band Less is Joyfully More:
Creative Self-Care Ideas for the Stressed Instrumental Music Educator Bri Knox, WMEA State Chair, Band
“Self-care” seems to be the newest buzzword of ad- ministrators and leaders of teacher in-service work- shops all across the country. The idea of taking care of ourselves and find-
ing a work-life balance as an instrumental music teacher could seem unattainable and perhaps even selfish. When I was first introduced to the idea of self-care I couldn’t help but think, “I don’t even know how I would do this” or “this is not practical for
me because I’m the band teacher. I will always be stretched too thin and there’s nothing I can do to improve this.” Upon further consideration I have found that looking deeply into what I do and why I do it has renewed my joy as an educator, even in an era where teaching can be less than joyful. It truly is possible to practice good self-care as an instrumental music teacher, and doing so can reignite joy in our practice. Every instrumental music teacher should ask themselves these questions in an attempt to attain a better work-life balance. Doing so may create a sense of joy brought through a renewed sense of purpose, both inside and outside of the classroom.
“I have found that looking deeply into what I do and why I do it has renewed my joy as an educator,…”
Does Your Performance Schedule Serve You and Your Students Well?
Imagine enjoying the passion of the University Orchestra, playing in a string quartet with your friends (while receiving a full-tuition scholarship), or learning historical performance practices in the Baroque Chamber Orchestra! This is all possible at UW-Eau Claire.
AUDITION DATES for acceptance in 2023-24
Wednesday Jan. 25, 2023
Learn more about the String Program in the Music and Theatre Arts Department at
uwec.ly/mus-the 24 Saturday Feb. 25, 2023 Saturday March 11, 2023
Instrumental music classes are unique as they are often filled with evening, weekend, and even traveling performance opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic slowed this schedule down, but as the world begins to transition to more normal, pre-COVID activities, we may find that performance schedules are filling up once again. This is on top of our other duties that instrumental teachers may be fulfill- ing as schools struggle to fill all of their teacher vacancies. Extra lunch duties, study halls, and recess supervision may become part of the job simply because it is needed. While we cannot control these variables, there is no shame in cutting back on our performance schedules and asking ourselves what performances are the most important. Is attendance at 100% of home games necessary, or can a few really good performances be fulfilling to the student body and the community? Sometimes, the quality of the performance is really better than the quantity. The students may find the lifted burden of responsibility a breath of fresh air, as they, too, balance the many activities and responsibilities that they have as well. This is not at all an act of neglect of duties as an instrumental music teacher. This is an act of choosing the yearly band performance schedule wisely and in a way that invigorates joy and excitement for both
January 2023
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