WHAT’S UNDER THE HOOD?

Welcome back to another school year! Do you remember the days (if you’re old enough) of the muscle cars in the ‘70’s when people would peek under the hood of the car to take a gander at the engine even if they didn’t know what they were looking at? The perceived strength and muscle of a great engine was exciting and gave us confidence in the quality and speed of the car. Simple enough, right?

What about us? Are you ready for this school year and getting revved-up? Are plans and music racing through your head making your heart pump faster and giving you goose-bumps? Our health is paramount to how we approach our work as string teachers. Are you prepared for all those class periods of holding up instruments, tuning and adjusting students’ instruments, modeling posture and positioning, conducting and projecting your voices? These tasks are central to what we do as music educators and they can take a toll on your physical power plant. Is it any wonder you may be tired, or have a sore back, stiff neck, anxiety and stress? While balancing everything you need to do as a teacher in the classroom, eating well, getting your rest and doing some activities totally unrelated to music will help you de-stress and feel recharged. The old phrase, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired”, will not be uttered by you this year! Take charge and do it now before getting too far into the school year. Your motor will purr like new!

Have you looked under the hood of your own car literally? Go ahead, take a look and while you’re at it you might as well actually check the oil dipstick for once! Can’t find it? That’s no surprise! The amount of wires and new improved technology cramped under the hood is not unlike your work environment; computers, online grading and attendance, programs to compose and arrange, iPods and PowerPoint presentations. Like wheels on that car, one thing stays fundamentally grounded and consistent - the need to teach basic to advanced instrumental skills in the orchestra class. Remember that at the end of the day the student must be able to play his instrument and eventually perform in front of an audience. Got it? Don’t let the tail wag the dog. What we teach is essentially and historically at its core the same since Stradivarius perfected the violin. Focus on teaching good note reading, fingering/bow technique and intonation to students. Gas fuels the engine - we teach the child. Get back to the basics.

Did you choose some great orchestra music for the year? I love to pour over music catalogs like Luck’s Music Library, Wengert-Jones/J W Pepper and Stanton’s to see what’s new and promising. Spending a couple hours here and there at your local music store is great for checking out the scores and deciding what to spend that Purchase Order on. If you are one who is new to teaching and not up on some of the favorite arrangers and new compositions coming out, listen to sample CDs from publishers and ask seasoned teachers for advice. Also, review previous printed school programs for ideas and also so you don’t duplicate what may have been performed recently. Of course, dig through the music files to find music you already own that is tried and true. Short on time? I like to test the sample CDs out on short road trips, running errands or (gasp!) cleaning. Orchestra kids want good music. In my experience they crave a balance of solid new compositions and traditional composers over pop songs every time. Even as young as they are, they can tell the quality difference - music that stands the test of time.

It is well worth the time to seek out appropriate level literature to suit the needs of your school or district orchestras. Reading sessions are a great way to do this. As of the timing of this article, most reading sessions have passed as they are commonly held in August. However, MO-ASTA sponsors a reading session at our MMEA Conference and it is an outstanding way to read and play new music, hear comments from other directors and meet teachers from all around the state! Often times these people are facing the same issues you are. What a great way to hear the new stuff! This year, let’s have the biggest group ever. Bring your instrument and don’t worry about playing pressure - we hang our egos at the door. It’s a time to take it all in, make notes about the music and what works for your kids. University colleagues should be there too so you can advise your education majors in proper music choices, utilize the provided lists and see the current trend in school literature. Wow! It’s powerful stuff when we all network together.

Make plans now to attend the 71st MMEA In-Service Conference and Clinics held January 28-31, 2009. Apply for release time from your department chair or principal soon so you don’t miss out on this great opportunity. Attend several great clinics offered specifically for string teachers and visit the vast array of exhibitor booths. In addition, six great orchestras with inspired teaching will be ready to perform for you: one university symphony, three high school orchestras (two string and one full), one middle school orchestra and the All-Collegiate Orchestra. The conference concludes with the riveting performances from the All-State High School ensembles on Saturday afternoon.

The 71st MMEA Conference is just the “tune up” you need in the middle of the school year to refocus on best practices, get excited, boost your confidence and take your students up to the next level. But for now, ladies and gentlemen…

START YOUR ENGINES!!!