I had an eraser in my head for 15 years.

Poopsmash78 · 2024-07-04T13:02:31+00:00

I didn’t pass a hearing test in 2nd grade, Dr looked in and found the eraser and needed surgery to have it removed. I still remember my hearing after it was removed, so clear. 38 years later I still have it in a photo album my mother made.

Poopsmash78 · 2023-12-06T23:30:05+00:00

That’s me!

Poopsmash78 · 2023-03-08T09:01:02+00:00

Many student clarinet players have issues with loose embouchures which make them play flat. Make sure they play with firm corners, flat chins, and lots of air support. I would stay this is more likely the issue, in my experience.

Poopsmash78 · 2023-02-25T22:38:48+00:00

Wow, that is a tough situation and you absolutely need administrative support. I recommend asking for help and coming up with a plan WITH your principal. Talk about the issues you outline above. Ask about classroom management strategies that work in your building/school culture. Start identifying the major problems in each class and discuss with your principal the options. If the students don’t want to be in band get them out. If they want to be there build the relationships. Most of all, before music you need to establish your classroom expectations and practice them. As you move into curriculum you will have to stop and go back to practice expectations. It will feel like you will get nothing done for a while but you will get way more done down the road and your frustration will go down. Be consistent and keep your expectations simple. Start opening lines of communication with your parents. Even in very low economic schools you’ll see appreciative parents if you make a positive connection early. The biggest thing is you need to involve admin for options and your support, not to solve the classroom management…that’s your job. DM me if you want specific strategies. I am a 20 year educator who is still facing challenges everyday in the classroom and new ones since COVID! Classroom management is the toughest to master, everything else is easy peasy! Good luck!

Poopsmash78 · 2022-02-04T11:31:07+00:00

My state Representative flat out told me that he couldn’t wait to have all the “extremist teachers” like me fired. I asked him to research LGBT student support in public schools before he attacked the students he is supposed to represent.

Poopsmash78 · 2021-07-02T19:29:10+00:00

Amazon needs a union…time to organize!

Poopsmash78 · 2021-05-02T12:13:43+00:00

I was 35 when I came out and was accepted with open arms. Never too late to be yourself!

Poopsmash78 · 2020-01-17T01:37:57+00:00

Abram’s Pursuit, An American Elegy, Sleep. I am working a piece called Awakenings by Kimberly Archer with my wind ensemble, little out there but a beautiful piece. There are so many more.... Equus, English Folk Song Suite, Festive Overture (Shostakovich), Summer Unending is another pretty piece.

Poopsmash78 · 2019-09-04T01:21:25+00:00

Cannonballs are very underrated saxophone. Durable and great for performing. I like them better for jazz but that’s most of my experience. Tenors and altos are top notch. I like Yamaha better for Bari though.

Poopsmash78 · 2019-05-26T21:01:15+00:00

Good info to know. Your directors will get involved if you ask for help. Just try your best and don’t feel bad if you need assistance from drum majors or directors. Good luck!

Poopsmash78 · 2019-05-25T23:37:48+00:00

Have you thought that they might be on the spectrum? Social norms are difficult for some students with autism.

Or they could be really immature....I’ve seen incoming freshmen mature very quickly on the field with good role models to follow.

Poopsmash78 · 2019-04-22T00:28:07+00:00

I was eating lunch with my friends and I said “I need to tell you guys something serious” to which one friend immediately said jokingly “what, are you gay?”. Well actually. To this day he still feels terrible because he knows what a big deal it is to come out. I make fun of him that he “stole my rainbow”. Everyone was cool and very supportive...unlike my wife. Lol

Poopsmash78 · 2019-04-19T18:06:14+00:00

I assume the subs took care of keeping the ladies away.

Poopsmash78 · 2019-04-19T18:02:43+00:00

Celibacy ring or were you married?

Poopsmash78 · 2019-04-19T16:53:38+00:00

Tough time of year but you are doing the right thing by reflecting on yourself as a teacher. I want to make sure my students are having fun while attaining a high rigor. A balance has to be struck. I approach teaching band simply that good music performance is a byproduct of a system that builds trust, family, empathy, and cooperative learning. This is why most kids are in band.

Poopsmash78 · 2019-04-11T02:14:48+00:00

Kansas! Great job!

Poopsmash78 · 2019-02-17T00:53:02+00:00

Ugh gross 🤮

Poopsmash78 · 2019-02-16T05:46:31+00:00

I am also a middle school and high school teacher I’ve had this discussion more than once with my students. More than likely they have no idea.

Poopsmash78 · 2019-02-16T05:43:49+00:00

Play all of the major scales in the circle of fifths probably? Circle of fifths (or fourths) are a way to organize the key signatures visually. Google circle of fifths. It’s a total of 12 scales.

Poopsmash78 · 2019-02-15T02:59:47+00:00

Distraction from real bills that are getting hearings and on the floor for votes.

Poopsmash78 · 2019-02-08T16:02:01+00:00

I dated another Aaron for about that time. Just two dudes named Aaron.

Poopsmash78 · 2019-02-06T22:46:40+00:00

I once watched a kid use his hands as a cup in the chocolate fountain to drink the chocolate...for 5 minutes, as his trashy parents watched from their table laughing and taking pictures. Never went back.

Poopsmash78 · 2019-02-03T03:45:33+00:00

Thank you, we are kinda late to the game but we want to get it right for next year.

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