Tuesday January 26,2o1o

It has been some time since I have written anything about music or teaching. There has been a lot of activities going since school opened back up. We moved back into the new Dunbar Elementary school. The music staff has pretty much gotten our area in some working order. The room is spacious. The students are still very excited about being in the new school. I guess the newness has not worn off yet. As I mention in my last blog, I wanted to use the new atmosphere to get the students more excited about the music they are playing. I have some 2nd graders who are getting more comfortable with their instrument, the fingering, bowing and posture. More students in their grade level are asking to be in the orchestra. The teachers are cooperative there as well. All last week I made a point of passing around the judges comments from last year's LGPE. I pointed out the scoring procedure, the difference in the judges comments and what we need to work on. This was a very good move on my part. I was able to make them understand what I have be saying based on three other persons. So when I made a comment, they would reflect on what the other judges wrote. I took this revelation to the other schools it is working well. It does help them focus more.

I am on my way to Savannah in the morning. I find it is always good to get away and see, hear and learn what others around the state are doing.