Time to begin

Today I passed out the lesson passes for the quarter to the 7th grade - FINALLY!  It feels like I have been spinning my wheels with the students as this week has been so fractured due to testing and homecoming schedules.  Next week we should have rehearsals as well! 

We are also going to have an informational meeting next Wednesday during homeroom for students interested in being in jazz ensemble.  I have the posters finished, information sheets printed and even passes ready for that!  I hope we have a lot of interest - it would be great to have a large group!

"Ready, Set, WAIT!"

I feel like that is what I hear at school the past few days.  It is always difficult to start a new school year, but just when I was starting to get into a routine we have the "tri-fecta" this week:  NWEA testing (which alters every schedule), our first scheduled late-start for PLC work, and Homecoming activities.  So, the lesson schedule that was ready to kick off this week has been delayed.  We even lose a day of 7th grade rehearsal on Tuesday because we don't have "7th period" on that day!!!

I have been looking forward to starting lessons; it will help me to hear each new 7th grader and start to know them as individual people.  I will also be able to reconnect with the 8th graders.  Until then, if anyone would like a lesson or needs some help with anything please stop in an schedule time with me.  There are new people in the bands that would really like to work with and get to know.

I look forward to next week when the phrase will change to "Ready, Set, GO!"

What?

What was that? Where are we supposed to go? Do I need my instrument now?  Am I in the correct classroom? Why are we sitting in the dark?  If you are a member of the junior high bands at Mankato East Junior High School you are probably familiar with the questions above and most likely a few more.  The first few days of a new school year are often confusing and rushed as students struggle to learn locker combos, where the classrooms are, etc.  To make matters worse this year we are struggling with shifted schedules and classes which strain the music suite more than ever.  The logistics of teaching four classes 8th period when we only have three rehearsal rooms seems a little mind boggling.  Students, you need to know that Fridays are goofy.  When all music students are there and "share" a period (band/choir for example) it will take a few weeks to get used to that.  I can assure you of the following:  1.  It will start to make more sense next week 2. Everyone will be calmer when routines start to set in 3.  The power DOES NOT go out in the building on a regular basis!  HANG IN THERE - trust me, your musical experience will be worth it!!!!!!

Ready or not...

Ready or not...the first day is here!  The excitement of a new year - I am ready to get started.  It was great seeing a bunch of last years 8th graders as they have been in school the past two days now that they are in high school.  It was also nice to meet so many parents and incoming students during conferences.  I think it will be an awesome year! 

Remember to bring your instrument and a pencil to rehearsal tomorrow.  When you arrive in the music suite you can go into the junior high storage area and search for your cubbie.  Let me know if you have any problems or questions!  See you 7th and 8th hour....