Baptism by Fire

"Baptism by fire..." That's what the adorable woman who works in the office called my (now seemingly minor) parent situation a few weeks ago. But it seems as if that general idea is following me around.

Problems this week. My profound sense of professionalism prohibits me from sharing details in such a public arena, but rest assured that these were core-shaking problems to a young music teacher. Every day since Wednesday, I have come home with zero appetite for food and zero stamina for doing any work or even having any fun. I just lay down (with one of my cats) and sleep. I have been assured by several people that the problem has little to do with me, but regardless, the way it was presented sure felt personal, and the outcome (whatever it is) will have everything to do with me. Beyond that, the fact that any of this is happening in the first place bothers me immensely.

My kids, however, are perfect (I will accept no arguments about this fact). It's as though they can secretly sense an issue--as I certainly don't let it show during class--and come to my rescue in the only ways they know how. Last week, when problems first started to rear their ugly heads, I walked into my classroom one morning to find my white board completely littered with messages for me: "I <3 Ms. Purscell," "Ms. Purscell is awesome!!" "Music is life!" "I love choir!!!" etc...... This week, one of my quiet 8th graders brought me drumsticks in a big red bow to use to keep time during sight-singing. One of my adorable 7th graders painted the word "Sing!" on a rock for me as a paper weight. I only say this because all of it reminded me why I teach in the first place--I am a trusted adult making music with fantastic kids (and hopefully touching their lives a little bit along the way). It also made me realize just how generous of spirit kids can be. Sometimes I wonder if I went into teaching because I get along with kids so much better than I get along with some adults.....

One good thing that did come out of it all was the unexpected outpouring of support. I greatly respect and admire everyone who talked me through this--more people than I imagined. I know there will be many more difficult times in my teaching career, but it's nice to know that (at least in this case) I don't have to hunker down and handle everything by myself. Add that to the fact that I get to see my students everyday, and life as a teacher starts to look pretty good again.

My Favorites, Round 1

Ok, it's been a wonderful day here in Cedar Rapids, so I thought I'd document some of my favorite moments so far with my students. I figure, when I've had a day that's not so good (or even downright bad.... hasn't happened yet! *fingers crossed*), I can look on here and remember what I love most about teaching these kids. Here are my favorite things about teaching middle schoolers:

Yesterday, one of my shy 7th grade girls (one that has been a project of mine) came up to me and asked how I always get my hair to be so cute. I explained to her exactly how I twist it, pin it and pull it back. Then I continued, "And if you wear it with a smile, you'll get tons of compliments... but it won't matter what they think because you know you like it, and that's what really matters." Today she walked in with her hair done just like mine had been the day before. I told her that her hair looked nice. She responded, "Thanks.... not that it matters." I love getting to teach these girls who are making the transition into middle school. They're obviously super freaked out about it, so it makes my day just to have sound coming out of their mouths in my room every day--we're still working on the pleasantness of that sound. ;)

My 8th graders are singing a piece with repeated patterns layered on top of each other. It took some work, but when we got all four parts lined up I made it clear how awesome it sounded (and even let some of the girls stand in the middle of the circles with me to hear it). They are so proud of themselves, and that is the best reward for me. Everyday, they jump up and down, "Can we sing 'Alleluia'?" And then, once we work on it a bit, "Can we go perform for the boys now that it sounds even better?" Girls literally walk in the door telling me they have been looking forward to choir all day. I love being a mentor to these girls as they decide who they will become. Sometimes the personal questions are a bit much (and I definitely draw the boundaries about how much they're allowed to know), but I take it as a compliment that they want to find out so much about my life.

In 6th grade choir, it can be a challenge just to get through class. But today we played the "Let's Pretend We're At The Concert" game and they shut right up! I know I won't be able to get away with it every time, so I'll save it for the days that they're really out of hand. They're also obsessed with one of our pieces. I start playing piano, and the whole room goes silent. It's nice. I love the fact that I get to introduce these kids to choir. Sometimes it's annoying to tell them, no, we won't be singing that song from the radio you love so much at any concert this year. However, it's worth it to get to be the first person who shows them what a choral experience is like... and how much fun it can be.

I'm super excited to direct the fall play!! I was worried for a few days when very few names were on the audition sheet. Then, the first day of auditions, suddenly every single slot was full (that's middle school for ya), and kids were asking for more times. I added an extra day, and now that's full too. Seventy-some auditions! It will literally kill me to have to cut people, but I'll do what I have to do. At the moment, we're about halfway through the list, and I already have seen some brilliant performing and thought of some brilliant ideas for staging/costumes/etc. I'm trying to get to know the 9th graders and boys (none of whom I teach) better so we can have a rapport built by the time rehearsals start. That has been going pretty well. It's going to be a wonderful time and hopefully a fabulous play!

How did I get so lucky to teach what I love and get paid (ok... not very much...) for it?! My students inspire my musical ideas every single day. Sometimes it's on-the-spot ideas, sometimes it's thoughts that transform my overall view (and teaching) of a piece, sometimes it's thoughts that transform my view of the world. I am incredibly fortunate to get to teach these fabulous young people. :)