jL - in Practice - Sometimes I don’t want to…
In the classroom - Varied Fundamentals: In a continued effort to embrace the chaos that the end of the year brings, I try to vary the fundamental activities multiple times a week to test out new concepts for possible future use and attempt to keep kids from ‘going on auto pilot.’
Here are a couple I’ve used recently:
Long tone exercises based around a new tonic - try Bb or Eb instead of F for a change
Flow studies utilizing flutter articulation - flutter a flow study at the softest volume you can control a resonant sound then after a couple of reps, return to ‘straight’ tone and see if there is a more open/resonate core to their sound
As & Bs / Odds & Evens: break the group into two segments and have them do call and response or handoffs of phrases
Behind the scenes - Sometimes I don’t want to…: This time of year is so busy and filled with such a rollercoaster of emotions that there are days when I wake up and wonder, ‘do I have to??’ The reality is ( despite the feelings of my mortgage company), I don’t have to, but I GET to. After a brief pity party (based on whatever nonsensical end of the year drama I didn’t see coming today), I’m reminded that my ‘woes’ pale quickly in comparison to so many that it is ridiculous to be upset. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d grow up to get to be part of what I’m fortunate enough to call ‘work.’ While there are challenging moments for all of us, what a joy and honor to teach, coach, and make music. All of that (almost) makes the six weekly emails reminding me to put coversheets on my TPS reports worth it. 😀
I’m learning - how little I actually know: I’m a significant (pronounced HUGE) Podcast nerd. The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish is one of my favorites. He interviews business leaders and academics. Frequently, I don’t understand even half the words, but I love listening. I’m currently listening to OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman [link]. I have NO idea what these guys are talking about, but the idea that my limited understanding of AI and large language models today is something they invented 10 years before I had any clue it existed really excites me. I find myself wondering what amazing idea will revolutionize 2036 that someone is championing today.
Let me know how I can help - have an AMAZING week!
Jeff