Celebrating creative expression. This banner was prepared for the annual community celebration where homes and businesses creative window displays and other attractive displays for the last weekend in February. Fortunately, many people leave their handiwork visible for weeks or months.
This is where my “children” come to rehearse each week. I do celebrate their weekly achievements, which are different for each child. Some bring me great joy when they start to recognize how to make their voice match the pitch that the others are singing. Some bring a huge smile the very first time they are brave enough to sing out in front of their peers. Others are learning to accompany and help with warm-ups. My job is not only to celebrate but to encourage creative expression.
When I think about the encouragers of my youth, and I ever so grateful. There was Mr. R., our beloved band teacher, who encouraged every student who was in his class. He knew how shy I was, but trained me to take over conducting during classes and at concerts. With his encouragement and confidence in me, I had no troubles teaching all his classes while he was on medical leave the year after my graduation. There was Mrs. S., my piano teacher who gently reminded me how to bring out the expression in my playing. And of course, Mrs. H., our English teacher who encouraged me to write without critiquing. She would add a comment to each essay which just made me eager to write the next daily short essay.
As I teach, I think back to those and other encouragers who crossed my path. I know I have slipped up and caused discouragement in my students, when they haven’t practiced enough, or have come to lessons with a poor attitude. But, why can’t I find even one positive thing to say to them, to help each student discover their love of music, and celebrate their own creative expression.
Reflections 