jL | In Practice - Emotional Control is a Super Power

In the classroom:

This is the week where we’re still trying to hit our groove.  I feel like I still have to constantly remind myself that ‘slow is smooth and smooth is fast’ (made famous by the SEALS).  I want to go FAST in rehearsal, but if I’m doing that at the expense of setting the correct expectations or redirecting performance/behavior that doesn’t fit our culture, I’m actually making it more challenging for the kids to be successful.  Almost daily, I want to ignore the first cracked ensemble start, but that is reinforcing performance that isn’t acceptable.  I don’t get upset; we just do it again and do it better.

Behind the scenes:

I’m focusing on maintaining the schedule I’ve set and working on the challenging planning projects.  It is easy for me to get sucked into simple tasks that make me feel like I’ve done something (reorganizing that drawer, making a set of copies) because I’m afraid of the bigger long-term projects.  We’re also in the middle of course selection for the 2026-27 school year.  I’m trying to stay aware of every opportunity to connect with a kid in the hallway, communicate with MS families, and making time to be in MS rehearsals (even if it is just for a minute at the beginning or end to say hi and talk them through some of the misconceptions they’ll hear about registering for HS band).

Remember: Emotional control is a superpower.  In moments of high intensity or frustration, pausing to carefully select your response will serve you well.