Those students...

Those students who you feel you know so well. Those students who drive you crazy. Those students you would stay after every day to work with. Those students who make you laugh. I've talked about those students before. And maybe my job really does make me happy. But tonight at the 8th grade promotion ceremony (2nd one of the week,) I got teary eyed. The 8th graders I've had as students since they were in 3rd grade are finally moving on. They were literally my "first" students. I had their classes at 8:45 in the morning my first year of teaching. They were my first 5th grade band class. Ive had a fun 4 years of band with them. Pushing them. Laughing at them, laughing at myself with them. Teaching them. 

Tonight they played "Over the Rainbow" as a small ensemble. All by themselves. I was tense, I was wringing my hands, I was thinking the Melody and harmony and feeling the beat in my whole body. And when they got through the 8th notes they tended to rush without rushing I felt my shoulders relax. As they played their final 8 measures I smiled back tears. They are my students. I taught them how to do that!! I wish them the best of luck in everything they do. And I only hope I made a similar impression on them as they did for me!!!

And I know now that "over the rainbow" will forever have an incredible meaning to me. 

Thank you Kassie, Nathalia, Gavin, Edward, Logan and Adriana. 

Tourist at home

Sunday my friends helped remind me how nice it is to spend a nice day being a tourist in our home town! I've lived in/near Cleveland my whole life and have actually had chances to do most of the main sites and activities. But yesterday we covered some new stuff. 

Once a month, Severance Hall gives tours for free, so we signed up for one. It was cool to hear about what it was like when it first opened, as well as see some back rooms where the owners, conductors and musicians hang out. 

After the tour, we headed to Lakeview Cemetery to see some of the historic buildings there. I have been there before, for family funerals in the beautiful Wade Chapel, but I had never been to president Garfield's memorial! WOW! I had no idea there was such a beautiful monument with such an amazing view here in Cleveland!! 

Later on in the day enjoyed a nice bike ride on the west side along Lake Ave. more sightseeing! 

I am thankful I live in this city. I never thought I'd be moving back after college, but I'm very happy I'm here! 

The kids, they make me happy!

Ok first, I haven't posted in a while. Just got into a period where I wasn't setting aside to post quickly, and then as it fell further behind, I kept forgetting. I would think about my thankful or happy thought often, but not at times when I could write it down. So now I am going to get back on track!! 

I am not going to go back everyday I have missed, but I'll just say that life has been pretty good. Nothing outrageous, but satisfactory. School has been keeping me busy, I have had some great running and swimming days, both for myself and with friends, and had a great vacation in charleston, and then put in bay! 

But for today, I'm proud of my students. I'm happy for them. We ran an honors band workshop and concert today for our top students. Although I had many kids not show, the ones that did, did a great job!! I got to spend the morning working with good middle school flutes, then in the afternoon the 60 kids played together. I had a few of those "I love my job" moments! Even despite spending my whole Saturday with a bunch of middle schoolers!! 

Rewarding teaching, music and family

Last Thursday I had one of the most rewarding days I have had in a long time. It was my 2nd day volunteering at my old middle school. I had students who were really looking forward to me coming back and working with them. One girl came 2 extra times plus after school and was so receptive to the tutoring on her flute. Some others seemed pretty excited to work with me again. It was fun. But then at the end of the day came the most moving part of my day. A little back story: years ago my godmother wrote a song for her mentor. We performed the song in Denver Colorado in 1999 for her mentor and in front of our choir and guests at the hotel. The song is beautiful and meaningful. I played the flute part a few times that year. Last week I played the song for the first time with my godmom since 1999. We stood in the band room that shaped my future career and played it for a few students but mostly for us. As soon  as I played the first few notes I was overcome with so much emotion that I wasn't sure I could do it without crying! So wonderful! But I made it. And we had fun playing it. It made me truly appreciate where I have ended up and all the people who have gotten me here. And appreciate the supprt I received from my parents, god mother and other family. I couldn't have gotten here without them. 

To end my amazing day, I had dinner with my aunt and uncle. Long overdue. So thankful for the family that have become a big part of my life!!

Laundry?

Post college, I lived in an apartment for about 4 years. While I truly loved my place, I absolutely dreaded carting my laundry down 4 floors to the building laundry room. I was always needing quarters, and needed to time my loads so that I didn't run the risk of someone taking my stuff out! 

When we bought our house it came with a working washer and dryer. Woohoo!! It still makes me so happy to have my own laundry machines. I don't mind throwing a load in. I am thankful for the luxury that I realize not everyone has. And even more thankful for the ability in my life to buy the clothes that I need. 

Now if only I was thankful to fold laundry...!!

volunteering at my old Middle School

My godmother is the middle school band director at the same school i went to 14 years ago. She was teaching choir when i was there, but has now moved into band. Between her and the band director I had at the time, they created the most amazing memories I have. The two of them are part of the reason I became a music teacher, and band director. They were so influential on my life. So over my spring break this year, I thought it would be great to head back to my old school and volunteer and help out with my godmom. It was a great day. I helped with a bunch of small groups of students getting ready for solo and ensemble contest in a few weeks. And I think I made the day a little smoother for my godmother. I also know how excited she was to have me come in! 

I am thankful for the teachers that shaped me and felt wonderful to pay it back!

spring break feels nice

Spent my first day of spring break relaxing. Had a plan of some school yearbook work, and cleaning.. but that did not happen! instead, I watched netflix, relaxed, and had a great day! First time i got dressed was when i headed to swimming at 7pm! :-) Not very often i get to do that. I am thankful for netflix!