Reflection Blog Post (11-21-14)

I really enjoyed our visit last Friday, and getting to talk with the music staff about their experience as music educators.  I know little about band ensemble and teaching band, but I was given an opportunity to conduct the 6-7 grade band which was a great experience.  Reading a band score vs. reading an orchestral score was definitely different, but I enjoyed the atmosphere and high energy of the band.  I found it really interesting how they incorporated technology in their school, with each upper-grade student being issued an iPad by the school.  For example, the choir students used their iPads to read their choral music off of instead of using folders or sheet music.  This would really cut down on the clutter of the classroom and the organizational requirements for the teacher, as well as students losing music and having to keep track of the number of parts.  However, I think that it would be hard for the school to facilitate what the students are using the iPads for in their free time and when they are using their iPads during class time.  It was also nice to sit down with the music department during lunch to talk about their views on the current arts/academic situation in their school.  The level of energy that these teachers have for their jobs and their students amazes me.  Their level of encouragement toward their students and the positive environment that they provide really inspires me as a future music educator.  I also took note on the way that they decorated their classrooms, with decals and inspirational quotes.  I think that the specific environment of a music educator really reflects how that teacher thinks and works well.  Some teachers seem less organized than others, but to them this level of organization helps their classroom succeed.