Scientists have theorized about wormholes that permit objects to travel fantastic distances and even navigate through time in the blink of an eye. Science fiction writers have used wormholes to explain even the most bizarre plot twists. Well, it’s all true. Just a few minutes ago, the school year was ending and then in an instant I quite obviously fell through space and time and arrived here at the start of the school year. All the great things I had said I would accomplish over the summer have been swallowed by the dreaded space time continuum.
I spoke with several teachers at the end of their first partial week (in our area, school started on a Thursday) and they commented it was tough to get the students to focus and stay on task. I reminded them that many of the students had gone “free range” most of the summer and it would be important to emphasize standards and expectations the following week. Checking back with them, most said the kids were starting to “get” it. You never have a second chance to establish classroom expectations. Particularly, if you are a new teacher, don’t give up!
Hopefully, you didn’t fall into a wormhole and your summer involved some recharging of the batteries, some great professional development, and a chance to spend some time making plans for the new school year.
During my military career I pretty much moved every few years and it gave me a chance to reinvent myself in a way, reflecting on what went well and what didn’t in the previous job and hopefully, being a better version of myself. Many of you don’t get to do that but as you well know, one third or one quarter of your students turn over each year. Use that as an opportunity to be a better teacher each year!
This issue has lots of nuggets for you. Deb Canfredo, President of NAfME, gives ideas on how to get off to a good start in the school tear. Matthew Arau reminds us to take time to find joy in what we do. We also have an interview with composer Yukiko Nishimura who is writing some superb music for school groups. If you’re not familiar with her music, check it out and read about her musical journey.
One of the most important decisions directors make each year involves student travel. Often, a trip is the result of a year or more of fundraising, tons of planning, and negotiations and coordination with parents and administration. The risks are there. What if the trip is not successful? Parents have spent lots of money and you have staked your reputation on it. However, a successful trip can energize your program, leave lasting important impressions on students, enhance teambuilding within the ensemble and with parents, and prove to parents and the administration that you can pull off big, successful endeavors. SBO+ reached out to several travel companies who have sterling reputations, have been in the business for decades, and whose team members have obtained important certifications by SYTA, the Student Youth Travel Association (you expect your doctor to have a medical license, why not look for certified travel professionals?). They share some of their lessons learned so you can benefit from their years of experience.
So, to those of you starting your first or 40th year of teaching music, don’t be afraid to boldly go where no one has gone before. Live long and prosper! Or, let the Force be with you. Either way, have fun teaching music!
