jL | In Practice - Recording in Progress
In the classroom:
I’m starting recordings again this week. I find SO much on my recordings that I miss in real life. They can be hard to listen to in the early part of a concert cycle, but everyone gets better faster when I do it. If you talk yourself out of recording because ‘its the first day back,’ ‘so & so is in a lesson,’ ‘tomorrow will be a better time,’ congratulations - you’re normal! 😛BUT, don’t wait for a ‘better time.’ Record today & then allow the what you learned from the recording help make tomorrow’s recording even better!
If you’re curious how I cut the transitions & soft audio time out of my recordings, click here [LINK]. Once you get good at this process, it shouldn’t take more than 2 minutes.
Behind the scenes:
We’re deep in ‘retention mode’ on my campus as students from grades 5-11 are making schedule card selections for next year. I don’t think there will ever come a time when I don’t stress about this, but I’ve gained some perspective over the years that helps me handle the ups and downs better.
I try to remain:
Patient - they don’t know until they know. I strive to remain patient as I continue to say the same things over and over again, remembering it is the first time they’ve heard this info.
Calm - I try to avoid getting sucked into sensationalism. Don’t believe it until you hear them say it to your face. If I’m really worried about a student, I’ll find a way to work next year into the conversation and see where it goes. Many times, kids are just stressed about how to make it all fit, and an honest conversation really helps.
Proactive - Can I find a way to address common concerns and misconceptions before families ask? This can really help frame the message in a consistent, upbeat way.
Remember: Band IS for everyone, but unfortunately, not everyone will pick it, and I have to be OK with that. More often than not, those who don’t pick it aren’t in a space yet where they can receive the gifts band will give them, and if I try to force it anyway, it often ends up cheapening the experience for others.