band Getting by With a Little Help
From Our Friends Kimberly Ricci, WMEA State Chair, Band
I am not sure if peo- ple know the time- line for WSM, but we are asked to get our articles in to our [very patient] edi- tor approximately two months ahead of the publication date. I’m always good for
procrastinating with my article, so that means I’ve been working on this one in the middle of February – a tumultuous time in our great state. Protests, rallies, sick-outs, the constant barrage of local and national media, social network feuds, the absence of Democratic state senators… Regard- less of where one falls on the political spectrum, the outpouring of intense frus- tration and anxiety is difficult to ignore. Negativity is taking a very strong hold in many people’s lives. I can see it in some of my co-workers, and some of you may see it in yourselves.
As I wrote and rewrote and rewrote this article (seriously, about five times), the issue’s theme, “You’re Among Friends” kept popping into my brain. I do feel like I’m among friends when I’m at work. I feel like I’m among friends when our K-12 music department meets, and when I attend activities and meetings associ- ated with our local music conference/
association. Being part of WMEA gives me a whole network of friends who share my passion, concerns and questions.
So, you may be asking, what does this have to do with anything? To me, it is inexplicably important to remember that we are indeed among friends during times of uncertainty and conflict. I decided that I would reach out to many of these friends and see what they would like to share with colleagues around the state, whether it was a practical idea or a philosophy discovered over the course of a career.
Here are some thoughts my friends shared with me. I hope they help you finish your year with enthusiasm and confidence.
We, the Teachers (Because We’re People, Too) • Be REAL.
• Be yourself.
• Have fun and laugh in class each day.
• If it’s broke, fix it… and I don’t mean instruments. Don’t be afraid of change.
• Volunteer for service at state level (WMEA, Honors, adjudicate)... watch fellow master teachers, conductors, etc.
Music Education for Teachers Orff Level I
Music Education 383/583, Sec. 88
August 14 – 23, 2011 at UW Stevens Point Intensive practical work with the Orff approach to music education, including techniques, materials, sequencing, & structure. Learn the Orff process using speech, song, movement, & instruments. Course director: Judy Bond (Please note: schedule has some flexibility. Email
jbond@uwsp.edu)
Register online at
www.uwsp.edu/conted/credit or call 715-346-3838
14
“Remember that even on your worst day, you and the unique subject you teach are a child’s best hope.”
• Go to the Wisconsin State Music Conference.
• Consult peers for advice… literature and teaching, etc.
• No one will ever tell you to go home and rest, or that you should be at the school less. People will always want more from you. It’s up to you to schedule sacred time for you and your family, to say “no” once in a while, to balance your life and your work and to know your own limits.
• Laugh… smile… make time for yourself.
• Drink red wine and eat cheese. Wine is really good for you.
Recruitment, Retention, Advocacy and More • Provide experiences for students that will enlighten, inspire and encourage. From upper classmen paying for sixth graders to expert guest clinicians and going on Min- nesota Orchestra field trips, etc.
• Choose music students love, which challenges, inspires and teaches all at the same time.
• Communicate with the other music teachers in your district. Teachers should be on the “same page.”
April 2011
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