More Than Observations: Engaged Service Learning in the Classroom

ComponentNews

FLORIDA NAfME COLLEGIATE Allison Yopp, President

MORE THAN OBSERVATIONS: Engaged Service Learning in the Classroom

by Colin Urbina

As practicing college students, one of the greatest boons afforded to us during our time spent in the degree is hands-on experience in the classroom; however, this type of teaching often begins with observations or passive learning. While these experiences are beneficial, there are other ways we can more actively learn from and support our local music programs. As we strive to become more active participants in our local schools, we should engage in service learning as an avenue to benefit our educational experience and the community.

Service learning is a form of classroom experience where you pair hands-on work with providing needed goods and/ or services to schools or the community. This process allows students to engage in meaningful classroom work as well as develop practical and applicable content knowledge and acquisition of skills that might otherwise not be covered during our time in school. By working directly with our local schools, we gain the experience of putting our teaching skills into practice while also learning about the needs of our community and how to help fulfill them. The more we learn about the environment, community, and schools we most likely will be working in after we graduate, the better equipped we will be to effectively teach and serve our students. So, what does a practical application of service learning look like in the music classroom? It can vary with a wide range of time, commitment, and effort needed, and can be as small or as large a project as one chooses. Some examples include running sectionals for a teacher; working to repair stands, risers, chairs, or simple things around the classroom; securing and organizing funds to help provide meals for a marching band program; or putting together a benefit concert to purchase instruments, music, or resources for students in need. All of these experiences help develop our skills as leaders and educators while providing for our surrounding community. The knowledge and skills we gain from these experiences will help down the road when we face similar challenges and scenarios in our own classrooms.

Beginning a service learning project is as easy as reaching out to local teachers and seeing what needs they have. The next time you are observing at a school, ask the director what needs they have in the classroom and how you can help fulfill them. Not only will you gain skills from helping provide for the classroom, but you will also deepen your relationship with that teacher, program, and school and widen your networking circle.

As we close out this school year and begin looking toward the fall, I encourage you to think about the ways you can help your local music teachers and community. With so much music being made in Florida, there will always be an avenue for young music educators to further our craft and help our musical communities.

Colin Urbina, Florida NAfME Collegiate president-elect, is a music education major at the University of Central Florida. He is in his third year of studies and is excited for his career in the classroom that lies ahead.

Taking a “me” day

FLORIDA VOCAL ASSOCIATION Jeannine Stemmer, President

Awhile back, I ran into an old friend from high school. He asked me how I was, to which I answered, “Busy.” He then asked me when I was planning to fill my cup. I said, “Not for a while. I have a crazy few weeks ahead with no weekend breaks.” He then told me that “busyness” should not be worn as a badge of honor, and he challenged me to make my Sabbath a priority. I walked away from the conversation inspired. I knew that it all made perfect sense. How could I pour into my students if I had nothing left to give? I started to plan my first “me” day. It wasn’t easy; it took me many hours to prepare for one day off. When I told my students I was taking a “me” day, they were very encouraging and told me I deserved it.

I made a list of what filled my cup and started to plan my special day. Believe it or not, making sure all the laundry in the house was folded and put away was actually on my list, but so was an hourlong massage. I left the massage and had a craving for Pop Rocks candy, so I treated myself to two bags of the popping, sugary goodness. I watched mindless Netflix shows and went for a brisk walk. I cooked an elaborate dinner for my family and soaked in a hot bubble bath. Having enjoyed my “me” day, I walked in the next day energized and ready to pour into my kids.

Don’t judge me, but I like to play Fortnite. I am not as good as my students, but I can still hold my own. When I play with the kids, I tend to be the first in the squad to die. They must love me because they always come and save me. Before they do, though, they make sure their avatars have enough health so that they can protect and regenerate me. I guess I could have learned my lesson from them, but I am grateful for the people that pour into me.

This experience has changed my perspective on self-care, and I pray that it will speak to many of you. As we embark on the last leg of this school year, I encourage you to take care of yourself. Make a list of what fills your cup. Plan your “me” days and continue to move mountains the way you always have … but this time, you may find the load a little lighter.

It is hard to believe that summer will soon be upon us. My first year serving as your president seems to have flown by. I am so proud of what FEMEA has accomplished this year. We had a stellar conference in Tampa, and I know everyone was so happy to be back together. In addition to our fabulous clinicians and sessions, our All-State Elementary Chorus and All-State Orff Ensemble had outstanding experiences and performances.

Please mark your calendars now for the FEMEA Summer Conference at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy in Melbourne, Florida, on Thursday, July 28. We are so excited to bring back this opportunity for elementary music teachers. After a summer of recharging your battery, this conference will lift your spirits and help you prepare for the upcoming school year.

I know that for many of us this year has continued to present many challenges, and yet time and time again I see and hear about the amazing things elementary teachers do every day. As the shirt that Franklin J. Willis created says, you are “More than a Music Teacher.” Throughout this year you have comforted children who are sad; you have cheered up someone with your smile; you have encouraged students to keep going; you have had to have many difficult conversations; you have moved equipment countless times; you have been the first teacher on campus and the last to leave; you have handed out so many Band-Aids; you have listened to students who confide in you; you have given praise to ALL your students; you have given food, clothing, and materials to those in need; you have poured your heart and soul into the lives of your students. I commend you for your dedication and thank you for your compassion! I truly hope you get the rest and relaxation you need and deserve this summer.

FLORIDA ELEMENTARY MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION Joani Slawson, President

ComponentNews

School’s Out

FLORIDA NAfME COLLEGIATE Mark A. Belfast, Jr., PhD, Advisor

Has anyone ever said it as emphatically as Alice Cooper? Schooooool’s out for summer! It could not have come soon enough, could it? I’m not sure about you, but I found this year to be significantly more difficult than any of the previous semesters in the COVID era. As I’ve traveled the state and observed teachers, students, and student teachers, it is quite clear … folks are tired. Things continue to be in flux. As expectations begin to return to pre-COVID norms, we are all contending with the fact that we went for nearly 18 months in abnormal educational circumstances.

Nevertheless, take heart. Know we are all in this together! When you feel you are overly stressed, exhausted, and battling burnout, know most other educators across the globe can empathize. Be reminded of what an incredible honor it is to be considered a teacher. It is a selfless and often thankless profession, but it is also vitally important, for where would we be if not for our teachers? How would we learn to save lives in a medical emergency, adequately and effectively defend justice, or compose a score that uplifts a nation?

Throughout history, teachers have carried the weight of the world on their shoulders in times of chaos and discord. Things are tough for educators now. Of that, I am certain, but they were also tough for our colleagues around the world in 1945 as World War II came to an end and people attempted to put their lives back together. They were tough for our colleagues in the late 1950s as school districts struggled to find the most respectful, peaceful, and effective way of integrating their schools. They were tough for our colleagues in the Northeast in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that claimed so many lives. They were tough for our colleagues who experienced and supported their students (their children) through countless natural (and man-made) disasters. Yet, in the end … teachers. You are the lighthouse in the dark. The beacon in the storm that reminds us all there is hope yet. I am incredibly proud to have served another year as your advisor. I have watched as you have done absolutely astonishing things as preservice educators. Your perseverance, tolerance for ambiguity, and relentless pursuit of goodness and excellence are truly inspiring. Thank you for your commitment to our profession. You are the ones we’ve been waiting for! I pray you will have a restful, peaceful, joy-filled, rejuvenating summer. You deserve it.

Print. Digital. Direct.

FLORIDA BANDMASTERS ASSOCIATION Ian Schwindt, President

Family. It is a word that is often overused and thrown around a little casually and can even become a punchline. (Thank you, Fast & Furious 10.) The reality is family is a powerful part of all of our lives. We are a part of so many “families.” Our personal families are critical to who we are and how we function as human beings. In our schools we are constantly working to create the “band family” our students so desperately need. The list goes on and on. But the family I really want to focus on is our “band director family.”

The principles of any healthy family are as true for our band director family as they are for all other families. The older members look out for the younger members. The strong provide for the weak. All members rally to anyone who is struggling or going through a hard time. Family members rejoice with one another over any member’s successes. Every member is equally valued regardless of differences. Family members constantly work to build each other up. Family members are honest with each other. Family members will sacrifice themselves to help other members of the family. And while family members may squabble with each other, they never allow outsiders to attack any member.

What does that mean in practical terms for us? Let me begin by asking some questions for us to consider. At your last concert or marching MPA, how many other directors heard your performance? After your performance, how many directors came up to you to tell you all of the wonderful things they heard your ensemble perform? Now, here is the tricky one: How many bands did you hear, and how many of those directors did you walk up to (or email/text) to tell them all of the wonderful things you heard? Let’s take it one step further: How many directors emailed your principal to let your principal know about the positive things they heard from your group? And again, how many principals did you email? (As I write these questions, I find myself cut to the quick because I need to be better about doing these things.)

John Maxwell describes all people as elevators. Either they are an up elevator or a down elevator. Which elevator are you? After someone talks to you, did you take them up or down? Disraeli and Gladstone were running for prime minister of England, and a reporter had the opportunity to have dinner with each of them. After the dinner with Gladstone, the reporter was overwhelmed with the feeling of how incredible a person Gladstone was and was sure Gladstone would be an excellent prime minister. After the dinner with Disraeli, the reporter felt that he was an incredible reporter and was going to accomplish great things. What do other directors feel like after they spend time with you?

As I finish my last article as FBA president, I want to encourage all of us to consistently work to build and maintain our band director family. Consistently work to build each other up, to encourage each other, to be “up” elevators. How can you and I be the Disraeli for everyone around us?