I had the great opportunity to be hired as the director of bands for a new high school that opened in North Dakota. It has been a humbling experience to be granted the opportunity to teach in brand new facilities, especially given the state of many other schools in smaller districts in Minnesota and North Dakota.
My blog sat on the backburner for the past two months as I prepared to receive students. The first day I was allowed into the building was on July 25th, and I spent every single day up until school started in late August preparing for students’ arrival. I appreciate that I am single and have few summer commitments… I calculated that I spent 721 hours working out logistics, assembling instruments, putting together a band library, etc. To those who complain that teachers have it easy: I worked the equivalent of 18, 40-hour weeks this summer for no compensation.
Our principal has a great philosophy, that we think of each day as part of the bigger marathon, not a sprint. It has been a bit of a struggle to get my Type A-personality used to this; but one can’t expect perfection when opening a new building. Thus, our library is not completed, our band room is freezing, some instruments still need adjusting, and uniforms are still arriving. But the process of music-making is well underway, and the students are great at understanding that there will be transitions, new policies, and all sorts of changes as the year progresses.
It’s been fun getting to know high school students, and noticing the differences between middle school students and high school students. Initially, I was nervous about my own musicianship and being able to conduct high school wind ensembles and jazz bands, but ultimately I’ve come around to the realization that kids are kids. They might look older, they might be principal chair in All-State, but we all (students AND teachers) have something to learn from each other.
I am very fortunate that my closest colleague is a friend from college, who balances my brass pedagogical knowledge with his own woodwind expertise. Pep band and pit orchestra are well under way, honor band auditions are coming up, and I’m excited about a pull-out chamber ensemble experience that we are starting with our most advanced students that will go far beyond the traditional “Ensemble Contest” in scope.
Right now I am thankful for these many blessings, am seeking guidance and wisdom as our program continues to grow, and am looking forward to building meaningful personal and musical relationships.
{ 0 comments }
