. I was comfortable with the material I prepared and delivered it well in the topic of: beginning jazz improvisation in a band class. I demonstrated three methods that I use at school in my own teaching. Mi had prepared all the written examples in music notation over the summer and brought my accordion to demonstrate. A good turnout of colleagues attended, better than I thought with my session occurring in the last time slot on the Saturday. David DiGirolamo came up with me, and we had good discussions. Huntsville is a beautiful spot. I think it's the 4th time OMEA music conference was held there at this location.
I enjoyed attending other sessions and have already acted on some ideas gleaned from the conference. I ordered a band piece; ordered method books; used some ideas in my teaching. For example, "evaporation" of sound. Plan to explore and use sound trap next semester. So, the conference offers great learning. It was also great to meet fellow colleagues, attend performances, and social gatherings. Michelle Janzen and her sister attended the conference too.
I plan to submit for next year as a clinician again. The conference will be in Hamilton!
I enjoyed attending other sessions and have already acted on some ideas gleaned from the conference. I ordered a band piece; ordered method books; used some ideas in my teaching. For example, "evaporation" of sound. Plan to explore and use sound trap next semester. So, the conference offers great learning. It was also great to meet fellow colleagues, attend performances, and social gatherings. Michelle Janzen and her sister attended the conference too.
I plan to submit for next year as a clinician again. The conference will be in Hamilton!
Tuesday, 5 September 2017
Today, the start of another year!
Yup, started school today. It was a good day. Accomplished a lot of photocopying and preparation. Did not teach, but supervised grade 9 students at a liturgy and attended some meetings with colleagues and staff. It was a full day, but tomorrow, it's official where I meet all my classes.
I'm looking forward to the year. I'm expecting it to be busy, similar to other years, completing various projects and hopefully challenging all my students to develop a deeper passion and respect for learning.
Some notable projects include: Esprit Orchestra project in the fall, preparing for festivals in the winter, and I'm teaching a vocal music class this semester, so that means additional after school rehearsals and liturgy participation, which I have not done the past two years.
Wish me luck!
I'm looking forward to the year. I'm expecting it to be busy, similar to other years, completing various projects and hopefully challenging all my students to develop a deeper passion and respect for learning.
Some notable projects include: Esprit Orchestra project in the fall, preparing for festivals in the winter, and I'm teaching a vocal music class this semester, so that means additional after school rehearsals and liturgy participation, which I have not done the past two years.
Wish me luck!
Thursday, 3 August 2017
Planning - I suppose teachers do this daily
In the past, it would trouble me when most people, family and friends, thought that my day would end at school and the rest of the afternoon / evening time remained to enjoy other features and activities life offered. Quite simply, most do not understand. I do not wish to offend when I make this statement. My teaching goes beyond the marking and planning; the reading and research; the thinking and preparation. I suppose, teachers are constantly in the mode of planning; or at least, we should be consistently searching for connections and new ways to deliver our curriculum / courses of study. In the summer months, well, the added time available is certainly nice. Teachers can carry-out the various tasks of planning, reading, researching, preparing in a more relaxed manner. But, it's important to share the same theme again - educators are always planning and exploring. I know that I am. Today, I visited the community library to research the subject of Ontario Mining. It's the main theme for this fall my students and I will be exploring with the help of Alex Pauk and the Esprit Orchestra, specifically, the Canadian Composer matched with our school.
I'm not expecting sympathy or empathy for what I do really enjoy doing. It is a part, or a responsibility of all educators to respect their chosen career, which involves and includes the above mentioned actions. In order to be effective in the classroom, a teacher must do their homework. It's interesting, that sometimes while enjoying a social gathering, I do make some discovery and connection through conversation and my attention is directed to other possibilities. Of course this is a good thing. I suppose we all do this. However, I do think that most people try to close the door on their work environment, and they do try to avoid work at home. I do not think teachers can nor should do this. Thinking, planning and preparation away from the classroom is critical to the success of the daily lessons experienced by our students. Preparing lessons and educational activities takes time and careful thought - it's even more challenging today with so many distractions and other focus problems our students seem to have. Bye for now.
I'm not expecting sympathy or empathy for what I do really enjoy doing. It is a part, or a responsibility of all educators to respect their chosen career, which involves and includes the above mentioned actions. In order to be effective in the classroom, a teacher must do their homework. It's interesting, that sometimes while enjoying a social gathering, I do make some discovery and connection through conversation and my attention is directed to other possibilities. Of course this is a good thing. I suppose we all do this. However, I do think that most people try to close the door on their work environment, and they do try to avoid work at home. I do not think teachers can nor should do this. Thinking, planning and preparation away from the classroom is critical to the success of the daily lessons experienced by our students. Preparing lessons and educational activities takes time and careful thought - it's even more challenging today with so many distractions and other focus problems our students seem to have. Bye for now.
Friday, 14 July 2017
New project set for the fall with Esprit Orchestra
Alex Pauk, artistic director of Esprit Orchestra, contacted me to invite our school music program to participate in a reach-out project to celebrate 150 years for Ontario, called: Ontario Resonates. Of course I accepted this offer after clearing approval with my school administration. We completed some telephone and email conversations and a face-to-face meeting in JuHe, downtown Toronto, a nice cafe. I was introduced to the Canadian composer: Chris Thornborrow, an associate of Alex, Amber Melhado, and Alex attended this meeting. We brainstormed some organzational ideas, but it's where I shared my vision of what I wanted to explore for my students, the theme idea I had already shared with Alex and Amber through emails and telephone conversations. It was a great meeting and the cappuccino was very nice too. I love traveling downtown, I truly miss it. I was able to attend this meeting during our examination break at school. I did not have duties that day. Chris and I also established his interest to visit our school later that same week. Chris did in fact visit and we toured the main spaces of the building, the theatre, the classrooms, hallways, etc.
Our school is not the only school to participate. During the above organizational activities, I arranged a date for our presentation in November. This was the important, critical part of the project - we needed to secure a date in our theatre for presentation. Once this was negotiated, the project moved forward and additional meetings took place.
Now, to research, which I have not really started as yet, but should. I'm looking forward to teaming with other teachers at school. Part of the vision for this presentation involves theatre, dance, possibly visual arts.
This is not the first time I have worked with Esprit. The other projects were very successful and I am thrilled and excited to participating again. It's great for professional development; it's great for the students, great for the program, great for the school-community. It's creative and challenging, interesting and opens our minds and skills to different ways of thinking. Wow!
Our school is not the only school to participate. During the above organizational activities, I arranged a date for our presentation in November. This was the important, critical part of the project - we needed to secure a date in our theatre for presentation. Once this was negotiated, the project moved forward and additional meetings took place.
Now, to research, which I have not really started as yet, but should. I'm looking forward to teaming with other teachers at school. Part of the vision for this presentation involves theatre, dance, possibly visual arts.
This is not the first time I have worked with Esprit. The other projects were very successful and I am thrilled and excited to participating again. It's great for professional development; it's great for the students, great for the program, great for the school-community. It's creative and challenging, interesting and opens our minds and skills to different ways of thinking. Wow!
Saturday, 6 May 2017
It's how I was made to feel
I've been a music educator for many years, all high school experience, 32nd year in teaching. I think I truly believe that I am very proud of my accomplishments as a music educator. I have many stories about past students saying that I had a meaningful effect on their life - that I taught more than just music; I taught them about life.
In recent years, when asked by those interested in what I do, I respond proudly that I am a music teacher. But, for many years prior, it was not the same. In my early years as a teacher, when asked, I would respond that I was a high school teacher - that's it. Why?
After saying that I was a teacher, I could hear in the person's voice and see the person's facial expression, that being a teacher is something noteworthy and impressive. As they continued to ask: "what do you teach", I responded: "Music". The change in attitude immediately changed. "Oh", as in, that's not really anything important then. It's how I was made to feel. If I could only answer: I'm a Math teacher or a Science teacher, well then, that sounds more like it; but, a music teacher? I'm sorry, that really doesn't count.
So, for many years, I would simply answer, I'm a teacher, and try to move the conversation quickly, efficiently and most effectively to some other topic; to avoid the 2nd part of the question. It worked and I could avoid the feeling that in the eyes of most people, a music teacher is not something that can be held in high regard or at the same level as the other "academics". Really, music teacher, is that a real subject and do you teach full time? I'm surprised that they have not removed that subject - it's just an extra - right?
It's unfortunate. For years, I would defend myself and sometimes, get into heavy discussions - I had to prove myself worthy - right? How would I be able to turn someone into believing that studying music seriously is as important as any other subject. I have basically given up.
Bye for now.
In recent years, when asked by those interested in what I do, I respond proudly that I am a music teacher. But, for many years prior, it was not the same. In my early years as a teacher, when asked, I would respond that I was a high school teacher - that's it. Why?
After saying that I was a teacher, I could hear in the person's voice and see the person's facial expression, that being a teacher is something noteworthy and impressive. As they continued to ask: "what do you teach", I responded: "Music". The change in attitude immediately changed. "Oh", as in, that's not really anything important then. It's how I was made to feel. If I could only answer: I'm a Math teacher or a Science teacher, well then, that sounds more like it; but, a music teacher? I'm sorry, that really doesn't count.
So, for many years, I would simply answer, I'm a teacher, and try to move the conversation quickly, efficiently and most effectively to some other topic; to avoid the 2nd part of the question. It worked and I could avoid the feeling that in the eyes of most people, a music teacher is not something that can be held in high regard or at the same level as the other "academics". Really, music teacher, is that a real subject and do you teach full time? I'm surprised that they have not removed that subject - it's just an extra - right?
It's unfortunate. For years, I would defend myself and sometimes, get into heavy discussions - I had to prove myself worthy - right? How would I be able to turn someone into believing that studying music seriously is as important as any other subject. I have basically given up.
Bye for now.
Saturday, 22 April 2017
Focus - developing concentration focus
I discovered this phenomena this week while teaching. I then asked students the following question:
"What is one of the greatest challenges to learning, you face in any of your classes"?
Silence . . .
I offered: Concentration, and specifically, endurance. Can you focus for a full 75 minutes on your learning, in all your classes? Without distraction? But, is it neccessary to focus on any one thing or activity for a lengthy long period of time? What happened to day-dreaming? I think, most people are misled to believe that multi-tasking is important to live in today's society. I am suggesting to my students that mono-tasking is the key to success. Instead of trying to do many things at once, focus on doing one thing the best!
I try to engage my students in many activities in my daily classes. I encourage them to think while idling rather than engage in conversation with a friend or gravitate, as in, "go to their phones". It's challenging for them to develop endurance. Really, that's what it's all about. When we begin the school year in September, students should continue to add time to their concentration endurance, striving to stay on task by thinking about extensions, connections, experimenting on other related or even un-related themes, instead of entering another moment of distraction. It's called "situational" learning. You make decisions based on the moment and activity. How can you make the best decision when one is distracted by others or a phone?
In addition, once a student is distracted, it takes added time to bring them back to the "game"! That's the additional challenge. I know that socializing and discussing ideas with friends is equally important; but, I'm not convinced that students actually discuss learning when they search for a break in the moment.
Yes, we all need a balance between work and play, and I'm sure that studies indicate that it's healthy to work a bit and relax for a bit. But, I observe that most students lose so much time and waste so much time daily that they throw away possibilities to increase learning, skill development and understanding; they throw away time to appreciate the depth and breadth of possibilities. I asked my students to consider developing their endurance to focus daily in all their classes; not only will their mark improve because they are more attentive to details, but their appreciation and more will improve. Moreover, with this type of focus for this amount of time that I am suggesting, at the end of the day, you should be exhausted! Further, be responsible and come to every class with goals that you wish to accomplish. Instead of waiting for the instructor to "edutain" you! Am I realistic to believe that students should aim to develop a high degree or high level of focus for an appropriate length of time? Perhaps. But I do believe that multi-tasking and distractions to interfere with accomplishing more and more. Bye for now.
"What is one of the greatest challenges to learning, you face in any of your classes"?
Silence . . .
I offered: Concentration, and specifically, endurance. Can you focus for a full 75 minutes on your learning, in all your classes? Without distraction? But, is it neccessary to focus on any one thing or activity for a lengthy long period of time? What happened to day-dreaming? I think, most people are misled to believe that multi-tasking is important to live in today's society. I am suggesting to my students that mono-tasking is the key to success. Instead of trying to do many things at once, focus on doing one thing the best!
I try to engage my students in many activities in my daily classes. I encourage them to think while idling rather than engage in conversation with a friend or gravitate, as in, "go to their phones". It's challenging for them to develop endurance. Really, that's what it's all about. When we begin the school year in September, students should continue to add time to their concentration endurance, striving to stay on task by thinking about extensions, connections, experimenting on other related or even un-related themes, instead of entering another moment of distraction. It's called "situational" learning. You make decisions based on the moment and activity. How can you make the best decision when one is distracted by others or a phone?
In addition, once a student is distracted, it takes added time to bring them back to the "game"! That's the additional challenge. I know that socializing and discussing ideas with friends is equally important; but, I'm not convinced that students actually discuss learning when they search for a break in the moment.
Yes, we all need a balance between work and play, and I'm sure that studies indicate that it's healthy to work a bit and relax for a bit. But, I observe that most students lose so much time and waste so much time daily that they throw away possibilities to increase learning, skill development and understanding; they throw away time to appreciate the depth and breadth of possibilities. I asked my students to consider developing their endurance to focus daily in all their classes; not only will their mark improve because they are more attentive to details, but their appreciation and more will improve. Moreover, with this type of focus for this amount of time that I am suggesting, at the end of the day, you should be exhausted! Further, be responsible and come to every class with goals that you wish to accomplish. Instead of waiting for the instructor to "edutain" you! Am I realistic to believe that students should aim to develop a high degree or high level of focus for an appropriate length of time? Perhaps. But I do believe that multi-tasking and distractions to interfere with accomplishing more and more. Bye for now.
Sunday, 5 March 2017
Arnold Jacobs and other reading
I am currently reading a book on the great Tuba player; great educator; great thinker: Arnold Jacobs. I am impressed at how quickly the ideas I connect with and have already put into usage at school.
I explored Arnold Jacobs a couple of years ago with some of the youtube videos of him demonstrating some breathing exercises to improve sound. But, so far this new book for me is giving me ideas about his philosophy to not only teach, but to improve the mental part of performing! I will continue to read this book. Apparently, there are other books available that I may explore in the future. For now, this book is full of amazing ideas and strategies, techniques and more.
In addition, I am reading some interesting writing about the business world and "transformative learning". I am equally impressed with the possibilities presented here in these two different documents I downloaded from the internet. It talks about leadership, learning, behavior, change in the work communities, research and development, engagement, creativity, and more. It's remarkable how these presented ideas can be transferred to my teaching delivery. This reading and the above is helping me to continue to develop my skills and understanding: making me a better teacher and a better thinker; making me realize about or past, present and future world of work and learning.
I explored Arnold Jacobs a couple of years ago with some of the youtube videos of him demonstrating some breathing exercises to improve sound. But, so far this new book for me is giving me ideas about his philosophy to not only teach, but to improve the mental part of performing! I will continue to read this book. Apparently, there are other books available that I may explore in the future. For now, this book is full of amazing ideas and strategies, techniques and more.
In addition, I am reading some interesting writing about the business world and "transformative learning". I am equally impressed with the possibilities presented here in these two different documents I downloaded from the internet. It talks about leadership, learning, behavior, change in the work communities, research and development, engagement, creativity, and more. It's remarkable how these presented ideas can be transferred to my teaching delivery. This reading and the above is helping me to continue to develop my skills and understanding: making me a better teacher and a better thinker; making me realize about or past, present and future world of work and learning.
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