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. :)