Where is time going...?

I cannot believe how quickly time is going by.  So much has happened in the last few weeks.

This past week, I spent one day observing at another local high school that has a stellar program going.  It has been unreal seeing how strong the arts are in Florida.  I have come to find that the funding and advocacy for the arts is huge here, more so than in any other state, for the most part.

Wednesday through Saturday, I was at the Southern Division ACDA conference in Winston-Salem, NC.  It was an inspirational experience.  I had the fortune of hearing some of the best choirs the South has to offer, networked with conductors, composers, teachers and singers from all over the country, and was reminded why I want to be a choral conductor.  I enjoyed seeing my conductors from New Jersey who were headlining; Dr. Miller conducted the high school honor choir, which was stunning, Dr. Jordan gave a session on conducting, breath, and body mapping, and Lynnel Jenkins conducted the junior high honor choir, which was also outstanding.  Seeing them quenched the bit of homesickness I had been experiencing for Westminster.  The highlight of the concert, without question, was a concert by a professional choral ensemble called Seraphic Fire.  They are truly one of the most outstanding ensemble I have ever had the pleasure to hear.  Here is there website, for those interested: http://www.seraphicfire.org/  I would recommend listening to their music either on Spotify or YouTube; it will probably change your life.  Also, Andrea Ramsey, a composer and music educator, gave a great session on the personal impact of singing in choir on students in 7-12 grade.  She presented some wonderful research illustrating how important a vocal music experience is to the overall development of people as students and citizens.  It reminded me of John Dewey's theory of Teacher as Social Servant, which is the foundation of my Philosophy of Teaching, so I was pretty stoked to sit in on this session.

This week, we have state competition for the top three ensembles.  It is going to be crazy doing final preparations, but I think in the end the students will recognize how worth it it is.  I am looking forward to hearing the other ensembles from other schools because this district is full of a lot of talent and skill.  It is going to be a treat.  I will also be having my second observation this week which should go smoothly.

The Vocal Jazz ensemble I started three weeks ago has already memorized one piece and is halfway through a second, so I find myself looking for new repertoire.  Ideas?  I came across a pretty great arrangement of Empire State of Mind by Alicia Keys while at this conference, and while it is not altogether "jazzy", I think they will really enjoy it and sing it well, so that is next on the docket.

Anyway, I will try to update more regularly.  Hope this is providing a nice glimpse into life at Freedom High School!