Week Three Already?

Hi all!

The concert was last week, and it went really well! It was at Jubilee Place at MBCI and my piece was first on the program. The students watched me very well and everyone came in when they were supposed to, they looked sharp, and we made lovely music! It was much less nerve wracking than when I perform on my own. By the time the students perform, it's pretty much out of my hands, I am simply there to guide them, if they let me.

Now, I am on my own with the concert bands. My CT is observing and taking notes that we discuss at the end of the day. So, that means I have grade 9, grad 10 and grade 11-12 concert bands to myself! I chose the Overture to the Marriage of Figaro for the older groups and a piece called "Wind River Overture" for the 9's. I had my first rehearsals with them today, handed out their new music and preliminary worksheets that I had written out last night (musical themes that occur throughout that they can play in unison). The day was successful, except for the the 9's at the end of the day who gave me a run for my money. I will simply have to find ways to keep the class moving along at a quicker pace since they are ALWAYS going to be the last class of the day. I only have 6 more classes with each of them before the break.

As for Jazz Band, I'm still having to learn sooo much. For now, my CT has me learning valve trombone and sitting in with the students. Pretty hillarious. I think I hit three notes last week and attempted to improvise a solo (wow, it was NOT impressive). But, since their jazz concert is on the 8th, I'm not getting time in front of them. Just absorbing as much information as possible.

That's it for now, have a great week everyone!

Joanne