I hate being the mean teacher. The last two days, the kids haven't been listening. I mean they're 14-17 year olds being taught by a foreigner that doesn't know their language. If I was in their shoes, I'm sure I'd be just as annoyed. However, there comes a point when lack of listening turns into lack of respect, and that's not okay. Much to my dismay, I'm not sure if three of the girls will be returning tomorrow..
It hasn't been all bad, though. The kids have improved so much. We introduced the bells with the rest of the group, and everything is finally clicking. The whole concept of marching and playing still isn't going very well, but that will come in time. I'm so proud of the progress they're making, especially in such a short amount of time. There are so many of them that are extremely intelligent, and I've started taking advantage of that by having them run short sectionals while I work with small groups. Giving them ownership is helping a lot as well!
Yesterday during class, I noticed a guy sitting in the corner watching rehearsal. I didn't really think anything of it. Later on when I was down on the boardwalk with one of my friends, he and his wife stopped me. He asked where I was from and why I was here teaching a marching band. I told him my story about how I found the program, my struggles so far, and how the kids are finally catching on. When I was finished, he told me that he was a middle school band director in Pennsylvania for 35 years, and that he was extremely impressed by my teaching and the music they were playing.
Teaching at the Center is going well, too. I'm only there on Mondays and Wednesdays teaching piano classes due to the rehearsal time at the high school. I also don't get to see Frank anymore, which is disappointing. However, I must say that my piano skills are getting pretty advanced!
It seems unreal that I only have three weeks left with the people here. I've learned so much about teaching, about music, about life, and about myself. When you take a step back and are thrown outside your comfort zone and into a place you feel truly isolated, it is amazing how differently you begin thinking. I like the quiet time. I like the emphasis on family. I like having a new relaxed yet focused viewpoint on life. All of these experiences and the people I am meeting are opening my eyes to perspectives I never knew existed. I'm experiencing so much of the world through talking with others, and I don't even have to leave my island!
It hasn't been all bad, though. The kids have improved so much. We introduced the bells with the rest of the group, and everything is finally clicking. The whole concept of marching and playing still isn't going very well, but that will come in time. I'm so proud of the progress they're making, especially in such a short amount of time. There are so many of them that are extremely intelligent, and I've started taking advantage of that by having them run short sectionals while I work with small groups. Giving them ownership is helping a lot as well!
Yesterday during class, I noticed a guy sitting in the corner watching rehearsal. I didn't really think anything of it. Later on when I was down on the boardwalk with one of my friends, he and his wife stopped me. He asked where I was from and why I was here teaching a marching band. I told him my story about how I found the program, my struggles so far, and how the kids are finally catching on. When I was finished, he told me that he was a middle school band director in Pennsylvania for 35 years, and that he was extremely impressed by my teaching and the music they were playing.
Teaching at the Center is going well, too. I'm only there on Mondays and Wednesdays teaching piano classes due to the rehearsal time at the high school. I also don't get to see Frank anymore, which is disappointing. However, I must say that my piano skills are getting pretty advanced!
It seems unreal that I only have three weeks left with the people here. I've learned so much about teaching, about music, about life, and about myself. When you take a step back and are thrown outside your comfort zone and into a place you feel truly isolated, it is amazing how differently you begin thinking. I like the quiet time. I like the emphasis on family. I like having a new relaxed yet focused viewpoint on life. All of these experiences and the people I am meeting are opening my eyes to perspectives I never knew existed. I'm experiencing so much of the world through talking with others, and I don't even have to leave my island!