Well the second week of school is almost over...
I have read and written more the past two weeks than I have in a long time...World Literature (creation stories from India to China), Linguistics, Elementary Music Methods, History on the journeys of Cortes, Math for elementary teachers and trying to learn how to problem solve again (word problems are the worst), and then of course trying to play my trumpet every day and now the newest- trying to learn how to sing in German. I shall explain.
This semester I am starting in the elementary education program, lots more reading and writing than the previous years of mostly music. Reading and writing has replaced 6 hours of rehearsal for marching band, 3 hours for symphonic band and practicing at least an hour a day on both instruments. I am finding that I enjoy reading these texts but they are very time consuming and some days I feel like I will not retain a single thing. I have three music courses, elementary music methods, Dolce Sueno (choir) and trumpet lessons. Tuesday and Thursday I spend just over three hours with Dr. Carlow, who likes to make us think and stretch our brains. Choir will be fun because I am learning a bunch of new things...how to sing with a group of people that is counting fifty, how to sing in German because we are doing Brahm's Requiem with the University Chorus and the UNM Orchestra in December...very difficult. I can sing on pitch as a soprano but German is not my second language, although I have always wanted to learn. There is a lot of repetition in the words but still difficult. It will get easier. I have also learned more kids song games in the past two weeks than normal. Elementary Methods is keeping me busy trying to remember kid songs to use with my Home School Choir. So much to remember!
Well besides going to UNM full time, well there is Albuquerque High School- zero hour three days a week and night rehearsal on Tuesdays. I love working with those kids. The woodwinds are doing great and the brass is getting better each day. Our show is about flying airplanes so the kids get to soar a lot and the show is full of drill sets that relate to planes, lots of fun. Then there are all the little secrets I have with the flutes and clarinets- we are great buddies and that makes it even more fun to get up so early to work with them. Going to the game tomorrow night. Bulldogs vs the Volcano Vista Hawks. We shall see how that goes.
Then we have the Home School Choir. We start September 14th. I have four or five kids so far that are committed to giving it a try and many more who will probably join for Christmas caroling at the hospitals in December. I can't wait to see where God will take the group. I am very excited about this new adventure.
I am also realizing how much I truly love teaching. I love teaching music and I will love teaching kids of any age, no matter where the road of college takes me. I have a desire to teach 2nd or 3rd grade now that is new since starting the semester. I also love watching my 3 and under group at church but know that I couldn't make a living doing that. Lots happening, many things to look forward to, many things to be excited about. I am ready for the challenge.
"never lacking in zeal" that is what I keep remembering. Pop-Pop would be so proud of all the things I am doing. This week I was remembering how he loved to sing to the music of Elvis. One particular memory of being in New Jersey for Christmas when I got a microphone with a tape recorder so I could sing and record. I remember Pop-Pop sang into the microphone as soon as we put batteries in, just to make sure it worked. Elvis what the choice of song. I just remember thinking how great he sounded. That was probably kindergarten or first grade...there is a home video somewhere. I was also thinking about the Gnerich rap that Dad wrote for Pop-Pop's retirement video from GPU. I was too shy to sing so I introduced the group then sat in the corner and cried because Dad made me take part in the singing. It was really silly but now I wish I hadn't been so shy...that one is on video somewhere too. So many great times with family. I am pretty excited for Thanksgiving and to see Mark and Amy again. Lots of great things to be thankful for this year. Right now I must however be thankful for going to bed to get a good night of sleep and to survive the last day of class for the week. Goodnight!
