My First Grown-Up Job

Back in August I began my first grown-up job. I've been teaching private lessons for 12 years, but teaching music at a school is a completely different world. For example:

The most students I've had at one time in my private studio is around 25. At school, I've got over 850 kids.

Teaching one on one in a private studio makes getting a recital prepared easier because I can work on problem spots with the student. With at least 25 kids to a class at school, not everyone is on the same level at the same time. So there is a lot more repetition.

Rainbow  Ribbon Sticks Game

I haven't done many festivals or competitions with my private students. But at school I've gotten to take my choir (I love teaching choir!) to a festival, which they raved about for weeks. They learned so much; that there are other people that share their love for music and choral singing, rhythm, focus, musical excellence, stage presence, etc. We were invited to a festival put on my the Phoenix Children's Chorus. PCC is an incredible organization with an audition-only entrance and teaches students music theory, proper vocal techniques, choreography and more. Learn more here: http://www.pcchorus.org/

Phoenix Children's Chorus Festival

PCC Festival - Drumming Class

PCC - Ready for the Concert

This is my first year conducting a choir. These dedicated students stayed after school 

for an extra hour to practice and sing to prepare for our Christmas and Spring concerts. 

Choir Music Awards

Right before a Music Showcase in front of the school to get other students excited about choir.

The T-Shirt that one of my choir students designed for our choir t-shirt

Preparing for a concert with 25 students is much different than preparing for one with 850+. Our spring concert was based on an amazing script written by one of the school's 2nd grade teachers. I arranged music according to the theme, which was "The Music of America - Let It Play!" about how music has lifted America out of difficult times, like wars, the Great Depression, and 9/11. 

The 2nd-6th Grade Spring Concert:

The Music of America - Let It Play!

May 17th, 2013

With the cast backstage right before the show started

My mom, son, sister-in-law, brother, and dad watching the concert

Flowers that my son brought on stage after the show was over

Vintage dress I wore to the concert that my sister purchased for me at a thrift store in Oregon and shipped to me. Thanks Becky!

Teaching is a difficult job some days, but most days are fulfilling and rewarding. I'm happy to say I have succeeded at my first year in my grown-up job :)

~"Ms. Smith"
Music Teacher

Spring

Let's face it, I'm horrible at blogging...it's been a few months. We've been so busy with school, family, and life in general!

Here's a review:

Landon did this:

So I had to buy a new one after the plumber couldn't fix the problem :(

We've been to the zoo a few times, went on an Easter egg hunt, splashed in the irrigation at a friend's house, went swimming, enjoyed having my gorgeous niece Reganne come visit us from Oregon, gone to the farmer's market, and had quality family time.

 Easter

 Gardening and Home Improvement

 I got to go shooting and horseback riding with Aaron and his friends. It's been so long! I had a blast.

Reganne!

Visited Uncle Mike's twins - adorable babies. Landon begged to hold them and 

talked about them after we left. He even got Uncle Mike's baby boy to giggle and coo.

Landon's Home Schooling, Study, Cleaning, Dress-Up (Ninja Turtle), and cooking!

Now that school is almost finished for the summer, I can plan some more great activities to do with Landon. What do you like to do with younger children to keep them learning and occupied in the summer?

Happy May :)

Emily