jL | In Practice - Synthesize / Changing the Guard
In the classroom - A Synthesis of Skills: As our ensembles shift focus from UIL evaluations towards the Spring Concert, we coach that this concert cycle is an opportunity for students to showcase a synthesis of skills. With the number of distractions (from AP testing to Student Faculty Volleyball Games and everything in between), there just isn’t enough available bandwidth for us to teach them every note, rhythm, and style marking they need for the Spring Concert. In an attempt to maintain some level of musical integrity (and dignity 😂), I hype the idea that this chaotic and fragmented approach is intentional. I explain that we’ve utilized the last seven months helping them gather the tools necessary to achieve without hands-on attention from the staff. This concert cycle will land much closer to the professional world. Performers need to attend rehearsal with every detail of their parts prepared in advance. They need to assume we’ll only get one or two reps prior to performance. In short, they should enjoy the autonomy of this time and take extreme ownership over being performance ready without the engagement of class splits, weeks of sectionals, masterclasses, passoffs, etc.
Behind the scenes - The Changing of the Guard: Tomorrow morning is the last official meeting of our 2526 SLT. We bring them in alongside our new 2627 Team to debrief the year and share insights to help the 2627 Team build on their success. It is always a wonderful time to watch them work together as they feed the Legacy Mindset I wrote about last week.
After the sharing of information and updating of ‘Legacy’ documents, we celebrate. The Class of 2026 SLT Team Members will join me at the front of the room facing the 2627 Team. We’ll recognize students who have served one, two, and three years on SLT. Then I’ll offer each a brief moment to share a thought on one of the following questions:
What was your favorite part of serving on the SLT?
What is one concept or lesson you’ll take with you to the “real” world?
What will you miss from SLT?
It is a bittersweet walk down memory lane focused not on individual accolades or performance moments, but rather on their investment in the culture over the past several years and the correlation to the next phase of their life.
Once each of them have had the opportunity to share, I’ll close by honoring and acknowledging as many as time will allow. Across this weekend, I’ve asked members of the 2627 SLT to share their gratitude via a simple Google Form. I’ll read selected responses to the group in an attempt to help them see the impact they’ve made on all of us. I work to acknowledge as many as possible, but I start by sharing submissions focused on some of our ‘behind the scenes’ leaders. I cherish the look on their faces when someone takes the time to acknowledge the little things they did and thought that ‘no one would notice.’
Remember: Over time, quality produces quantity. In this busy season where numbers for next year are often a primary focus, remember that success breeds success and kids what to be somewhere that loves them and challenges them. While it never happens fast enough, your focus on a quality student experience will drive the quantity you desire.