Tag: independent school
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The Invisible Act of Differentiation
A few weeks before I meet my students, I am already thinking about differentiation. I meet with parents and guardians, learn more about the students who will walk into my classroom, and begin to imagine what this particular group of musicians might sound like. One student may need more support to be successful, while another…
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The Invisible Act of Belonging: Creating a Classroom Where Students Can Take Risks
Four weeks before the school year begins, I am already thinking about classroom culture. I’m thinking about the music, of course. I’m thinking about repertoire, instrumentation, projects, performances, and the skills I want students to develop. But underneath all of those decisions is another set of questions: What kind of room do I want students…
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Feeling Safe Enough to Learn
This summer I accepted a part-time position supervising a music camp. It’s different from my work during the school year teaching middle and high school band and orchestra, but after only a few days, I found myself thinking about a place I hadn’t reflected on in quite some time. Almost ten years ago, I wrote…
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Imposter Syndrome Article
I came across an article that aligns with me and my students. I can’t help but share this one. 15 Ways to Navigate Imposter Syndrome
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Musical Collaboration for Diversity and Inclusion: Professional Growth and Impact
My work with the adult community has seen significant growth and effectiveness through the power of collaboration with colleagues. The development of these working relationships and our joint efforts on projects, such as concerts and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) programming, have not only improved my current work but also enriched my personal and professional…
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Teaching Orchestra and Band in a Digital Space: Day 15
Close One and Cheers: Like most Friday’s before a break from school occurs, thing are bound to go wrong. Sometimes it’s students behaving unruly or planned events that disrupt the day, like a class parties. You never know what might come up of these days. Today my “WTF” moment happened due to poor bandwidth. Now…
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Teaching Orchestra and Band in a Digital Space: Day 14
Tired: On a typical day I feel like I get to move around a fair amount. With conducting ensembles and moving around campus, I might even say I am very active. On occasion I might get a work out before my day starts. However, since the coronavirus era of teaching started, my movements have been…
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Teaching Orchestra and Band in a Digital Space: Day 13
Live sound in a virtual space: Now that things are settling into what seem more and more a regular routine, I started to ask some fundamental questions about the user experience within my virtual platform. How is the sound of my voice received by my students? When I speak or demonstrate on my instruments, what…
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