It's always difficult trying to name these posts considering I don't even remember what day it is sometimes. Things are in full swing at school. My time is spent teaching, running around the school, copying, running around some more, shoveling a sandwich in my mouth, running, maybe a bathroom break(but I'm peeing standing up due to time), running again, copying, teaching...oh yeah! and singing, playing piano, directing, organizing (well that's wishful thinking) drums, mallets, more copying...you get the picture. It's been full steam ahead since the first day of school.
There have been some difficult moments thus far. One has been figuring out what my job actually entails. As expected when choosing the career of a teacher, there is always more commitment involved than on paper. I get that. I don't mind that. However, when I asked for a job description of my position, I was told there wasn't one. Now, normally this wouldn't be an issue, but considering that I'm not "technically" full-time, yet at school from 7:30am until at least 4:00pm, I really want to know! Another difficulty has been logistics. My room is on the 4th floor of the school...there is no 4th floor. It's tucked up and away on the roof. Think attic. Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy having a cool room with VIP access to the roof if I need fresh air, but NO ONE comes to my room except students. If I have a computer issue, I call someone to give me directions over the phone. If I'm supposed to meet with another teacher, they don't come to my room, I go to theirs. If I need copies, I go over the river and through the woods to make them. Lord help me if I forget to bring everything. That is the hardest part. At my old school, teachers and administration popped in all the time. The copier was right downstairs. It was comforting. Now, I don't really have that. I'm just kinda stuck up there expected to know what I'm doing.
Another jut in the road happened last week. Our principal's wife passed away. Quick snippet of our principal: He went to St. Pat's. He taught at St. Pat's. He is principal and will become President next year. He has over 40 years of history with St. Pat's. He was given honorary Brotherhood status with the Lasallian Brothers. He lives for this school. He is the nicest, sincerest man you will ever meet. Expectantly, things at school were changed around. Our homecoming was moved to the end of the month. School was cancelled on Friday so faculty and students could attend the funeral. The Choir was asked to sing. The guys did a phenomenal job. They were truly pros. They sounded great. Looked great. And my goodness, I was so thankful to have them. They made me look great. It was a bit overwhelming but we pulled it off and got many thanks.
So the other side of difficult is 'easy'. Let me share with you what 's been easy. The students. This is a school of 740 teenage boys mind you. When you think of it that way, it actually sounds crazy! But, these boys are pretty cool. My guys are doing a phenomenal job, especially in the performance classes. The men's chorus has already learned almost 3 songs. They sing well. They have learned so quickly, it's been hard to keep up! I would say 98% of them really try every day. This is a group of 27 students from all grades. Most of them have never sung with others. But they are doing it! And quite well at that.
It's interesting because the Honor's Chorus has also been doing great but they've been weighing on my mind. I want to keep tradition but I also want to teach them new things, new traditions. These are students who are more musically inclined. They sound fabulous! But, it's interesting, when I introduce something new or am breaking away from the previous teacher's practices. They do the work, but I can tell they don't want to or are questioning me. It's ok. They don't fully trust me yet. I do have a plan for them and they will begin to see it! As we all know, it's more difficult to adapt to change when you've been in the same routine for longer.
Ok, I'll make the rest short. Percussion II is a group of 11 guys. They amuse me. This class is the second period of the day so they are still sleepy. But I get them moving and they do well. They have already learned a piece called "Clap Trap". It's a body percussion song. They can actually play the entire song through after 2.5 weeks! I don't know if my expectations are lower or something, but to me, that's awesome! They also have one other piece highlighting mallets. They think they suck at this song but we've only started it 4 days ago. Today, it actually sounded like a song in parts!
Intro to music is Interesting. General Music Survey Course. Oodles of musical concepts smooshed into one semester (4 months). I started out going with previous teacher's ideas, syllabi, etc. I'm finding out that the pace and some material is unnecessary. I will be streamling this course. There is so much information given to the students. It's too much too fast. These are not musicians! These are just dudes. They are very interested in music, but only aspects that are familiar to a non-musician. I am learning and trying. They have actually been quite forgiving with my inadequacy to teach this class appropriately thus far. Again, the students help Me through.
The last school thing I've decided to take on is DrumLine. This came about after supervising DrumLine at the football game on Saturday. If you don't know, I LOVE football. LOVE DrumLine. Love da pack. and now Love da Shamrocks. It's so cool seeing my students play and seeing what they spend so much time practicing(this goes for all sports, activities,etc) but right now, it's football. So, DrumLine. I was told that a student would be in charge and I was only there to chaperone. Ok, cool. Well, after supervising the first half, I decided to take over. They didn't have a leader, they didn't have music, they didn't have a cadence...but they played, "Boom Boom Chick, Boom Boom Chick" aka "We Will Rock You". I don't want to say I was horrified, but I couldn't just sit back! So, I got them going, made them stand, counted a 4 pattern, told them to improvise, got them playing after a great football play, etc. Guess what?! Shamrocks pulled a win out that game. It was AWESOME! So, I told them to meet me today after school. And guess what?! I gave them music. We started rehearsing. They just need someone. This year, it's me. I love DrumLine though! At my high school, I was in the colorguard. I remember preparing and performing half-time shows on the field, going to competitions, listening to drumlines and such. Not sure if I'm the best candidate for this job, but I want to help the students.
Whew, this has been a long post. I could've written much more. But how much can one take reading about the life of a teacher? I do appreciate you all for your support and I hope to continue writing and reflecting on this path God has chosen for me. I forget to mention sometimes, that my school is Catholic. We actually pray at the start of each class. We celebrate God. We sing Christmas carols. We talk about religion. We are encouraged. This is a privilege. It's difficult most times, to broach the subject of God with others. It's almost considered a fau pax. It takes a confident and strong individual to be willing and able to talk about his or her beliefs. This school is a place to start that conversation. To continue that conversation. For that, I am truly grateful. I encourage you all to start these conversations. You will be surprised at what you find.
