Thursday, July 19, 2012
WK 3 Reading "Art of Possibility"
Once again “The Art of Possibility” enlightened me. During
Ben’s discussion in “Leading from Any Chair", I began to think about my approach
to my program. His approach is very similar to mine as well as other directors
I know. Our concept is to mode students to understand the interpretation of
each piece for any performance. In no means am I specifying that this is a bad
thing but I never once thought about if I were enabling students from
performing to the best of their abilities.
I don’t think I have ever been in a rehearsal setting that
did not allow engaging conversations between the director and ensemble. I make
it a point to have meaningful discussions about music my ensemble is performing
and about life in general. I always want students to have an enjoyable time
learning about and performing music. They will also be the first to tell you
that I will acknowledge any mistakes on my behalf and apologies without
thinking twice. We are all humans and no one is perfect (Even though my
students try their hardest to catch me on this since they think I know it
all!). I did enjoy the read about giving
an individual with the precious knowledge of a particular craft an opportunity
to lead. I occasionally try this with students whom I know are capable. And not
just the leaders of the band; I’m referring to all with the burning desire to
achieve. I do get some that are too embarrassed to come up to the podium, but
those who accept are really appreciative. Maybe I will use that line on
listening to the music from the back of the theatre to get more to participate.
Oh, and the statement under the subtitle “Leaders Everywhere” fit perfectly
with my Capstone Project. The Youth Philharmonic Orchestra had to “sight-read”
a complex composition by a Cuban composer. If they did not properly prepare to
sight read advanced music, they wouldn’t have been able to make it through the
piece.
If Rule Number 6 isn’t one needed within my facility then I
don’t know what is! One thing I can’t stand is friction in my program or in the
building. I do like the fact that Zander mentioned humor as the best way to
“give over ourselves”. As previously mentioned, we are all humans and we will
make mistakes regardless. Instead of becoming unprofessional and acting
outlandish, lighten up and laugh about it (Just venting). I can admit that
during intense rehearsals preparing for a performance I can become a very rude
obnoxious individual because I strive for perfection. It does somewhat stress
the students out because they do not want to make any errors. Very recently
have I begun to tell jokes and make a fool of myself to give them something to
laugh about and ease the tension. Doing so has actually allowed them to perform
better and enjoy doing so. I do appreciate the stories associated with the
chapters to give personal accounts on how they approached scenarios. I don’t
think I’ve been this excited about reading a book in a while.
In the chapter “The Way Things Are”, Zander expresses the
need find ways to overcome negative aspects by introducing positive pathways. I
try to bring this example to the table when dealing with my program. You hear
so much about the Arts being underfunded; I can tell you that this statement
doesn’t explain half of how much funding our programs actually receives. It
becomes frustrating when we have to sustain a program with instruments
purchased 3 to 4 decades before you were born. Of course, instruments that old may
be beyond repair. Instead of concluding that those instruments would become
doorstoppers, we find home remedies to repair them to the best of our
abilities. Even though they may not be the best quality once repaired, students
would still have something to use in order to participate with the rest of the
class. As an educator, we have to find pathways to deliver us from certain
negative aspects, which would prevent students success.
1 comment:
Blogger TracyMJuly 20, 2012 5:04 PM
Anthony
I couldn't have said it better.. I do not like misunderstandings either
however in this field in which we have the pleasure to work that seems
to be the leading issue among our staff. I too think that the
Remembering the Rule Number 6 can help enlighten a lot of staff
friction. My only concern is how do you address those staff members who
are not really approachable. I am sure every school district has one or
two. The one that never agrees with any form of change be it good or
bad for the overall climate of the district, I just wonder if the Rule
Number 6 would offend that person.
