Week 1 - Day 1: A Lesson Learned

I had some "apostrophe's," as Smee from "Hook" would have put it. So, today I got up for the 2nd day in a row to perform the exercise I hate the most - run. I don't want to be a "runner." They are a different bunch, and they can keep it for all I care.

Though, I must be honest - I accompanied my wife to the Wenatchee Marathon on April 16th to see her run a 10k, which she did masterfully, and better than she expected. The first thing we noticed was how many people were at this event. The next thing we noticed was the buzz in the air. People were their to support each other. Not something I'm used to, even in the most amiable of jam sessions.

I was invited to run with some fellow ABCers yesterday. I ran slow, heavy and just slogged along like I was dragging myself through quicksand (though, I never want to personally experience that in reality). Today, I ran a bit longer...5, maybe 10 minutes. And, I did something I don't find myself doing. I semi-sprinted the last lap. As soon as I started, I realized two things: 1) Dumb! Why would I do something like that? Which lead to 2) Now, I gotta finish the dumb lap with the other people on the track watching. So, I did. And, you know what happened? I finished it. Then, I noticed my oboe friend do the same thing. Of course, she runs like a former track runner, and I believe she was wearing shoes that proved me right. Nevertheless, I felt like "I" started something, even if for a short time. It felt good...

Then, I became overwhelmed with this truth: I hate to work hard. I do. Pain sucks. Intellectually, I ascent to the fact that hard work typically pays off, unless you're in Africa working as a slave making mud bricks.... then, not so much. I was immediately reminded of a student I had my first year of teaching at Clovis who went through something similar, only to find out she liked the thing that was really hard for her. So, I, for the first time in my ABC on-campus career, spent more time studying than on Facebook. Heck - I haven't even looked at YouTube! Now, don't get excited. It's only one day. However, it's a win. I am smarter today than I was yesterday. And, I might even run tomorrow.

Facebook Group: I'm A Band Director

Um, what's the point of my blog, if there is already something awesome happening on Facebook? Check out the fantastic collection of individuals and a repository of ideas on I'm A Band Director. Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_159546260749361

1st night in Ashland

Here I sit, me alone in my "posh" hotel room, which apparently is better than some staff persons' rooms. Yes! Tomorrow is registration for American Band College, a distance-learning degree through Sam Houston State University. Now, while the college itself is in Texas, about 200 of us band director types travel to Ashland, Oregon for two and a half weeks of intense learning and performing with some of the finest educators, performers and directors in the world. Should be exciting!

I have to be honest. This is a bit of an aside, but it deserves a go. I'm one of many married men who are away from their wives in order to pursue this degree. And, we should be extremely thankful that we have their trust while being away for 20 days with other potential affairs waiting to happen. Speaking of which, tonight I had the opportunity, be it good or bad, to hear other men talk to their wives on the phone, and then talk about their wives off the phone, and my very simple conclusion is that they... um... have two relationships with them. One to their face (or phone, email, whatever) that is fairly respectful, yet sometimes short. The other one (not in their presence) is quite a different story. I witnessed tonight a gentleman who talked about "the wife" a lot while making passing remarks and casting come-hither looks to the waitress at the bar we were all at.

I'm very lucky to have the relationship I have with my wife. I made the mistake one time of casually referring to her as "the wife," but then immediately repenting of it. The sound of it was disgusting to my own ears. She's not "the wife," but rather "my wife." In fact, she's my friend. And, my conversation in and out of her presence needs to reflect that. I'd be very disappointed if my regular friends talked about me different from the way they talk to me. Imaging what that would feel like if it were your own spouse/partner/best-friend/mate. I'd be, well... frankly, devastated.

Now, I like meeting new people and making new friends. However, I'm careful to realize two things. 1 - I'm married to an awesome person who gives me so much undeserved respect, and I need to be sure to reflect that to her. 2 - People who flirt around when away from their spouses are only stating how they really feel about their spouse (soon-t0-be or already-is). That sends a very damaging message to those who see it from the outside - you cannot be trusted. Do yourself a favor and show love to your spouse. You'll be amazed at how the relationship works when you do.

Ok, enough for now. See you tomorrow!

CREATING POSITIVE CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR by Tim Lautzenheiser

Here is a link to an article on behavior management by Dr. Tim.

http://www.keynotesmagazine.com/article/?uid=344

Band Guide 101

From my ABC colleague, Jeff McBirnie:

"It is my job as a music educator to ensure that all students will learn to love music not only for its complexities, but also for its simplistic meaning that can evoke the many emotions within."

www.bandguide101.com

I am not original.

I am not original... nor do I see myself being original. I have been the only music specialist in my school of 5th thru 7th graders for the past four years, and will be so for the foreseeable future. Yet, I hate working in solitude. Why, you ask? Couldn't tell you. I just know that I thrive in situations where my petty ideas can ruminate with other, much better ideas and end up turning out quite okay!

All that said to say that I have "stolen" ideas of those who I would like to begin publicly crediting. This blog is meant to be a collaborative effort, to invite those of the musical community, especially the wind band, in an effort to produce a large collection of ideas revolving around teaching musical skills and running rehearsals. This is my effort to bring us together. I will link websites that are helpful in this process and catalog my own ideas, as well as the ideas of others, and credit them loudly.

Thanks for your consideration. Please consider contributing your and/or others ideas to this effort.

Jeff Sandberg