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.