Good morning and happy holidays to you all. I hope we all survive Christmas.
Slow and steady. That's exactly how I would summarize the last four months. This school year has hands down been the best school year I've experienced so far. Teaching at three different schools is taxing. It's hard to develop a rapport with the students. I always feel like somewhat of a visitor, especially at Hyde Grove where I only teach on Mondays. The other two schools I've been at for the last two years are experiencing two different situations. My Tuesday-Wednesday school feels like it's on the brink of total destruction while my Thursday-Friday school is trucking along, trying to maintain the "A" for their fourth straight year. While music isn't necessarily considered key in the FCAT preparation, I take what I teach very seriously and I firmly believe that it takes more than statistics, test grades, and results to change a student's life.
In the past, I've had a hard time teaching the primary grades(K-2). Most people think, "well how hard can it be...just sing Twinkle Little Star." WRONG. They must have a concept of pitch. They have to understand that high and low and loud and soft are NOT the same thing, and more than anything they must understand the differences in singing voice, speaking voice, melodic direction, and vocal registers. I've started developing guided listening lessons. In these lessons, I model the differences in tone. I'll have them echo and eventually, once they're ready, sing in unison. We listen to different examples and they must identify which direction the melody is moving. They seem to enjoy it, but the key is being a cartoon and keeping their attention.
With the intermediate grades (3rd-5th), I have a very direct approach. Just like elementary school students must learn to read and write the English language, I've taken up the task of teaching these students how to read and write the universal language of music. Note value, rhythmic and melodic notation, and basic theory-these are the emphasis of my lessons. They learn how to play two-three different rhythms simultaneously while keeping a steady and independent pulse all while playing as a small percussion ensemble. They learn how to take what is written and put it into actual organized sound. I always tell them, "until you take what is written, and put yourself into it, those notes are just symbols on a page."
Since I've taken so much time to focus on my work, Oscar Mike unfortunately fell on the back burner. I've hit a bit of a writers block, but thankfully Daniel has produced two brand spanking new songs. It's not like we haven't been playing, however. We just haven't had any gigs since September. We always practice. We orchestrate new arrangements on older songs, we pay more attention to detail, more muscianship is being incorporated into the material, and we've really started working more with our dynamics. We're always exploring new sounds and listening to find out what we can do better, how we can play tighter as a group, and what we can do to just make good, solid, true music. A splash chord here, a drop in dynamic level there, when to syncopate, when to play it straight...music has no limits it seems.
Thankfully, we have ended our three month gig vacation and have a show at The Pit next Friday. As usual we have to do presales. I enjoy doing it believe me. It's always a rush whenever someone buys a ticket to come watch you play, but after awhile you just kind of start to feel like a cheap car salesmen. It's just how some of these venues here function. It's straight up pay to play, but sometimes ya just gotta play ball. The burden of presales aside, I can't wait to debut the new songs Daniel has written and reveal an even tighter sound with Oscar Mike. Even after only three months gig free, I can feel the lust to perform creeping up on me like a starving honey badger.
Music, music, music. Sometimes it seems that's all I do. I wish it really was...
Friday, December 2, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Blood Red Summer
Fall is right around the corner, but until it arrives I think it's safe to say this heat won't subside. Superintendent Academy came to a close a little over a week ago and I now have time to kick back and RELAX which can be difficult for me to do at times, but I'm adjusting. I have a little over a week to rejuvenate, get my mind right for the upcoming school year and enjoy some well deserved time off.
I'm not too sure exactly how I would describe this summer. It's been hot. It's had its ups and downs. Overall, I guess I would say it is what it is.
The musical was a success. I was so proud to see my kids up on stage, performing, dancing, singing for a crowded cafeteria. They impressed me. It was one of the most taxing things I've done, but it was well worth it. I hope my young performers walked away from the experience with a sense of pride, confidence, and a new found love and respect for the performing arts.
I was able to keep my elementary music position within the district. Despite being at three different schools, I'm viewing the new school year as a new opportunity to teach even more children how amazing and life changing music really is.
Oscar Mike did a few shows, but I'd have to say the biggest success for the band was the gig we scored for September. We will be opening for Days of the New at The Pit. I've been on a song-writing kick this summer as well and we are consistently debuting new material now at every show. We were also able to get a new residency at this little place called The Derby House. It's hard at times to focus on my music due to the fact life can be so busy and methodical. I'm feeling better and better about the direction the group is heading. It feels like we're always progressing, never staying still. It seems like anytime I write about Oscar Mike I mention something about, "where we are heading." I don't know what I mean by that. I don't know the destination, but it's better than feeling stagnant.
When looking back on the summer of 2011, however, I'd be a fool not to think back on our little excursion to Orlando last week. I know, I know. Theme parks right? Well I think they are fun, and it was awesome bouncing from Islands of Adventure to Universal Studios to Sea World. The REAL vacation, however, occurred on our way back to Jax.
In a nutshell, we broke down on I-4. We were towed by a gentlemen from New York named Kevin to a small town called Sanford. We were dropped off at this auto shop around midnight, circled and harrassed by crack dealers, and were pretty much rescued by the police. We got to ride in the back of a police car to the nearest hotel. The next morning I was informed that I needed a new engine due to a massive oil leak. Hurray right? Well I knew that I didn't want to spend another night in Sanford and the mechanics told me that I MIGHT be able to make it back to Jax if I took it slow. We made it 12 miles, then my car completely pooped out. Luckily, Tiffany followed in a rental, Daniel and I jumped in with her, and we got a tow truck for my stange looking vehicle. It was towed by none other than the friend we made the previous night, Mr. "I can't go back to NYC because I was caught with a kilo of cocaine" Kevin.
Things are a bit crazy right now, but I kinda like it like that every now and then...
I'm not too sure exactly how I would describe this summer. It's been hot. It's had its ups and downs. Overall, I guess I would say it is what it is.
The musical was a success. I was so proud to see my kids up on stage, performing, dancing, singing for a crowded cafeteria. They impressed me. It was one of the most taxing things I've done, but it was well worth it. I hope my young performers walked away from the experience with a sense of pride, confidence, and a new found love and respect for the performing arts.
I was able to keep my elementary music position within the district. Despite being at three different schools, I'm viewing the new school year as a new opportunity to teach even more children how amazing and life changing music really is.
Oscar Mike did a few shows, but I'd have to say the biggest success for the band was the gig we scored for September. We will be opening for Days of the New at The Pit. I've been on a song-writing kick this summer as well and we are consistently debuting new material now at every show. We were also able to get a new residency at this little place called The Derby House. It's hard at times to focus on my music due to the fact life can be so busy and methodical. I'm feeling better and better about the direction the group is heading. It feels like we're always progressing, never staying still. It seems like anytime I write about Oscar Mike I mention something about, "where we are heading." I don't know what I mean by that. I don't know the destination, but it's better than feeling stagnant.
When looking back on the summer of 2011, however, I'd be a fool not to think back on our little excursion to Orlando last week. I know, I know. Theme parks right? Well I think they are fun, and it was awesome bouncing from Islands of Adventure to Universal Studios to Sea World. The REAL vacation, however, occurred on our way back to Jax.
In a nutshell, we broke down on I-4. We were towed by a gentlemen from New York named Kevin to a small town called Sanford. We were dropped off at this auto shop around midnight, circled and harrassed by crack dealers, and were pretty much rescued by the police. We got to ride in the back of a police car to the nearest hotel. The next morning I was informed that I needed a new engine due to a massive oil leak. Hurray right? Well I knew that I didn't want to spend another night in Sanford and the mechanics told me that I MIGHT be able to make it back to Jax if I took it slow. We made it 12 miles, then my car completely pooped out. Luckily, Tiffany followed in a rental, Daniel and I jumped in with her, and we got a tow truck for my stange looking vehicle. It was towed by none other than the friend we made the previous night, Mr. "I can't go back to NYC because I was caught with a kilo of cocaine" Kevin.
Things are a bit crazy right now, but I kinda like it like that every now and then...
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Settling In
Summer is in full swing here in Jax. Another school year has passed and while usually I'm enjoying summer break, that's not the case this year. I decided to work summer academy at my Thursday-Friday school and honestly, it's been a lot of fun so far. I have the opportunity to put together a school musical for the first time in my music education career. As an itinerant, I'm not granted this kind of opportunity, but since I'm at the school five days a week for the summer it's being asked of me and I welcome the challenge. I've enjoyed teaching the songs, script and casting over the last couple of weeks and we will begin full rehearsals this week. I've discovered hidden talents of some of the students and I'm optimistic that it will be not only fun for the children, but they will learn more about music (song form, singing technique,etc.)too. I feel like I'm becoming a better overall music teacher on the elementary level, however, things are changing.
I've been reassigned for the 2011-2012 school year as band director at First Coast High School. Over 20 music teachers were terminated at the end of the school year, and I should be grateful to have a job, but I've just never ever had the urge to be a band director. I LIKE elementary music. I like how silly it can be. I like the creative liberties I can take with the curriculum. I like working with younger children because their minds are like sponges. Due to RIF I've been placed at this position and I expressed my lack of interest with the district music supervisor. She explained to me that after July 11th, more music positions will open due to certification issues, retirement and such and that I will be immediately placed back in my itinerant position. I certainly hope this is the case. The only thing I can do now is hope that it plays out like that. We'll see. Time will tell and I'm a firm believer that nothing happens without a reason, as cliche as that sounds.
Tiffany, Daniel and I have very recently moved into a three bedroom house at Jax Beach. I welcome the change of scenery and more space. I lived in my apartment at Cooper's Hawk for three years, made great memories, and even better friends. The adjustment has been difficult so far, but I think that I will ultimately be happier here. What was I gonna do? Live in the same place for the next ten years? I will miss my neighbors though.
Nicole, my upstairs neighbor, got married last month. Richard, my across the hall neighbor, passed away from cancer last week and I will dearly miss him. He was a good man and one of the first friends I made when I moved here three and a half years ago. I have to say I will miss Dick, Shawn, and Lindsey most. I always had great conversations with Dick over a cigarette. Shawn and Lindsey were and are very good friends and I plan on keeping in touch with all of them. Jacksonville is such a big place that when you move across town you might as well be moving to a different state. I'm dead set on not losing touch.
Oscar Mike is steady. We've done a few shows within the last month at Freebird Live and Shantytown. We've slowed down the gigs. We're able to do less shows that are better quality than several shows that are hit or miss. Quality over quantity right? We have two shows lined up for this month at The Dive Bar downtown for Art Walk next Wednesday and at The Pit on the 14th. People are buying and listening to the new EP, Go For Broke. It's every musicians sole purpose to have people listen and enjoy your music, and if that's not why you do it then you're playing for the wrong reasons. I'm writing new music and I feel like I'm becoming a better overall songwriter. I'm particularly fond of my newest piece, Fist Pump. Yes, cheesy title, but it suits the song! We've developed a nice little following that Tiffany calls, "Oscar Mikers." Honestly, THEY make the shows and I love each and every one of them. All good people and we wouldn't be able to put on quality shows without their support.
All in all, everything is slow and steady which is good for now. Just trucking along, taking it one day at a time, and settling in.
I've been reassigned for the 2011-2012 school year as band director at First Coast High School. Over 20 music teachers were terminated at the end of the school year, and I should be grateful to have a job, but I've just never ever had the urge to be a band director. I LIKE elementary music. I like how silly it can be. I like the creative liberties I can take with the curriculum. I like working with younger children because their minds are like sponges. Due to RIF I've been placed at this position and I expressed my lack of interest with the district music supervisor. She explained to me that after July 11th, more music positions will open due to certification issues, retirement and such and that I will be immediately placed back in my itinerant position. I certainly hope this is the case. The only thing I can do now is hope that it plays out like that. We'll see. Time will tell and I'm a firm believer that nothing happens without a reason, as cliche as that sounds.
Tiffany, Daniel and I have very recently moved into a three bedroom house at Jax Beach. I welcome the change of scenery and more space. I lived in my apartment at Cooper's Hawk for three years, made great memories, and even better friends. The adjustment has been difficult so far, but I think that I will ultimately be happier here. What was I gonna do? Live in the same place for the next ten years? I will miss my neighbors though.
Nicole, my upstairs neighbor, got married last month. Richard, my across the hall neighbor, passed away from cancer last week and I will dearly miss him. He was a good man and one of the first friends I made when I moved here three and a half years ago. I have to say I will miss Dick, Shawn, and Lindsey most. I always had great conversations with Dick over a cigarette. Shawn and Lindsey were and are very good friends and I plan on keeping in touch with all of them. Jacksonville is such a big place that when you move across town you might as well be moving to a different state. I'm dead set on not losing touch.
Oscar Mike is steady. We've done a few shows within the last month at Freebird Live and Shantytown. We've slowed down the gigs. We're able to do less shows that are better quality than several shows that are hit or miss. Quality over quantity right? We have two shows lined up for this month at The Dive Bar downtown for Art Walk next Wednesday and at The Pit on the 14th. People are buying and listening to the new EP, Go For Broke. It's every musicians sole purpose to have people listen and enjoy your music, and if that's not why you do it then you're playing for the wrong reasons. I'm writing new music and I feel like I'm becoming a better overall songwriter. I'm particularly fond of my newest piece, Fist Pump. Yes, cheesy title, but it suits the song! We've developed a nice little following that Tiffany calls, "Oscar Mikers." Honestly, THEY make the shows and I love each and every one of them. All good people and we wouldn't be able to put on quality shows without their support.
All in all, everything is slow and steady which is good for now. Just trucking along, taking it one day at a time, and settling in.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Life Update
So far 2011 has proved to be a productive year. Life has been progressing and things haven't been this good in awhile. I've had a change of heart regarding some issues while staying focused on what really matters to me personally.
It's funny how life works. This time last year I was dead set on moving to New York City. I was saving every penny I could in hopes for a new start. I was totally convinced I was done with teaching and I was ready to fully dedicate myself to my music. I did go to New York last summer, found a place, had a few interviews only to learn that what I really wanted and needed for fulfillment was already here in Jacksonville.
Here I am a year later, still teaching. I've recently finished up everything I needed to do to earn my professional certificate, and I'm actually certified in both Music K-12 and PreK/Primary now. I'm discovering why I enjoy teaching music, and even though the future for public education remains cloudy and bleak at best I'm still confident that what's supposed to happen, will happen for the best. Anything and everything regarding the budget is out of my hands. To spend time worrying about something like that is fruitless in the first place.
The band is doing better than ever. We now have a steady flow of gigs and are in the process of finishing up our CD (which will be available next month!) We have a fairly big show at Jack Rabbits on April 7th, and we get to sell tickets. At first I was a bit uneasy about the whole ordeal because selling tickets to see a local band can prove difficult. However, it's been going well and we only have a few left. Hopefully the CD will be finished by the time the show rolls around.
I don't know why I write these blogs, but it feels good to write them. I guess I kind of use it as a log of events. Anyways all in all life is good.
It's funny how life works. This time last year I was dead set on moving to New York City. I was saving every penny I could in hopes for a new start. I was totally convinced I was done with teaching and I was ready to fully dedicate myself to my music. I did go to New York last summer, found a place, had a few interviews only to learn that what I really wanted and needed for fulfillment was already here in Jacksonville.
Here I am a year later, still teaching. I've recently finished up everything I needed to do to earn my professional certificate, and I'm actually certified in both Music K-12 and PreK/Primary now. I'm discovering why I enjoy teaching music, and even though the future for public education remains cloudy and bleak at best I'm still confident that what's supposed to happen, will happen for the best. Anything and everything regarding the budget is out of my hands. To spend time worrying about something like that is fruitless in the first place.
The band is doing better than ever. We now have a steady flow of gigs and are in the process of finishing up our CD (which will be available next month!) We have a fairly big show at Jack Rabbits on April 7th, and we get to sell tickets. At first I was a bit uneasy about the whole ordeal because selling tickets to see a local band can prove difficult. However, it's been going well and we only have a few left. Hopefully the CD will be finished by the time the show rolls around.
I don't know why I write these blogs, but it feels good to write them. I guess I kind of use it as a log of events. Anyways all in all life is good.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Studio
I could write about how great it was to be back in the studio a couple of weekends ago or I could just post pics. Why not?
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)