Words From Our Students

As I finish up my planning for a busy Monday I have a stack of finals next to me on the couch. After the students have answered questions about terms, literature, and theory they write a few short answers. My last short answer question is as follows; "Define your favorite moment of band so far this year."

I learned my content and how to conduct in my college coursework. However, no class prepared me for the way it feels to really reach students. You know that feeling that I'm not only teaching music, but something more important than that. As I look forward to a new semester and the unlimited opportunities that are before us, I would like to show some of what our students are saying about their experiences. I promise not to bore you with all of them!

My Favorite Moment Was...
"...when we won the percussion trophy. It show us that hard work between the battery and front ensemble can achieve great things." - Junior Percussion
"...in sectionals we would tell crazy stories that made us laugh. The first game because it was the first time to show what we have done." - Junior Brass
"...winning all those amazing trophies for the MT. It's a great accomplishment for me to be so dedicated to something that I never expected to like doing. - Sophomore Percussion
"...the competitions. We get L.O.s and win a lot. The competitions make all the practices worthwhile" - Sophomore Woodwind
"...our last competition when we FINALLY beat Tri-Valley." - Junior Brass
"...at Metamora. I like the whole time. I loved marching in the parade, the field show...It was pretty awesome." - Freshman Woodwind
"...at Mahomet-Seymour when we went up against really good bands and still managed to rank fairly high." - Junior Brass
"...was making the 'free high fives' sign and spinning around like airplanes for our skit(during band olympics)" - Sophomore Woodwind
"...was being with friends. I'm not usually the one to go up in front of people to perform, but when I go up the group it's better." - Freshman Woodwind
"There were so many. Whether it be winning best major overall, performing our ridiculous skit...this year has been great. My favorite is going to DQ after rehearsals. Being able to talk and laugh with my friends, my bandmates, give us something to laugh about in practices and brought us closer together." - Senior Woodwind
"...watching the Rich Central school. They were awesome!!(but not as awesome as us) - Freshman Woodwind
"...when I did well and got a part I had never done before when I was on the field. I had a lot of fun this year and am very ancouraged to do it again, but better, next year." Freshman Woodwind
"...the Christmas Concert jazz band. The jazz band got a standing ovation after we played Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. We totally stole the show." - Junior Woodwind
"...when we won all our awards it was awesome. Hanging with Harrison and doing as great as we did made me feel a lot more confident. Plus, just being with the band can't be beat." Junior Woodwind
"...the first time we marched the last set of the show while playing. It was such a relief." - Sophomore Percussion
"...going to EIU honor band. It was an awesome learning experience. It exposed me to a whole new experience and was a great opportunity to able to play with students of exceptional skill. The music was cool too." - Junior Percussion

I guess it shouldn't shock me that none of them wrote about learning their Circle of 4ths. I wish so many of them wouldn't have exempted my test so I could've read more responses.

Thanks for letting me share these thoughts with you as we start the new semester!

In Music -
Mr. F