#13 (First Day)

So right now I'm sitting in my office at the high school band room. I'm eating dinner, waiting for a band booster meeting to begin. As I sat here, I realized that I finally had a moment to update the blog!


So I will first update home life. I am no longer living alone in my nice new house. It so happens that one of my good friends needed a place to live during his student teaching experience. Since I have more than enough room, he is now moving in with me. Actually, he is probably moving in as I type. I haven't had a roommate since I left Arkansas, but I think I'm an easy person to live with. And thankfully, I know he is a quiet and clean person. Very good qualities in a roommate.


And now professional life......what a crazy whirlwind the past 10 days have been! I had my summer marching band camp all last week. It was so great! I was so nervous the first day. It's that feeling that even though everything has been prepared, you know you forgot something. I hate that feeling. But everything ended up being great. I had an amazing staff (thanks AF, BT, AG, SS, AH and AC). I think the most impressive thing about camp was the attitude of my students. Everyday, they came in with a smile and drive to succeed. This band wants to be good.....and they are gonna be great! I can't wait to see the progress this season. And in case you were curious, here is the show we are doing:


Going Places!
I. By Wheel (Free Ride)

II. By Air (Learn to Fly)

III. By Rail (Crazy Train)

IV. By Ship (Come Sail Away)

Everyone seems to really enjoy all the music so far. We played most of it for parents and community members last Friday night. And after we played, there was a reception for us with food and KARAOKE! I ended up singing "Boot Scootin' Boogie." I was amazing, of course.

So as you can see, the high school is running smoothly. My next challenge is the middle school. Over the past two days, I have been in Inservice for both schools and I'm slightly overwhelmed. There are so many committees, acronyms, and meetings that I just can't sort it all out yet. As I've said before, I'm most nervous about teaching the general music course. But I think I have come up with some kind of plan. I'm gonna begin by teaching very basic music reading and rhythm, next on to American Music, then World Music, then finally some Pop/Rock. I'm keeping this 'plan' flexible and always open to change it though.

One of the things keeping me sane and calm right now is all the help I'm getting from all the faculty and staff. The administration seems very supportive. The staff has gone out of there way to answer any dumb question I have. I'm especially thankful for the wonderful choir director here, NH. NH has been here for a few years and knows everyone. He is very friendly and our personalities seem to mesh well. He has already helped me setup my computerized grade book (among other confusing tasks). With everyone's help, I may just survive my first day.

And that first day is tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Pirate Pride!

Jon

#12 (Job Preparations)

So things have been quite insane around here lately. First of all, I just moved into a house. That's right, no more apartment life for me. No more leaky bathrooms. No more saving quarters so I can do laundry. No more pot-smoking neighbors. That's it! It's done! My new house is quite nice. I have a living room with built-in book shelves, a room for an office, bedroom with 2 closets, huge kitchen, and big basement with washer and dryer included! And the best part.....a huge, fenced-in back yard.....that means I can get a dog! Finally! My own dog! I'm thinking about adopting a rescue greyhound. But we'll see what works out for me....

The other big thing in my life is my new job. I am the band director for Charlestown High School and Middle School in Charlestown, IN. So far, I love it. However, its been quite hectic to put together a marching show, camp, and plan for a school year in less then 3 weeks. Thankfully, I have amazing band parents, administration, and staff that are going the extra mile to make sure I have everything I need.

I do have a question for all you music people out there. One of the classes I have to teach is a 9-week 6th and 7th grade general music course. This is quite terrifying for me. I don't feel prepared to do this. I would love any ideas, creative things to do, or just suggestions to help me get through. Please comment or email me.

Also, for all of you music ed majors near Louisville, feel free to stop by anytime. I'll be happy to put you to work and give you some first hand experience. I'm just a call or email away.

Signing off for now,

Jon