Music Alive Festival of York Region

Although I no longer teach in the school system, with this new position:  Program Manager, I continue to stay connected.  The Music Alive office is located at Our Lady of the Rosary C.E.S.;  I email many educators daily to promote the festival, answer any questions about the festival, and meet with school board representatives to discuss budget and use of resources.  I keep in touch with volunteer committee members (most, who are currently teaching).
I have found the additional meetings involved with Character Community Foundation to be very informative and interesting.  This too has helped me to realize the many layers of decision-making and politics that surround the community at large.
I have attempted to contact local music studios to invite them to consider entering Music Alive;  I try to send announcements (broadcasts) to as many school music teachers that have entered in the past - to encourage them to attend and participate this year.
Retirement from full-time teaching has been smooth because of Music Alive.  It has kept me busy and engaged.  I continue to plan, promote, read, meet, keep records, and more.  I hope that Music Alive is sustained for years to come.

YCDSB Retirement celebration, October 16th

Florinda and I attended the York Catholic District School Board retirement celebration last Tuesday evening held at the Venetian Banquet Hall.  I have been invited to these celebrations for years, hired to bring students to provide music.  I did it with Father Bressani CHS and later with St. Elizabeth CHS.  It was nice to see all the students from Saint Elizabeth in attendance this particular evening:  vocalists and instrumentalists.  Each group of students invited me to take photos with them - it was special.  There was food, speeches, conversations, and kind words expressed when each retiring person is invited to the platform to receive a gift and shake hands with trustees, director of education, and superintendents.  I enjoyed seeing some former colleagues in attendance as well.  Florinda and I enjoyed the evening and the clock gift with engraving is a nice touch.  I am pleased to attend and it was extra special with the students providing wonderful music in the lobby, inside the dining room area and the National Anthem.  I send an email to Principal Heinrich expressing my congratulations on the showing of Saint Elizabeth CHS music department students and teachers - professional and artistic contributions to a beautiful celebration.  I spoke also with the new Director of Education, hoping to count on his continued support of Music Alive Festival!

Change of Identity

I was thinking the other day that I no longer have a “music-teacher” identity;  my identity has changed.  For over thirty years, I dedicated time and energy to be the best I could be at the teaching career.  Of course, this required much research, observation, networking, reading, team-work, listening, exploration and discover; trial and error, developing my strengths and strategies to working with young adults, showing them that I was passionate about music-making and I cared, and was (serious) about this passion - I cared about young people and I wanted them to be interested and engaged, developing a keen appreciation for Music!  Now that I have left teaching full time, I have a new identity, I manage a music festival - it’s similar to running a business.  I have many clients;  I have people to answer to, above me.  I work with technology person (webmaster), I have a great team of volunteer teachers to work with;  I manage finances, budgets, problem solve, answer emails, respond to phone messages, make decisions, organize venues, move equipment, promote, attend meetings in the community, do much planning - wow!
My other identity, one that I kept even during my teaching career, is the performing artist identity.  I continue to devote time to practicing my craft, developing and maintaining my skills.  Actually, it’s this particular identity that I have carried with me much longer than the teaching identity.
So, to sum-up, I like this new identity and am proud of my accomplishments with the “teaching” identity, and am thrilled about continuing with the “accordion” identity.
Bye for now . . .

2003 St. Elizabeth Catholic High School, part 1

It was the transition from winter to spring of 2003 that I began my work at St. Elizabeth Catholic High School.  I continued to teach at Father Bressani CHS, (to complete my year at Father Bressani, having worked at this particular school for 15 years!) but did visit St. E’s on many occasions, including meetings, and evening presentations.  It showed well on me that I was very interested in meeting the arts department members face-to-face, and to attend arts presentations, and of course, meet other teachers.  Interesting, that, both schools completed a trip to Montreal that particular spring, and we did meet some colleagues at a sight-seeing site.  I recall Anne Carey, whom I worked with at Father Bressani, say that it would be great to have me join the team at St. Elizabeth.  I suppose that my networking within the board did actually benefit me when I decided to pursue this opportunity.  I remember getting the call from Vice-Principal Anthony Mastroianni (who has passed away - and I actually taught his son at Father Bressani), to inform me that a change was expected in the department headship and the new Regional Arts Programme would need a leader; he called me at home to gauge my interest in completing an interview for the position.  That conversation included also his continuation to share a bit of information about the school and that James  . . . was leaving to take-on a new position at another school.  I remember attending arts subject council meetings in 2001-2003, and James sharing the excitement about the St. Elizabeth’s interest in exploring and offering a new program.  I remember James being frustrated with everyone thinking that St. E’s was becoming an “arts school”.  But, our understanding was incorrect.  St. Elizabeth was dealing with low enrollment numbers and facing the possibility of closing the doors to this big school building, with three floors!  There were many stories surrounding the ideas about how St. Elizabeth decided to choose to offer a Regional Arts Program.  Of course, there were other options available.  I know that the Superintendents, one in particular, was very supportive of the arts, and perhaps this was a dream for him to accomplish.  It was a time when all high schools in the board were selecting a “focus” for the school.  One school explore technology;  Father Bressani explored “a school for global education”; and so St. Elizabeth became the school with an arts focus.  In the year 2003, St. Elizabeth completed their first auditions for the program.  In September of 2003, I began in this new position(s), with lots of enthusiasm, energy and nervousness too.  The School Principal, Mary Cosentino, worked in tenacious fashion to move this new focus forward.  The new program would need new curriculum, an upgrade to facility, development of partnerships, and more.  I remember having to attend meetings that particular summer, held at the board office and even Mary Cosentino’s residence.  We needed to organize so much:  1). What is the vision statement;  2). Goals;  3). Funding;  4). Transportation;  5). Theatre;  6). Gala nights;  7). Prepare for open houses;  8). How to promote the program;  9). Organize committees, such as writing teams, and fund-raising;  10). Prepare for the following year of auditions, contacting supporters, and so much more.
I remember Allan Mackey sharing with me on a few occasions, after the early years of the program, how fortunate St. Elizabeth school was to have me at the school.  You see, he (former superintendent and school Principal) felt that James had let everyone down;  that leaving the school of St. Elizabeth at a point when they needed him most was disappointing.  James was part of the team of teachers, and administration and upper board administration that organized this new focus for the school.  It would have been better if James could have remained for a couple of years to get the program up and running - at least help to do so.  It was challenging for me to begin this new chapter in my teaching career.  I had to learn quickly and make new connections.  At the time, my teaching at Bressani was a bit of the same old and quite possibly diminishing for me and the music program.  This offer to work at St. Elizabeth did inspire me, challenge me and help to rejuvenate me in so many ways.  I am grateful, now looking back.
More to come about this . . . Bye for now

One month into retirement - how do I feel?

I really do not feel any different.  I think that summer vacation just simply carried-on.  I have been very busy.  My days run away so fast.  The number of meetings I have attended in September for the Music Alive, as part of the Character Community Foundation, has been frequent.  So, I have been busy with Music Alive, meeting the Web Master and meeting also with Edel;  Then, I have the meetings arranged by Susanne with Character Community Foundation.  Then, I have been busy with personal performing projects, preparing, and even meeting with clients.  So, I have not experienced a day where I can say that I did not have anything to do;  in fact, my days are packed full of things that I need to do to stay organized and preparing myself for each project, whether it is for the new role or for personal performance, and of course, actually performing, which takes time too.  I continue to work with Schevchenko and my regular church playing continues.  In fact, I have a rehearsal scheduled this week with the church choir.  Last week, I had a meeting 4 of the 5 days!  So, I really have not had time to ponder how I feel about teaching.
In addition, I have been trying to help-out around the house a bit more:  I do some cleaning, some food preparation;  I do some groceries, and do some things that Florinda needs help with.  I would like to do more around the house, a bit more cooking and cleaning so that Florinda can relax a bit more.  This summer was particularly busy with the wedding preparations and so I did more around the house - inside and outside.
As for teaching, I think I may miss some of the “thinking” and exploring of interesting ideas that challenged me at school.  But, I really do not miss teaching as much as I thought - well, not yet anyway.  Funny.

9/11 remembered today

In listening to the radio program talk shows today, while driving to complete errands, 9/11 was the theme, 17 years ago.  I was teaching music class at Father Bressani CHS, in Woodbridge.  I recall a student:  Matthew Fava asked to be excused from class for washroom break.  Matthew played the tuba.  Today, well, I think he continues to work at the Canadian Music Centre!  His sister, another former music student continued with music as well, playing the French Horn.  I think her name is Elizabeth Fava.  When Matthew returned to class, he walked slowly to his spot in the classroom.  I noticed also that he was muttering words to his classmates as he passed through the crowd of students.  I found his behavior to be disruptive and actually cautioned him to return to his seat in a more efficient manner, to focus immediately and actively return to participating with usual professional attention to the activity we were still engaged in.  After my caution, Matthew stopped at his chair location, still standing, and said:  “An airplane crashed into the World Trade Centre Tower”!

At first, many students and myself were silent and then reacted in disbelief as we noticed the seriousness and fear in Matthew’s face and voice-delivery of that phrase.  Then, some students started to ask Matthew additional questions, and conversations began around the classroom.  There were no cell phones to verify this.  I do not remember what happened after this announcement by Matthew.

At any rate, we were planning an excursion in the spring to Greece!  We did not go on this trip, but did complete a trip to Alberta, by train.  It was a great trip.  Matthew Fava did not attend.  He really wanted to travel to Greece which included a cruise ship part.

I turned-off the radio during my travels today because 9/11 was sad.  We humans have so much potential to do good and we choose to do harm to others. 

In Toronto, in every day, it seems, there is a news report of a shooting.  We have experienced people killed on sidewalks by motor vehicles.  It’s not safe anywhere:  not at work, not at school, not in your home, not while attending a celebration.  Everyone is suspicious and paranoid.  There is sadness, hurting, drugs, alcoholism, stealing, lying, crazy drivers, fast food, media, advertising, crowds of inpatient, out-of-control tempers, climate changing announcements, disease, anger, suffering, which surround us, everyday!  This constant bombardment of negative news, noise pollution, anxiety, fear, at accelerated speed cannot be good for us, but only adds to frustration and harm.

Remembering 9/11, and where I was and the days, weeks, and months that following 9/11 reminds me of how sad this world is, and that’s too bad, because there is so much to be thankful of, and yet, this goes unnoticed, because goodness is drowned out by all the noise.

Bye for now.

I feel a bit awkward today

It’s not a typical Labour Day Monday for me this year.  In previous years, for most probably all of them in my teaching career, I would have a most difficult sleep tonight;  last week, the week before Labour day, I would dedicate time to preparing opening day handouts, and would visit school at least two days, if not three days to photocopy, prepare the classroom, meet with colleagues and administration, etc.
Today is Labour Day Monday, and for the past 32 years, I would be busy planning and preparing to return to school tomorrow!  Well, not this year!
It does feel a bit awkward; slightly out-of-place; and strange.  Over the last few weeks and even months, some people, family and friends have been asking me, how do you feel at this particular stage in my life.  My response has always been the same:  it’s a normal end to the school year and the summer is unfolding as per usual, so I’ll probably feel something different in the fall when I do not follow my usual routine of preparing for the first day of school and I do not return to school as has taken place for the past 32 years.
Will I miss teaching full time?  Of course, I will.  I hope to keep myself very busy and currently, I am very busy with a few projects on-the-go.  These projects require my investing some time to prepare.
I am also busy with my new role as Program Manager of the MusicAlive Festival in York Region, and notice that I am dedicating a bit more time daily to this project.  Perhaps I will not feel that different starting tomorrow because I continue to keep busy.
It was a busy summer with my daughter and preparations for her wedding day.  As mentioned in my other entries, the celebration was spectacular!
I do have some plans I would like to see take shape for me personally in the fall, and hope that they do.  One of these is to explore a martial art!  This would be great for me personally, keeping me in shape and giving me some confidence in defending myself, if ever needed.  Oh yes, I did register for the OMEA conference in November this Labour Day Weekend, so I did maintain a couple of tasks as would occur in previous years!
Bye for now.

Update on writing a book about teaching music in high school

I noticed that (back in January 2018), I introduced the idea and described my interest in writing a book about teaching music in high school, based on my career as a music educator.  This entry is to inform readers that I have started to write and try to add about 100 words-a-day!  Of course, there have been weeks since I started this that I have not viewed or written anything.  It seems that now that I am on vacation, I am in a routine, trying to follow this goal of contributing at least 100 words per day.
Bye for now.

Influence and inspiring

     A couple of evenings ago, I was invited to perform with a former student:  Carlo C.  at the Pizzafest, held in Woodbridge, outdoors.  Playing on drums was another former student of mine:  Marco S.  This is not new for me.  Over the years, I have been invited to accompany many former music vocalists at church and other events.
     In conversations that night, I was reminded of other former students currently performing in Toronto and beyond!  The band performing before our spot was exiting the stage and a musician approaches me, whom I did not recognize at first, yet another former student’s brother:  Johnny M.
We chatted a bit and then, another former student who was actually one of the main organizers of the event: Mr. Billingsley reminded me of his unique trumpet playing style at Father Bressani CHS.
     There were many long moments of time available to us before we actually took to the stage to perform, and this offered me segments of time to reflect.  Many students in music career today, share kind words about how I influenced and inspired them to continue to explore a career in music performing.  I am grateful and pleased to hear this.  I have thought about this on many occasions, over the years.  Not only in music performing, but so many former students of mine have continued in education, some actually becoming music educators!
     How does someone define purpose and value in their teaching career?  Many students shared kind words a few weeks ago when I was celebrating my retirement.  Many of these same students will probably not explore a career in music or music education, but I do have a feeling that I influenced and inspired most of them to strive to be the best that they could be;  to develop a passion for learning; to appreciate the power of music to transform lives;  and to live life to the fullest.
Bye for now.

What I will miss most about teaching

Of course I will miss working with young students - I suppose that’s the right thing to say - right?
But, what I will miss most is the “research” feature that I placed on my teaching.  I always strived to be a better teacher of music.  This search for ways to develop educational activities that would enhance the experience for students always peaked my curiosity.  I enjoyed finding-out more about how people learn and have always had a passion for learning.  This interest encouraged me to continue my desire to be the best teacher of music.  So, this is the aspect I will miss most.  I enjoyed attending meetings and making new discoveries.  I would often read a variety of articles and search a variety of resources.  These discoveries would inspire my teaching.  Of course, I would often relate teachings to my faith too.
     I found over the years that many of my colleagues were searching for ways to make their teaching lives easier.  I didn’t search for ways “out” of doing extra work;  I searched for ways to bring me closer to knowledge and wisdom.  I think that many of my colleagues lost-out on the best parts of teaching because they avoided investing the extra time to do the extra “things”.
    To be an effective teacher you need to invest time and practicing your craft.  These means dedication to reading, research, experimentation, communication with partners, spending long days in your teaching space to clean-up and organize.
     I think that I was an effective teacher because I was always willing to do the research and dedicate the extra time to getting the job done.  Preparation is necessary - daily!  To challenge the students and keep them interested required an investment of time, above and beyond the “normal” calling.  You have to be attentive to details;  efficient in your daily routines.  You have to know what you are doing and know who you are working with.  This cannot be done to a high degree if you arrive late in the morning, and leave early at night.
     I hope that now that I am retired, I continue to research because I believe it’s the searching to be better that really helps to make one’s life exciting and interesting!
Bye for now.

Retirement celebrations

     It’s been a wonderful conclusion to my career in teaching.  First, the students I worked with this past semester offered a few beautiful celebrations.  The grade 12 class brought in a cake on the examination date;  they also created a wonderful video and dedicated lyrics to some songs they composed.  The grade 11 class also celebrated with me at the conclusion of the examination date, bringing gifts in a beautiful basket and dedicating photos and comments to a book.  In addition, the grade 11 class created a poster with words and many chocolate bar types (variety of different sizes and name brands) to represent words.  Then, the many cards and additional gifts shared by many students in all grade levels taught this past semester.
      At RAP graduation, flowers were given to me with a beautiful speech by Sienna, music council president.
     My Colleague:  Stacey organized a wonderful party at a local pub in June, with live music by Bosco, Dave, and former student Anthony B. I brought my accordion and played a bit too.  We stayed really late that night - it was a wonderful celebration.  At the pub, even Joe M. and Neal P. showed up, which was a great surprise.  Also, some Vice-Principals and Principals from the past:  Fabian, Nunzio, Cathy, showed up, lots of surprises as I didn’t expect so many people attending.  There was a great cake made by Joe D.
     A few former students from my days teaching at Bressani also brought me gifts.  Jennifer, who is now a high school teacher, visited me in the last few days at St. Elizabeth, after examinations, and brought me a book which included comments from former students at Bressani.  Other teachers in the school board offered gifts and cards as well.
     On the last official day of June 29th, we celebrated a prayer-service in the Chappell, located on the 3rd floor.  Following this, Yolan, department head of arts, said some kind words about me and presented me with a card-gift.
     I am thankful to everyone for celebrating with me.  Thank you to all my teaching friends, students, and friends who took the time to attend celebrations and offering kind words.
Bye for now.

It’s not rocket science - it’s about collaboration

It’s my last day, officially retiring from full time teaching, but I continue to have conversations with my colleagues and how educators can get support for their ideas and activities.
One colleague spoke about programming yesterday;  he has an interest in increasing the interest in certain components of the larger program.  I responded by saying that you need to look beyond the individual program in isolation.  The administration is interested in cross-curricular ideas, where more than one subject area combine to offer multiple experiences for our students.  It’s the way the world works today!  Later that same day, two additional colleagues in the arts described their intention to combine and work together on a particular project.  Again, I mentioned to the two teacher friends that they are encouraged to take note about the school Principal and where he is supporting certain full school initiatives.  I continued to offer that it’s wonderful that you two teachers are promoting this project, but begin now at this time of the year, let the school Principal know that you are planning this new idea and show how it connects to the project initiated by the School Principal. These types of collaborations will almost guarantee your success, in my opinion.  Your vision has to be broader and greater in depth, to go beyond the single-subject area.  Also, today, the big push is how you incorporate technology into your subject discipline.
For example, the music department should work together with multi-media (tech / communications department), to develop projects that involve many pieces.  This type of project is exciting, it’s valuable and current with what is happening in the world.  Offer your students challenging, creative projects that involve collaboration and can be tied to many subject areas across the curriculum and you will most certainly guarantee agreement to support.
Bye for now.

Tomorrow is my last day at Saint Elizabeth CHS

Tomorrow is my last day in full time teaching!  Last week, a colleague of mine, in the music department:  Stacey, arranged a wonderful party at a local pub.  Many of my teaching friends attended, and also personal friends and my accordion teachers!  It was lovely afternoon and evening, spent outside, on the patio.  Also, a former student of mine:  Anthony, provided live music on keyboard, with Bosco and Dave.  I brought my accordion and played a few tunes.  Later, that same evening, a few people stayed and we continued to celebrate, with me playing some tunes every half hour!  Ernie drove me home.
     How do I feel now that I have arrived to the last day?  I feel good, somewhat sad, but generally very happy.  Many students have offered me cards, gifts, wonderful comments, and cake.  One former student, who is now a teacher in high school, dropped in unexpectedly yesterday to bring a book-gift, which included comments typed from former students she was in contact with.
Today was Graduation.  The school Principal has provided refreshments before and after the graduation, so I really enjoy attending.  This year, I was not responsible for arranging music, so I was able to attend both the pre-grad refreshments and post-grad refreshments.
     I have been busy cleaning-up at school and tomorrow I submit my keys.  As I shared with a colleague today at Graduation, it’s a normal conclusion to the school year so I really do not feel any different.  I suppose this coming September will feel different.  Let’s wait and see!

This is the first entry after the printing of Blog entries, in all three of the Blogs I contribute to.  I have collected the entries and coiled the pages into three sections at Staples Business Depot.
It will be a nice read over the summer, admiring the collection.  Maybe in 5 years, I will consider doing the same thing.

Preparing for retirement from teaching

It’s been very busy lately:  preparing documents for retirement; clean-up resources and personals at school; preparing files to share with colleagues;  in addition to all the family activities:  today, my daughter finalized the purchase of a home!  My youngest daughter is currently flying from home to a beautiful destination for a holiday-break.  Just last week, we celebrated a wedding shower;  and two weeks before the shower date, we celebrated a gentlemen’s party for Daniel.  Soon, we celebrate a 95th birthday party for my mom, followed a week later (for my nephew) a “stag-and-doh”.  Add the above to the playing I am doing - and wow, it’s busy.
     This week Stacey Mansell, with the help of arts department colleagues are arranging a party for me, to celebrate my retirement.  I am pleased and also sad to go.  I plan to bring my accordion to play a bit at this party.  It’s my way to say thank-you.  Last week, at the RAP Grad, I was giving flowers, and a few kind words were shared by Music Council president:  Sierra Gazmen.  This week, some additional cards and gifts have been given to me by students.  Everyday, my colleagues, or secretarial staff members, or students share comments about my upcoming retirement.  It’s an exciting time for me, but as mentioned already, it’s a sad time too.  I have been teaching for many years, and it’s something that I have dedicated a lot of time to developing, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly!
I took teaching seriously.  It was something I deeply cared about.
     I decided about seeking retirement way back in November of 2017.  I’ll probably remember this date easily because it was the day after Wayne Hill’s funeral, on a Friday.  And, the next day, Saturday, I was attending a musical rehearsal at school, in the morning, “Bah_humbug”.  While driving to St. Elizabeth, the idea about Music Alive festival enters my mind.  It was this last Saturday of November that began my new journey.  Over the next few months, the necessary steps, conversations, paperwork, applications, reference letters, and meetings would take place.
     About a month ago, I was looking ahead at how far-away the final day of school was:  40 days.  And now, it’s two weeks away!!!!!  There is still so much work to accomplish at school before I officially leave, submit my keys, and say good-bye to teaching.  Although I am sad, I feel that I am ready.  Three years ago, I resigned from the Arts Headship at school.  I did not have any regrets about that decision.  I was ready for that change.  Today, I feel that I am ready for this next chapter in my life.  As I look back on my career, I feel a sense of gratitude and appreciation for having enjoyed so much joy in this teaching career.  I was, and still am very blessed.
Bye for now.

Tradition?

As I reflect on my career and also offer my students music history handouts on a weekly basis, I do notice some interesting matches.  Some composers we read about in class tell a bit about their activities.  In addition to composing, some were involved with performing, conducting and teaching.  I think this is important to note about a career in music.  The master composer-musicians did more than compose music.  I too am an active performer and have been for many years.  I am currently completing my 33rd year in teaching high school music, so I teach;  In addition, I compose music and I suppose with my work in leading different ensembles, I conduct as well.  Moreover, I accompany a choir every Sunday at weekly masses, now in my 18th year!  So, I am involved with the community, beyond the school community.
I have noticed that those artists that have networked and done a bit of everything in music appear to lead successful careers and are busy / active.  I have known artists that have tried to “make-it-big” in one area of music and are still trying, even today, disappointed underachievers.  I think it’s important to branch-out into related music areas in order to earn a descent living in music.

The Way I look - My face, my appearance

I truly believe that my “look” gives the impression that I am serious and quite possibly “mean”.  Over many years, I have been told that I look angry, and that I am difficult to “read”.  It’s surprising to me because I think that my facial expressions actually make people laugh because that’s the response I get with my raised-eyebrows, and wide-open eyes, and basically, I can keep a straight face without loosing focus or control.  In addition, while I’m sure there are times that I naturally look “serious”, I have been told on many occasion that my smile lights-up the room; from ear-to-ear.  But, getting back to this “guarded-look”, which I wear in order to shield myself or protect myself from any harm, I believe that my appearance also contributes to this:  I believe that people view me as a big man, weighing-in at about 220 pounds, just under 6 feet height, about 5 feet 11 inches.  So, I think that most people would not want to engage in a conversation or push me the wrong way because I do not give a welcoming invitation into my space.  I think I make people feel uncomfortable.  Or, that I have a “wall” built up to protect me.  My voice is loud and carries weight, intensity; volume, I project well.  My posture is good, appearing with confidence, and my stare is controlled, “mean-looking” and intense.  I think I am what I “wear” or “show”, because I do not want strangers to invade my space, so I think my defenses are up at all times, careful to not allow anyone to position themselves in an advantage over me.  Perhaps I am too cautious, and too careful.  I believe that most people will view me as “negative-looking”; too-serious”; an individual that is not fun to be with.  At times, I believe that I am shy, while many would have you believe that I strive for the “spot-light”, when in fact, I really try to avoid it.

So, why am I describing this intense, probably too serious person who appears to be not enjoying life at all?  I am sharing this because I think the above “look” has served me well as an educator; My characteristics have helped me to establish discipline in the classroom.  Now, once people get to know me, students, colleagues, etc., they realize that I am a very caring individual, fun, and reasonable.  But, again, at times, I still do notice that most, even with the passing of time, are careful and that I do possibly make many feel nervous.  Another feature to my character is unpredictability.  Most are not sure about my next move, and I think that this is good because again, it has served me so well in the classroom.  Does this mean that most are afraid to approach me?  I suppose, this is true.  But, I do not mind this reaction because I am serious about what I do and I am also very careful, because I do not want to get hurt.

My daughter shares this characteristic.  She looks “pensive”, in deep thought, and serious.  Most people comment on her facial expressions as well.  She believes that people are mis-reading her and that she often has to explain that she is perfectly alright and feeling fine.  I think that she is like me, serious in deep thought and careful to avoid danger or careful not to extend trust.

Is this a talent that we have?  Perhaps.  It’s just our natural God-given look.  Some people look happy and smile all the time.  Perhaps, some people are pretending to look and feel happy.  My daughter and I look serious and pensive, but it does not mean that we are sad or depressed.  We just take “life” a bit too serious and perhaps we’re just a little afraid too.

Travel distance to school - I have been fortunate

My teaching career started in Barrie Ontario.  It would take about 50 minutes travel time to St. Joseph Catholic High School, and approximately the same amount of time, return trip home in the late afternoon.  I remember the price of fuel at that time was 37- 39 cents a litre, because I would usually refuel in Barrie.  In the winter, with bad weather, it would of course take me longer travel time.
I did this for two years.  Incidentally, the first year, I was still living with my parents, so the travel time was a bit more.  The second year, Florinda and I lived in Thornhill for six years.
After, I interviewed for a job at Father Bressani Catholic High school in Woodbridge.  This interview opportunity came from a contact at St. Joseph, a colleague mentioned to me that her brother-in-law was planning to leave Father Bressani, a member of the music department, and if I was interested in reducing my travel to Barrie, consider going for an interview.  So, I did.  My travel time was significantly reduced.  When living in Thornhill, my travel time would be about 15 minutes, and with traffic, maybe 20 minutes.  Then, we moved to Maple, and my travel time to Woodbridge involved slightly less distance and so, 12-15 minutes to travel time to school.  I would travel to Woodbridge for the next fifteen years.  Then, I interviewed at St. Elizabeth Catholic High School in 2003 for the Arts Deparment Head position.  Again, this opportunity came about through connections with administrators who I had worked with and were now at St. Elizabeth.  These colleagues thought I would be a good choice to fill the role since the new RAP (Regional Arts Programmer) was about to begin, year 1.  My travel time is about 12-15 minutes each way.  Well, the return trip is usually a bit longer due to traffic.  That’s the big change I have noticed over the years - the traffic is so much more where we live!

I still consider myself very fortunate that my travel time to work has been and continues to be very nice to deal with.  Compared to many other people who spend so much of their day on the road, dealing with traffic or distance, or both.  I think it’s one of the reasons I stayed at the schools for so many years.  Currently, I have some colleagues who travel for 60-90 minutes one way!  Imagine the wear and tear on the vehicle, the cost of fuel, the emotional, mental and physical drain on our bodies!

Indeed, I have been very fortunate!

I am interested in writing a music education method

I think I have some good approaches to learning music that can be shared in a small written book.  Over the years, I have tested many good ideas that I feel have improved the music education experience for my students.  It's a matter of compiling these ideas and arranging them, like a piece of music, into an organized form.  I just need to get started.  I think I have the theme of the introduction done in my head.  So, stay tuned for more about this challenging project I have in mind for the near future.

When I started my teaching career . . . a comparison reflection

When I began full time teaching at St. Joseph's High School in Barrie Ontario back in 1986, there were no:  1) I-phones (recently the I-phone 10 was released) I should share the following observation about social media and comment on young people and their attraction or rather distraction to phones:  a)  the phone is certainly a real distraction in the classroom for students.  In fact, I often witness during lessons, and even during performance rehearsals, student eyes “hooked” by their phones, which are located on the music stand.  In addition, sometimes, some students even stop playing and immediately move their focus to their respective phones!; b) Over the years, I have observed young people walking (for example, in a mall) in a perfect horizontal line, each of the group of three friends talking on their respective phones and not engaged in conversation with the persons directly next to them!  If anything, the phone has both brought people together (from great distances, now, this is fantastic, to be able to video converse with family across the world in real time and at no additional cost), and created a block - a barrier to real life interaction with someone, looking at them in the eye!

2) no video cameras for added security (today, one can control home security using their phone from long distances);

 3) personal computers were just starting to gain attention (in fact, at St. Joseph's High School, I used an Apple IIe computer with a purchased MIDI Sound card which offered me 4 tracks to accompany a choir at liturgy celebrations! - keep in mind that MIDI technology had previously been introduced in 1983, and I was inspired!);

4) some of my colleagues were free to smoke cigarettes in the staff room, (today, students must be a prescribed distance from the school building, in fact, I think if students are under age, they are fined a substantial amount, even if they are located away from the school building);

 5) all the men wore shirt and a tie, with some wearing a jacket also, (today, it's rare to find, however, I still wear a shirt and tie, everyday.  I think it has helped me and continues to help me garner respect.  Personally, I am a strong supporter of dressing professionally as a teacher.  It's interesting in a Catholic School System, where students are expected to wear the school uniform, do make a strong point when they question a teacher's remarks about following school policy with respect to wearing the school uniform, when the teacher is wearing jeans himself?  Are not teachers expected to be good role models?;

 6) Fundamentals meant something of value back in the day.  I mean, respect for human dignity, using appropriate language, really trying to demonstrate effort to improve, was noticed, (today, I think "laziness" or even perhaps entitlement is the replacement fundamental?);

 7) There are way to many identified students - I mean, to me, it appears that these students are using these programs to take advantage of the system.  So many students are offered modifications and adjustments to their individualized programs.  I think it's ironic that these specialized approaches to learning, which are intended to help students to better cope with learning, in short, meeting their needs, is actually putting them at a disadvantage when they graduate and have to compete for placements or job opportunities; Further, It’s not acceptable to “fail” today!  We have established teams of partners in education to help every student to succeed!  We need to find ways to help lighten the load on students, to remove pressure situations, to help a student at “risk” better handle the challenges.  When I entered this teaching profession way back, I think it was more acceptable to allow a student who was experiencing difficulty time to find his/her way to resolving problems.  Yes, we offered suggestions and assistance, but there was space to allow the student to grow and try different strategies, and yes, in some instances, measures of success varied.  Today, it’s so different.  We remove the responsibility from the student and the adults carry the entire load, I think.  The adults, administrators, teachers, parents appear to make the decisions and direct the young person to accept and follow!  I think we will all agree that learning takes many forms and shapes, and occurs in most if not all insurances.  The potential is there to experience, and sometimes, I wonder if we have taken away some meaningful growing experiences for our students because we expect them to succeed and not fail in any way.  We applaud even the most mediocre effort and accomplishment, and give out awards just to encourage young people not to give up.  Studies show that we learn the most when we are challenged.  I fear that we try to take away challenges today in an effort to make life easier.

 8) Way back when I started teaching full time, a student was challenged to develop skills and understanding; challenged to grow stronger after experiencing a failure.  Today, parents intervene immediately when the sense a sign of trouble for their son / daughter, and the "soft" approach steps to resolve the problem is taken.  The result of this, in my opinion, is that many students are not able to deal with challenges and even failure because they do not know how;

9) Back in the day, when I started teaching, there was more autonomy, more trust granted a teacher to arrange educational activities, experiment with creative ideas, and there was more flexibility.  Today, it seems to me that everything is controlled:  What you teach, how you are to teach it, how you are to evaluate;  too many guidelines to follow;

 10) It's too risky today to arrange excursions! Some students simply cannot be trusted and the blame will fall on the supervising teacher!  The last excursion I completed was 2013, a great trip to Austria & Czech Republic;

 11 Hiring practices and procedures have certainly changed.  I remember the school Principal having much more power in hiring a teacher for their particular school.  I remember mailing over 100 packages, addressed to the school Principal and school, seeking full time employment.  It was challenging back then to retain a teaching job, but I think today, with all the guidelines and policies in place, it’s even more challenging to get a teaching position, even get a position on the supply list!  Some would be teachers have to volunteer for years to even get a chance to get their name on a list for consideration, and many simply give up.  Getting an interview is so very difficult today.

 12) When I started full time teaching career, grade 13 existed and today, the curriculum has experienced so many changes, and continues to be under review, and many students opt to stay another year after grade 12 because they do not feel that they are ready for the next step.

I suppose there are many other comparisons that I can make.  We all understand that change is inevitable, that we cannot and perhaps should not stop progress.  Indeed, I have experienced a lot of change in education over the years.  But, I think the changes have paralyzed us into a paranoia, where we suspect everything, question everything, and trust nothing.  Oh yes, I believe that the destruction of the family unit took place when Sunday Shopping became a reality!  That's another discussion for another day!

I started today

I started today to do some work for school, in preparation for next week's return to my teaching duties.  In particular, I inserted marks using the program available on-line access, and completed some planning.  I hope to continue tomorrow with another class, do some evaluation and begin preparations for CPT delivery.  So, I am pleased that I have this additional holiday time to gradually ease myself back into the routine of education work.  It's a different pace and not overwhelming at all.  Thanks, the timing of this year's holiday schedule is nice, even though it is terribly cold outside.
Bye for now . . .