A whole new world

I met one incredible band director during my time at vassar band camp. She is a CMU grad and was a voice and piano major during her time there. She taught at Lakers for a few years, then taught in South Carolina and Kentucky, taking bands to STATE Finals.

I picked up quite a few tricks that I’m going to steal from her. Here is one:

The VMB was having trouble sounding like a prideful group on the field, so she went through this with them. (a call and response).

Feet. TOGETHER.

Stomach. IN.

Shoulders. BACK.

Elbows. FROZEN.

Chin. UP.

EEEEEYYYYYYYEEEES. WITH PRIDE. EEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEES. WITH PRIIIIIDE.

Gave me chills everytime we did it.

I also gained the respect of the brass section very quickly, and we accomplished much in the sectionals. I have to take a moment of honesty now though: I was starting to worry that music ed. wasn’t my passion… I’ve seen the way teachers are mistreated, and constantly have to deal with crappy kids….But this week with the Vassar Vulcan Marching Band reaffirmed my passion of teaching music.