Monday, October 12, 2020
To all music educators - while it may not seem like it to you, I wholeheartedly believe what and how you are teaching is the perfect solution for your music program. No one else understands the culture of your music program more than you, and you are doing an amazing job!
(insert pat on the back, "well done", and a smile)
Our profession has historically relied on thorough collaboration and professional development to offer fresh ideas and best practices for effective rehearsals and student engagement. However, in 2020, your classroom and rehearsal situation may be more UNIQUE than it is SIMILAR to other programs. What works for one director may not work for you, and many factors are in play that make your teaching situation unique to others. Class space, size of program, school and community mandates, scheduling, and virus infection rates in your school and community all play a factor in what works, and what doesn't work, for you.
Music educators take their responsibility of teaching and engaging every child very seriously. It is their passion, and it can become very personal. During this time of virtual learning and socially-distanced rehearsals, it comes as no surprise that the level of stress and concern is magnified for all music teachers. At a time when students need guidance and mentoring more than ever, your mental health and emotional state is important! If you missed the PMC Quick Note last week, I encourage you to read Austin Wilson's Mental Health During These Times (October 5, 2020).
What I think is just an opinion, but I do believe many directors are being way too hard on themselves when this is really a golden opportunity to demonstrate true problem-solving with our students. I often consider this wise quote from Jared Brockmeyer, band director at Rockwood South Middle School in St. Louis: "I think we are so busy thinking about what this is NOT, that we are missing what this IS..."
Without the barrage of performances, cramming 16th note patterns, pep rallies, and parades, directors are finding new opportunities for learning that were sometimes neglected or swept aside in our former classrooms. Listening critically to recorded concerts, studying historical contexts, and discovering online instructional videos are just a few new activities. This whole process puts the bulk of learning in the hands of the student. It also makes it easier for a student to improve at his/her own rate, develop their own interest, and find their own motivation. There are hidden advantages here that will make programs stronger and develop better musicians for years to come.
The only thing that seems certain is uncertainty. Please keep sharing ideas with each other! Realize what you are doing is the best thing! And remember to find joy in demonstrating the power of music with your students. Bravo! Take your bow and enjoy this opportunity!
 | Jeff Melsha retired from teaching in 2018 and is a PMC Educational Representative in St. Louis. He is a Past-President of the Missouri Music Educators Association and Missouri Association for Jazz Education. |
| (417) 882-7000 | (573) 256-5555 | (816) 792-8301 |
| (417) 781-3100 | (405) 896-8111 | (479) 464-8877 |
| (918) 286-1555 | (636) 229-1904 | (417) 882-7000 |