What I is...(a continuation)

August 10, 2007 at 2:59 AM

I is...
TIRED (or is that "I be tired"?).
It was 103 degrees today (heat index up to 115).

I just completed next week's lesson plans for 7 different elementary strings classes and 3 middle school strings classes. Haven't finished my 8th grade music appreciation classes yet. We are a "core knowledge" school; that means I can officially say no hip-hop or rap (it's not in the curriculum). In the 8th grade, they are supposed to be able to handle nationalism, music of other cultures, and modernism. Ha-you can hear the crickets when I ask them a question about what they just heard. So we are going to start with a review of the elements of music, starting with rhythm. I get to play part of Rite of Spring tomorrow (in the curriculum). We'll skip the story line for now. My string players get to shake off the dust tomorrow. It will be interesting, for sure, as those will school instruments (90% of them) have not played since mid-May. Ear plugs, anyone?

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on August 10, 2007 at 3:54 AM

You be busy and tired. Don't be getting discouraged by your students' responses or lack of responses. Good luck.

From Ruth Kuefler
Posted on August 10, 2007 at 1:53 PM

Hang in there, Patricia! It's great that you keep a sense of humor through all the challenges of teaching. :) Good luck!!

P.S. Eight graders and the Rite of Spring . . . now that should be interesting.

From Anne Horvath
Posted on August 10, 2007 at 4:53 PM

Our Heat Index is higher than yours...(insert smiley face, no... wait... frowney face here!)

I hope you have a great year. You have a very difficult job, but music makes a real difference in young people's lives, whether they realize it or not!

From Albert Justice
Posted on August 10, 2007 at 5:21 PM

It's been hot here too--and HUMID! I can hardly play, given lots of company the past several days and excommunicated to another building to practice...

Actually, I wish I could hang out while you are listening to the "Rites of Spring".. Stravinsky taught me my limits progressively, in good ways. Thus I'm defined by my crooner sensibilities, as well as limited to some degree--so be it.

I'd be grateful to have string programs if I were you--when you really need to dig deep for motivation. There are entire regions of our country completely, completely neglected in these ways. Jeez that sounded like telling the kids to clean their plates.

Anyway, good luck for a productive and enriching year. I know the rewards for what you are doing are difficult to see in immediate senses, and really in the long run, but teachers touch students one success at a time. Renew yourself often. After all it is "The Rites of Spring"? ;)

I know personally the power that an inspired motivated teacher holds over droves of students. My mom was apparently, a gifted teacher, as every day of my life I see five or six people who ask sincerely about her. Or they share stories about her making them feel genuinely special. I wish this for you. It's the other paycheck.

From jennifer steinfeldt warren
Posted on August 10, 2007 at 8:09 PM

I'm trying to visually imagine what your planner must look like. Having...trouble.....getting....an...image. :)
On the other hand, I have no difficuly imagining the heat you describe.
Because no imagination is necessary. I'm glad I practice at home because I've been practicing in my underwear. I have to turn off the ceiling fan and turn down the airconditioner, well..no fans at all. I can't handle the distorted way fans make the violin sound.

Who needs clothing to practice anyway?

-Jennifer

From Albert Justice
Posted on August 11, 2007 at 9:52 PM

Me too Jennifer--uh, her planner.... The state of WV has passed laws that I practice with clothes on ;)...

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