STORY In My Classroom

Story is placing your signature to a work to personalize it and give it character, according to Daniel Pink and my students are full of personality. They bring new and clever ideas to the learning environment and I would like to share.

D.H. is a character, ran for "Mayor' of Long Middle, but lost it to a former orchestra student, and has such a gift of gab. She's very popular in school, joined the orchestra as a 6th grader last year and, plays the cello. This really doesn't surprise me, as 90% of present and former orchestra students at Long, are the Gifted kids, hold high positions in Student Government, and Junior Beta Club Members. D.H. lately has started to disappoint me and her mom, as she was also a leader in the orchestra, and her mother was very involved in "Orchestra Parents". Being young and full of life's challenges, all I can really do is help her do her best when she comes and hope she opens her eyes.

During our Black History Month concert back in February, 2010, as I was directing, I glanced over at my cello players and noticed something very unique! As the norm with the youngsters I have taught, many kids remain unmoved my the music they are playing. They don't feel time, they are more or less performing notes without my interpretations. There is no emotion in what they are doing, dare I mention feeling is mechanical, for the most part.

D.H. was leading her section, much to my surprise! She had taken over M.O.s' leadership and exerted herself as the principal. Her section was arranged better than had been previously in the classroom. Being that we performed in the gym and had more space, they looked like a larger section. Of course I had them arranged by ability, but the staggering of the seating allowed for fluid motion of the bows (I am a raving fanatic when it comes to bow markings and technique). I was impressed. Here's the thing, though. Not only was she emerging as a leader, but D.H. was Mozart for a day! She was using her motions to express feeling in her playing and staying on beat. She may have made mistakes, but she was being the child Yo Yo Ma. It felt wonderful to witness child expression while performing. We Shall Overcome seemed to be a testament to what she may be going through!