WAY behind schedule!??!?!?!

This is the time of year that stresses out any teacher.  Whether English, PE, Band, or Social Studies, teachers at St. Amant are preparing Seniors for their last exams, SLTs for review, AP testing, and more.  

I should have posted about this much sooner, but wanted to post pics (I am still praying on parents to send me some pics to post...hint, hint).  This is my seventh year at St. Amant and I can see myself turning into the fat Mr. Holland from the movie.  I watch these students grow and mature over four years and realize that they learn so much in their time in high school.  Not only as musicians, but as citizens who contribute.  The seniors this year have so very much to be proud of...  2 state sweepstakes trophies, redemption from "Greensleeves" (SA, Rentz) their freshman year.  The whole time, having Mr. B breathing down their throats saying that their amazing singing can be even better.

It is truly a joy to teach students who can blossom into such great young adults.

I was given two very special notes from probably two of the greatest leaders in my choirs in years.  They were careful to critique with caution and sing with passion.  My favorite things about the notes are the following quotes (didn't cry on the first read through, but definitely did on the second)...

"It has been an amazing journey for me--one in which I have found my voice and myself."

"You have always kept an eye out for me, and done so much to help me succeed.  I have never met anyone so invested in students' lives and well-being."  (there's more, but I'll stop there)

"I look up to you very much.  I know that you will always have my best interest at heart whether it is help with a song or advice for life."

These notes will be kept close for the down days when I don't know what to do or get frustrated because of my high expectations.  I have the absolute best job in the world and teach the best students in the world.  They may be a mixed up crew of kids, but they can sing as one uniform group and make amazing sounds and, most importantly, sing with passion!

These students motivate me to be a better instructor everyday to make these students achieve their fullest potential!

Thank you, Natalie and Jordan for giving me notes that I can reflect on any time I am having a bad day and need some support!