band
I love the discussions that happen in our Wisconsin Band Teachers Network Face- book group, as well as the conversations I get to be a part of at the Wisconsin State Music Conference and through my work on the WMEA Council. These connections are so important!
Self Care
This is a big one with which many of us fall short. Kristen Honore says this about self care: “Putting myself first even when it ‘feels like I shouldn’t’ (like I could of course be doing more work, right?).” We all feel this way at some point (or all the time!), but self care is so vitally important to our physical, mental and emotional health. Wisconsin Band Teachers had a lot of suggestions for ways they take care of themselves. Here are just a few ideas to spark your own thoughts for self care: yoga, running, reading non-music educa- tion books, gardening and other yard work, knitting, crafting and spending time with family and friends. Many teachers also
stressed the importance of sometimes having a “DONE” time where one just stops doing what they are doing and does something for themselves. While you may be one of the many teachers who feels guilty about taking time for yourself, it is so important to do so!
Find an Outlet Totally Unrelated to Teaching Music
This response came up with several teachers as well. I can personally speak to how doing so has brought balance to my own life. When I was a kid, I was really torn between going into music educa- tion or into a field involved with animal care. While I decided to ultimately be a music educator, I still have always had a passion for animals and have recently started volunteering with my son at a lo- cal AZA-accredited zoo. I find that I am truly happier than I have been in years because I feel like I have the best of both worlds! In fact, I find that I love being a music educator even more now because of
this totally unrelated outlet. If you have an interest or passion that is totally unrelated to teaching music to kids, I encourage you to seek out opportunities to explore this other area in your life!
With so many outside negative forces that are constantly pushing down on mu- sic teachers, keeping one’s fire burning fiercely can be a struggle at times. Take these suggestions from your Wisconsin Band Teacher colleagues and find balance for yourself. One of my favorite poems of all time speaks to keeping one’s fire burning fiercely and not giving in to the doldrums, to the darkness. I encourage you to check it out… it’s called “Invictus” and was written by William Ernest Henley. It always charges me up every time I read it, and I hope it does the same for you. Onwards and upwards, my friends!
Julie Brown teaches beginning band in the Appleton Area School District. Email:
brownjulie@aasd.k12.wi.us.
4 Get the 21st-century advocacy support and resources you need to protect your music program.
4 Become part of the network of serious, committed music educators addressing issues such as standards, assessment, scheduling and diversity.
4 Access to professional development experiences including journals, national and state conferences, books, e-learning events and online mentoring.
4 Spotlight your students with opportunities such as national and state honor ensembles, music honor society and composition contests.
4 Download the NAfME mobile membership app for iPhone or Android and experience NAfME in your pocket.
To join or renew visit
www.nafme.org
Wisconsin School Musician
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