Hello! I am participating in a blog hop with several other music education bloggers. We are each sharing our background information and then answering a more specific question. We invite you to comment and share your answers as well to be entered in a giveaway. For more information about this and if you would like to start at the beginning of the blog hop, follow this link:
http://www.yellowbrickroadblog.com/2015/07/getting-to-know-you-blog-hop.html
My Background
I have lived in Kentucky all my life. I began playing trumpet in 6th grade and began to take music more seriously in high school. I chose to major in music education because music was my passion and I wanted a career I would enjoy. I hold bachelors and masters degree in music education, both from the University of Louisville. I completed all three levels of Orff-Schulwerk training at the University of Kentucky. I am also a National Board Certified Teacher. This August, I will begin my 11th year teaching.
Influential Music Teachers
In past posts, I have mentioned the influence of
Dr. Rob Amchin He is the head of the music education department at the University of Louisville. Prior to elementary methods, I thought I was destined to be a band director. Dr. Amchin opened my eyes to the wonderful world of elementary music!
I have also posted about my former trumpet professor,
Dr. Michael Tunnell.
Without the scholarship he awarded me, I would not have been able to attend UofL. Doc T also taught me the importance of being patient and kind when working with children.
My biggest influence, and favorite music teacher, is my high school band director, Mr. Gary Parker. Throughout my childhood, I was very shy and lacked self-confidence. In middle school band, I was just a mediocre musician happy to play a second trumpet part. I never thought I had much potential. Mr. Parker encouraged me to practice and improve my trumpet skills. I never thought it would be possible, but my senior year I made the top symphonic band at All-State!
Mr. Parker also challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and become a leader. He started a leadership team as a way for students to provide input on important decisions affecting the band. The students on the leadership team attended a workshop by Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser. I have seen Dr. Tim present many times, both as a student and as a professional, and each time I learn something new. Becoming a leader in band became the foundation for my success as an educator.
Mr. Parker also asked us to make goals each semester. We made individual goals and he allowed for open dialogue for us to make group goals for the band. We posted our goals in the back of the band room and the group goals were in the front of the band room. He referred to them often making us reflect on our actions and evaluate our path to reaching those goals. They weren't HIS goals, they were OUR goals. He held us accountable and didn't let us slack off. He didn't want us to waste our potential. I continued to set goals for myself throughout college and even today I'm always looking for ways to improve my teaching.
There was a poster on the wall in the band room which read, "Never settle for less than your best."
I often think of this poster, and of Mr. Parker, when I feel like I'm in a rut and not giving my job 110%. Thank you, Mr. Parker, for helping me develop a great work ethic! Thank you for helping me discover my passion for music! Thank you for believing in me, even when I didn't. Today, I am providing for my family while doing a job that I truly love and I owe it all to you. Thank you for opening that first door and showing me a path to begin my journey as a music educator!
Thank you for reading! Don't forget to comment below sharing your most influential music teacher!
Each blog will be answering different questions. If you would like to learn more about me, check out the comments on their posts. My username is "miredo".
