Update
I'm finding that my evenings are extremely boring. I usually sleep between 5 and 8 and that does not re-energize me like I normally plan on it doing. I could clean up around here, but just can't seem to get started. It's pretty boring. I finished a book I was reading yesterday. I was very excited to read "Teacher Man" by Frank McCourt, but it was a bit dissapointing. He came off as annoying. He sounded like a bad teacher. I was expecting more.
I'll be starting another book soon. I usually read only during the summer. I have a lot I want to knock out Summer 06:
Pathways - Joseph Alsobrook (reread)
Aspiring to Excel - Kenneth Raessler
Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown (post movie)
Teaching Music With Passion - Peter Boonshaft (reread)
Harry Potter I - JK Rowling (got I - V as gifts, should read atleast one)
Now I Can Die in Peace - Bill Simmons (ESPN columnist)
Why My Wife Thinks I'm an Idiot - Mike Greenberg (ESPN Anchor/Radio Host)
Not a bad list. Any other suggestions?
I told my 4th graders today I wouldn't be returning. It was tough. I wasn't sure how they would react. Alot of mouths dropped. Some gasps. It was almost the cliche' scene you would imagine happening in your head. As I was talking some eyes welled up, some just kind of stared, others acted silly, some normal. It's crazy how differently people react to things, and amazing to watch at such a young age. They were pretty shocked. They, I think, will be the hardest group to tell. I'm their first band teacher, they were my first group of kids to start on instruments. We had a connection that I didn't necessarily have with the 5th and 6th graders. Our experience was different. In the end, the kids will be fine, in the moment, it was tough to deal with. They've never been so quiet.
Tomorrow I'm having a party for the 5/6 Band before school, and will tell them at that point. The rumor has been going around and many know, or atleast think they know already. I anticipate a different reaction. I don't think the 6th graders will care, they are moving on to middle school. I think some 5h graders will be upset, some will be mad, others indifferent. The 5th graders will now have 3 different band teachers for their 3 years of experience in elementary school. I feel bad about that, but what can I do. I am definitely expecting a different reaction. I will have juice and munchkins to divert their attention, it's the least I could do.
I'm still SUPER pumped about the new job, at this point though...there isn't much to do...and I really want to do....stuff. I don't even know what, just...stuff. Actually, I do want to:
Scope out the music library
Document past concerts and repertoire
Program fall and spring concerts
Prepare scores/score study
Select/purchase parade repertoire
Select/purchase/arrange(?!?) stand tunes
Learn more about Indoor Concert Percussion Ensembles
Determine Concert Festivals they've participated in
Scope out area Concert Festivals
Set Festival/Performance Goals
I'm very anxious...could be good, could be bad.
June 21st can't come soon enough.
I'll be starting another book soon. I usually read only during the summer. I have a lot I want to knock out Summer 06:
Pathways - Joseph Alsobrook (reread)
Aspiring to Excel - Kenneth Raessler
Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown (post movie)
Teaching Music With Passion - Peter Boonshaft (reread)
Harry Potter I - JK Rowling (got I - V as gifts, should read atleast one)
Now I Can Die in Peace - Bill Simmons (ESPN columnist)
Why My Wife Thinks I'm an Idiot - Mike Greenberg (ESPN Anchor/Radio Host)
Not a bad list. Any other suggestions?
I told my 4th graders today I wouldn't be returning. It was tough. I wasn't sure how they would react. Alot of mouths dropped. Some gasps. It was almost the cliche' scene you would imagine happening in your head. As I was talking some eyes welled up, some just kind of stared, others acted silly, some normal. It's crazy how differently people react to things, and amazing to watch at such a young age. They were pretty shocked. They, I think, will be the hardest group to tell. I'm their first band teacher, they were my first group of kids to start on instruments. We had a connection that I didn't necessarily have with the 5th and 6th graders. Our experience was different. In the end, the kids will be fine, in the moment, it was tough to deal with. They've never been so quiet.
Tomorrow I'm having a party for the 5/6 Band before school, and will tell them at that point. The rumor has been going around and many know, or atleast think they know already. I anticipate a different reaction. I don't think the 6th graders will care, they are moving on to middle school. I think some 5h graders will be upset, some will be mad, others indifferent. The 5th graders will now have 3 different band teachers for their 3 years of experience in elementary school. I feel bad about that, but what can I do. I am definitely expecting a different reaction. I will have juice and munchkins to divert their attention, it's the least I could do.
I'm still SUPER pumped about the new job, at this point though...there isn't much to do...and I really want to do....stuff. I don't even know what, just...stuff. Actually, I do want to:
Scope out the music library
Document past concerts and repertoire
Program fall and spring concerts
Prepare scores/score study
Select/purchase parade repertoire
Select/purchase/arrange(?!?) stand tunes
Learn more about Indoor Concert Percussion Ensembles
Determine Concert Festivals they've participated in
Scope out area Concert Festivals
Set Festival/Performance Goals
I'm very anxious...could be good, could be bad.
June 21st can't come soon enough.