I have not really had much time at all this quarter to reflect/post, so I'll squeeze on in here...
Q1 has been very busy and one would think that it being my 2nd year here it would be easier. I think in contrast to that, it's been more involved as I am now taking on more responsibilities and such.
Marching band: been going very well so far this season. We've had a few snags and dramas, but have worked past them for the most case. Last rehearsal I started to record myself during their run through, like a judging tape, to help me remember/plan for rehearsals a little better. I think I will continue to do this and see how well it works. God bless the iPhone for it's voice recorder! :)
Next season I think we need to revamp the drumline warm-ups again and settle on something that is both fundamentally sound, well within their reach, but also interesting and engaging. This year's basic warm-ups served it's purpose well, but I think they are starting to feel a little stale and stagnant... gotta find a good way to avoid this next season.
Orchestras: We've had a bunch of ups and downs. Most of it focusing on people/interpersonal things. Slowly though, we have worked through it. CO had to be lectured about treating people w/ respect regardless of their differences. I gave them a writing prompt too which I think helped: 1) think of someone different and list their differences from you; 2) now create a separate list of what you share in common; 3) why is it important to treat this person w/ respect regardless of their differences?
Musically both groups are progressing. Still having a hard time finding repertoire that is both challenging and do-able for the groups. I have not found much good literature at their level... hopefully I can find more in the near future. Assessments went well, I did them really early this year to get them out of the way. I may reconsider that next year...
Piano: has been going strong. This year I'm going a bit slower, but I think it's paying off in regards to the quality of the student performances and how they are progressing. Something to consider for next year (which comes from last year): "My only concern is addressing the new students who have been transferring in late. I think next year I might tweak my lessons to start after the first couple of days to avoid this. As an alternative I'm thinking of focusing on listening activities and such with the students in the beginning so that if anyone else comes in late they won't miss anything essential for later."
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