Today's Rehearsals Brought to You by

Today's Rehearsals were Brought to You by The Flip!!

I have been playing with a borrowed "tech toy" and I'm loving it. I have borrowed a "flip" video camera and even though it's white and pink, I find that I'm always finding a way to get it out and use it!

Most recently it recorded some rehearsal time earlier today at SIMS. I'm not really happy with the sound quality, but I don't think there's much out there that could beat the portability and ease of use for this device. If you've got something better let me know.

This video is a run-through "Christmas Proclamation" during 7/8 band rehearsal this afternoon. I try give the students at least one straight run-through per day so they have something to really play on during the (sometimes) tedious rehearsals during that last period of the school day. It's getting there, and lucky for us we still have 19 days until the concert!

This last video is just what happened when I turned the flip on for a bit of 6th grade rehearsal first this morning. This lovely band is what I see first hour MWF. They're a great group of kids and they're learning so much so fast.

I see a lot of great applications for video as a classroom tool. How are others using this type of technology to help students and themselves? Comments welcome as I am still collecting data for my presentation in January.

Impact

Even though I headed off to a new school this Summer and I'm always ready for my next adventure. All parts of my past hold a special place in my heart. I think back fondly about my mom patiently listening to me practice as a beginner(you know that's not a pleasant sound).

I remember a lot of firsts. The first WIU band camp, we played "In the Shining of the Stars" and as I was playing I thought about the great friends I made. My father cried because he thought it was beautiful and he'd never got to hear me play in anything like that in school band. The first IMEA Concert, one of many I made it every year, jazz and concert band from 7th grade on. All-State was a real treat, never had I been around such inspiration. All these things have helped shape me as an educator. They all lit a fire in me.

College was a lot more experiences. Things that would take too long for this quick little window I have before my next class.

My first job will always hold a special place in my heart. It wasn't perfect, I can't say it was my dream job. I would gladly taken a bigger position right out of school, but things happen for a reason. I met some of the most incredible young men and women there. Even from across the state I'm enjoying hearing about them and what they're accomplishing.

I got this note today after attending a marching band festival on an off weekend for me where I saw my old band and some former students. Names are changed to keep this parent and student anonymous, but it really made me realize how great of an impact I can have.

"As always, thank you for the positive advice. Both John and I talked after we saw you Saturday. We agree that you are destine to do great things and have an awesome future ahead of you. Keep writing and inspiring because your excitement is a magnet for others who love music! You certainly touch others where ever you go- "

I love my job.

Giving 94%

I listened to one of the greatest things today. This is an audio only clip of Dr. Stamp from IUP demonstrating the difficulty of music. One of the most powerful things I've heard. Let's face it, music educators are always trying to explain what we do. This does it perfectly.

Please enjoy and keep making music. By the way, I sent it to my principal. He sent me a very nice email back. That's a blessing isn't it? :)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw4vqll9cAM

94% will never be good enough.

Tuesdays are For...

Reflection.

Tuesdays are a great day in my world this year. I pretty much get caught every Monday after school and then Tuesday I teach a few lessons, but no full ensembles. Boy, am I loving sharing the responsibilities of a 5-12 program!

This Tuesday is especially reflective. This past weekend was Smiles Day(which means homecoming here). It was crazy! We had to prepare the HS for a Veteran's honoring ceremony which meant all the service songs, SSB, and taps for two of the leads. We also were doing something that the other director cooked up for the seniors, called the Evolution of Dance. I guess it's based on some Youtube thing? Proving once again that I'm not cool... Not to mention your standard Homecoming fair of parade in the morning and football game at night.

On top of that I led the Middle School marching band through their two parades. Let me tell you, 7/8 graders shouldn't march haha. I think that they're still learning so many fundementals that it about kills them. On step? Horn ups? Straight lines? MEMORIZE MUSIC??!?! Ahh...I think pedogogically, they should do something at the end of the year to get them excited for HS marching band, not at the beginning when some of them aren't even producing tone properly.

So despite all the craziness(choir teacher driving the equipment trailer with the back door dragging...etc) and it was crazy we made it with lots of accolades throughout. Community feedback was great. Parents loved seeing those JH kids marching. The high school band paid a nice tribute to hundreds of veteran's. Oh and I'm almost over my flu/cold. *deep breath*

The high school band is still working for its two field competitions and three parade competitions. I rewrote some drill for them. Man, I wish they would've had me write the whole show. I guess they never really know what they're getting when a school hires someone new. Resumes are only so useful.

Side note: How does one become a drill writer? I love it so much and I think I'm kind of good...

The MS is now into Concert Band. I'm excited. I've got chorales and sight-reading out in the folders and as soon as this post is over I'm going to go copy a new piece for us. I can't decide what to put in the folders, time to order some music too. I believe it will take them some time to adjust to my style and that's ok. I'm shooting for November to be running smooth.

Maybe now that I'm caught up. I'll be more reflective next time. Just another thing to add to my to do list. I love teaching music.