band
the students and the teacher. This is also a really great opportunity for the teacher to have and model a work-life balance for their students.
Service to Others
Evaluating the yearly instrumental perfor- mance schedule does not always have to be about subtracting playing opportunities. Consider adding performances that will brighten the days of others who are less fortunate. For example, students could play in small ensembles at a nursing home or hospital. These performances mean the world to the people within the facilities, and students get to experience the true joy of serving others through sharing their time and talents. Asking the students if they have ideas to expand upon these kinds of performances is a great opportunity for student voice in the classroom. This will
also ensure that both the students and teacher are passionate about these service performances. As a teacher, seeing students perform in these settings can also be joyful. Through these performances, students are not only learning the music, but they’re also learning how to joyfully serve others.
Bravely Taking Care of Ourselves
Lastly, remember that your life will last longer than the years that you are a teacher. Do not forget to do the things that you love to do other than teaching. Taking time for yourself will allow you to feel refreshed and ready to serve your students and commu- nity to the best of your ability. Additionally, do not forget to take care of your family and friend relationships. It is important to remember that we have a variety of things that we love in our lives, and this includes
not only our career, but family and friends as well. Continuing to build personal and familial relationships will enable a sense of renewed purpose that can aid in better serving students and school communities. Finding work-life balance is a process and mistakes will certainly happen. With time, you will find that it is possible to serve your needs and also the needs of your students. Devoting time to yourself and your family will re-energize you and equip you to serve your students more joyfully and with your best self.
Bri Knox is the 4k–6th grade general music and band teacher at Florence Elementary School in the Florence County School District.
Email:
knoxb@myflorence.org
Celebrate Music In Our Schools Month!
March is Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM) and a time to celebrate music education. Capitol Concerts
Celebrate MIOSM by attending WMEA Capitol Concerts on various dates throughout March in the State Capitol Rotunda, Madison. Show your music pride by supporting Wisconsin school music groups that have been selected to perform in these noon hour concerts.
Go to
wmeamusic.org for a complete concert schedule.
MIOSM Awareness While creating awareness of the importance of music in our schools is a year-round venture, MIOSM offers a platform for promoting music education nationally and locally. NAfME offers a variety of MIOSM awareness items ranging from buttons to sweatshirts. For more information about these items and many ways to celebrate MIOSM, go to
nafme.org/programs/miosm.
Wisconsin School Musician 25
March 2023
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