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.
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