Things I learned during 2013

Relax and trust your own judgement more.  Say this to yourself, "I do know what I am doing (most of the time)."

"I don't have time..." is not an acceptable excuse from your students, so stop using it yourself!

Let people help you!

When you have a hard time communicating what you want to say or what you need done, write it down!

Small ensembles are good for the large ensemble!

No one wants to hear you talk nonstop.  Please...stop...talking.  Try listening a little more.

Stop worrying about who is quitting next year and focus on making a music program that all students want to join!

Work a little smarter at work, then leave work at work.  It won't happen magically, you must make it happen.

Balance is a must.  The happy medium may not ever be found, but always work to get closer to it.

Administrators have a lot on their plate, be thankful when they are able to help you.  When you need their help, be simple and straight-forward.

Pick music that fits your group(s).  You cannot teach them the higher levels of musicianship if you are constantly giving them things that they are not ready for technically.

I enjoy teaching choir!  A lot!

A grouchy teacher doesn't usually motivate and inspire many students.

Tell them you care, and why you care.  Also, let them know you believe in them.  They, just...like...you...cannot read minds (yeah, another dose of your own medicine).

When a student comes into your office and says they want to talk to you, stop doing whatever it is that you are doing, face them, listen attentively, and be ready for anything!

Give yourself time to put things away correctly.

Help your student leadership become better leaders!

Do not go to any events to prove anything, only go to improve.

Compromising is a two-way street.

Recruit for choir if you want more students in choir.  (Seriously, this hit me at the end of last school year.)

Give them a reason to stay in during middle school that doesn't have anything to do with, "When you get to high school..."

Remember, you didn't join beginning band either.  Not many students will be able to come in and get caught up, but if they ask, at least give them a chance.

If you aren't enjoying it, then your students probably aren't either.

Sometimes, the quiet ones are listening to you much more than you think.  If you are lucky, you will have a co-worker that will bring you a copy of an essay that a quiet student wrote about you and being in band.  If this happens, you might need a tissue.

If you want your band/choir to be the best they can possibly be, you must become the best director you can possibly be!

I absolutely love my job and I will share it with the entire world!