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

We’ll focus this week on reminding routines and expectations.  Kids will go through a rollercoaster of emotions about being back in school.  Some moments they’ll be full of joy and others they’ll look like you just asked them to walk on broken glass.  I have to constantly remind myself that I’m there to create a great experience for kids.  If they respond negatively or don’t respond at all, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s my fault.  Don’t be so selfish to assume that every reaction is a reaction to me. (Learning this from Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy - great refocus of priorities).  Also, a great opportunity to