Notes from the Cougar Band Room

Ah, midterm season. The time of year when I end up doing more grading than at any other point in the school year. Just the thought of it makes me.... via GIPHY Is it worth it? Absolutely. But have I been spinning my wheels when there is a better way? Also absolutely. For what it's worth, I'm writing down my thoughts here to make sure I do it the better way when this season rolls around again next year. Will you be my accountabilibuddy? Context: For the last 4-5 years my middle school colleague, Amy Rever, and I have teamed up for a year-long chamber music project. It starts with me teaching the basics of chords, harmony, and progression to my HS students to create warm-ups and mini-chorales early on in the year, and makes its way to a composition project where each of my HS students composes a short (16-32 measure) piece of chamber music to be learned by the MS students that feed into my HS. These pieces are due at the midterm mark so that they can then...

We are getting into, what is for me anyway, one of the most challenging parts of the year. And while the ever building avalanche of performances, festivals, and events is looming from now through May, what really makes this time of year tough is the smaller things. It’s harder to get up in the morning. Small tasks seem to stack up and require more effort than they did before. Rest and motivation are winning this cruel game of hide and seek that will continue for the next few months. And if I’m feeling it, then chances are pretty good that students are feeling it too.  Hibernation feels like it should be a part of my natural being, even if it isn’t technically an option.  Since hibernation isn’t an option, something else is going to have to change. But what can we do to help boost our own, and our students’ psyches and push through the funk? Enter Richard Floyd. I picked up his book, The Artistry of Teaching and Making Music , from the GIA booth while at the M...

A stage is a magical place. In a world ruled by instant gratification, everything stops the moment you step onto a stage. Your awareness is heightened. You are your most vulnerable, authentic self. The world awaits your next move. Anything is possible. #thisiswhyiteach #artsmatter — Lauren Staniszewski (@LStaniszewski1) January 16, 2020 There's truly something special when the stage brings all the music educators together as well-- and it's the Michigan Music Conference! It's a magical time when everyone gets together for special performances, professional development and, of course, the opportunity to catch up over a meal or a beverage while paths intersect for this annual event. Each year I attend, I find myself re-energized and excited to bring back the ideas I've discovered from the conference, and this year is certainly no exception! From inspirational journeys to energizing ideas and even a humorous story or two... Here are some of this year's highlight...

Hello blog-sphere! via GIPHY If I'm being honest, getting back into blogging after maternity leave has been intimidating. I have so many ideas for blog posts jotted down on my Google Keep that the thought of logging back in to blog has been an overwhelming ... from Student Led Rehearsals 2.0 to working through post-partum depression, our exciting new Jazz Band collaboration with Jesse Elder from Postmodern Jukebox to a food-for-thought piece about multitasking and everything in between.... But after this past Tuesday's first leadership meeting of the year, I have found the inspiration to push through and get some thoughts down! Our leadership meetings are open to all, and those who are seeking a leadership position with the Cougar Marching Band are asked to come as a part of their training. I knew Tuesday's meeting was going to be a great one before we even began when 37 students came to participate!  Last year, we worked on developing handbooks for both le...