Wednesday, 30 December 2020

Being ready

     I would constantly try to prepare myself for the school year.  In fact, I would invest a lot of time to be ready to greet students, in every class.  Certainly, there were a few days where we all enjoyed a less intensive class.  But, for the most part, in order to avoid feeling overwhelmed and unprepared, I did try to be ready for the various activities I decided to arrange for students to actively participate-in.

     There were times when I had to “wing-it”; and many instructors should be flexible enough to adapt to the moment.  These unexpected surprises actually develop into wondrous moments:  “the teachable moment”!  I do recall many moments when all the prior preparation, handouts, activities and steps to reach a desired goal would be tossed-away because a surprise change would occur.  You have to embrace these moments and flow with the water current; not against it!

     Preparation is so important in order to achieve success.  I valued the time available to learn and experience.  I would remind students to do the same - and not, waste the time.  I often suggested to students that while I am working with this small group of students, what can you be doing?  Instead of viewing your phone messages, or speaking to a friend in class, try to connect with the lesson; connect with the music; connect with some thinking that would serve you “in this moment”.  When you are distracted, it takes a bit of time to bring you back; to focus again on the activity or lesson currently challenging you in so many ways.  

     In my early years as a teacher, I would avoid taking a day off to rest because I was not feeling well.  I did not trust my students in the classroom.  It took me many years to realize that I could arrange some useful experiences for students when I would be required to be away.  It does take time to prepare for the school year; the month; the week; the daily lesson.  There has to be consistency, planning, goals and objectives to accomplish.  Then, once prepared, you have to be good at delivering the lesson!!!!

     I did think of myself as an “edutainer”.  An educator responsible to entertain students - keep them interested, engaged and learning.  This was challenging, but also so rewarding and satisfying, in so many ways.  It’s challenging for a teacher to be a good role model; an effective guide; an attentive and caring human-being.  It takes time to gain experience and develop a reputation of excellence and trust.

     You have to strive to be the best that you can be; be humble and honest; be ready.

Wednesday, 23 December 2020

Bulletin Board Displays

     My memory recall directed me to bulletin boards and how they have obviously changed in importance.  I mean, you still can bump into them in various places; but, not at all like it was designed to do many years ago.  Road signs are still popular, although many have been transformed into electronic displays.  Now, we see more monitor units attached everywhere, offering updates on the weather and news.  In my last few years of full time teaching, quite a few monitors were proudly displayed in the hallways.  It was not too long ago that teachers would roll-out a huge TV monitor mounted to a large cart, and positioned in the hallway to view videos and promoting messages.

     I was always drawn to bulletin boards - you know, the “cork-style” bulletin boards which would reveal upcoming events and advertisements.  Some bulletin boards were too messy to find information.  In my travels to various places, I would notice well designed bulletin boards and some messages would capture my interest.  In the “old” days, you kept yourself “in-the-know” if you encouraged yourself to visit many bulletin boards, especially those located in high traffic areas.  These postings, some very artistic indeed, would offer opportunities in so many areas of life:  attend a concert; purchase a used piece of equipment; rent a space; hair replacement; win a trip to some destination; etc.

     What’s interesting about bulletin boards is that it became a place for people to gather!  Often times, I would meet some very interesting people and some interesting conversations would develop and unfold.  It was an opportunity to network, to have social interaction.  Some of the people that gathered were of like-mind.  Most people would walk by bulletin boards, ignoring them completely.  I would purchase a coffee, and stand there reading, and sometimes, would even make notes to myself about an interesting fact of phrase or upcoming event.  

     At teachers’ college, bulletin board displays was thought of as a very important skill to develop, that in one of my classes, we were required to design bulletin boards on a rotary basis, selecting appropriate topics, preparing to use the available space artistically, sending an impactful message.  It was fun, but very time-consuming.  This course and the importance of bulletin boards stayed with me throughout my teaching career.  I would dedicate a lot of time to the bulletin boards available at Father Bressani CHS.  One such cork display board appeared just outside the main classroom where I instructed for 15 years.  I also had a few display boards located in the classroom also.  It was more than a place to simply post messages about upcoming events, or posting information about assignment due dates.

     Today we have our phones and various apps that send us reminders and post interesting videos on Instagram.  I think the old style bulletin boards did have a certain charm to them.  Today, conversations are being replaced.  Our behaviors are ever-changing, influenced by the changing technology.  I think and believe that Covid 19 pandemic has changed all of us, dramatically.  

     It did take time to design a useful bulletin board, and then, even more time to maintain it; and then, even more time to change it; update it.  Today, with the technology, one can put together something very powerful, with images and video, and sound.  Still, it does take time to prepare something unique and creative.  Of course, privacy and protection of rights, respect and more - all issues we are now dealing with on a global scale.  “The word is mightier than the sword” is certainly playing a huge changing role on a global scale.  Cyberattacks is the new way to force changes to government; changes to authority, changes to employment, and very dangerous to everyone; your identity can and will be compromised.  We are now more nervous and less trustworthy than ever before.  The exchange of information, mis-information, is taking place at lightening speed.  It’s changing how we interact with each other.

“The medium is in the message” or, is it the “the message is in the medium”?  Marshall McLuhan

Is it the communicating message in the medium that we should pay attention to? Or the other way?

Monday, 21 December 2020

Defending

     I suppose we all experience this feeling as we journey through life and we encounter waves of criticism.  I always felt this in my teaching career; having to defend my ideas and self worth.  I would notice that those around me would express mixed feelings about the importance of music.  Even today, the Education System is supporting STEM (Science, Technology, English and Math).  The Arts community supports:  STEAM!

     While teaching, I always felt that I had to fight to stay alive; to promote, advocate, and convince parents, students, colleagues, community members, and more that Music instruction is (was) important and valuable; that music deserved a seat at the table when decisions were explored.

     It seems that most arts organizations are in the same situation, on the edge, searching for donors to support the organization in the day-to-day operations.  Many arts organizations are reaching-out to connect and network.  

     I have experienced a similar fight in the accordion world, trying to convince listeners that the instrument is more than just a “polka”.

     It seems that many organizations are in the same situation.  For example, the Police are continuously challenged to reduce involvement and reduce budgets.  I think most politicians also feel unwanted.  Do we, and can we really trust our leaders?  We seem to question everyone and anything.  Another example is Covid-19 pandemic crisis;  each individual has a different story to tell about Covid-19; what to believe, which guidelines to follow; to wear a mask or not to wear a mask - that is the question.  

     We all experience moments where we must defend our ideas; defend our decisions; defend our beliefs.

Thursday, 10 December 2020

Another virtual school performance arranged

 I am pleased to announce that I have another school arranged for tomorrow!  I have contacted teachers I know, and from 6-7 emails sent, I now have a second school interested.  Today, we are testing the link connection to work-out and resolve any technical issues.  This particular presentation will be a one hour presentation, different than the first one I completed, where that first school involved teaching and adjudicating.  I hope that I continue to get similar invitations, so I plan to contact more people.

     (Dec 12). I think the session was very successful.  I enjoyed it immensely.  The performance was effective, where I added some new tunes, but mainly using the same routine I designed for the first school.  The Q & A section actually ran past the time;  it was also very enjoyable, the questions posed were really good, talking about music, music practicing, the accordion, the music arrangement I designed, etc.

     I think I’m on to something that can develop into more connections.  I have a nice package, offering entertaining and learning.  I include a listening guide and there is student participation by asking questions.  I think it really ties in well to the curriculum - supporting some expectations.  It involves listening, appreciating, and the power of music to bring people together to talk about life and stories.  I am inviting the two schools to prepare a letter that I can share in the future with other clients.  The testing session prior to the actual day is an important component to this.  Also, there is power outages in my area, so I have been fortunate that we did not have to re-schedule.  But, this feature is also important, to have an alternate day in case of sudden changes required.

Sunday, 22 November 2020

Trying to arrange virtual performances for schools

 I have started to send message to a couple of contacts to gauge their interest in having me perform online as a guest artist.  So far, I have reached-out to five music teachers.  Three have responded that there is some interest; one has actually extended an invitation.  This is great news.  So, I am busy preparing.  In fact, this school is interested in my performing, plus adjudicating some of the student musicians, and offering a workshop, masterclass.  So, I am very excited about this opportunity.  I am trying to generate some work.  My plan is to continue to reach-out to other music teachers, with the hope of generating even more performances.

     (December 5). Followup posting to share the satisfaction feeling I experienced delivering performances, workshop and adjudication on December 3rd, arranged at St. Elizabeth CHS.  Wow, what a treat, indeed.  While I was a bit nervous a few days prior, dedicating time to preparation, I feel that I accomplished a great deal of success.  In the morning, I performed, answered questions, mainly from Mrs. Mansell - which helped a great deal to keep things moving.  This performance & Q / A first hour was followed by a workshop lesson, introducing students to graphic notation, sparking their creative spirit and inviting students to appreciate the sounds in their environment.  I think this second hour went well.  The afternoon session started similar to the am session:  I performed and completed a Q & A segment in the first hour; then, the second hour, I was invited to listen to an original composition, and two vocalists perform.  It was fantastic.  I truly do miss teaching.  

     I think the performance part demonstrated and offered many tunes in a medley; lots of variety in styles.  I actually prepared a listening guide with questions.  I also prepared additional handouts for the graphic notation experience and some suggestions to listen to Epitaph for Moonlight by R. Murray Schafer.  The preparation for this presentation was busy, but enjoyable.  I think the most nervous part is using the virtual platform to perform, speak, teach, listen, etc.  One is always concerned about the sound quality and if other technical difficulties occur with surprise.

     I hope that I can do more of these presentations in the future.

Friday, 6 November 2020

Former students

     I think I have included some mention of this in previous postings.  The other night, I was invited to play the keyboard / organ at a church, with a former student vocalist:  Anne M.; it was a memorial mass.  Way back in the early 2000’s, she would hire me on many occasions to accompany her at wedding performances at the church.  Much time has passed since we worked together.  It was nice to see her and she sings beautifully.  This particularly memorial mass came from the church recommendation at St. Paschal, and the client contacted me to work-out the details.  I then contacted Anne to invite her to sing.  Actually, Anne recommended me to the church I have been playing regularly for the past 20 years!  Sunday mass and additional celebrations, depending on the season, for example:  Easter, which requires additional masses.  When I started at the church, Saint Clare of Assisi, it was in an elementary school.

     This particular experience reminds me of the many opportunities performing with a variety of former students.  These former students have moved on to develop great careers for themselves.  I cannot remember how many different students have contacted me to perform together; perform for their family celebrations; and more.

     Currently, I am working with a former student who has invited me to perform at real estate presentations.  She is a realtor and an accomplished pianist.  In school, she explored the clarinet as a member of the concert band.  

     I am proud to have played a role in their musical lives.  I am honoured that they contact me and invite me to perform with them.  A number of vocalists, and a number of instrumentalists.  I suppose the former students have become a part of my network.  It’s nice to know that they trust & value my artistic contributions.  When I started teaching, I never thought about future opportunities with former students.  

     Recently, I have contacted my network of former students who are practicing teachers, to ask them to consider inviting me to perform a virtual concert to their classes at school. Rather than contacting the individual schools, my connection with a former student (teacher) may help me to arrange this project with success - there is a better chance that something fruitful will come from this project idea.  

     This posting is showing once again the connection between my music artistic performance career and my teaching career - how the two work so well together.  It reminds me of that scene from “Amadeus” film, where Mozart’s father asked his son:  do you have pupils?  The young Mozart was a performer, and a composer, but he was encouraged by the father to also have pupils.

Thursday, 5 November 2020

Music Alive . . . Leaning more towards Education(?)

     I continue to devote time to this project.  I think it is paying-off.  With Character Community (Susanne’s) help, the proposals submitted to the YCDSB is gaining some enthusiasm, and hopefully, with another meeting scheduled for next week between Character Community and YRDSB, the potential for offering a modified set of educational modules will take place in the new year.

     I am both frustrated and inspired to volunteer my time because I virtually meet with Esprit Orchestra, and talk to Canadian Music Centre, and think about possible strategies to arrange in proposal fashion.  It’s keeping me in the game.  If successful, I will get paid some money for delivery and monitoring the program in the new year.  I am hopeful that Edel would be willing to split the duties & pay.

     I have had two virtual meetings with the committee members and music alive festival was focused on performance with the educational component as an important secondary reward; now, with Covid-19, and many music students not permitted to make music together using traditional band instruments and their voices in choirs, the festival is highlighting the educational component over the performance component.  I think the key is to develop experiences for students to develop skills that can be transferred to improving their respective performance abilities, once we are permitted and supported to return to regular collaborative music-making.  For now, Music Alive must adapt, and continue to be an important resource for York Region, and beyond.

     (December 5) The website is open for registration!  We officially launched December 1st.  It has been intensely busy adjusting documents for the website, talking to guest artists, and having discussions with Edel, Elkan, and Susanne.  Now, I continue to gather information (bios and photos) from guest artists, and I continue to try and find guest artists.  Now, we wait for clients to register.


Sunday, 18 October 2020

Narrative Inquiry in Music Education International Conference (NIME7)

      I think I discovered this in reading a weekly subscription from the University of Toronto.  It was free to attend virtually.  It took place this past Thursday & friday Oct. 15 & 16.  I really enjoyed it.  Wow, many different presenters, from different countries.  The main theme was Trauma, Resilience and re engagement in Music Education.  The many professors and PHD presenters are very scholarly.  I learned a lot.  I used the Microsoft Teams platform, so this was new for me as well.  I listened to a variety of speakers describing many interesting themes and topics, related to music.  There was visual images shared, as well as poetry, and some very complex information.  The language used certainly challenged me.

     I am grateful that since Covid started, I have managed to attend a few sessions on line throughout the spring and summer months.  These presentations help to keep your mind sharp and I am exposed to cutting-edge information and science that is current and inspirational.  I think that this type of activity will continue for me in the future, as we continue to spend more time at home.  The presentations certainly spark my interest and inspire me to think about a variety of things.  I also like that it’s free.

     I have registered for the OMEA on-line conference which takes place next month.  It cost me some money to register, but that’s okay.  It’s important to stay in-the-know.

Wednesday, 30 September 2020

I posted part four youtube video, as part of my educational series

     A couple of days ago, I recorded and posted a part four video to Youtube channel, dealing specifically with Listening.  I mention John Torcello, Charles Ives, R. Murray Schafer, and Esprit Orchestra.  It’s a reasonable length in duration, about 2 minutes and 30 seconds.  I think this is good, short and to the point. It’s been some months since my last posting.  When I began this project, I thought I would consistently contribute a new video every 1-2 weeks.  Maybe, hopefully, I can prepare to post a new video once-a-month, moving forward?

Wednesday, 2 September 2020

Paul Anka, Barry Manilow, Elmer Iseler and more

 As mentioned in previous postings, I have been de-cluttering my workspace in the basement.  I still have work to do, but gradually, the project is moving forward.  I have been noticing many old photos, and articles, and materials from my teaching.  Yesterday, I discovered some music arrangements that date back to my high school days, then, attending Downsview Secondary School.  

     The choir at the school was quite good, directed by music department head:  Dave Richards.  I attended Downsview S.S. for grades 12 and 13.  I enjoyed my experience, played on a few school sports teams and participated in the school choir and concert band.  Dave Richards tapped into many interesting opportunities, partnering with various organizations.  I think it’s because he too was an active singer with outside-the-school organizations.

     Our choir was large, rehearsing during the day, after school and once-a-week, in the evening!  The Choir did have a good reputation and so, it was invited to perform on occasion.  One year, McDonald’s Canada was celebrating 30 years, so, Paul Anka was hired to perform at a theatre (I forget which one in Toronto), and as a part of the many music selections he sang that evening, in concert, he decided to include a high school choir as back-up singers.  It was great to rehearse with the musical director, visiting our school.  I think Dave Richard’s partnership work with the school music program and networking influenced me as a teacher, because that’s one of the features that inspired me - always trying to network, establish partnerships and bring opportunities into my school, to encourage engagement and to also generate support for the music program.  One of the things a music teacher must always do is promote and sell their program.  So, I’m certain that my experience in high school with Dave Richards influenced me as a teacher.  That particular night in concert with Paul Anka was interesting.  We were placed high above the stage on platforms and covered with a dark drape, that was sort of transparent and part of the decor.

     Our choir was also invited as back up singers for a concert delivered by Barry Manilow, at Maple Leaf Gardens.  For some reason, I was not able to make this performance.  I think I had a major performance of my own that I simply could not re-schedule.

     It was so amazing to work with Elmer Iseler, and the Elmer Iseler Singers, or at that time, it could have been the Mendelssohn Singers - I do not remember.  We also sang with Giles Bryant ( a jolly man, with a thick beard, who apparently was a great organist?)  We managed to get the Elmer Iseler Singers (not Elmer Iseler, who passed away) to work with Michelle Janzen and our music students for 2-3 years while at Saint Elizabeth Catholic High School - RAP program!  And, that particular summer of 1980, while on tour in Nova Scotia with the Meet the Navy Show, I was rehearsing in the basement of a church, and over heard a choir rehearsing above me.  It sounded beautiful, and so I went upstairs to listen - It was Elemer Iseler rehearsing for an upcoming concert!  Elemer Iseler attended the show:  Meet the Navy the next night!!

     Dave Richards also offered a great opportunity to me to perform an accordion concerto with the Downsview Secondary School Music students and some professional musicians (another neat feature I was exposed to, which incidentally happened to me on many occasions in my teaching career with the Esprit Orchestra).  It was a Lothar Klein Concerto.  What a great opportunity for a high school student.  That Year, I also was awarded:  C. Laughton Bird Senior Music Award, the first year it was created.  I played the Accordion and impressed the judges.  Glenn Wood was one of the judges, and getting to know him helped me with my teaching career in the first few years.  Glenn Wood was coordinator of music education in North York.  So, Dave Richards certainly played a role in my music development.  I think, I did the same with a few music students I worked with in my teaching career, creating opportunities for them to explore a career in Music Performance and in Education.

Friday, 28 August 2020

Musical posters at Saint Elizabeth CHS

      It was something of a tradition for me; every year we delivered a musical at St. Elizabeth CHS, I would invite the pit band student musicians to sign a poster with a colored pen.  I have kept these posters and I while I have started to clean-up my home office, I did not know what to do with these posters, which I removed from the wall.  I have accumulated quite a few.  Well, I am keeping them and have rolled-them-up, and placed them in a recycled tube.

     The real purpose of this entry is to comment on a feature of my character.  You see, one of these musical posters had little holes at the top, which I used a hole punch to create.  Then, I placed a string through the holes.  The next point is the funny part.  I would wear this and another copy around my body, like a walking bill board, advertising the musical, daily!  (For many days!)

     This demonstrated a slight strangeness to my character - don’t you think?  Students appreciated my effort and my sometimes questionable sense of humor.  This is an example to illustrate some of the enhancements I would explore in my day-to-day teaching.  For me, it was fun, and I do believe these demonstrations of my unique personality helped to make me an effective educator and human-being.

Sunday, 2 August 2020

Saint Joseph High School, Barrie Ontario, Part 1

In my first year, full time teaching, at a new school, I do not believe that I was a very effective instructor.  It was not a full-time music position.  But I was excited to be offered this job.  I was engaged to be married and so finding full time employment was advisable.
     The drive to Barrie everyday included some challenging moments, especially in the winter time.  I had good mentoring experienced teachers at this school.  I learned a lot.  It was a small high school building, a new building, but no second floor.  I think the total population was around 700 students.  Very disciplined school, with many experienced teachers.
     A few experienced teachers:  Kathy (surname?) helped me so much.  Kathy was amazing, I think she was a nun, or perhaps she was intending to become a nun.  At any rate, she guided me with patience and kindness.  She showed me so much and shared materials & resources, to help me with teaching religion classes.  I learned a lot from her.  She was well respected and a leader in the community.  The other teacher was the department head - really an overseer of the physical education and arts, and if memory serves me, another area as well.  Frank Moore.  He also, a very generous man with his time.  He would share his wisdom and experience, and helped me so much.  I learned so much from him.  Both Frank and Kathy became my mentors in these first two years of full-time teaching.  Frank Moore died in a car accident.  He saved his family - a true hero.  I think he was 39 years old, when he died in my second (last year) at St. Joseph’s High School.  You can see the school from the highway as you continue driving north.
     The school was well organized and governed, probably due to the many lead teachers who were all experienced and worked well together with the school administration.  I was a young, beginning teacher, and had a lot to learn.  This was a great place to start my career.  I think Saint Elizabeth CHS was a similar experience for me when I arrived there in 2003.  The many teachers on the faculty had been there for a long time, and a culture of discipline, love of learning, respect for community had been established and sustained for many years.  This is what I found at Saint Joseph High School.  The students at both these schools were excellent as well because there was a high level of understanding and appreciation for a spirit of learning that would benefit everyone in the community, because everyone accepted the responsibility to contribute to this environment.  It was very different at Father Bressani CHS.
     (November 23, 2020).  Today’s snowfall, which started this morning, and is expected to end this evening, around mid-night, reminds me of the driving experiences I was challenged with, both driving to Barrie, and even return trips from Barrie.  On some evenings, I would simply stay in Barrie because it was so bad.  I remember staying at the Holiday Inn and with a teacher friend, Mike, who was an usher at my wedding.  I have lost touch with Mike, a very nice person.  There were trips to Barrie that were very challenging to see and navigate.  Many of the teachers at St. Joseph did not like me because I would make it to school on a snow day, while those teachers living in Barrie would call in that the weather is not safe for them to attend school.  I guess I made them look bad.  There were some very tricky situations, particularly in the dark return trips home.  One adventure in particular took place on a morning drive to Barrie.  I could not understand why so many vehicles were in the ditches, off to the side of the roadway, highway #400.  It was sunny outside.  After arriving at school, a few colleagues asked me about my drive to school.  I was curious why they were so concerned and mentioned the many vehicles I saw, located off the roadway and into the ditches.  “Black-Ice”!  I had never heard of it and was very fortunate that particular morning.  Other experiences involved my occasional stop on the highway because I was feeling sleepy.  I had a favorite spot where trucks would turn off as well.  It was a nice space between the action of the traffic and about 50 feet off the roadway; a curved road strip, where I would park and close my eyes for about 10 minutes.  It was enough for me to return to the roadway, feeling alert and confident.

Monday, 27 July 2020

OISE Stay At Home Club

     This morning, I gave a talk about Music, Music Education, Music study at home and Music Performance.  I subscribe to a University of Toronto Briefing - which is excellent, in my opinion.  It shows up in my email, almost daily.  This free subscription keeps me current with the workings of the University and offers a variety of updates from various sources.  In fact, I have attended remotely a variety of presentations over the last several weeks, webinars on various topics, including Covid 19.  One particular weekly presenter is a Professor who offered excellent audio clips related to the crisis, of various related themes.  
     About two weeks or so ago, I decided to send a message to the alumni association of U of T, informing the organization that I recently posted a couple of videos on my Youtube Channel, to suggest a link to the videos for music educators and those that may be interested.  A few days later, I received an email asking me if I would be interested in presenting a 20 minute session on the OISE Twitter account about Music Education.  I thought about this invitation and agreed.  So over this past weekend, I put together a few pages (9) to read from for this audio / visual presentation.  
     I began my presentation playing the accordion - and, ended it playing a different piece.  I think it went well.  I was a bit concerned earlier this morning, as I tried to connect to the site.  I then managed to contact the person sending me the helpful emails about the presentation by phone and with her guidance, I was able to achieve success with the steps to connect, using my phone.
     I look forward to seeing the full presentation when it is posted later this week, as it was recorded.  I am happy to do this presentation.  This opportunity was a great experience.  It keeps me connected, and challenges me to think and organize.  I am proud of myself as I continue to make connections out there, creating new opportunities, networking.  Who knows if something more will come my way as a result of doing this presentation.

Thursday, 28 May 2020

I posted a video yesterday on my YouTube channel about Music Education

     Following an email message from a former student, now teacher challenged with delivery of curriculum using on-line virtual learning / remotely, I was inspired to create a video on Youtube, offering a list of ideas to consider when developing learning activities for students during this crisis pandemic.
     I then sent a link to this former student N.D., and the student offered to share the link with a network of contacts.  I was thrilled to hear this news.
     For me, this sort of activity keeps me current with the technology; keeps me thinking; challenges me to organize ideas and present them.

Sunday, 26 April 2020

Opportunity

     I was fortunate in my teaching career to experience some amazing opportunities.  For example, I got to work with R. Murray Schafer!  I encouraged myself to search for unique, special projects.  I always felt that these activities would lead to other avenues of creativity, learning, and expansion.  I tried to take advantage of new initiatives and projects.  I would read bulletin board posters which described events and conferences.  These events helped to move my interests in so many directions that would ignite my thinking; would challenge my knowledge; and would introduce me to the movers and shakers in education and music.
     I explored so many wonderful projects which in turn helped me as a performing artist, and helped the music programs I was involved with, to grow.  These experiences also enhanced the learning for my students.  My career advanced faster;  I met more people, which led to additional opportunities.  It was exciting; it was current; it was challenging;  it was interesting.
     What I was really doing was creating options for myself.  I did not simply teach students during the day.  I had an appetite for more, because it would make life more interesting and exciting.  In conversation, my ears, mind, and eyes were open to making connections.  I was excited about the myriad of possibilities; the additional potential for new discoveries.
     For example.  I attended a conference where interesting sessions were offered in the arts.  I of course participated in the music session.  Simply fantastic in so many ways.  In addition to sessions offered, there were tables in the lobby area of other related organizations, with representatives pitching their ideas about future initiatives.  Of course, I approached one of these tables and the representative greeted me and the exchange of information began.  Following this encounter, I returned to school to sell the idea to the school administration.  It worked!  What followed for the next three years was a partnership with the Elmer Iseler Singers, concerts, and amazing opportunities for our school and students.  It was a lot of work, but so enjoyable, and rewarding.
     Another example.  I attend the Music Industry Show at a huge conference centre.  This particular show, I have been to for many years.  It occurred on an annual basis.  Not every experience yields opportunity, but this particular year, it did.  I walked the maze of exhibitors for hours, until the accordion exhibitor caught my attention, of course.  It was Roland, and for the next 5-6 years, this experience grew into something that changed my accordion experience quite a bit.  It’s about networking!  It’s about making connections.

Sunday, 19 April 2020

On line / remote learning, continued thoughts

     Early reports concerning the on-line, virtual, remote learning project for all Ontario students is indicating that some parents, those that have shared their feelings, do not like it at all.  My niece, working from home, finds that she must dedicate a lot of time to support her daughter’s experience.  Other family members are now reversing their past comments about the value of teachers.  These parents have a different view on how important a job a teacher performed on a daily basis; they have a different appreciation for teachers.  This on line learning is placing some responsibility on the parents, in order for it to be successful.  But, as I think of it, parents, were they not always an expected partner in all of this anyway?  We all agree that the education system did provide a supervised day in the lives of many students; and, if some learning took place, wow, even better.
     Educators need to be careful, though;  if they get too create and develop excellent methods of delivery of curriculum, they may lead the government to believe that this on-line stuff can really work.  This particular suggestion of introducing on-line learning was one of the issues in the past contract talks in late 2019 and early 2020.  Teachers will succeed in making this work;  that’s what teachers do best, they find ways to improve student learning, and develop creative solutions, and inspire, motivate and care.  Of course, there are probably many teachers out there that are resisting this because they are a bit uncomfortable with the technology.  Before Covid-19,  some older teachers were entering the classroom simply doing the same old stuff they had been doing for years.  Now, these same teachers have to learn new applications, develop strategies, arrange lessons delivering material in different ways.  I really feel for all those teachers that avoided staying current with the new technology.  These teachers will be very frustrated with what is now expected of them.  The younger teachers will probably excel.  I wonder how many students do not have a computer, or access to WIFI.  I think the school boards will be required to provide some training and direction.  I think there will be more pressure on the student to become an independent learner; more responsibility for learning, exploring, the internet.  I think most students are more comfortable with the technology than the educators.
     This new challenge for students, parents, teachers, school boards, government will certainly test everyone in many ways.  Let’s face it, what jobs are educators expected to train these young students for?  How do you inspire some learning, when this learning can probably only take place in a classroom?
     I was expecting these big changes in education, even years ago;  I think some of us did realize this.  It costs too much to run things the way we were running things in education.  I just do not think we were ready for this, now.  Do we have the expertise in place to be able handle this huge undertaking?  For example, I was thinking about the impact of AI, space exploration,  robotics,  climate control,  world problems to solve, as the current time with Covid -19, a global issue that has impacted everything.  We need to train our students with skills and thinking that apply to today.  But, not all students have an interest in medicine, science, math, physics . . . There are a variety of interests that still capture our curiosity.
   Above, I mentioned that many people now have a different appreciation for teachers;  I want to mention that we now have a different appreciation for nurses, doctors, grocery store workers, farmers, drivers, in short, the essential workers, who risk their lives daily so that we can be safe.
     The remote learning can be very challenging for teachers who now have to communicate with students and parents on line.  Government, school boards, teachers, parents and students need to be very cautious about proper use of the internet, where safety for everyone must be protected.
   

Sunday, 12 April 2020

On line learning, virtual learning, remote learning

     Call it whatever you want.  Our Provincial Government has been advocating changes to the Ontario Education System by insisting that four on-line courses would be completed by our secondary school students - this was the original plan proposed way back in 2019 when negotiations began for a new central contract.  Then, the number was reduced to 2 on-line courses.  Now, with the Covid-19 situation, all students are experiencing on-line learning from home.  Teachers are scrambling to learn and develop learning activities.
     I have always viewed new technology as a way to enhance curriculum delivery, and not replace the classroom experience.  I have been a strong supporter of including new technology in my teaching.  I can remember using new technology way back in the mid-1980’s when I was teaching at St. Joseph CHS, in Barrie Ontario.  I remember purchasing a midi sound card to place in a slot on an Apple 2E computer, which allowed me to record midi sequences to a 4-track program available.  At the time, I had a keyboard synthesizer.  It allowed me to play up to 6 note polyphony.  I was so impressed with the possibilities.  I used this technology in my first year of teaching!  I was exposed to this technology at Teachers’ College.  At St. Joseph CHS, I would record the midi information to play the accompaniment while I conducted the choir at school liturgies.  I had to purchase the sound card using personal money funds, and I brought my own keyboard synthesizer and stereo system speakers to teach in a portable and perform the music.  As teachers, we would often invest our money to support our ideas, and deliver educational activities that we truly believed in.  I spend two years at St. Joseph CHS and managed to convenience the school administration to invest in a portable sound system for the gymnasium, with Bose speakers and microphones, and power mixer, and cordless microphone!  I remember using the computer technology and keyboards to accompaniments and sound effects for the musical presentation shows we created at the end of the year.  This experience with technology and music applications helped me to obtain my next teaching assignment at Father Bressani CHS, Woodbridge Ontario.
     I continued to explore technology applications at Father Bressani CHS.  I remember on my interview day, where I was invited to one of the music classrooms to meet another music teacher, whom I knew, to answer a question about the Yamaha DX7 synthesizer and MIDI messages (send and receive) on all 16 channels.  At the time, I was a bit familiar with this keyboard, a real important standard keyboard in the performing industry at the time.  Every keyboard player played the DX7 because of the main few sounds it produced, of a high level of standard.  At the time, I could not solve the problem that these two music teachers were experiencing.  Basically, the DX7 was incapable of transmitting and receiving MIDI messages on all 16 channels.  You had to use channel 1.
The Roland JX8P keyboard synthesizer I purchased could transmit and receive on all 16 channels, which made it a good master keyboard.  The Yamaha was a digital synthesizer;  the Roland was an analog synthesizer.  The two together would make for a great keyboard player in a wedding band.
     At any rate, Father Bressani was looking for a music teacher that would be interested in helping the school develop a Music & Computers program, offering additional musical experience course offerings, expanding on the traditional concert band and choir offerings already available at the school.  So, I was considered a good investment.  So, I got the job and did help to develop a really good lab of ten computers and keyboards, with the support of the music department head, and school administration.  My work in technology continued year after year.  I continued to advance my skills and knowledge in this area.  I remember being one of the first to get a modem at the school in the early 1990’s and sharing original MIDI compositions with York University (a pilot project).  I remember getting involved with school board new initiatives, that helped me to learn about HyperCard, and creating multimedia projects, combining music with screen images.  I was doing presentations for the school board and beyond, exposing my students to cutting-edge stuff available in music / technology.  But, I always saw this as an enhancement to the band / choral programs, and not to replace the traditional classroom experience.  In fact, I still expected my students to compose melodies on music manuscript paper, using a pencil - right up to my last days of teaching!  I believe in the effects of writing as being fundamental to brain development.  I remember a colleague sharing a story with me about how the brain works differently when watching a film presented on an old projector, displaying the images on a white screen versus viewing the same film presented on a computer screen.  The Brain interprets differently and the learning experience is different!
     I carried with me, this interest and experience, and wisdom in technology to my continued teaching career when I moved from Father Bressani to Saint Elizabeth CHS, in Thornhill Ontario.  In my last few years of teaching, I was exposing my students to on line learning with SoundTrap.  And, just a few days ago, I was speaking to a friend about the expectations on teachers now under this new directive to teach on-line due to the Covid-19, and he is using a few different applications, including SoundTrap!
     If I was teaching today, under the current situation, I do not think I would be as effective a teacher as I was when I was in the classroom.  My charm came with my use of space, and delivery of lessons in the classroom.  The magic took place in the classroom, where we gathered in this space, and appreciated the opportunity to experience the transformative power of learning together; sharing ideas, together; witnessing the unexpected energy that came from listening, observing, thinking, creating and manipulating, together;  having an impact in the moment that peaked our curiosity and challenged everyone to become something more than we could become, only in the classroom - and I believe that this something “special” cannot be created with on-line learning.
     I remember watching an episode of:  Everybody Loves Raymond”.  This particular episode concerned Raymond replacing all his father’s old LP records with CD recordings.  The father didn’t like the sound of the CD’s and wanted all his records back.  Raymond tried to convince the father, throughout the episode, that the old recordings had scratches and the sound was old fashioned;  the CD’s were way better sound quality, in his view.  Raymond kept trying, and kept trying to change his father’s thinking; to enter the new technology offered, and accept the future!  By the end of the episode, the father had his old records back, and was listening to a recording.  The father’s ear was used to the fullness of sound available in the old technology.  Put simply, the new CD technology could not create the same, full experience of sound; the same fullness of experience that the old, scratched LP’s could.  I think some new technology simply cannot effectively replace some old traditional ways.  Will AI ever be able to express a phrase of music, with a subtle nuance that is so powerful, that it moves the listener to tears?

Thursday, 26 March 2020

Father Bressani CHS

     I remember facing a few challenges during my teaching career at Father Bressani CHS, Woodbridge, Ontario.  I do not remember the exact year when an entire quarter of the building had to be shut down due to asbestos found in the walls of that particular area of the building.  Both floors were shut down for a lengthy period of time.  I received the call from the school Principal, that an important meeting required department heads to attend an emergency gathering.  The news was shared at this meeting.  Further, the instructions to those teachers working in that section of the building to immediately remove all equipment.  Music Room 209 was full of computers, instruments, instructional materials, and cabinets full of other related / connected resources, consumables, recordings, music score library, etc.  I was required to move all of this and to place it in the other music room 222, located just outside the identified out-of-bounds area.  This was a huge task and I had to act quickly, there was not much time offered.  I do not recall how much help I was given to gather all the above, transport it, and then, re-organize it so that I could continue to teach in the crowded space of 222.  It was an incredible situation, somewhat unbelievable and unfair.  I recall that some classes had to be arranged in the gymnasium with other simultaneous classes.  Also, the same in the cafeteria.  This did not work well.  I suppose I was fortunate because at least I could deliver some instruction in room 222.
     The asbestos was discovered by one of the teachers who was dealing with a discipline problem in a classroom.  I do not know the exact details, and perhaps the student was merely fooling-around with the teacher, but a whole appeared in the wall of the classroom.  Now, was this done by accident?  Did it occur with a foot kicking the wall?  Did it happen because one student was wrestling with another and the bodies collided into the wall?  Do not remember.  The teacher noticed the inner portion of the wall had a peculiar colour.  This discovery was reported and the wall was investigated.  After identifying the substance as asbestos, the other classrooms on the first floor were checked and so were the above classrooms in that particular quarter of the building.  If memory serves me, I believe that this particular corner of the building was a newly added portion to the school structure, and was not an original part of the school when it first was constructed.
     The other challenge with teaching at Father Bressani CHS:  the building was too small!  In fact, this was a building constructed with elementary school planning.  Therefore, the hall way width was smaller;  the classroom were smaller.  When I was teaching there, the school campus was known as portable city, with some 40 portables located on the property!  We had 2200 students, if not more, registered at Father Bressani CHS.  Things improved once Holy Cross was built, to take on some of the pressure.  Later, other high schools were constructed.  When you walked in the hallway, you basically joined the streams of people moving in all directions, and the momentum (speed) of the chain of people helped to move you from point A to point B.  It was challenging to leave the stream of motion when you reached your destination.  An interesting note, that just recently, an entire elementary school located near Father Bressani CHS was demolished!  Things have certainly changed.
     The other challenge while teaching at Father Bressani CHS included the political strike I experienced in the 90’s.  Wow, what an experience.  In fact, not only did I live the provincial strike, but also the local strike which followed.
     An additional crisis that comes to mind is 9/11.  I remember teaching when a student returns to class from a requested rest room break, and shares the news of the attack on the buildings.  I do not remember the year, but I was a part of the excursion to New York City a few years prior to 9/11.  It was a great trip, which included our visit to the World Trade Centre.  In fact, we attended a lecture on the 80th floor (I think).  I remember looking out the windows:  what an amazing view.  Many years later, I organized an excursion to New York City while teaching at St. Elizabeth CHS.  We did visit the site and this trip was also an amazing experience, visiting the church located very close to ground zero.  Another fine excursion completed at Father Bressani after 9/11, because we were not allowed to leave the country, was an organized trip to Alberta, via train!  That year, we were expected to travel to Greece, but the trip was cancelled due to 9/11.  I replaced the trip with Alberta.  We were not allowed to fly, so I arranged the trip VIA rail.  It was spectacular to visit Alberta.
     Another trip organized while working at Father Bressani CHS was the trip to British Columbia, a combined Rugby / Music Trip.  Again, a fantastic experience.
     I forgot to mention the additional challenge experienced at this school.  On a few occasions, my tires were slashed on my truck.  I drove a pickup truck at the time.  At this particular school, I would get into some difficulty with some students who did not appreciate my high standard of respect for education; respect for following school rules and policies; respect for other teachers; respect for school property, etc.  Unfortunately, my work to correct situations did manage to cost me.  There were other situations where, believe it or not, my life was threatened as well.  I know, I know, it’s difficult to accept this unexpected sharing of news, but it’s true. Of course, there were other teachers who experienced the same.  It was common at this school.  Please understand, Father Bressani CHS was an amazing school with amazing students.  So many students graduated from that school with amazing success in so many areas.  The community too, simply amazing, very supportive of Music Program and my work.  I did teach there for 15 years!  There were so many rumors about the school - some truthful and some, well, I do not know.  I concentrated on my work, and appreciated working with so many wonderful colleagues and students.  However, like most schools, you do get a mix of clients - and some students are not very kind.

Saturday, 21 March 2020

Wow, what’s really going to happen to the education system?

     Over the most recent years, I did think about the future of education.  The main theme I thought about most, involved how could government sustain an old model system, financially?  In addition, with the advancements in technology, we needed to think about how best to prepare the learners for jobs of the future.
     In some countries in the world, it is my understanding that education is free, and is held in high regard.  I read an article a few years ago that on-line education would be the best affordable way to learn.  The student would select a teacher and study with that teacher, paying the teacher only.  No need for a school board, or school building to heat / air condition.  In this scenario, property taxes would probably be reduced since a large portion of our taxes are directed to supporting the education system.  Further, discipline would be easier and the fight for lower class sizes would not disappear - there would be no fight.
     I have always been an advocate of studying with a master teacher.  I often thought, would it not be great to study science with a practicing researcher?  Or, would it not be great to train with an Olympic athlete?  The initial early years of a young person’s education could be instructed by the parents.  After the fundamentals are taught, the next step would be to select additional teachers, offered around the world.  If someone wants to be a plumber, why do they have to study biology?  I mean, the interest to study biology would be very low;  their test scores would probably reflect the interest:  low.
     I read another article some time ago that offered tips to completing a job interview, successfully.  What are the main things employers are looking for?  One characteristic is:  how well do you work in a team setting?  Okay, so, there goes my idea about studying with a master teacher!  School does offer many educational activities that you are expected to work with classmates to complete various projects.  Another characteristic in high demand today: can you adapt efficiently and effectively to change?  A third characteristic:  are you demonstrating that you are a life-long learner?  In addition, do you display curiosity?
     We have to get comfortable with technology and worry a bit less about privacy if we are to survive this Pandemic.  I think technology can and will ultimately save us.  Technology will help to speed the finding of a vaccine.  Technology will deliver product, will be the nurse in hospital, in dangerous situations.
     We need to re-tool and retrain our work force.  People need to learn new skills and our education system needs to undergo a massive change.  If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting.  Throwing money at something is not the way to solve a problem.  The future needs strong problem solvers;  equipped with curiosity, compassion, discipline, responsibility and able to adapt to new situations efficiently and effectively.
     We have always lived as people under threat.  Most recently, I can remember reading about how one person could bring down an entire country (economy) using a computer, by hacking into sensitive material.  In the last few years, many people have lost their privacy.  This Covid 19 threat is real and it will require the entire world to work together to solve.  If our World Leaders in the powerful Nations would have invested money, not in armies, but in research of an enemy far more powerful, we would have been better prepared to meet this challenge.
     The education system will change;  how?  I’m not sure.  When?  I’m not sure.
   

Sunday, 15 March 2020

Music Alive Festival, 2020

     Well, it's official, the festival is cancelled.  The announcement was made Friday the 13th!  At a meeting with Edel, Michelle J., and in consultation with Steffan B., and communication with Susanne, who received approval from our recommendation to cancel, we sent two different broadcasts on Friday.
Given the current situation, we must act professionally, safely, and quickly.  Our clients need the information for planning.  They need to know before departing for an extended march break.
Right now is the right time to make the right decision.
This upcoming week, I will organize a list of school names and addresses to provide Character Community, to prepare the refund payments to be mailed.
Everyone must do their part to contribute to the safety of all.  It's been busy this year due to political disruption / uncertainty and the Covid-19 Virus.  With the announcement that all schools were to remain closed for three weeks, we simply could not continue.
We look forward to staying healthy and working to arrange a festival in 2021.

     (October 17, 2020). I continue to work without compensation, just completing a third proposal for a very different offering of Music Alive - with a slant towards education focus - arranging virtually experts for music educators.  There is a meeting this week with the volunteer committee members.  I am hopeful that I can generate something for 2021, still working with Character Community, which provides security with insurance coverage, and accounting, etc.

     The Character Community did arrange a summer concert series which ran from June to August.  This kept me involved and helped to earn me some additional money performing virtually from my home.  So, I appreciate this gesture and am willing to continue to work.

Wednesday, 11 March 2020

Fundamentals

     In reflection, fairly early in my teaching career, I think I was an advocate of teaching the fundamentals.  For example:  courtesy, listening, respect for others, materials, and the environment, appreciating opportunity, effort, discipline, time-management, cooperation, working together, trust, using appropriate language, speaking out of turn, supporting one another, recognizing strengths and identifying areas that required improvement, fitness, personal hygiene, caring for others, prayer, serving in the community, etc.
     I suppose many of us would generate a different list of “fundamentals”, and your list would be different than mine.  In addition, a list generated in 1990 would probably be different than a list created in 2005 or 2015(?)
     Music education does a good job of teaching the fundamentals; life skills that will serve you well in anything you choose to do.  I think that many areas of education assume that students will realize where and how “fundamentals” are connected to the subject area.  I disagree.  I think some may realize the importance of connecting and relating, but most do not notice or even appreciate how the parts can come together.  Perhaps we have our priorities confused.
     It seems to me that many of us fall into the cycle of life.  Currently, humanity is facing a serious challenge that is of a global scale in dealing with Covid-19 (Corona Virus).  It’s disrupting everything and having a deep impact in our lives.  We need to come together, work together, now more than ever, to apply the “fundamentals” we were taught both at school and in the home.  We must set aside our selfish tendencies and not ignore this.

Friday, 6 March 2020

It’s always a careful balancing act, as I remember

     In conversation with a music director, it reminds me of how arranging events, rehearsals and other music education activities depended on a careful balance.  Let me explain.  This particular teacher will get back to me about a performance invitation offered for one of the ensembles at his school.  There is an athletic event already arranged on the same day and many of the music students involved with the wind ensemble will be participating in the scheduled athletic event - he doesn’t want to double-book.
     I remember so many instances where rehearsals after school were missed by many ensemble members due to Science projects or extra help with math, or the hockey, football, soccer game trips.  Of course I was very flexible with this.  I remember attending school and having an interest in sports and music;  I wanted to do both and why not?
     Many students would arrange with their coaches and other teachers in other subject areas manageable ways to deal with their busy lives!  This too, was it not a good life-teaching challenge?  These students needed to be responsible to themselves as well.  They were required to negotiate, think about and plan homework, practices, rehearsals, and so much more.  It’s a careful balancing act, for sure.  In order to be successful, the student was encouraged to strategize and plan; to discuss and work with others; to appreciate the opportunities available.
   I remember a colleague at another school who delivered a very successful music program for years and years.  It was well established and maintained.  There was tradition and excellent experiences for the students.  This particular colleague disagreed with flexibility.  The student had to make a choice:  music or sports, you cannot do both.  I think this music teacher did have a point, in some way.  In order to do the best work, you must participate full time in that activity.  Besides, other students would also argue that the ensemble could never achieve the best quality artistically with some part-time musicians.  This same colleague would arrange excursions in the summer!  Smart idea, to avoid any conflicts and get a full turn-out of ensemble participation, plus the trips would last longer, not having to miss any school time.
     It was always very challenging for me to develop a strong performing band or choir or jazz band.  Some students would miss rehearsals because of the above;  some would miss because they had better things to do;  some would miss because they had an after-school job.  I recall some students not understanding the importance of rehearsing - these students would say:  “don’t worry, I’ll practice at home”.
     Some music directors would arrange rehearsals early in the morning, to avoid the after school conflicts.  Some directors would arrange evening rehearsals, and some still would try the weekend!  I remember some directors arranging early rehearsals in the summer - a music camp, where all the music for the year would be issued.  For two weeks, the students would get a good start to learning the music - smart idea.
     I remember my teaching career as a real balancing act in so many respects, including the above.  For example, one needs to balance their teaching career with their family needs as well.  In addition, if you are a performer as well (like me), you need to insert that aspect into the mix of balancing too.  Finally, what about your own personal time?

Thursday, 20 February 2020

Technology in the classroom

     Ever Since I can remember in Education, Technology in the classroom has been a popular avenue to explore for teachers, students, administrators, and more.  For one thing, it served as a way to tap into money.  The education system would create programs for school boards and schools to apply.
     In an issue of “Professionally Speaking”, march 2020, a publication of the Ontario College of Teachers, I received yesterday, included a fact page showing figures about technology in Ontario school classrooms.  Actually, this particular issue includes some other interesting pages about surplus teaching, retirement and the various comparisons over the years.  I continue to be a member of the college because I wish to supply teach (and thus far, I have not completed one day of supply work!), and because I am in the schools with Music Alive Festival.
     The fact page about technology sparked a memory for me.  I think I may have been a member of the first group of teachers that embraced the new technology way back in the late 1980’s.  When I started my career at St. Joseph High School, in Barrie, Ontario, I would use an Apple IIe computer with a midi sound card connection to my Roland JX8P Synthesizer to play back accompaniment tracks I inputted to accompany the choir I was directing.  In the second and final year at this school, I used an Ensonique Keyboard synthesizer (rented) to playback MIDI tracks for the musical show we creatively put together in the Spring.  I do not remember if I used a Roland sequencer, which I still have (although, it is inoperative).
     After leaving St. Joseph High School and entered Father Bressani CHS, in Woodbridge, my journey to use technology continued.  I developed a lab of computers to compose music, and actually offered courses of study.  My colleague: P. Mannion was very supportive and helped me with my interest in technology.  This lab continued to expand as the technology improved.  I recall investing in a modem at that time, which helped me to connect to York University, sending student compositions to York University for comments.  The music department was paying a monthly connection fee for the modem, and I had installed a dedicated line in the music department.  The technology at the time was MIDI only.  Moving forward, I continued to explore multimedia applications and my students were exposed to cutting-edge opportunities.  Some of my students graduated and continued with Music & Technology post secondary studies.
     When I left Father Bressani CHS to teach at St. Elizabeth CHS, I continued to develop a Music And Computers lab, offering students opportunities to compose music and also developed courses of study (compositional module-projects) for students to explore adding music to visuals, moving pictures, etc.
     The point of all this . . . I am happy to say that I consider myself a pioneer in bringing technology into the music classroom, early in my teaching career and continued this exploration throughout my career of 30 plus years.  I enjoyed it, and it certainly sparked the interest in students to consider taking a music course.  You see, some students did not wish to play trumpet, or clarinet; but, they enjoyed music and wanted to explore their interest in composing, using technology tools available to enhance their learning and results.  It was fun and exciting.
     When I left full time teaching, I had established on-line composing with my students.  The technology continues to grow and the possibilities are certainly endless.
     Throughout the years, I not only explored technology at school but also with my own artistic work as a performer.  In 2007, I explored the Roland V-Accordion, and while many accordionists struggled with the technology, I was very comfortable, even with my slightly older age.  I continue to use the Roland Accordion and enjoy the myriad of possibilities.  The technology has helped me to stay current and also enhanced my opportunities to get meaningful performances.  Back in November , 2019, I recently purchased a Seaboard Roli keyboard, and although I have not started to explore as yet, I look forward to the possibilities, hoping to advance and enhance my compositions, creating backgrounds to my accordion playing!
     Originally, when the cell phone first made an appearance into the classroom, teachers were advised to inform students that these devices were a distraction to learning;  students were advised to put their personal devices away:  “out-of-sight”.  This approach was very challenging to uphold.  Later years, things certainly changed whereby we were all to embrace this technology as a wonderful tool for enhancing the learning in the classroom.  There were some tense moments where we were not allowed to touch a student’s property, that is, to take away a student’s cell phone in the classroom.
It was challenging as a music teacher, in rehearsal, noticing some students totally distracted by their phone, placed on their respective music stand.  Some students would actually stop performing, right in the middle of a phrase, to text or respond to a text.
     Now, with the current situation politically, the suggestion that students complete at least 2 on-line courses while attending high school.  The biggest companies in the world:  Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Facebook - the technology companies continue to influence the direction of the world.  We have so many examples to be aware of:  Tesla electric cars, AI, 5G, Driverless cars, Uber, SpaceX, on-line shopping, robots, quantum computers, etc.
     In my career as a teacher in the classroom, I had a real interest in technology.  I tried to talk about it daily in my lessons.  I know that technology is (was) a big topic for all students.  I enjoyed trying to keep myself current, as much as possible.  In many ways, the technology and the future trends were (are) not only interesting, but inspiring in so many creative ways.  Today, teachers are certainly challenged with so many changes to deal with in the classroom.  The technology is changing so fast, and it is costly to the system to install new technology into every classroom.  As soon as new programs and initiatives are developed and supported financially, it takes time to implement and sustain these new models.  Then of course, you need to support the training for teachers.  By the time you implement the new ideas with hardware and infrastructure changes, the new technology has been replaced by another new initiative.  It seems that we cannot keep up!  We need to carefully invest in new ideas, and keep as many windows to expansion open as possible.  Students want the latest technology to be available.  Some students have more technology access to the new in their homes than what is available at school.

Monday, 17 February 2020

Music Alive Festival this year . . .

I have not posted about Music Alive Festival for some time.  It’s been very challenging this year.  The political situation is escalating, and has been escalating.  Tensions are high.  There is pressure on everyone.  It has been suggested to us from various sources, that we consider canceling for this year.  Some other festivals have canceled.  There is more paperwork to do, more communication and meetings to attend.  Emergency decisions to make.  We have had to make changes to due dates and deadlines.  We are trying to continue our journey, and moving forward to delivering a festival in 2020.
Music directors are not able to pay for their registration.  Well, some are not.  Our registrations are lower this year, but we can deliver a festival.  We owe it to the many schools who have followed the guidelines and have paid for a festival.  We continue to complete our schedule, and have changed our starting date for the festival.  We are refining the schedule, communicating with all our clients and meeting the needs of our clients.  We do have some strategies we can tap into depending on the new challenges we may encounter in the future.
It’s been so much more work this year for both Edel and I, and Susanne, who continues to support us.
The committee members continue to support, and we hope to deliver a successful festival.  Music Alive has had a long history.  It’s our duty to protect the festival.

Monday, 20 January 2020

I really do not miss teaching, at all

     People would often ask me if I still teach, and in the same conversation, after I respond that I am doing other things now, they add:  do you miss it?  Not at all.  Funny, I thought that I would, but I really am pleased with what I have and am doing;  especially now, during these political times, I really do not miss the teaching at all.
Bye for now.
     Especially during this Covid-19 crisis, I really do not miss teaching at all.  (Added: April 21st)
I think that I would find ways to adapt and be quite effective with this new challenge all educators are dealing with today, but I’m not sure I would enjoy it as much as the classroom environment.  Young people today are more comfortable with technology because they were born into it.  From what I hear, with having had some conversations with some friends, it’s moving forward reasonably well.  You have to expect some bumps and frustration, with something new.  I’m not sure parents are reacting to this new way of school delivery.