Another day done

Today was SO much better. I didn't have to throw anyone out, but I'm fully prepared to do it tomorrow. The high school was fantastic...did everything I asked, and I was jumping around like an excited moron. Even the junior high wasn't TOO bad. There are a lot of students who need a lot of help, but I know it will get better. Once lessons start on Friday, things will really start to come together.

My fifth graders started today. So darling! And so responsive! It's great being able to lay the smack-down from the get-go; that way there are absolutely no questions about the way I run things because none of them know any different!

I'm a little apprehensive about taking the high school outside tomorrow. But we're just doing the opener with drill, and I'm going to really pound into their heads stepping off at the same time and keeping horns up and projecting. But - it will be fine. It always is. :)

A Stiff Upper Lip

So Friday night was our first football game. I decided not to have the kids march, because we lost our Thursday rehearsal because of the weather. It wasn't fair to expect them to march a show on one rehearsal. So, we played on the track, turned around, and left. Tah-dah. And overall it wasn't bad. They didn't sound horrible, but they need to learn a little more about how to behave when in a public performance. That talking and goofing around is UNACCEPTABLE when you are performing.

I had a little cry-fest with my husband last night. I really, really, really didn't want to go to work Monday. And in some ways, I still don't. I'm so sick of the attitudes. I have this one student who needs to be strung up by her toes, no kidding. She has absolutely NO respect for authority; other teachers have said that they have had problems with her as well. I've been rehearsing in my head and to my cat what I want to say to her if she steps out of line again.

Along that vein, I HATE being a disciplinarian. HATE it. LOATHE it. Though I know it's necessary in order to prevent chaos, I just hate being the bad guy. I know I need to suck it up and deal and just do it. Like ripping off a Band-Aid.

I got to church half an hour early today (by accident) and had time to really center myself and say a whole rosary. It felt good to do.

Well, it's late. God, give me strength to face the week. At least there's a three-day weekend at the end of it.

Beginning Band

So last night was fifth grade band beginning night. I had a great turnout, and lots of great help, but there's still things I wish I would have done differently. Granted, you learn a lot through trial-and-error, but sometimes I beat myself up for not thinking things through a little more thoroughly. I guess that's the way it goes. BUT: A big thank you to my friends who came out and helped with our display night. It makes for a lot fewer headaches for me! :-)

The high school has our first football game tonight. We're SO not ready. We lost field rehearsal yesterday because of the weather. (It's been raining here for two days) I think we're just going to stand in place and play our halftime show. I'd rather do that and let them feel good than make them march a show they're not going to be comfortable with and have a bad experience. It's always fine. Kids always have a way of rising to the occasion.

New entry!

So I decided to start this blog as a means of working out some frustrations. I am a 5-12 instrumental music teacher in Iowa. I hope to blog about my daily struggles and triumphs as an educator. Check back for more! :-)