Stressful Times in a Stressful School

So, we are adding a completely new addition to our school. We are going to put all of the secondary teachers in it. Well, we had teacher in-services today and took a tour of what is going to be the new school. I might be jealous because I am not getting a new band room even though I feel I need one. I haven't once complained about this. I feel complaining doesn't solve any problems. Well, I think it is ridiculous when grown people complain about their new spaces. I heard so many teachers complain about how they feel their rooms aren't going to be big enough. I am frankly sick of it. I think all of the complaining by the teachers just cause more stress in an already very stressful working environment. I hope everyone is happy in the end, and I hope they realize the money that is being put into this project. I guess time will tell, if people will appreciate it.

Sometimes You Just Gotta Laugh

I teach recorders to the 4th grade here at my school and I have to say how much I love them. We were working on the final song in our unit. The song is called "Long Legged Sailor" and works with the first 3 notes we have learned...B, A, and G. It is a pretty fast song but kind of fun. Well, my kids were sitting there just listening to everything I was saying (you gotta love it when they do that) and I asked them a question. "What is the term for holding a note as long as the director says is necessary?" (The answer is: Fermata) My kids remember us talking about it last week but they couldn't think of what it was called so I thought I would help them just a little. I decided to give them a hint by saying it started with an "F." Immediately, hands went up so I started calling on kids. The first answer was "farenheit." Umm...no. The next answer was "Fermenta." Closer. Then things started getting really funny. I heard answers like, "Pheonix," (Sounds like an F) and "Fermont" (instead of Vermont). It was then I realized that I should probably just tell them. I finally said "Fermata" and every single kid all went "OOOOOHHHHHHHH." It was probably the highlight of my day, but at the same time, I think I need to find a better way of asking questions. You just gotta laugh.

Oops I forgot to post the link

Watch the LuLu demo at:
http://www.lulu.com

LuLu

As a music teacher, I am always dinking around on my computer finding certain websites to where I can write music. I do most of my composing through software like Finale and Garage Band. I have so much stuff written but no place to put it. Well...I have finally found something that may work. It is called "Lulu." This is a site where you can be your own publisher. Along with Music, you can also publish your own Movies and Books. You even have the option to post it up for a price. You can make money off of your own things. It seems like it is really cool.