band Keeping the Fire Burning Fiercely
(Not Just Simply Lit) Julie Brown, WSMA State Chair, Band
There comes a point in most teachers’ lives when we per- haps struggle to keep the fire going for our chosen path of teaching music to kids. For some, this can be a struggle that feels like it happens
far too often, especially during certain times of the year. Just like Milo had to find his way out of the “Doldrums” in The Phantom Tollbooth, we need to find our own way out of these sketchy times in order to keep our fire, or passion, for what we do burning fiercely, not just simply lit. Recently, I turned to the band teachers of Wisconsin via the Wisconsin Band Teachers Network Facebook group to see what they do to stay fresh and ex- cited. The responses given were awesome and basically fell into five categories. As we are all different people, some of these suggestions may speak more to you than others. I encourage you to consider each of these and also listen to what your own soul tells you and travel down the path that fits you best!
Never Stop Getting Better at Your Craft
This was the response that most teach- ers touched on. Jim Gornick said, “Keep
playing. Keep writing and arranging. Keep taking lessons. Keep studying scores that have nothing to do with what you are working through with your students. Keep reading.” Matt McVeigh turns to John Coltrane, who used the phrase “cleaning the mirror.” Matt says, “I think finding ways for us to personally clean our mir- rors is a big part of keeping inspired. I also believe part of that has to include making a habit of actively seeking out great musical experiences – for yourself as a performer, and as an audience member.” Both Jim and Matt have great ideas to keep the artist in you alive and well. Consider setting aside the time and finances to be able to perform in an ensemble you enjoy playing with and seeking out an exceptional concert or two every now and then!
Connect With the Kids and Enjoy Your Time With Them
Making a connection with the students you teach makes being a teacher that much more rewarding and enjoyable. Jason Harden says, “I think you have to love the company of the kiddos, have a sense of humor with them, etc. Kristen Honore says, “You gotta love the ‘hangin’ with the kids’ part of the job and just being around them. I actually read a ton of YA (young adult) fiction (that they recommend) so we can chat about NON-music topics and connect on something else.” Personally,
2018 new music reading sessions
Saturday, August 4th: High School Choral (8:30AM - 11:30AM) and Sacred Choral (12:30pm - 3:00pm) Saturday, August 25th: orchestra (8:30AM - 11:00AM) and band (1:15pm - 4:15pm)
free registration EArly registrants receive $15 voucher for clearance music and accessories
visit
www.brassbellmusic.com to begin your free registration today 4 1 4 . 9 6 3 .1 0 0 0
210 W. S i lver S p r ing Dr . Mon-Thurs 10am - 9pm Fri 12pm - 6pm 22 Saturday 10am - 6pm
“As we are all different people, some of these suggestions may speak more to you than others.”
I have also asked students for recommen- dations for books to read. Sometimes, the books are really enjoyable and sometimes not, but it not only gives me ideas of things to read, but also shows the students I teach that I am genuinely interested in them beyond the classroom. If you’re not a big reader, try asking students for ideas of TV shows, or new music to experience.
Connect With Colleagues
b r a s s b e l l m u s i c . c o m Sunday 12pm - 6pm
It can feel sometimes like we are an island if we don’t reach out to keep connections with colleagues, especially if we are in a small district where we are one of only a few – or in some cases, the only music teachers in the area. Matt Lamb advises continuing with professional develop- ment, attending the Wisconsin State Music Conference and seeking out conversa- tion with others in the field, as well as attending Midwest. Connie Root adds, “One major factor that has inspired me to continue teaching (and to love teaching) has been being involved at the state level on Honors staff, and locally with the extra opportunities we offer our students: lo- cal honors groups, solo/ensemble, music camps, older students mentoring younger students, guest clinicians, visits with composers.” Whether it be physically getting together with colleagues to share ideas, collaborate, or just to vent, or con- nections made with colleagues via social media, these relationships can be a great way to renew, refresh and evolve philoso- phies and teaching strategies. Personally,
April 2018
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72
